Speck Italian Eatery

Restaurant · Uptown District

Speck Italian Eatery

Restaurant · Uptown District

4

89 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215

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Speck Italian Eatery by null
Speck Italian Eatery by Tyler Jamison
Speck Italian Eatery by Tyler Jamison
Speck Italian Eatery by null
Speck Italian Eatery by null
Speck Italian Eatery by null
Speck Italian Eatery by null
Speck Italian Eatery by null
Speck Italian Eatery by null
Speck Italian Eatery by null
Speck Italian Eatery by null
Speck Italian Eatery by null
Speck Italian Eatery by null
Speck Italian Eatery by null
Speck Italian Eatery by null
Speck Italian Eatery by null
Speck Italian Eatery by null
Speck Italian Eatery by null
Speck Italian Eatery by null
Speck Italian Eatery by null
Speck Italian Eatery by null
Speck Italian Eatery by null
Speck Italian Eatery by null
Speck Italian Eatery by null
Speck Italian Eatery by null
Speck Italian Eatery by null
Speck Italian Eatery by null
Speck Italian Eatery by null
Speck Italian Eatery by null
Speck Italian Eatery by null
Speck Italian Eatery by null
Speck Italian Eatery by null
Speck Italian Eatery by null
Speck Italian Eatery by null
Speck Italian Eatery by null
Speck Italian Eatery by null
Speck Italian Eatery by null
Speck Italian Eatery by null
Speck Italian Eatery by null
Speck Italian Eatery by null
Speck Italian Eatery by null
Speck Italian Eatery by null
Speck Italian Eatery by null
Speck Italian Eatery by null

Highlights

House-made pastas and Italian classics in a lively, trendy space.  

Featured in The Infatuation
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89 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215 Get directions

speckrestaurant.com
@speck_italian

$50–100 · Menu

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89 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215 Get directions

+1 614 754 8544
speckrestaurant.com
@speck_italian

$50–100 · Menu

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Last updated

Aug 25, 2025

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@infatuation

The 19 Best Restaurants In Columbus, Ohio 2024

"Always lively with the celebratory clinks of wine glasses, Speck is ideal for a birthday gathering or night out with the grown-ups. Kick off the meal with a classic Negroni or the Campari-spiked Garibaldi, then order perpetual table pleasers like the speck and burrata starter featuring crisp giardiniera and the gem lettuce salad that comes under an avalanche of parmesan. The pasta here is made in its very own “pasta room,” which overlooks the street-level dining room and churns out noodles for dishes like bucatini pomodoro, sausage ragu mafaldine, and the decadent casarecce with bone marrow. No visit is complete without a digestif and the chewy Tuscan lemon cookies." - erin edwards, kindra peach

https://www.theinfatuation.com/columbus/guides/best-restaurants-columbus-ohio
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@infatuation

Speck Italian Eatery Review - Downtown - Columbus - The Infatuation

"Always lively with the celebratory clinks of wine glasses, Speck is ideal for a birthday gathering or night out with the grown-ups. Kick off the meal with a classic Negroni or the Campari-spiked Garibaldi, then order perpetual table pleasers like the speck and burrata starter featuring crisp giardiniera and the gem lettuce salad that comes under an avalanche of parmesan. The pasta here is made in its very own “pasta room,” which overlooks the street-level dining room and churns out noodles for dishes like bucatini pomodoro, sausage ragu mafaldine, and the decadent casarecce with bone marrow. No visit is complete without a digestif and the chewy Tuscan lemon cookies." - Erin Edwards

https://www.theinfatuation.com/columbus/reviews/speck-italian-eatery
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@eater

The 29 Best Restaurants in Columbus, Ohio | Eater

"Take the 40-minute trip north to the city of Delaware to visit Speck, where chef Josh Dalton serves joyfully nontraditional twists on Italian dishes (think: confit chicken wings and balsamic glazed Iberico ribs). Start the meal off with sfincione (Sicilian pizza) with rich olive oil and flaky sea salt, or the humboldt fog toast layered with browned butter, radicchio, and sage. Then feast on octopus and grilled branzino, and end with the budino featuring amaretto and macadamia." - Angela Lee

https://www.eater.com/maps/best-restaurants-columbus-ohio
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@postcardnews

