Best Italian Restaurants in Clintonville

31 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Forno Kitchen and Bar restaurant

1. Forno Kitchen and Bar

4.8

Exceptional(2877)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Short North - Arena District

Booked 64 times today

Nestled in the vibrant Short North - Arena District of Columbus, Forno Kitchen and Bar is a gem celebrated for its authentic Italian cuisine and lively ambiance. Recognized as one of Forbes Top 100 Hottest Restaurants in America, Forno stands out with its custom stone-fire oven that perfectly crisps every pizza, creating flavors that are both unique and deeply rooted in Italian tradition. Patrons rave about the "outstanding food," from the "delicious pizza" to the "perfectly prepared" whipped ricotta and linguine & clams. The atmosphere is equally praised, described as "perfect for an energetic night out" yet "cozy" enough for a memorable dining experience. With an "amazing happy hour" and consistently "excellent service," Forno is a must-visit for anyone craving true Italian flair in Columbus.

2. Gallo's on High

4.8

Exceptional(463)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Columbus

Booked 7 times today

Gallo's on High, nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of Columbus, is celebrated for its authentic Italian cuisine and cozy ambiance. Known for its "from scratch fare," the restaurant offers a delightful array of Italian dishes that keep diners coming back. Patrons rave about the "superb" Mother’s Day buffet and the consistently high-quality food, deeming Gallo's a dependable choice for both special occasions and casual dinners. Highlighting their Italian specialties, customers have particularly extolled the seafood jambalaya for its "consistent and tasty" flavor and the margarita pizza for being "fresh, light, and delicious." With glowing reviews about their "excellent service" and the friendly atmosphere, Gallo's on High stands out as a gem in Columbus’s culinary scene, perfect for anyone seeking a taste of Italy.

A photo of Marcella's - Short North restaurant

3. Marcella's - Short North

4.8

Exceptional(5673)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Short North - Arena District

Booked 35 times today

Marcella’s is a bustling, urban burst of Italian flavor & energy. Marcella’s has a lively atmosphere – whether it be for sharing dinner or a late night snack. The dynamic bar provides a vibrant venue for sampling from a selection of 50 Italian wines served by the bottle or quartino (1/4 of the bottle), but don’t forget about the ample offerings of antipasti & pizza. Marcella’s brings an authentic Italian cafe to Columbus’ Short North Arts District.

A photo of Martini Modern Italian restaurant

4. Martini Modern Italian

4.7

Exceptional(4960)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Short North - Arena District

Booked 34 times today

Martini Modern Italian, nestled in the Short North - Arena District of Columbus, stands out for its exceptional Italian cuisine that combines timeless techniques with innovative culinary presentations. Diners rave about the "seriously amazing" dishes and "phenomenal" flavors, highlighting the restaurant's ability to deliver consistently high-quality meals, beautifully prepared and presented. The handcrafted cocktails and a well-curated wine list complement the dining experience, creating a "sexy, cosmopolitan atmosphere" that’s ideal for any occasion. Whether it's a business meal or a special family dinner, Martini Modern Italian's vibrant energy and outstanding service make it a top choice for authentic Italian fare in Columbus.

5. Pelino’s Pasta

4.6

Exceptional(1030)

Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • Columbus

Booked 3 times today

Chef Vinny Pelino serves up authentic, handmade pasta dishes using local, organic, and imported Italian ingredients. You won't want to miss our fresh pasta, including our famous Cacio e Pepe served tableside in a 60lb wheel of Pecorino Romano DOP cheese! With a monthly changing chef’s tasting menu, there is always something new to enjoy!

A photo of Nicola Restaurant and Bar - Columbus restaurant

6. Nicola Restaurant and Bar - Columbus

4.8

Exceptional(1761)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Upper Arlington

Booked 5 times today

Nicola Restaurant is dynamic, cultural, and fun with open doors for all who want a true taste of Italian authenticity. To say the least, the food will be a treasure for your senses. Nicola restaurant is for any person hungry for not just food and drink, but for the unique presence of beauty, joy, and family which exists in every Italian family's home. With chef Nicola's ability to bring together simple ingredients to create delicious dishes in a welcoming atmosphere, you are sure to have an enjoyable experience. Join us and taste Nicola's vision that greets the senses with the aroma, taste, and feel of a small town in Tuscany.

A photo of The Rossi Kitchen & Bar restaurant

7. The Rossi Kitchen & Bar

4.7

Exceptional(388)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Short North - Arena District

Booked 11 times today

The Rossi Kitchen & Bar, nestled in the vibrant Short North - Arena District of Columbus, is celebrated for its exceptional Italian cuisine. This gem has been delighting patrons for over a decade with its robust Italian dishes that are both authentic and inventive. Guests rave about the "delicious and filling" homemade pasta and the outstanding Carbonara, described as the "BEST carbonara" diners have ever had. The Rossi not only promises a scrumptious meal but also an atmosphere of warmth and welcoming, with reviewers consistently praising the "amazing service" and the friendly, knowledgeable staff. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply in search of a great meal, The Rossi offers a memorable dining experience with its quality Italian fare and spirited ambiance.

