Italian food columbus ohio – Embark on a culinary adventure in the heart of Columbus, Ohio, where Italian food flourishes with authenticity and innovation. From traditional trattorias to modern bistros, the city’s Italian food scene tantalizes taste buds and captivates the senses.
From classic pasta dishes to mouthwatering pizzas, the diverse culinary landscape of Columbus offers an array of Italian delights. Dive into the rich history of Italian immigrants who have shaped the city’s food culture, and explore the vibrant Italian festivals that celebrate the spirit of this beloved cuisine.
Italian Food in Columbus, Ohio
Columbus, Ohio boasts a vibrant Italian food scene, with a diverse range of restaurants serving authentic and innovative Italian cuisine. From traditional trattorias to modern eateries, there’s something for every taste and budget.
Some of the most popular Italian restaurants in Columbus include:
Trattorias
- Ristorante Luci: A charming trattoria serving classic Italian dishes in a cozy atmosphere.
- Trattoria Roma: A family-run trattoria known for its homemade pasta and wood-fired pizzas.
- Capriccio Ristorante: A lively trattoria with a large menu featuring traditional Italian dishes and seafood.
Types of Italian Food
Columbus, Ohio, offers a diverse range of Italian food, encompassing various regional specialties and culinary styles. Each type of food possesses distinct characteristics, showcasing the rich tapestry of Italian cuisine.
Antipasti
Antipasti, meaning “before the meal,” refers to appetizers or small plates served before the main course. They are typically light and flavorful, designed to whet the appetite.
- Bruschetta:Toasted bread topped with tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil.
- Caprese Salad:Sliced tomatoes and mozzarella cheese with fresh basil, drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
- Arancini:Fried rice balls stuffed with meat, cheese, or vegetables.
Pasta
Pasta is a staple of Italian cuisine, and Columbus offers a wide selection of pasta dishes. From classic to contemporary, there’s something to satisfy every palate.
- Spaghetti Bolognese:Long, thin noodles served with a meat-based sauce.
- Lasagna:Layered pasta sheets with meat, cheese, and tomato sauce.
- Ravioli:Filled pasta pockets with various fillings, such as ricotta, spinach, or meat.
Pizza, Italian food columbus ohio
Pizza is another beloved Italian dish that has become a staple in Columbus. From thin-crust to deep-dish, the city’s pizzerias offer a variety of styles.
- Margherita:Classic pizza with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and basil.
- Pepperoni:Pizza topped with sliced pepperoni.
- Bianca:Pizza without tomato sauce, often topped with white cheeses, vegetables, or meats.
Secondi Piatti (Main Courses)
Secondi piatti, or main courses, showcase the culinary skills of Italian chefs. They often feature hearty meats, seafood, or vegetarian options.
- Osso Buco:Braised veal shanks served with risotto.
- Saltimbocca alla Romana:Veal cutlets topped with prosciutto and sage, served with a white wine sauce.
- Polenta:Cornmeal porridge served with various toppings, such as cheese, ragu, or vegetables.
Dolci (Desserts)
Italian desserts are renowned for their sweetness and richness. Columbus offers a delectable array of dolci to satisfy any craving.
- Tiramisu:Coffee-soaked ladyfingers layered with mascarpone cream.
- Gelato:Italian ice cream made with fresh fruit or flavors.
- Cannoli:Fried pastry shells filled with sweet ricotta cream.
Italian Restaurants in Columbus, Ohio: Italian Food Columbus Ohio
Columbus, Ohio, is home to a thriving Italian food scene, with a wide variety of restaurants serving everything from classic Italian dishes to modern interpretations. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner spot or a casual family-friendly restaurant, you’re sure to find the perfect place to satisfy your Italian food cravings in Columbus.
To help you narrow down your choices, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best Italian restaurants in Columbus, organized by neighborhood and type of cuisine.
Italian Restaurants by Neighborhood
Here are some of the best Italian restaurants in Columbus, organized by neighborhood:
- Downtown: Forno Bravo, Basi Italia, Comune
- Short North: Marcella’s, The Refectory, Trattoria Roma
- Grandview Heights: La Tavola, Valter’s at the Maennerchor, Basi Italia (second location)
- Clintonville: Buca, Rigsby’s Kitchen, Borgata Pizza Cafe
- Bexley: Cap City Fine Diner & Bar, Forno Osteria + Bar, Rocco’s Italian Grille
- Dublin: La Piazza Cucina Italiana, Z Cucina, Bravo Cucina Italiana
- Hilliard: Olive Garden, Fazoli’s, Donatos Pizza
- Westerville: Buca di Beppo, Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano, Villa Nova Italian Restaurant
Italian Restaurants by Type of Cuisine
If you’re looking for a specific type of Italian food, here are some of the best restaurants in Columbus:
- Classic Italian: Forno Bravo, Basi Italia, Comune
- Modern Italian: Marcella’s, The Refectory, Trattoria Roma
- Pizza: Borgata Pizza Cafe, Cap City Fine Diner & Bar, Forno Osteria + Bar
- Pasta: La Tavola, Valter’s at the Maennerchor, Buca
- Seafood: Rigsby’s Kitchen, La Piazza Cucina Italiana, Z Cucina
- Desserts: Gelato Paradiso, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, Pistacia Vera
Italian Food Culture in Columbus, Ohio
Columbus, Ohio, boasts a rich and vibrant Italian food culture that has shaped the city’s culinary landscape. The influx of Italian immigrants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries brought their culinary traditions and flavors to the city, leaving an indelible mark on its food scene.