A lively downtown room for house‑made pastas and Italian classics with personality. Praised by The Infatuation and spotlighted by Axios for its fresh pasta program and spirited vibe.

https://www.theinfatuation.com/columbus/reviews/speck-italian-eatery
Best Restaurants in Columbus (2025)
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Nichole Armstrong

Google
This was my third time going and once again it was not a disappointment. Everything is perfect from start to finish. The staff is very efficient and on top of everything. Also are very knowledgeable and able to give you a friendly perspective on dishes to pick from. The food is served quickly and so delicious. Embrace the menu and definitely get a lot of items to share and take home if necessary. Can't wait for my next trip back

Lisa M. Foti

Google
Treat yourself to an exceptional ✨️ Italian meal at Speck! You'll be delighted by their attention to detail, savory sauces, and outstanding presentation. Exemplary Service and vibrant nightlife make this a must if you're traveling across I-70 and have a hankering for an exquisite meal!

Kelly Rowoldt

Google
Outstanding dinner with friends at Speck! We started with the wedge, wings, risotto, and mortadello. Our mains included the new crab pasta, short rib, bone marrow pasta, and polpo. Everything was delicious, but the octopus stole the show!

Marie Kang-Scott

Google
We had dinner with friends at Speck, a modern Italian restaurant, and it was our first time visiting. I really enjoyed it! My husband and I shared the Chianti Braised Short Rib and the Wedge Salad, while our friend ordered the Crab Spaghetti. The short rib was incredibly tender and flavorful, and our friend loved her spaghetti. The focaccia bread was served hot and was so tasty. The service was excellent, and the ambiance made for a great dining experience. I can’t wait to go back on our next trip to Columbus!

Cinthya Holder

Google
Round of applause for the chef—everything was delicious! Lucy was fantastic and made our night! My mind works differently and I felt so understood and well taken care of :)

Oliver Jap

Google
Delicious Food Italian food 🥵, great modern experience, but a bit slow. Definitely recommend the bread and the sausage ragu, and pretty much everything. I went during lunch, which didn't have all of the dinner menu 😭. It was also cool to see them make the noodles through the top window. Overall great experience!

Chris Hubbs

Google
Speck offers an excellent atmosphere perfect for business, casual gatherings, or dates. The ambiance is truly a highlight. One minor point for improvement: we were preemptively informed about the following reservation for our table. While understandable, this could feel a bit rushed for those needing more time, such as during a business discussion. Overall, a great spot with a minor communication aspect to consider.

Mustafa Serwan

Google
I went there for Friday night; the food was average. The dessert was unique for sure. Not sure I will visit again. They need to have better menu with Italian authentic items unless they want to stick to their fusion style. If you are looking for that then maybe give it a try
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Diana N.

Yelp
My favorite restaurant in the city. My goodness. They change menus seasonally and everything is so so so good. My favorite has been the crab pasta (in the summer) and the corn tortellini (early fall). Ragu never fails, but the crab pasta reigns supreme, even with the market price tag. Celebrated my birthday here and they made it so special. The staff is always good. The music is amazing here. It's always such a vibe. I have zero complaints. Their mussels are FIRE! When something semi special is going on, like a friend visiting, I try to squeeze in a Rez here. It is so good! You cannot go wrong.
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Jennifer R.

Yelp
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.
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Karina A.

Yelp
Amazing food and ambiance! Tried the bone marrow this time, so unique and phenomenal. Their mascarpone ice cream is also something special.
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Tom P.

Yelp
Lets start out I went to this restaurant when they were in Delaware Ohio, and it was great there so I was excited to try again in downtown Columbus. We started out with the Focaccia bread which was just as I remembered. The wedge salad was great and covered parmesan cheese and the delicious Anchovy crisp. The Risotto and Scallops were incredible and perfectly cooked. The star on the meal was the Chianti braised short rib, oh my and the picture doesn't really do justice for how big it really is. The service is perfect, they don't rush you letting you enjoy each bite. If your looking for something upscale this place does impress. Make sure you make a reservation, thou it's always busy.
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Catelyn H.

Yelp
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!!
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Clara C.

