[[HIGHLIGHT]]I was totally in love with this space and the food served inside.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]We ate around 6 PM and it was golden hour so the lighting was gorgeous.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]The space is very bright and airy: loved the floral and plant vibes.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Our server was kind but maybe a bit apprehensive because we brought our two daughters. Sometimes I feel bad bringing kids but honestly we deserve to have good food even if there are little mouths involved. We had the focaccia starter and it was as pillowy and sumptuous as it looked. Next was broccolini which our 8 month old devoured. I tried the funghi pasta and my husband had the sausage ragu. Both had generous portions. The kitchen made butter noodles for our daughter and she LOVED them. I was pleased they didn't try to doll them up because she really did just want noodles and butter. Finally, the octopus was sooo tasty. The sauce was super flavorful and I love a good bean addition. Delicious meal all around. read more

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YE Gurl Says: Speck Had the Scene, But Did It Feed the Girl? Place: Speck Italian Eatery Date: June 30 You know a restaurant is popular when you've been trying to get a reservation and keep losing the battle. So when a girlfriend chose Speck Italian Eatery for girls' dinner, I was ready. Italian food is one of my first loves. I was expecting good food, a good atmosphere, and frankly, a little "this is where everybody is trying to be seen" energy. And on that front? Speck delivered. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The space is airy and attractive, the atmosphere was lively, and despite the seating being a little tight, our table toward the back had plenty of room.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] My girlfriend had been raving about the focaccia, so obviously we had to test the theory. Housemade focaccia with olive oil and sea salt? Yes, ma'am. We shared a few things, including the Crudo--hamachi, blood orange, Castelvetrano olives, fennel, and basil--and the Gem, a crunchy vegetable salad with pistachio, Parmesan crumb, and vinaigrette. Our waiter deserves a shoutout because when it came time to settle up, he was gracious enough to split the shared dishes down the middle for both the portions and the bill. That's good service. For my entrée, I ordered the Cacio e Pepe--except this version uses gnudi, peppercorn, and pecorino. It was good enough that I immediately thought about the beau, who loves cacio e pepe, so half went home with me. I also ordered another focaccia to go. And naturally, I had my Peroni while I was there. So here's where my Italian grandmother's spirit entered the chat. The food wasn't bad. The value is what lost me. For a pescatarian dinner, I felt like the portion sizes and prices didn't quite meet in the middle. Maybe I'm spoiled. I've eaten Italian food made by grandmothers and grandfathers in Little Italy, New Orleans, and Italy itself. I'm accustomed to Italian food being generous, comforting, unfussy, and--most importantly--filling. Speck feels more like consumerism Italian to me. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Beautiful room. Beautiful plating. Trendy ingredients. Great atmosphere.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] But I'm still sitting there wondering when dinner is coming. And the bill didn't help. There's a 3% charge toward team member healthcare, and my portion of the dinner came to about $57. My girlfriend also had a basic Pomodoro pasta, around $17, which means the two of us were already north of $100 before drinks on her side, dessert, and my 20% tip. For two people. And we weren't exactly leaving with the kind of leftovers that could feed us tomorrow. That math gave me pause. YE Gurl Insight: There's a difference between expensive food and expensive dining. I'm perfectly willing to pay for an exceptional meal. But when the experience is carrying as much of the price as the food itself, I need the food to make me forget what I paid. Speck didn't quite get me there. And that's unfortunate because the restaurant absolutely has the atmosphere and popularity to become a regular destination. Final Take: Atmosphere: 1/2 Service: Food: 1/2 Portions/value: 1/2 Pescatarian Experience: 1/2 Would I return? Maybe--but the bar is now considerably higher. YE Gurl Says: Speck is a great place to be seen. I'm just not convinced it's the place to get fed--at least not if you're a vegetarian watching your dollars. I was generous with that 20% tip because the service deserved it. Consider that my chef's kiss goodbye... at least for now. read more

