If you would like to go out for an Italian meal, we’ve featured 10 top Italian restaurants in Ohio for your convenience below.
1. Lola & Giuseppe’s Trattoria
Lola & Giuseppe’s Trattoria is a Columbus Italian staple. With incredibly authentic recipes, a dedication to ensuring all who enter feel like family, and a broad menu with numerous Italian classics, there’s really very little to complain about. They’re open for dinner every day of the week except Sunday and Monday.
Lola & Giuseppe’s has a relatively broad focus on food. When looking at their menu, you’ll notice that they have specialties in pasta and antipasti (appetizers). No matter your dining preferences or dietary limitations, there’s an authentic dish just waiting for you – so what are you waiting for? Get going!
To reach out, head to Lola & Giuseppe’s online ordering page.
2. Basi Italia
Basi Italia is a small, homely Italian joint in Columbus’ Victorian Village. The husband and wife owners, executive chef Johny Dornback and Trish Gentile, bring a taste of Italy with each dish that comes through Dornback’s kitchen. This is certainly the choice if you’re seeking a friendly, down-to-earth Italian joint. Basi is open for dinner from Wednesday to Saturday.
Basi has you covered whether you want various pasta dishes (including the classic spaghetti and meatballs), flatbreads and pizzas, or even seafood. They take a unique twist with each dish, bringing the flavors of Italy to meet the creative American world of cuisine – and it’s a “must” for those seeking a memorable dinner in Columbus.
Head to Basi Italia’s contact page to reach out and get more information.
3. Villa Nova Ristorante
Opened in 1978 by owners Frank and Donna Colleli, Villa Nova Ristorante is like a home away from home for Italian families in Columbus. Following the passing of their son, the two owners came out of retirement to care for their creation – and the passion is still clear as day. Villa Nova is open for dinner seven days a week. Ask Frank about the teapots and gauges you’ll find littered about, as there is a remarkable story for each.
As for food, Villa Nova has a relatively broad menu. With a menu ranging from pizza to various pasta and seafood dishes, Villa Nova is a true Italian-American restaurant. You’ll find equal parts Italian simplicity and American ingenuity in each dish, all brought together with love.
If you’d like to reach out, head to Villa Nova’s online ordering page.
4. Bruno’s Ristorante & Catering
Bruno’s Ristorante & Catering is one of Cleveland’s most well-known Italian joints. Founded by chef Bruno with a focus on bringing the Italian family dinner to American diners, Bruno’s has a genuinely cozy feel that really can’t be beaten by a majority of the joints in town. Whether you just want a nice glass of wine and an appetizer, or a full meal, you’ll leave happy and full. Bruno’s is open for dinner, seven days a week.
The specialties of Bruno’s lie in pasta, seafood dishes, and several homemade desserts. You can expect the standard Italian fare of breadsticks, cured meats, and saucy noodles to accompany your masterfully made meals. Bruno’s accepts reservations upon request, so get yours now before the tables disappear!
To get ahold of Bruno’s for dining or catering needs, head to Bruno’s contact page.
5. Luca
Luca opened in the summer of 2013 thanks to owners Luca and Lola Sema. They’ve grown to become one of Cleveland’s most exclusive restaurants. Their focus on creating a boujee, intimate environment has paid off. Luca is open for dinner every day of the week.
Luca specializes in many more “fine” Italian fares. From handmade pasta to painstakingly created desserts, you’ll find very few meals that are more luxurious in the area. And if you’d like to book a private event or catering, you’re in luck!
You can book Luca for private events and meals through their contact & reservation page.
6. Trattoria on the Hill
Founded in 1984, Trattoria on the Hill has won numerous awards for the best Italian fare in Cleveland – and as recently as 2021! The warm, cozy indoor seating and gorgeous garden outdoor seating bring a unique, homely vibe to the dining experience that’s really just impossible to recreate elsewhere. Trattoria is open for lunch and dinner every day of the week, except Tuesdays.
Trattoria on the Hill specializes in a number of specific pasta dishes, such as gnocchi al burro (potato dumplings and creamy tomato/basil sauce) and eggplant Parmigiano, among many other fantastic dishes. And those who want pizza will be happy to know that Trattoria on the Hill does, indeed, have pizza on offer.
Go to Trattoria on the Hill’s contact page to reach out and figure out reservations.
7. Alfio’s Buon Cibo
Alfio’s Buon Cibo is a unique little joint in the heart of Cincinnati. Look no further if you’re seeking an intimate, nationally-recognized team of dedicated bartenders and chefs. You’ll find that Alfio’s brings out memories that the younger readers never would have had – smoke-filled, cozy meals in upscale bars of years long past. Alfio’s is your destination for those who desire a taste of the old world. Alfio’s is open for dinner every day of the week except Sunday.
You’ll find that Alfio’s specialties are equally unique to their setting. The primary focus lies on cocktails and wine, with food pairings that bring out the best in their boozy companions. Numerous appetizers and entrees are presented with a modern take on Italian classics – short rib ravioli and duck bacon fettuccine, to name a few.
Go to Alfio’s online ordering page to reach out and view their menu (or, you know, order online).
8. Sotto
Sotto is yet another Cincinnati gem with a focus on highlighting the old ways of Italian dining. Comfort and luxury in the form of hardwood and velvet adorn Sotto in a way reminiscent of classic Italian cinema, and the staff bring an unrivaled attention to each guest. Sotto is open every day of the week for dinner service.
If food is what you’re seeking (duh), you’ll be pleased to know that Sotto specializes in tasty dinners from 5 p.m. until the wee hours of the evening. They bring everything from large boards to share, to tasty tapas and luxurious high-end meals. Look no further than Sotto’s darkened doors for those seeking a touch of class.
To reach out, head to Sotto’s contact page.
9. 5th Street Pub
Toledo’s 5th Street Pub is something truly unique in Perrysburg. As Ohio’s only certified Neapolitan pizza joint (an achievement in itself – there are only 29 certified Neapolitan restaurants in the U.S.) 5th Street already has enough to brag about. Beyond that, though, their focus on local ingredients and unique drinks has earned them a fantastic reputation in the area.
Open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, you can find 5th Street Pub’s menu here. While their specialty is obviously pizza, they also have many delicious pasta and Italian sandwich options.
You can reach out to 5th Street Pub through their contact page.
10. Souk Mediterranean Kitchen
And finally, one more unique addition to the list. Souk isn’t what most think of when they hear Italian, but this Mediterranean kitchen brings flavors from across the Mediterranean into Italian classics. Souk is open for brunch on weekends and lunch and dinner every day except Monday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
You’ll find Italian classics with a twist on their menu, such as portofino, squid ink ravioli, and wild boar bolognese, to name a few. The broad style in which food is created offers an incredible degree of creativity that the chefs at Souk have clearly embraced.
To reach out, head to Souk’s contact page.