Yelp
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)
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Sammi M.

Yelp
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.
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Maisha R.

Yelp
A few of us tried walking in on a Friday evening and were able to get seated within the hour, with bar space available before that. It was well worth the wait - this was some of the best pasta I've had! My husband and I split the crab pasta and short rib, the short rib was incredibly tender and the crab pasta was packed with flavor and super unique. There were several items on the menu I'm interested to try next time!
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Janine R.

Yelp
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.
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Meghan M.

Yelp
My fiancée and I came here last night for a special dinner. The vibes of the restaurant in the evening are incredible. Our server was so nice and was great at answering our questions and helping us find the perfect wine for our meal. We decided to start with the burrata appetizer which was great. Then I decided to get the truffle pasta which was a special last night. It was so good!! They need to put this on the regular menu. Then we finished with dessert which was also amazing. Such a great place to come for a special Italian dinner!
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Tulsi P.

Yelp
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!

Anita H.

Yelp
Excellent!! A must try. I've been determined to go since we moved up to Ohio and I'm so glad I finally got to go! We went right at opening and were sat immediately and treated like VIP. Our server Kaitlin was so friendly and gave us excellent recommendations.
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Jacob L.

Yelp
Ate here last night. Still thinking about the scallop and risotto. The beef ragu was spicy and a little sweet from the sauce with a generous mount of pecorino on top. The fungi was also really delicious. The ambience and service couldn't have been better
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Rachel N.

Yelp
We went for lunch and had a nice experience. Parking is paid street parking so keep that in mind. The servers were very attentive. The lighting was not too dim and it felt spacious in the restaurant. We had the pomodoro and the sausage ragu and both tasted great! We had a noodle dish with egg as well which we thought was ok. We would go back again. The bone marrow pasta interests me as it smelled great when it walked past our table.
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Talor B.

Yelp
Finally made it into the infamous Speck. Overall vibe is very cool - the space made me think of some places I've been to in larger cities. Service was also pretty good - our waiter was attentive and definitely helped us with food and wine recommendations. Now onto the food. We got the infamous burrata - pretty good with the prosciutto but not mind blowing. For my main I went with the scallops. Again great flavor but for almost $40 and the smaller portion I think I would have liked to be a little more impressed. Overall I may stop back in for a lunch or on a special date night but I do feel like I got the full experience this trip.
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Lexie V.

Yelp
From the moment I made reservations (and then changed them because we were late to get into town) the service was great. The restaurant is so cute, very fun and funky and modern at the same time. We sat at the chef's counter and it's fun to watch them cook your food. We watched the pastry cook made desserts all night and he was so friendly. He even gifted us a sorbet - now I can't remember what it was but something fruity/citrusy with some sea salt and olive oil. Holy cow it was GOOD. We also got the tiramisu, which is layers of bitter espresso whip, Marscapone ice cream and chopped lady fingers ... phenomenal. Hands down best tiramisu I've ever had and I am a pastry chef. But back to the savory food- we started with the potatoes (add a side of lemon aioli for your mind to be blown) and focaccia. Very tasty! For two of us it was a large portion. Then I ordered the special... some ricotta and basil stuffed ravioli, sauce less but with short rib and the short rib juices, and crispy pine nuts - WOOOOOOOW. I mean. WOW! My husband got the Ragu and it had a kick to it - which was a pleasant surprise for my slice loving guy. He basically licked that bowl clean. 15/10 seriously delicious. Oh and we got the lemon cookies to go, an amazing late night treat and snack with our coffee the next morning
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Katie B.

Yelp
Had an amazing experience at Speck! We went for an early Valentine's dinner. The ambiance was perfect, the food was amazing, and our server (Lucy) was fantastic. I would definitely recommend the focaccia starter and the dessert liqueurs (especially the pistachio), but everything we got was delicious. Wonderful place if you're looking for something quality and upscale without being stuffy.
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Edward M.

Yelp
Beef Short Rib, and the accompanying Polenta is the best I have ever had. It was so creamy and flavorful, the rib was so tender and slightly fatty. Oh man I want another one right now. Bone marrow was good but the pasta that came with it was super herby strong. The staff are super friendly and good at their job. There is a healthcare charge, they say it on the menu, and I am glad to pay it for these great workers! You can have it removed if you ask them.
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Greg M.