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I was exploring the downtown area around 7 PM looking for a place to have dinner. This restaurant caught my attention because of its aesthetics, so I decided to give it a try. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The ambiance was enjoyable, and our waitress provided decent service.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] For starters, I really enjoyed the gem salad -- it was refreshing -- and I also ordered a couple of glasses of Poggio Costa Prosecco to go with my Funghi pasta. Both were very good. However, we also ordered the lobster spaghetti and were not impressed. It was very bland, and the few pieces of lobster tasted slightly gamey. I would not recommend the lobster pasta, especially considering the price, as it appeared to be the most expensive pasta on the menu. The bill also included a fee labeled as "healthcare," which was not mentioned by our waitress. I had to look it up afterward since it was the first time I had seen a charge like that on a restaurant bill. I wanted to share this so others are aware of what to expect. read more

Speck Italian Eatery - Left: Lobster spaghetti Right: Funghi pasta - Italian Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

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Service was nice and efficient. Food was flavorful and well presented. The selection was diverse. The addition of an "employee healthcare" fee, which is not adequately conveyed on the menu, seems sketchy and a bit conniving. If you cannot price your items to take care of your workforce, then you should not be in business. It is my policy to allow these fake charges ONE TIME, then I am not likely to return. Sad...because we had an enjoyable visit, otherwise. You say it is for healthcare, but it is ultimately funding your expansion. read more

This was our third time at Speck. The staple pastas (e.g. Sausage Ragu and Cacio e Pepe) have been very good. This time I tried the Crab Spaghetti Nero and was very underwhelmed. I LOVE squid ink pasta and have had excellent version in Rome, Paris, Split, Raleigh NC, and Durham, NC. All emphasized the taste of the sea, some by way of bottarga and others via sea urchin butter. Speck's version is, in a word, bizarre. The pasta was cooked perfectly al dente and the crab was plentiful and flavorful. What ruined the dish was the wild miss of the sauce pairing. The pasta and crab were drenched in what tasted very much like chilies in adobo. Any flavors of the sea were lost in a puddle of Tex-Mex. I'm still scratching my head over this one. read more

This may be one of the best restaurants in Columbus! The food and service are wonderful! I had the focaccia bread, romaine salad, pomodoro pasta, and lemon cookies! Everything was super tasty and delicious! I ate every bite! You cannot go wrong with going here. Yummy! read more

Speck Italian Eatery - Lemon Cookies - Italian Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

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Love the spring menu they have out now, I'm going to have dreams about the Cavatelli Sardi! The citrus flavor was such a refreshing surprise! Highly recommend their Aperol Spritz, probably my favorite I've had in Columbus. I really enjoyed the Cacio E Pepe too, I ordered that as my main dish and shared the cavatelli with a friend. [[HIGHLIGHT]]This is such a cute spot, it was perfect for a birthday dinner![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Service was great, our waiter checked in often and food came out quickly despite how busy the restaurant was. Definitely recommend making a reservation, but there were bar seats open on a Thursday evening! If you park in the Nicholas Garage, the door opens right onto High Street, next door to Speck. read more

Speck Italian Eatery - Cavatelli Sardi - Italian Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

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Stopped into have a dinner for myself before leaving town. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Upon entering, I heard run the jewels playing on the stereo.I knew with this kind of vibe, this was my kind of place.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I had a reservation and was seated promptly. My server was quick to get my items in and out. The Cacio E Pepe is probably one of the best I've ever had in my life. It's done untraditionally here and it is fantastic. I ended up having a strawberry ice cream sandwich called a pizzelle. The portion was just right for what I was looking for. read more

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The service was top notch and all of the dishes were delicious and flavorful. Had the Sausage Ragu, side of potatoes and started with the Crudo and Focaccia with oil. Truly loved every dish! read more

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I ate here while traveling for work. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The interior is a beautiful industrial chic vibe that is very pretty![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The prices are also reasonable. Dishes are definitely shareable size. We got a gem salad and mussels that are not pictured. I ordered the sausage ragu and my colleague ordered the mushroom pasta. We had too much food for the 2 of us, but it was all delicious! The waitress was great in offering suggestions too. I would be open to trying this restaurant again in the future! read more