Italian food has become an integral part of Columbus’s culinary identity, with numerous Italian restaurants, markets, and festivals showcasing the city’s love for this cuisine. From classic dishes like pizza and pasta to regional specialties and modern interpretations, Italian food has permeated all aspects of the city’s dining experience.
Role of Italian Immigrants
Italian immigrants played a pivotal role in establishing Columbus’s Italian food culture. They brought their culinary skills and recipes, opening restaurants, bakeries, and grocery stores that introduced Columbus residents to the delights of Italian cuisine. Over time, these establishments became beloved institutions, fostering a deep appreciation for Italian food within the community.
Influence on Columbus’s Food Scene
Italian food has significantly influenced the overall food scene in Columbus. The city’s Italian restaurants have set a high standard for culinary excellence, inspiring other chefs and restaurants to innovate and elevate their own dishes. Additionally, the availability of fresh, high-quality Italian ingredients has encouraged local farmers and purveyors to specialize in these products, further enhancing the city’s food culture.
Italian Food Festivals in Columbus, Ohio
Columbus, Ohio, hosts a vibrant Italian-American community that celebrates its heritage through various food festivals throughout the year. These festivals offer a unique opportunity to savor authentic Italian cuisine, enjoy live music, and immerse oneself in Italian culture.
Here are some of the most popular Italian food festivals held in Columbus, Ohio:
Italian Festival
- Dates:Typically held in June or July
- Location:Columbus Italian Club, 555 Marconi Blvd, Columbus, OH 43215
- Highlights:Features a wide variety of Italian food vendors, live music, a bocce tournament, and a grape stomp competition.
Vesuvius Italian Festival
- Dates:Typically held in August
- Location:St. John the Baptist Italian Catholic Church, 720 Hamlet St, Columbus, OH 43215
- Highlights:Known for its traditional Italian dishes, including homemade pasta, meatballs, and pizza. Also features live music, games, and a raffle.
San Rocco Italian Festival
- Dates:Typically held in August
- Location:Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, 1270 Old Sawmill Rd, Columbus, OH 43212
- Highlights:Offers a diverse selection of Italian food, including arancini, cannoli, and zeppole. Also features live music, a silent auction, and a raffle.
Columbus Italian Street Festival
- Dates:Typically held in September
- Location:Downtown Columbus, along Marconi Blvd between Pearl Alley and Livingston Ave
- Highlights:A large-scale festival with over 100 vendors offering Italian food, desserts, and beverages. Also features live music, cooking demonstrations, and a kids’ zone.
Italian Cooking Classes in Columbus, Ohio
Columbus, Ohio, is home to a vibrant Italian food scene, with many restaurants offering authentic dishes from various regions of Italy. In addition to dining out, food enthusiasts can also take advantage of the city’s many Italian cooking classes to learn the art of preparing these delicious dishes at home.
These classes vary in skill level and type of cuisine, from beginner-friendly classes that teach the basics of Italian cooking to more advanced classes that focus on specific regional specialties. Here is a table listing some of the most popular Italian cooking classes offered in Columbus, Ohio:
List of Italian Cooking Classes in Columbus, Ohio
| Class Name | Location | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner’s Guide to Italian Cooking | Sur La Table, Easton Town Center | $65 |
| Pasta Making 101 | The Seasoned Farmhouse, Dublin | $75 |
| Regional Italian Cuisine: Tuscany | Columbus State Community College, Downtown | $120 |
| Pizza and Wine Pairing | Due Amici, Short North | $85 |
| Gelato Making Workshop | Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, Grandview | $90 |
User Queries
What are the most popular Italian restaurants in Columbus?
Some of the most popular Italian restaurants in Columbus include: Pastaria, Basi Italia, Forno Kitchen + Bar, and Comune.
What are the different types of Italian food available in Columbus?
Columbus offers a wide variety of Italian food, including traditional pasta dishes, pizzas, salads, and desserts.
What is the Italian food culture like in Columbus?
The Italian food culture in Columbus is vibrant and welcoming, with a strong emphasis on family and community.