Yelp
Food and service were outstanding! Management is very disappointing. Came in on a Tuesday night for dinner. Had a glass of the Super Tuscan that was very good, though a nice cab is more my style. Had the focaccia bread which was crazy good as well as the Sausage Ragu which was even better than the bread! Would have taken home a quart of it if they sold it that way. Waitress agreed that was a good idea and asked the kitchen, but came back with an email address to see if something could be arranged (after 48 hours, no response). Finished with the Maritozzo that was drenched in raspberry and lemon- OMG was it good! My only complaint is their pricing structure. They lay a health insurance guilt trip on you by applying a 3% surcharge to your check so they don't have to pay for their employees to get heath care. This is ridiculous. You either want to provide health care or you don't. Separating it on the bill is akin to a hospital asking for a facility fee...can't really do one without the other. Are you going to put the building's lease as a surcharge on the bill in the future? Health care is a cost of doing business. Raise your prices to cover it if you feel you can't take it out of your existing EBITDA. For what it's worth, I've had several great meals over the last 2 months in Columbus, this being one of them. This was the LEAST expensive of the visits I've had.
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Yue B.

Yelp
We had a lovely experience at Speck for a date night. Pros: The food options are unique and portions were great for the appetizers and pasta. We didn't order the proteins or main entrees so can't speak for those. Mussels - 4/5 Wings -5/5 my husband's favorite and will get this next time! Mushroom pasta 4/5 - can use a bit less herbs Bone marrow pasta 3/5 - unique dish but can't really taste it in the pasta Pistachio dessert 5/5 definitely save room for dessert!! Our cocktails were good as well and we really enjoyed the vibe. It's giving big city and chill. Con's: I took one star away because we came to celebrate an early anniversary but the only thing they did was a note on our menu card. The server also mentioned it when we first ordered food but nothing else afterwards. Not even a candle on our dessert so just not what I'm expecting from a fine dining for your special occasion.
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Ness S.

Yelp
We've been meaning to come here for a while. This is an excellent restaurant in downtown Columbus, a very close walk from one of its sister restaurant Veritas. I thought the ambiance, food, and service were all wonderful. The main room itself is very large with tall ceilings. From the moment you walk in to the restaurant, the staff greets you and makes you feel welcome and comfortable. Our server was especially knowledgeable and very friendly. The food was delicious. We started with the mussels--which was a very shareable dish and quite large. The short ribs were amazing -- fall of the bone and melt in your mouth good. My wife really liked her sausage Ragu as well. We look forward to returning!
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Kate W.

Yelp
Visited again for my birthday dinner and it was so good! We arrived ~15 mins before our reservation but were sat straight away. I came with my boyfriend and parents -- it was my parents first time. Our server gave us so many great recommendations! To start we ordered the gem lettuce salad, burrata + speck, and focaccia which were all amazing. I'm not usually a big prosciutto fan but the speck was great. The gem lettuce salad is so light and refreshing, one of my favorite salads anywhere. And the focaccia was amazing per usual. For entrees my parents for two of the season items -- a short rib pasta and one with sweet corn (I can't remember the actual names of the dishes). They both came with a stuffed pasta and were delicious! My boyfriend had the special which was a ribeye. It was cooked to perfection and came with an amazing cacio e pepe sauce. Wish it came with a side (other than a single tortellini lol) but we had lots of appetizers so it was fine. I ordered the pomodoro, it isn't as flavorful as some of the others but the pesto olive oil is amazing and it's a good staple. The noodles are always made fresh which I love. For dessert we have the affogato but their espresso was not working so we had it without and it was delicious. They also gave me a complimentary mini ice cream cone for my birthday! I love Speck and always recommend when someone is looking for good Italian or a nice meal downtown! I plan to be back again!
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Tameria J.

Yelp
This place is a 12 out of 10!! Everything, I have tried here is delicious. Loved the chef table/corner! Everyone is very courteous and hip. The lighting and the music is great. The surrounding tables are not distracting when it comes to hearing the discussion at your own table. This is a spot where out of town guest must make a STOP!!
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Mandi E.