Speck Italian Eatery - Sausage Ragu, Focaccia - Italian Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

Speck Italian Eatery - Columbus, OH I showed up ready. Reservation confirmed, parking handled, outfit chosen with intention. Because when you book a table at a place like Speck, it's framed as an occasion -- the kind that justifies the parking fees, the punctuality reminders, and the hotel-check-in style confirmation emails. They make it clear upfront: time limits based on party size, a $50-per-person no-show fee, valet or "corner parking," and a tone that says, This experience matters. And for a minute, I believed it. Ambiance [[HIGHLIGHT]]The space is undeniably beautiful -- warm lighting, tall ceilings, a soft open-kitchen hum. Modern in a curated way. Cozy, but not casual.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The kind of room where you feel like you should sit straighter and use words like "notes" when describing your drink. [[HIGHLIGHT]]I'll give them this: the floral aprons are a standout. Genuinely stylish and a refreshing break from the typical all-black server uniform.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]When you book, you can choose main dining, bar seating, or the chef's counter. Sounds luxe... until you realize the chef's counter gives you more "kitchen mechanics" than "culinary theater."[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] From where I sat, I could see someone in a Buckeyes hat sipping a drink at the bar -- illusion broken. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Pretty? Yes. Elevated? Yes. But the vibe never fully matched the anticipation the reservation system builds. It felt more like curated efficiency than genuine hospitality.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The Food I decided to be bold and order the bone marrow -- a personal "finally trying it" moment. It arrived looking glossy and elegant... but cold. Not warm. Not room temp. Cold. The server gave a little tableside scoop onto my pasta like it was supposed to be a moment. And visually, it was. Taste-wise? Not so much. No richness, no depth -- just a theatrical presentation without the payoff. So yes, I felt grown ordering it... and childish sending it back. I switched to the Sausage Ragu, which was hearty, comforting, and exactly what I needed to reset. My dinner date's Short Rib (with a glass of Moscato) made the most sense that night -- straightforward, flavorful, and satisfying. Service Polished, efficient, and very by-the-book. Nothing rude -- just procedural. You can feel how tightly the operation is run, and while it keeps things smooth, it also keeps things from feeling personal. Final Thoughts ‍ [[HIGHLIGHT]]The food wasn't bad, just not memorable. The ambiance was curated, not captivating. It's a restaurant engineered to feel like an event -- the kind of place where the reservation system and policies do more of the heavy lifting than the experience itself.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Business-wise? Smart. Experience-wise? It left me hungry for more. Would I go back? Probably not. Would I tell you not to try it? Also no. Some restaurants aren't about being amazing -- they're about finally seeing what the hype is about. Speck is exactly that. Speck Italian Eatery 89 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215 Price per person: $40-$60 Reservation required: 1.5-2 hour time limit Seating: Bar, main dining room, chef's counter Parking: Valet on the corner of N High & W Gay Additional fee: 3% "Team Wellness" surcharge added to all checks read more

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I need to start off by saying the ambiance of this place is just incredible. The plants and warm lighting mixed an open kitchen really sets for a nice dinner. I was greeted instantly when I walked in and sat at the bar while I waited for my friend and reservations. The bartender although attentive asked me several times if I had any questions before I had a chance to even really look at the menu. My friend arrived and she asked for a Tito's martini. The bartender did not know they had Tito's which I felt was a lack of detail for cocktails $15+. We got seated and took some time to review the menu. We decided to share crab pasta and sausage ragu. We also shared wings. The wings came out first and were very flavorful and lemony. It did feel like an inappropriate app for the style of restaurant. I tried the crab pasta first. The noodles were tooooo el dente. Like in bad way and hard and crunchy. It was a good dish but I would never order again for the price for what you get. It was very okay. The sausage ragu was definitely the star. Most flavorful and best thing of the night. I doubt I would return but it may be worth a spin read more

