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    Marcella's

    4.1 (1.1k reviews)
    ModerateItalian, Tapas Bars
    Closed 4:00 pm - 10:00 PM
    Updated 1 week ago

    Order Marcella's Takeout or Delivery

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    MARCELLA'S ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Trendy
    Moderate noise
    Outdoor seating
    Happy hour specials

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    Recommended Reviews - Marcella's

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    Giant meatball
    Nick M.

    My favorite restaurant in Columbus, always a perfect time here! [[HIGHLIGHT]]Came here for Valentine's Day, so it was definitely busy but still a good experience.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]I've honestly never seen this restaurant not super crowded.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Our server Jacob was very attentive. Food was delicious as always! Had the roasted garlic cheese bread as an appetizer, and the creste arrabbiata for dinner. This was plenty of food for the both of us as we split the entrée. Both dishes were perfectly cooked and very yummy; to be honest I could probably order one of everything off this menu as everything looks and smells so good. Great time here as always, and will definitely be back!

    Arancini
    Juliana S.

    Went to the Short North location of Marcella's for happy hour. I've been to this location a few times but this was by far my favorite experience. Buckeye Espresso Martini was a special and it was amazing. The Crispy Potato Pizza was also a new one for me, and I loved it. The arancini is always amazing. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Server was great, service was quick, and the ambiance is always great at Marcella's.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Can't wait to visit again!

    Brent W.

    One of the best happy hour spots around. Half price appetizers, salads, drinks and pizza!! A couple of friends joined me for the first time and they loved it. You can beat the wide range of delicious options. There wasn't a bad bite. Hard to beat this beautiful restaurant right in the heart of the Short North. Our service was good, depending on what you like. Our waiter could have been a little more attentive, but overall it was friendly and spot on! We got a meatball, arancini, and some shrimp. We got a couple of pizzas. And, I had to have some of their mussels. We all had at least two rounds of drinks. All for $100. We thought it was a deal. Check it out!

    Chocolate Almond Cake
    Jeffrey R.

    5 Italian dining. Everything we had was delicious and great service. There personal care was so welcoming. The burrata salad was a highlights as were the desserts. The Chocolate Almond tasted like an olive oil cake so tender and moist. The Tiramisu was so unique and creamy with a light coffee flavor it may have been the best I have ever eaten. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Very romantic and cozy vibes.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

    Mushroom pizza
    Lee Ann P.

    I am a sucker for a good happy hour and Marcella's does not disappoint here. I came here with a large group of friends and dispute our bigger party and the restaurant being packed our waitress did an excellent job of taking care of us and keeping the drinks following. We had a round of espresso martinis which were delicious and I had some wine. My husband and I started with the incredible meatball, which could not have been more tender or flavorful. Then I had an awesome ceasar salad and my husband and I also split the mushroom pizza which was amazing. Our table tried the bruschetta, gnocchi, Marsala, and chicken parm and everyone raved about their food. I will definitely be back!

    The food was amazing probably some of the best Italian food I've ever had had the braised short rib tortellini. My husband had the veal Parmesan. It was beyond 10 stars. I would absolutely recommend having dinner there. Our server's name was Sadie and she was amazing.

    Marcella's Italian Salad
    Greg M.

    Great experience! Came in on a Wednesday at 5:30 for dinner. The place was bumping! We had a reservation and were promptly seated. Our server was fast and friendly, bring drinks shortly after we sat down. Started off with a couple of salads that were outstanding. Had the chicken Parmesan which was really, really good. Usually I ask for more red sauce, and this one was a bit skimpy on it as well, but the side of fettuccine Alfredo just made the dish perfect! I was going to stop half way through and save it for lunch tomorrow, but I just couldn't do it and powered down the whole plate. Daughter got the fettuccine Alfredo with a meatball that she said was also very good. With all the people in the joint and the metal ceilings, it can be rather loud, but I never really had a problem listening to my daughter with my hearing impaired old man ears. Didn't know this was a Cameron Mitchell restaurant until I saw it on the check, which surprised me. I know his restaurants are supposed to be top notch, but I've always been disappointed in one thing or another. Not today. With the exception of the traffic coming down town, I have no complaints whatsoever. Looking forward to coming back again before a show at the Garden Theater.

    Lasagna
    Chris S.

    This place is something I have heard about for sometime now. The atmosphere and the bar area is perfect for a date or a night with friends. The staff were incredible and very friendly and overly knowledgeable . The tables are tight so not a fan of that . The food was incredible, had the lasagna and usually I'm afraid it won't be filled with meat and pasta perfectly. I was overwhelmed with joy at how they nailed the portion. Just a perfect place for a great night out.

    Marcella's Italian Salad
    Dale L.

    We attended a private luncheon with a set menu. The interior is cozy and warm with the dark woods and mood lighting. The service was great and the food was served hot. The desserts were some of the best I've had in a lonnng time.