Yelp
fantastic experience. enjoyed myself at the bar with help from Max. Very knowledgeable and gave me excellent recommendations and pairings to my entries. Thank you for such incredible service! I will be back on my next date night. I loved the mushroom pasta, very creamy sauce great with lemon. Dessert affogato was delicious.
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Michael G.

Yelp
I've been wanting to try speck since their days in downtown Delaware. Happy we finally made it happen. Downtown Columbus location that seems to have many metered street parking spaces. We were able to park in front utilizing the new Cbus parking app. Our order consisted of focaccia bread loaf, house made, and it cost $9. The bread was 5* but I'm mixed in paying that much. It was so tasty. We paired that with the 5* Caesar and a very cold Peroni draught. We ordered the Pomodoro and Bone Marrow Pastas. The Pomodoro was 5*, the Bone Marrow pasta was kind of dry for me, the dish is a good idea though, just not for me even though I love bone marrow. We were ably served by Eric. Clean bathrooms thanks for that. We are fans fog sure!

Jill K.

Yelp
Loved almost everything about Speck! The service was great other than the host who told us what time we needed to be out of our table. We were told when we made the reservation. No need to repeat it unless we were taking a long time at the table. We hadn't even sat down yet. Our server was wonderful and very knowledgeable about the menu and drinks. The focaccia bread was excellent. The salad was also delicious but very large so we shared it which is what our server recommended. Dinner was delicious but could have been served hotter. It was lukewarm but still yummy. We will definitely be back to give it another shot. The decor was beautiful.
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Jeff B.

Yelp
This is our closest thing to a Michelin star restaurant in Ohio. The best tasting restaurant I've been to in Columbus. Just every single bite is an immersive experience. From the short rib ravioli to the potatoes, every single thing we had was an astronomical flavor profile. Service was great! The staff were attentive and quick to get back to us on questions. The whole place has a busy yet secluded feel to it. Open dining concept but still having each little tables feeling of intimacy. With a fire playlist on Aux, we were jamming and enjoying some terrific food and drinks Go here if you want the best pasta in the state.
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Katie F.

Yelp
Had a girls night out at Speck and truly enjoyed our experience. Decided we were going super late, so there were no reservations available. We got there right as they opened and sat at the bar -- had phenomenal service through our 3 courses + cocktails. Cocktails: I had the Don't be Shy because I was intrigued by the honey vanilla bean vodka. I'm normally not a lavender person but the way the flavors were curated was phenomenal. My friends had the espresso martini and the nuthin' but a g thang which were both so great. App: We had the speck & Buratta. The "speck" is the prosciutto that they include with the Buratta. It was incredible. Main: I got the fungi. You have to REALLY like mushrooms in order to enjoy this one. It was honestly a little much for me, and I like mushrooms . What I wish I would have gotten was the cacio e Pepe my friend got -- it was incredible. Dessert: Rivaled the others for best course. Our table got an affogato (the white chocolate pistachio shell was to die for) and a cannoli which was like a deconstructed cannoli but so so good. I will absolutely be back to this cute and curated spot!
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Emily H.

Yelp
Amazing spot in downtown Ohio--the best meal I had in Columbus! The Sausage Ragu dish I ordered has so much flavor and was absolutely delicious!! Highly recommend if you're in the mood for delicious, handmade Italian. The interior was beautiful decorated, even down to the menus. Really enjoyed my experience here.
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Hang N.

Yelp
Great ambiance, food is okay good, not as good as I expect. The best thing is the gem salad, it's fresh and crunchy, totally recommend this. The crab pasta is good and al dente. Hope they could have put in a different plate so its easier to take the sauce. Short rib is too dry and salty, at one point we couldn't finish it since there is quite a lot going on and its too dry to chew. Tiramisu is good, but i find the portion between the lady finger and cream is off, since there is too much creamy cream and too little cake to balance it off.
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Tada Y.