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We stumbled into this restaurant on a busy friday night and were lucky to be seated quickly. The focaccia was really fresh but the stars of the show were definitely the crab pasta and the milanese. We really enjoyed the different take on this dish particularly the savory mustard and prosciutto, and this made a great sharing dish. I will say the drinks here were not my favorite and there aren't many options for beer either, so we didn't go back for seconds on beverages. Overall, would dine again if we're in the area. read more

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I had my first experience at Speck last night and absolutely loved it. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The vibe was great[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]], the servers were so kind, and the food was AMAZING. I got the focaccia and pesto rosso, which were both incredible and flavorful. I can't wait to go back! read more

Speck Italian Eatery - Pesto Rosso - Italian Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

I adore it here ! The cutest vibe, the yummiest food, and great drinks. Great service as well (the staff always has recommendations and are v knowledgeable). The spread- The funghi pasta was one of the best things I've had at speck EVER. I'm so glad i got out of my comfort zone and had this dish, bc it was such a treat. The focaccia was flavorful, warm, and fluffy. I wishhhh bread service was a thing at speck because the experience would be elevated with this detail. However i don't mind paying additional it. The brocollini was good however, it was kind of cold. Being a restaurant that brings all your food at once isn't an issue until the food gets cold. So this is one of my issues with my recent visit. The potatoes were 10/10! Fire! So savory with the yummiest sauce and was a great side for all the other carbs i was eating. Overall 4.7 experience ! read more

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Big Italian food fan over here, so when a friend wanted to come into town to catch up over a nice meal, picking Speck was an easy choice after reading their reviews. I made a reservation on their website for 8pm on a Saturday and when we arrived our table was ready and waiting for us, and so was our lovely server. We both started with a cocktail and while I can't remember what mine was called, I do remember that it was smooth, refreshing, and I enjoyed it. As for food, we started with the highly raved about housemade focaccia. It's honestly one of my favorite kinds of bread, so I just had to try it. And I'm so glad we did. It was fluffy and chewy and was a great way to start the meal. As for my entree I went with the pesto rosso, which is a ravioli with a sun dried tomato pesto and goat cheese. There weren't many vegetarian friendly dishes on the menu, but this one looked the best to me. It was my first time ever having a pesto that wasn't your typical basil pesto, and it was pretty good. I still think I would have preferred a more traditional basil pesto, but I'm glad I tried something different. I will say that after the focaccia and pasta, I was still hungry, and that's coming from someone that doesn't typically need large portions to get full. Now, had I picked a dish with more protein that may have not been the case. That said, I would definitely order a salad or another appetizer if I were to return. [[HIGHLIGHT]]I'll end by saying how beautiful the restaurant itself is. It's very sleek and modern with tall ceilings, plants hanging from the light fixtures, giant windows that face High St., and cool murals on the walls... hopefully that paints a picture for you.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] You can also see into the kitchen and even into a second floor space where it appears as though they do a lot of their baking. I would definitely return for a special occasion or even a date night. Be sure to make a reservation if you plan to come on the weekend. read more

Speck Italian Eatery - Ravioli - Italian Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

We had Friday night dinner reservations at Speck, and we definitely needed them! We got there, and we were greeted very warmly by hostess...but we did have to wait 15 to 20 minutes to be seated. Our waitress was very helpful and friendly the whole night. She even guided us to our amazing dessert! We got the cacio e Pepe and the sausage ragu for our dinners, and we had a special for dessert. It tasted like a pitzelle cookie, with lemon ice cream, and a dollop of blueberry jam. The dessert was a perfect mix of sweet, crunchy, and savory. [[HIGHLIGHT]]I would love to go back and sit at the table that is almost inside the kitchen.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