    Paola R.

    [[HIGHLIGHT]]This place was packed last Saturday![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We called on our way there and they were able to find us a reservation. Our server was the nicest and she truly did her best! She was running around making sure all of her tables had everything they needed. [[HIGHLIGHT]]This is not your typical Italian restaurant. They were playing loud music, playing the football games on their tvs by the bar, and it seemed like people went there to drink and eat their flatbread.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The food was delicious but it was missing their "it" factor. I think it's because they are so busy there is really no time to make the food extraordinary. This place is not the cheapest so I'm not sure if I'll be back.

    Gnocchi
    Michelle C.

    I came for a happy hour and dinner on my recent trip to Columbus. [[HIGHLIGHT]]We were sat in a window seat along High Street which was lovely.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]The ambiance in the restaurant was great.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We had foccacia, calamari, Italian wedding soup, salad, wine and beer. We shared the gnocchi. Everything was delicious. Our waiter was funny and attentive. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The atmosphere was lively.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

    Sean C.

    This is a quick walk from the convention and sports district and is 100% worth the walk and any wait time. We randomly ran upon Marcella's are couldn't be happier that we found it - you will definitely not regret it. Since we arrived early, we were able to be seated immediately (although that changed really quickly) and were immediately greeted by our server who had plenty of recommendations for us to discuss before choosing. We tried a few different drinks and each were great. I'm not sure I can give one as a favorite since they were all so good. Of course, the bread to start was also fresh, warm, and perfection. Any place that starts with fresh bread is a win, for sure. As for food, we had a quick appetizer, burrata, which was great, easy and exactly as expected. Since I couldn't decide on an entree, I went with classic lasagna and was not disappointed. The portion was large, the sauce was perfect, and the filling was delectable. I can't wait to get back to Columbus to go again.

    Veggie and potato pizza
    Brendan H.

    This place is a 5/5 for sure. Asher was a friendly guy that Cameron may have groomed himself. We got a little bit of everything. Muscles, carpaccio, wedding soup, mushroom pizza, fettuccine and meatball. Cocktails wines. Favorites were the carpaccio and the meatball. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Pretty tight space, I guess they are trying to get as many people a they can in there.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I was ok with it. At one point Marcella came out and bashed some skulls, no biggie. I'll be back for sure!!!!!!!!!!

    Bruschetta, Arancini, and Strawberry Fields zero proof mocktail

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    Marcella's Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Marcella's

    What is the happy hour menu?

    Half off most of the menu, except entrees and pastas. Includes pizza, salads, apps. Drink specials.

    Can you make reservations?

    Yes!

    Is it expensive?

    Not expensive for the quality and portion size in my opinion - $$ ($ would be like Subway/Chipotle $10)… 

    View All 4 Questions

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    Lupo

    4.2
    (135 reviews)
    3.5 mi
    $$$

    After we were seated, one of the folks in our party said they had just learned that the restaurant…read morewas not as good now as it was with the previous owners (or previous chef?). When the server--"Yana"--approached us, I grew less optimistic that all was well. I ordered a martini. When I asked if they have blue cheese olives, she told me "they cost extra." I thought she was joking, but she was not. (I learned when the bill came that my small martini cost 21 bucks. When I told the server at one point that I've never seen a martini in a cordial glass before, she informed me with some attitude, "It's still three ounces." I confirmed that I wasn't challenging her, but simply commenting on the non-traditional glass. Later, I ordered a diet coke. "We have Boylan's" she told me. "If it's a diet cola, that will be fine." When she brought it, she twisted the lid, poured most of the soda in my glass and took the bottle away with the remaining soda. I called her back after I'd taken a sip and said, "This tastes like rootbeer." Again with what seemed like attitude, she showed me the bottle and told me "it says diet cola." The server interrupted us at our table multiple times, reached over us to serve us, and took away plates we were still using. It felt less like fine dining "service" and more like what you would expect at a church dinner. The server was abrupt and seemed disinterested in trying curate a positive experience. The food, to be clear, was quite good, but that was the extent of the success for the evening. The menu prices would make sense if the service was above reproach, but it was NOT excellent service. Had the place been packed out, it might have made more sense that the service was compromised, but we actually commented on how light the attendance seemed to be for a Saturday evening. My hope is that the management might consider more staff training (or adjust their "fine dining" prices to match the service.)

    For me, Lupo still ticks all the boxes. I love the lively atmosphere, the always changing menu, and…read morethe proper craft cocktails. I think they are doing something unique in Columbus and I am happy to see them as busy as ever. I will say, the menu is eclectic and some of the dishes are more successful than others. On a recent visit, we loved the bacon wrapped dates, the charred green beans, the croquettes, and mixed greens salad. The birria tacos were fine, but not amazing. There are some great birria tacos in this city and they did not compare. The spicy chocolate martini was a perfect finish to the meal. Very spicy, very chocolatey, and not overly sweet.