Yelp
We went to Speck on a double date on a Friday evening. The restaurant is well appointed and my wife loved the floral aprons of the wait staff (basically Rifle Paper Company patterns). Service is fast, friendly and very accommodating without being too intrusive in the meal. I think I probably set the bar a bit too high for my expectations for this restaurant given the amazing reviews it has gotten to date. While I really hoped this would truly be fantastic, the food and drinks were good, but not extra special in my opinion. We ordered cocktails - I ordered the Amanti e Amici - and it was quite good overall, but moved to an old fashioned for my next drink. Again, definitely a reasonable drink, but not especially inventive. We had appetizers (Mussels and Speck + Burrata), Mains (Cacio e Pepe, Bone Marrow, and two of their specials), and split Tiramisu for dessert. Again, I would say the food was good, but just not great and up to the level of hype that I feel this eatery gets. Bottom Line: Speck is definitely a solid restaurant overall with good offerings and great staff - just not one of the places I generally would tell my friends they need to go to if visiting Columbus from out of town. Chapman's Eat Market or Lindey's would probably be recommendations I might make for others looking at a similar price point for a special event.
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Chris S.

Yelp
This was incredible!!! Caitlyn was just a joy and the most knowledgeable server we have ever had. The app called facota bread was so good we ordered more. You must try this as it would have been just a meal for each of us. The wings are a huge order and the flavor pops in your mouth. You actually can see the flavor in the dish. My dinner was the sausage pasta Ragu. The portion was perfect and so filling. Dessert was the brioche filled with things , pictured below. It was incredibly amazing. The atmosphere was strong and we felt at home.
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Jayme J.

Yelp
6/5 stars. Amazing!! Every dish was wonderful. My only wish is that they had more seating so it's easier to get a reservation whenever I'm craving it.
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Elise I.

Yelp
My partner and I discovered Speck Italian Eatery on Instagram reels. Intrigued by videos of the interior and food, we made our way to the restaurant for a date night. We were greeted by the host once we walked in. He asked if we wanted to sit at the bar or the chef's bar. We were unable to sit at a table because those seats were for reservations and they were fully booked. Once we were seated, our server immediately came to us to pour us water and thoroughly explain the menu. The chef was so kind to gift us tortellini as an appetizer. I chose the Bone Marrow pasta and my partner got the Sausage Ragu. I personally did not like the bone marrow pasta but my partner loved it more than his own dish. For dessert we ordered the delicious pistachio cannolo! In addition, the chef gifted us lemon cookies. In my opinion, the dessert was the best part of the meal! Even though the main dish wasn't to my liking, I would 100% recommend this place to other people because of their kind service. I would come back to try other entrees and hopefully find my favorite dish the next time that I am here!

Mary C.

Yelp
Amazing place to eat and experience! The food and service are wonderful. We have been for lunch and many dinners. The chef, Josh Dalton is someone to follow! Focused and delicious attention to detail! Bartender, was a woman, is the best! A happy place to be!
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David E.

Yelp
Appetizers of bread with oil and the mortadella plate were delicious. The crab pasta was amazing. Will certainly return. Fast and attentive friendly service. Bright and fresh in a new style space.
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Les R.

Yelp
I was disappointed a bit but others in my party may have had a different experience. Pros: Presentation of dishes. Excellent Service and our server Zoe was amazing. All staff interactions were great. Most dishes were really good, and some exceptional. The atmosphere was perfect and loved the layout and design of the inside. Also love the handmade pasta. Cons: Took absolutely way to long for our main dishes to come out. I swear I think the order got lost for a second. Thank goodness it was a group of friends and we were in no hurry. My main dish was super salty to the point that I am still thinking about the disappointment today. They are not being transparent in advance or when ordering of the 3% employee benefits percentage added to the bill. They slip that right in there. Please don't be the kind of person that takes that out of the gratuity as the servers work hard for their money and are excellent. There is $20 deposit per person on reservations of a party 1 to 8. If you complete the dinner it is credited back to the original payment method. Helpful Tips: Make reservations way in advance. Table seating is limited. There are two gender neutral private/single restrooms on each side of the back of the restaurants. For food we started with: -Mussels (?) - Recommend. Delicious and the sauce amazing -Focaccia ($9) - Recommend. It's awesome. -Speck + Burrata ($17) - Recommend. Dinner: -Short Rib ($42) - this is a winner. -Sausage Ragu ($24) - do not recommend. Looks pretty but disappointing. I had this and it was way too salty. -Crab (Market price) - a friend liked it. -Scallop ($33) - recommend. - Milanese ($36) - recommend. This was the best dish in my opinion Desserts and recommend them all. We did table desserts and all shared the following: -Tiramisu ($11) -Pistachio Cannolo ($12) -Affogato e Amaro ($9) -Lemon Cookies ($6) -Maritozzo ($6) Though I recommend checking it out for the atmosphere and service, I personally am not really planning on being back. Some of the policies and my main dish left a bad taste in my mouth though being out with friends saved the experience. That and being able to have a bite of everyone's main dishes and doing table desserts.
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Lisa Z.