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Service: service was attentive. Water is self pour and the tall glass bottle was always kept full. Staff were friendly and frequently came to ask how our meals were as well if we needed anything else. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Ambiance/Atmosphere: inside is a subtle but modern dining room. The bar is a minimalist but nicely organized space. The chefs table seating directly in front of the kitchen added a nice showcase to the prepping of food.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Food: 1. Ricotta and honey gift. Ricotta is creamy and smooth. Subtle but pleasant flavor. The honey adds a lovely sweetness. The crisp bread is crunchy with a nice salty herby flavor. Really enjoyed 2. Focaccia is crispy on the outside but pillowy soft and airy inside. A lovely salty and olive oil flavor. Dipped in the olive oil and pepper adds an extra layer of bright and kick full flavor. I'd highly recommend. 8.5. Paired with the honey ricotta I'd give it a 10. The honey adds a fantastic sweetness to the salty bread. 3. Bone marrow pasta has perfectly cooked chewy al dente pasta that resembles a braided spaghetti noodle. The taste is bright and quickly cut with that rich bone marrow and short rib. The meat is tender and well salted and seasoned. The greens add an extra bright layer. Crunchy bread crumbs adding a nice texture. I'd highly recommend. 9 4. Sausage ragu has thick cut noodles. The sauce isn't very thick and has a kick. The ragu is well flavored and furthers that spice. The meat is tender. I'd recommend. 6.5 5. Short rib is tender and has an incredible flavor. Melts in your mouth and is easily destroyed by the lightest press of the fork. The sauce is slightly sweet with a tang. The polenta is smooth regardless that's its gritty. Locally sourced and milled corn. It adds a great texture change to the tender rich beef. The polenta itself has a mild yet buttery rich flavor. I'd highly recommend. 8.5 6. Fun fetti gelato tastes just like cake batter but remains not overly sweet. It's delicious with sprinkles adding a nice crunch. Sweet but not sickly. This is incredible. If insist. 10 7. Tiramisu is creamy and very strong. Lady fingers are moist and melt in your mouth. This is definitely one of the strongest tiramisu's I've ever had. If you LOVE coffee is definitely recommend. 6 8. Pizzelle had a delicious white chocolate semifreddo. The pistachios on top add a nice crunch and classic pistachios flavor. The cherry compote on top adds a lovely bright citrusy flavor. The cookies have a nice vanilla sweet flavor. I'd recommend. 7.25 9. Lemon cookies are soft with a sugar cookie base. The Lemon flavor is noticeable but subtle. I'd recommend. 6.25 read more

Speck's exterior is nestled in a great downtown location, and its interior is equally gorgeous. We spent the wife's birthday at Speck, starting at happy hour and transitioning into our dinner reservation. With a healthy respect for their dinner service, I have to say that happy hour was the best part. Obviously we saved a few dollars on their gin-forward cocktail menu until 6:00, but it was their small plates that really stood out. A wonderful focaccia, an excellent gem salad, and a sausage ragú and shredded cheese topped bread (I wish I could remember the exact name) were all were big winners. I liked my appetizer so much that I got the Sausage Ragú entree for dinner. It had more components but couldn't quite recapture the magic of the small plate. It's fine enough if meat and red sauce is your preferred style of Italian. The evening was capped by a tiramisu that was unfortunately disappointing. It's served in a tea cup which is unique, but it really foreshadowed how liquidy the consistency was of the dessert. It definitely needed to set more to congeal in the way that the best tiramisus do. Big picture, you'll find a lot to tempt you at Speck from a menu eye candy and/or people watching standpoint. Some temptations are worth it; some are not. read more

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Speck was a fantastic spot to try out! Every dish tasted delicious and had that fresh, house-made quality. I would highly recommend this place to anyone. For me, the gnocchi and the bone marrow pasta were the standout dishes; absolutely unforgettable read more