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    Arepazo Tapas Bar Grille

    Arepazo Tapas Bar Grille

    4.0
    (341 reviews)
    1.6 mi
    $$

    Came by Monday with friends! Not sure if they take reservations but they weren't busy so we walked…read moreright in and got a table. To start, we got beers and margs. Not bad but nothing special. We also shared the shrimp ceviche. Good flavor but strange texture with the toasted nuts. The food seems like it's fusion as my friend and I both got chilaquiles but the chips were already broken apart and mixed with the meat. Still tasty but not what we expected. My other friend got the patacon, which basically looked like a salad. Far from the usual plantain fritters with toppings. Only one of my table mates ordered something that sounded like what was expected, the Ecuadorian churrasco: sirloin, eggs, fries, rice, and salad. For dessert, we got the flan and tres leches cake. There was a hair on the cake and they quickly gave us a new slice. Good but the flan could've been better. The cake was good though. Nothing was too sweet which was perfect. Overall the food was good but not as authentic as we had hoped. The service was also a bit slow. It was a slower evening but it took a while to get our drinks. Our server was really nice though. We ordered his recommendations. I'm not too familiar with parking around here but there were parallel spots in front. I parked in the garage at the back. Around $6 for two hours.

    I ordered food to be delivered. Never received the food and…read moredid not get refund or any communication with the restaurant. I left an unreturned message. Phone goes to a voicemail and unable to talk to a person.

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    Arepazo Tapas Bar Grille
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    Chimichurri Carne Asada & Peruvian Lomo Saltado (@joeynht)
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    Sidebar Columbus

    Sidebar Columbus

    4.2
    (455 reviews)
    1.3 mi
    $$

    There are meals that satisfy, and then there are meals that define an evening. My recent birthday…read moredinner at Sidebar Columbus fell squarely -- and triumphantly -- into the latter category. From the moment we arrived, the service set the tone for what would become an unforgettable dining experience. Our server, Lacey delivered hospitality with the kind of effortless grace that can't be taught. She anticipated needs before they were spoken, guided us through the menu with confidence, and maintained a warmth that made our table feel like the only one in the room. Wine & Cocktails: A Study in Balance and Craft The wine selection was superb -- thoughtfully curated, expressive, and perfectly paired with the richness of the evening's dishes. The cocktails were equally impressive, crafted with precision and a clear respect for balance. Each sip felt intentional, layered, and celebratory. The Paella: A Showstopper But the true star of the night was the paella -- a dish so masterfully executed it deserves its own ovation. The rice was tender yet structured, infused with deep saffron warmth and kissed with just enough socarrat to make any purist smile. The seafood was impeccably fresh, each component cooked to its ideal texture. It was the kind of paella that silences a table, not out of politeness, but out of reverence. When the chef personally came out to greet us, it only reinforced what the dish had already made clear: this is a kitchen led by someone who cooks with both technique and heart. A Birthday Elevated My husband orchestrated the evening beautifully, and Sidebar rose to meet the moment with finesse. Our guests were genuinely impressed -- not just by the food, but by the seamless choreography of service, ambiance, and attention to detail. It felt less like a dinner and more like a curated celebration Final Thoughts Sidebar Columbus delivers the rare combination of exceptional cuisine, polished service, and heartfelt hospitality. The paella alone is worth crossing the city for, but the entire experience -- from Laceys attentive care to the chef's personal touch -- transforms a simple night out into something memorable. For anyone seeking a dining experience that feels both elevated and warmly personal, Sidebar stands confidently at the top.

    Very slow service without it being busy! We had a group of five but our server rarely returned and…read morewe waited 15 minutes just for our check!

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    Sidebar Columbus
    Smoked Salmon Bruschetta
    Smoked Salmon Bruschetta
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    Veritas

    Veritas

    4.2
    (165 reviews)
    0.8 mi
    $$$

    Still Excellent Cooking, Still Worth a Detour…read more It's been six years since I last reviewed Veritas (I don't review often on this platform), and last night's dinner made me want to post an update from my prior review. Throughout these six years (over 18 dinners at the current Veritas location), my wife and I have reliably had some of the best food offered at Columbus restaurants at Veritas. Josh Dalton and Dan Kamel are hitting on all cylinders these days -- last night's 2024 Holiday Menu was fabulous (the wife and I selected different dishes for most courses and so I got to taste over half of the dishes on offer). Portion sizes were exactly right for us -- and cadence was spot on. Service was attentive and warm, without being cloying. And, as always, the chairs are comfortable and the lighting just right for a meal at this price point. One of the things I particularly like about the way Veritas has developed is that the food experience here changes with the menu -- it's still a Veritas dinner, but the flavor and texture profile are almost completely different. You can go back multiple times in a year and experience different food (take note, Cameron Mitchell). We especially liked this year's Thai menu for that reason, and are both looking forward to the upcoming Korean menu. There are too many restaurants in Columbus where the menu just gets boring after the first several visits. I'm a big fan. Eat here, and eat here often.