Yelp
Hands down absolutely one of my favorite restaurants in Columbus, and definitely my favorite Italian restaurant. The Fungi mushroom pasta was super creamy with a good dash of umami with all their crispy mushrooms. The mussels were on their special menu and the broth was amazing. We were so full by the end we couldn't even consider the dessert menu, but that just means we need to come by again next time for it. FYI parking around the area can be hard to find since it's downtown. Rezzies through Tock are also $20 per person but get refunded after your dining experience!
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Tom C.

Yelp
First thing that hit me about this place was, it has the best location smack dab in the heart of downtown, and the decor and ambiance it creates is epic. Urban bohemian Bright and fresh are the words I'd use to describe it. My coworkers had the salads and I had the pomodoro. The dish was packed full of flavor. Silly pasta noodles, creamy sauce and the ricotta and chive oil were sooooo good I could eat it on every pasta dish for the rest of my life. The coolest thing is that not only can you see the kitchen and the chefs making your meal but you can also see the prep kitchen in the upper level through a glass wall. I saw them making the pasta I was eating. Very cool experience. Recommendation to owners: I didn't take any points off for this cause I know your a new location and restaurant, but, it's important because after I recommended you to some friends they all complained about not being able to make a reservation online. So please either fix your online reservation system or update your phone system. Was impossible for us to make reservation as well the second time we came. Thanks!!!
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Capt H.

Yelp
Mmmmmm! Just had a top five 2024 meal at this downtown Italian restaurant. On my last night of a 27 day usa work tour, I was looking for the best dinner possible. I opened with the Burrata, did not come with tomato, but instead a delightful thin cured ham, and a mozza ball in a bath of olive oil that went down perfectly. The Shishito peppers were next and the lemon creme sauce served on the side was an ideal balance of citrus and spice. Parmesan crust was the third corner of a feast for my palate, Still smiling an hour later. Next I had Pasta al oglio, following italian dining tradition, These guys are serving american portions so there was some kind discussion of whether I could eat an appetizer, a pasta, and entree, and a salad to finish. I asked for the pasta half size and continued my traditional dinner. A few pine nuts in a well prepared house made pasta meant I finished all my spaghetti. At the same time the neighboring table had a focaccia delivered that looked amazing, Next time! The Chianti short ribs came next. Tender, not overcooked and wonderful. Served on a delicious polenta flavored with hard cheeses and reminded me of great southern grits just a little bit. Presentation over a large rib bone was also beautiful. I had to finish with the Bibb salad in Italian tradition, but on a normal day this and the Burrata would have made a good meal. There is a 100% chance I will be back on my next Columbus Ohio visit! Get here if you can...
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Cassandra R.

Yelp
Delicious food and a cute atmosphere! Reservations are a little challenging (so try to book in advance) and parking downtown can be a struggle but not enough to detract from their excellent food and the attentive service! We split their gem salad, Foccacia bread and a crab/truffle pasta and it was the perfect amount of food. The portions aren't huge and can be a touch pricy compared to other places in Columbus but nonetheless worth trying ! The focaccia was incredible- large flaky salt flavored, olive oil, a perfectly warm and soft middle. The salad was also a good portion size and all the veggies were well picked and high quality! And the crab pasta was delicious- large chunks of crab throughout, the truffle sauce was flavorful but still light. It's a modern take on Italian done very well. Overall would definitely recommend trying!
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Nick M.