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Speck is doing amazing things in that kitchen! Situated in Downtown Columbus will you find this gem. Parking all around and a valet available close by. The restaurant is small and quaint. The staff was welcoming and attentive. We arrived early for our reservation and grabbed a drink at the bar while we waited. My husband ordered a cocktail and I asked for a mocktail in which they made with love. I appreciated the willingness to make me feel included with a special drink. Let me get back to the reason this restaurant is a 5 out 5, a 10 would be a better representation after the food we had. The description I would give the food is an elevated take on Italian classics. Fresh made pasta is the best kind of pasta to eat, need I say more? I am intrigued by the design of each dish and the heart and soul that went into them. This is a culinary genius. My fellow foodies, please come and spread the love. This is definitely on my top favorite in Columbus. Please book in advance and read over the restaurants guidelines to ensure an enjoyable experience. read more

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Finally made it in for dinner. Food and service was fantastic. Lovely atmosphere though a bit loud overall. Really wanted to try so many things on the menu and can't wait to go back. They do have happy hour but not in the dining room, just bar area. Parking is challenging especially after a work day. read more

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[[HIGHLIGHT]]Mid sized trendy with easy parking[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Cute industrial chic with earthy aesthetic vibes[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Good food Excellent service read more

Speck Italian Eatery - Entrance - Italian Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

First time here in a while & we had such an amazing experience the first time. [[HIGHLIGHT]]I love the ambiance. It's so comfortable, pretty and chic inside.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Food: we had the confit wings, mussels, crab pasta and pizzelle. I think I liked it more than hubs. I thought the flavors and portions were great. The crab pasta was unique and I'm glad we tried it. Service: left something to be desired. They had a lot of runners bring our food & they kept messing up who ordered what (we had a party of 6). It let to some confusion and wrong items. Also, food didn't come out together so we got our appetizers before some of our friends, we got our pasta before our friends got their main entrees. Overall, wonderful experience. Hard because the last time we were there everything was amazing. read more

I have been wanting to try this place for the longest time and we were finally able to get a reservation on our anniversary. My expectations were high going in as I had been waiting so long, and they were not only met but blown away. We were first wished happy anniversary by the host and there was the cutest card on the table. Then we were brought complimentary glasses of non alcoholic resiling. It was very thoughtful of our server to ask if we drink, which I think is a first, We had split the foccia bread, gem salad, and I got the Cacio de Pepe and my husband got the Pomodoro. We also had one of each of the moctails. Everything was top notch, especially the foccial and the service was incredible. Our server was Katelyn who went up and beyond to make our night special. There were also several other staff that came by the table bringing items and checking on us, and it felt like a true fine dining experience. Great lighting, comfortable seating,, and positive vibes all around. Definitely recommend! read more

Speck Italian Eatery - Italian Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

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Truly THE best Italian in Columbus. It's a bit boujee but well worth the price. You can tell the noodles are made in house, the are so soft, fresh and full of flavor. The cocktails were good and the burrata was a classic. The desert was also incredible, the ice cream was so tasty. Service was top notch and the food came out quick. This is one of my favorite places now. read more

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Based on the reviews and reputation, I went in with very high expectations. I feel like any restaurant with a 48 hour/$50 pp cancellation policy really needs to bring it. Did not stick the landing. Service was fantastic. Server was personable, professional, knowledgable about the menu. Tables are extremely close together. We could have reached out and touched our neighbors. For me, that really kills the vibe in an upscale dining experience. Focaccia bread was incredible. Incredible. Maybe the best bread I have ever had, and it comes with a nice herb oil for dip dip. Gem salad was lovely with crunch and saltiness from parm cheese. The mezzaluna pasta was a hot mess. Pasta was overcooked and gummy. The accompanying short rib was all fat. I left all of the meat untouched as it was just fat. Considering they are known for their pastas, I was surprised they let the dish out of the kitchen like that. Tiramisu was non traditional and very enjoyable. It comes served in a cup and had an ice cream (gelato?) base. I liked the different textures, just wished it was less sweet and a bit more liquor forward in true italian style. Overall, a very mixed bag. The highs were high and the lows were low. read more