A photo of The Wine Bistro - Upper Arlington restaurant

8. The Wine Bistro - Upper Arlington

4.8

Exceptional(1175)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Upper Arlington

Booked 9 times today

At The Wine Bistro in Upper Arlington, Columbus, culinary enthusiasts revel in a truly authentic Italian dining experience. Celebrated for its "excellent service and wonderful meal" that is "prepared perfectly," this bistro stands out with its Italian flair, serving dishes that keep patrons coming back for more. The ambiance, described as "great and romantic," complements the well-curated wine selections that pair splendidly with Italian classics like the praised salmon, "the best salmon I’ve ever had," and the savory penne dish. Visitors often highlight the "friendly, helpful, and attentive" service, ensuring a delightful dining experience. The Wine Bistro is a gem for those seeking genuine Italian cuisine in a cozy, inviting setting.

9. Gallo's Kitchen

4.8

Exceptional(1139)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Upper Arlington

Booked 7 times today

Gallo's Kitchen in Upper Arlington, Columbus, is a treasure trove of authentic Italian cuisine, blending traditional flavors with a unique touch of Creole influence. Esteemed Head Chef Tommy Gallo brings a culinary prowess that shines through in dishes like the Pasta Russo Bolognese and Gallo's House Marinara, celebrated for their depth and authenticity. Patrons rave about the "uniquely flavorful and fresh" meals and the ambiance that makes every visit memorable. With an "excellent service" reputation and a vibrant atmosphere, Gallo's Kitchen stands out as a prime destination for Italian cuisine lovers seeking a consistent, quality dining experience. As one reviewer puts it, "The food is always excellent, and Tommy nails it every time," making it clear why this restaurant is a beloved spot in the neighborhood.

10. Lupo on Arlington

4.8

Exceptional(258)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Upper Arlington

Booked 8 times today

Lupo on Arlington in Upper Arlington, Columbus, is a true culinary gem for Italian cuisine enthusiasts. Executive Chef Todd Elder curates an ever-changing menu that highlights house-made pasta, showcasing the authenticity and innovation of Italian culinary traditions. Diners rave about the authenticity and quality, describing dishes as "absolutely amazing" and the gelato as "really good too." What makes Lupo stand out is its commitment to using both locally sourced ingredients and globally imported goods, ensuring each dish is a burst of genuine Italian flavors. Whether it's a cozy dinner indoors or a relaxed evening on the patio, Lupo offers a memorable Italian dining experience right in the heart of Columbus.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

G
GlenVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •73 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
The food was amazing, the cocktails were creative and fun, and our server Amber was terrific!
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Gallo's KitchenPrice: Expensive• Creole• Upper Arlington
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4.8
A
Alexandria
Columbus •17 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
We had an incredible experience for a pre-concert dinner! The food was absolutely incredible and the service was amazing!
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Martini Modern ItalianPrice: Expensive• Italian• Short North - Arena District
•
4.7
P
PatrickVIP
Las Vegas •83 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Had a great time! Service and food were excellent and the drinks were also great and at happy hour, very nice prices! All the staff was super friendly and dinner was delicious! I could eat there once a week!
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Gallo's on HighPrice: Expensive• American• Columbus
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4.8
R
RyanVIP
Columbus •5 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 18, 2024
This is not the restaurant fault but Cameron Mitchell’s needs to partner with CPD/ City of Columbus to ensure short north is safe. My car was broken into after eating there. More pressure from local restaurants might help increase patrols
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Marcella's - Short NorthPrice: Moderate• Italian• Short North - Arena District
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4.8
P
Phil
Columbus •22 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 16, 2024
Kudos to Forno for creating a fun seasonal pop-up speakeasy in the basement for the holidays. Decorations, including vintage video, set the mood for apres-ski R&R. Special themed drinks were great, especially the espresso martinis, and the six of us devoured the fondue. Would've been nice if they'd offered a couple more menu items like personal-size pizzas/flatbread from the kitchen upstairs, and maybe a little bigger assortment of dipping items for the cheese fondue than just orange cubed bell pepper, bread, and apple slices (maybe more fruit?), but the whole experience was enjoyable on our pop-up pub crawl.
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Forno Kitchen and BarPrice: Moderate• American• Short North - Arena District
•
4.8

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Best Italian Restaurants in Clintonville

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31 restaurants available nearby

1. Forno Kitchen and Bar

2. Gallo's on High

3. Marcella's - Short North

4. Martini Modern Italian

5. Pelino’s Pasta

6. Nicola Restaurant and Bar - Columbus

7. The Rossi Kitchen & Bar

8. The Wine Bistro - Upper Arlington

9. Gallo's Kitchen

10. Lupo on Arlington

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