    We had high expectations for Veritas, but unfortunately the experience fell well short of what we…read moreexpected. First, I want to recognize our server. She was friendly, attentive, and professional throughout the evening. She even apologized for the long delays between several of the courses, so this review is not a reflection of her service. We were seated at 8:15 p.m. for the six-course tasting menu. The portions were extremely small--many were only one or two bites--and the waits between the early courses felt excessive. Although the restaurant had only about four occupied tables out of more than twenty, the pacing was surprisingly slow. The main course wasn't served until 9:52 p.m., just minutes before the restaurant's 10:00 p.m. closing time. After that, the final two courses arrived in quick succession, making the ending of the meal feel rushed. The food itself was simply okay. While it was well presented, none of the dishes stood out as particularly memorable, and the beef course--the one we were most looking forward to--was served lukewarm, which was very disappointing. One thing that surprised us was that during our entire visit, we never saw a front-of-house manager or a kitchen manager checking on guests. Even after our server apologized for the delays, no member of management stopped by our table. At this price point, I would expect management to be actively engaged in ensuring guests are having an exceptional experience. We don't mind paying $115 per person for a fine dining tasting menu when the food and experience justify the price. Unfortunately, between the inconsistent pacing, very small portions, lukewarm entrée, and flavors that were merely average, this experience did not meet those expectations. The service from our server was the highlight of the evening, but overall, we left disappointed and feeling that the experience did not provide the value we expected.

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    Table looking to the bar area
    Table looking to the bar area
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    Cento

    Cento

    4.5
    (177 reviews)
    1.7 mi

    Firstly, this was mine and my new fiancé's first time ever coming here, and I can say that the…read moreoverall experience was nothing but incredible. Our server, Alex, was incredibly kind and helpful, but was also so incredibly down to earth. That alone made us feel so much more comfortable, and I truly appreciate that. Moving to the food, the peach burrata was exceptional! And the carbonara and bolognese were beyond tasty. Overall, this was one of the best meal experiences that u have ever had and I am so incredibly happy that we were able to celebrate our anniversary here (I proposed to her after dinner!) Thank you for the amazing experience, and I cannot wait for the next time we come back! We'll ask for Alex again lol

    We had a wonderful experience! Our server, Allie, was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable about…read morethe menu. Her recommendations were spot on, and everything we ordered was delicious. We were celebrating a birthday, and she even offered to take pictures for us, which was such a thoughtful touch and made the occasion feel extra special. Ethan, our server assistant, was equally fantastic. He made sure our drinks were always full and kept the table cleared promptly, helping everything run smoothly throughout our meal. The food was excellent, the atmosphere was great, and the outstanding service from both Allie and Ethan truly made our visit memorable. We can't wait to come back!

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    The Garden Terrazzo, heated in winter
    The Garden Terrazzo, heated in winter
    Lemon Tart with whipped cream and raspberries
    Lemon Tart with whipped cream and raspberries
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    Burrata with roasted tomatoes, pesto and extra virgin olive oil
    Bonifacio

    Bonifacio

    4.3
    (600 reviews)
    2.7 mi
    $$

    Two visits deep (brunch AND dinner) and this place has a 100% hit rate in our household. That's not…read moreeasy to achieve. The prices are refreshingly fair, the food comes out fresh every single time, and the vegetarian options? Chef's kiss. I blanked on the name of my dish but my taste buds definitely remember it. My husband, a man of few words when it comes to food compliments, was also thoroughly impressed with his meal. If you're on the fence, consider this your sign. We'll be back. Probably soon.

    Curiosity satisfied…read more. We dropped by without reservation for Saturday dinner, they had seating at the bar area or the high table. We chose the latter. The place is not big and they usually have large parties coming in, thus fills the space quickly. We started with Tofu chicharron which we were expecting to be crispy - because chicharron means 'crackling pork rinds' but these Tofu were soft a lil disappointed there. We tried the pork sisig, it was okay. It has this mayo topping and there's an overpowering taste of ginger which is not typical of sisig. We enjoyed the grilled pork belly though, marinated enough and it's complimented with soy vinegar dip. The pancit on the other hand was very greasy. The oil was pooling at the bottom of the bowl. Taste was was just okay. It has way too many chinese sausage in it. We completed our meal with Ube Carioca, it is this chewy rice cake that is deep fried with glazed sweetness & that was okay as well. We wanted the mango sago, however they were out. The service was prompt and adequate parking space.

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    Inside Resturant
    Inside Resturant
    Ube dessert
    Ube dessert
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    Marcella's - italian - Updated August 2026

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