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5/5 -- One of My Favorite Restaurants in Columbus I've been to Speck Italian more times than I can count, but tonight I finally felt compelled to write a review. From the moment I walked in, I was welcomed with friendly, familiar faces -- the kind of hospitality that feels genuine and steady. Seeing many of the same team members still here, three years after Grand Opening, speaks volumes about the strength and consistency of this restaurant. Even on a busy Friday night with no reservation, they found a way to squeeze me in at the chef's counter. [[HIGHLIGHT]]That counter has its own kind of magic -- you can watch the kitchen move in perfect rhythm, feel the energy of the room, and still receive attentive, thoughtful service.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]The music and lighting are always curated to perfection, creating an atmosphere that elevates the entire dining experience.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Thank you. My server was outstanding: knowledgeable about the menu, confident with recommendations, and even offered a wine sample to ensure it matched my taste. Then the bartender went above and beyond by bringing over a complimentary aperitif cocktail I didn't even ask for. I'm not sure what was in it, but it was bright, refreshing, and delicious -- likely with that signature Speck lemon twist. I get the same thing every time -- the crudo, the gem salad, and the sausage ragù entrée. Yet I'm still amazed by how consistently perfect it is. Every visit delivers the same rich, balanced flavors, prepared with care and intention. To finish, the lemon cookies were the perfect ending -- soft, bright, and full of flavor. I had to take them to go because I had no room left, but they were absolutely worth it. Many restaurants ride the hype of a grand opening only to later slip into subpar service or inconsistent food preparation. Speck Italian has managed not only to maintain its quality, but to elevate it year after year. That's rare -- and it's exactly why this place stands out. As Columbus continues to grow, and the food scene grows with it, I hope more restaurants embrace the qualities that make Speck so special: consistency, warmth, pride, and genuine hospitality. Speck Italian remains one of my absolute favorite restaurants in downtown Columbus. Highly recommend to anyone who appreciates great Italian food and a restaurant that truly gets it right. read more

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Excellent food house made Pasta, staff super friendly. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Atmosphere was really bright and nice[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Outside sitting area for nicer weather days[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]. I may eat here again. read more

Speck Italian Eatery - Had the Old Fashioned, and the Fungai Pasta. The Pasta is handmade. Just outstanding. - Italian Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

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One of my favorite places in Columbus for a quick bite to eat. The staff is always friendly and very knowledgeable about the menu, making it easy to find something you'll enjoy. It's a great spot to stop by after work, whether you're grabbing a quick meal or meeting up with friends. Honestly, you can't go wrong with anything on the menu--everything I've tried has been consistently good. Highly recommend! read more

Speck's pasta is top tier! It's flavorful, fresh, and we will definitely be coming back. We sat at the bar, the servers were friendly and attentive. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The restaurant is very cute, clean, and inviting.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Speck Italian Eatery - Pomadoro - Italian Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

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I was here for dinner on a Friday night. I had a party of six adults, but they were able to seat us without a reservation. The server was very friendly and engaging. The lighting is very dim - even the outdoor seating uses the street lamps. I wouldn't really describe it as romantic, but it does make for a nicer place for dinner. I got to try the mezzaluna, which is the ravioli with short rib. This dish was the most expensive yet the smallest portion! It didn't taste good enough to justify the hefty price. I was still hungry. The sausage ragu tasted much better, had a larger portion size than the mezzaluna, but was still not enough to satiate my hunger. Also the dish was cold in some parts! I wanted to tell the server, but he wasn't around for me to catch his attention. As I was waiting, the rest of my group was finishing up their dinner, and I didn't want to make everyone else wait for them to reheat my food. Our group def agreed that we were all still hungry afterwards (except the one guy that ordered focaccia and potatoes bc it was literally all carbs and cheese). TLDR: nice vibes, but not enough food (also posted on Google) read more

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OMFG... Stupid yummy Italian food. Creative, thoughtful, absolutely delicious menu. Friendly and prompt service. Classy interior with music that anyone could enjoy. read more

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Speck is a cute Italian restaurant- where both the wait staff and the kitchen staff care about your experience. I stumbled into this restaurant craving an espresso martini. Not only do they offer espresso martinis, but they're on draft. The martini was creamy and had espresso sprinkles on top. I was also craving something sweet, so I grabbed their tiramisu. The chef brought out my dessert and explained that I should dig all the way to the bottom to get all of layers. This place takes pride in their customer service and also their dishes, it is a must try!! read more

Speck Italian Eatery - Tiramisu and espresso martini - Italian Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

I only tried one dish the octopus ,,, Let me tell you I can't make it better the sauce so light and perfect... love it recommend it !!! read more

Speck Italian Eatery - The Grilled Octopus ... - Italian Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

Went here for my birthday and had a last minute cancellation, so I was alone. Still, the staff made sure to treat me extra special! I had gone before probably 4 months back and my server remembered me. Other servers came up and wished me a happy birthday as well. The bartender made me an NA spritz that was delicious! & of course the food is always perfect. There's lots of great Italian in Columbus, but so far Speck tops them. read more

Speck Italian Eatery - Italian Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

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If you want to go to a restaurant that makes you feel better about your life choices, go here. Sit at the chefs table. See what is making you salivate more. Order accordingly. Better yet, get Sydney to help you order, because her service was absolutely amazing. Actually, let's take a moment to talk about her. Nothing makes me more nervous than a later who is unenthusiastic about the menu. Sydney is the opposite. She articulates every item on the menu so well that you know if you made a bad decision that is not on her. She was kind, attentive, and knowledgeable. Sydney rocks. Let's talk about the drinks. Do you like Negroni's? Yes? Excellent because they have 10 different kinds. Do you not like Negroni's? Same. But it's OK because they have plenty of other unique cocktails on the menu. Let's talk about the food. Actually no there's nothing to talk about. It's divine and you need to just go and order it. Don't sleep on the broccolini and eat your veggies. Go in time for their happy hour where there are amazing appetizers for only five bucks each. Ignore any haters in the ratings. This place was a 10 out of 10. read more

Very fresh and casual ambience. Jeans and shorts are acceptable dress for dinner. Would be a good first date place, but not for a romantic dinner. It's fairly loud when packed. The online menu is not the same as the menu in the restaurant. They currently still have their summer menu. Greeter was very friendly and our server, Taylor, was very sweet and knowledgeable of the menu items. Beware: strict two hour time limit for the table. They do not take table reservations for one, but a party of one can sit at the bar. There is limited outdoor seating and because they keep the front door open, unfortunately there are flies in the restaurant. A bit of a wait after ordering for the food for It to be served. If one had their heart set on the short ribs, prepare for heartbreak....its been removed from the menu. What an absolute shame - it was wonderful. Most of the dishes were superb. The pasta is made fresh on premises. The pepper is fresh cracked - it makes a difference. All of the pasta was perfectly cooked. Great job. If ordering gin, get the Watershed Four Peel - it's local and wonderful. There is no decaf coffee of any kind here. read more

Speck Italian Eatery - Tiramisu - definitely get this!!! One of the best I've ever had. - Italian Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

I can't believe I'm just now getting around to this - but wow! Speck is incredible! Everything, the service, drinks, food, dessert, the vibe. The focaccia is amazing!! It's so warm and fresh, definitely quite oily. So it gets heavy. I've had the mushroom pasta, the pumpkin ravioli, and the confit wings. Everything has been delicious but the mushroom pasta and the pumpkin ravioli were my favorites. Their wine selection is great! Also love their cocktails. Big fan of their limoncello, so delicious. Love this place! read more

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Speck was worth the hype! The pasta was awesome. I got the sausage ragu and was slightly nervous cause our waitress said it was a 5/10 on the spice scale, but I'm glad I got it. It wasn't spicy like red pepper flakes, it was just spicy from the sausage. It was a great dish. I'd totally come back and try more off the menu. Not to mention the focaccia was SO good. The oil that it came with went perfectly with it. I didn't catch our waitresses name but she was awesome and took care of our party of 7 very well. Super friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. Lastly, the birthday cake ice cream was spectacular. We all tried a taste of it and it was top notch. read more

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