Yelp
Great spot and loved the vibes here. Staff was very friendly, food was delicious, and both food & wine were adequately priced. Our server was super knowledgeable on the menu and gave great recs for the wine. I had the pasta carbonara and my girlfriend had the pasta pomodoro. Only reason I didn't give 5 stars was that you have to make a $20 per person deposit on your reservation (cancellation window is 48 hours or more), and contrary to what the staff tells you that deposit does not count towards your bill (they refund it the next day).
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Ines D.

Yelp
Speck has been on my list of places to go to for a while and last night I got to check it out with a friend. We did not have a reservation at the time but the host was able to get us seated immediately so that was a huge plus! Some things to note are that the drink menu is extensive! So if you're in the mood to have some wine, this is your place. When it came to the dinner menu, it did seem a little limited (in my opinion), nonetheless there are still lots of great options that all sounded divine. My friend and I ended up ordering the confit wings to start, which were very citrusy & light! The wings are a great appetizer option. As for our entrees, we decided on the tortellini en brodo (tortellini & braised lamb), and the sausage ragu. Both were amazinggg! I really enjoyed the tortellini dish, however the pasta itself wasn't as flavorful as I would've liked for the price point and I enjoyed the sausage ragu more! Lastly, I have to mention that the space itself is sooo cute! Not only is the interior design unique and eye catching but there is a room above the kitchen that can be seen into where all the bread/ pasta is handmade!! This spot is definitely worth checking out.
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James W.

Yelp
Great ambience and service. Started with the wedge salad and brussels & artichokes which were fresh and flavorful. I had the fungi pasta dish which I could eat every day. Tried other pasta dishes and they were solid. Good cocktails and wine selection as well. Don't forget the lemon cookies.
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Josh R.

Yelp
This was my first time at Speck but it came HIGHLY recommended! My first impression was over the phone when I was trying to make a reservation. I was calling super last minute, and the staff was incredibly helpful in finding a time that fit within my ideal frame. Our server Eric was incredibly nice and personable, asking our group about how me met, what brought us to Columbus, etc. The restaurant was a tad loud, but that was more as a result of the customers, not at fault of the staff. The food was SO good. I got the focaccia and the linguine. Both were phenomenal. The focaccia was airy and soft, and paired perfect with the oil given. The linguine was creamy and just the right amount of lemony! I definitely will come back the next time I'm in Columbus.
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Elizabeth H.

Yelp
Fantastic food and attentive service. It is a bit pricier, but not bad for a special night out. Portions are for a single person, we didn't have leftovers but were completely full. We got the focaccia, mussels, wedge salad, bone marrow, and fungi pasta - every dish was beautifully plated, delicious, and creative. If you're looking to treat yourself to a nice, sophisticated dinner, this is the spot! I would definitely go back to try their sandwiches from the lunch menu.
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Payal P.

Yelp
I was visiting with my partner and their family. We had reservations for dinner. The inside has a great feel to eat. The server was great and REALLY knew the menu which was very much appreciated with two vegetarians at the table. The food was delicious and varied from typical Italian food you would get elsewhere. The tiramisu was not typical and a little disappointing for a table of tiramisu lovers. The dish it was served in also made it hard to get a perfect bite. Would highly recommend and will be coming back for the mushroom pasta dish I had alone!!! The mushroom pasta did not have an overwhelming mushroom flavor either.
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Alexa N.

Yelp
I have been hearing about Speck Italian Eatery, got to try it, and now I have been back multiple times! The only thing that is a hassle is parking since the location is downtown. There is a garage nearby along with street parking. The atmosphere is beautiful. Since it's warm out, they open up the windows so natural lighting comes in. It's always packed so I would highly suggest making reservations instead of walking in. They also have a bar area that is first come first serve. I love their foccacia bread and gem lettuce. I don't know what it is about the gem lettuce, but it's absolutely delicious. The lettuce is always so crisp and I love the addition of the pistachios. I have tried the pomodoro pasta, sausage ragu, and the mussels. The pastas are a little overpriced, especially for the portions, in my opinion, but they are delicious! I would have to say the sausage ragu is my favorite so far, but I have not eaten a bad thing here. The food comes out pretty quick and service is alright. I have not tried their cocktails yet, but their wines are delicious.
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Tatianna S.

Yelp
We walked into Speck on a Friday night l, and surprisingly got a table near the bar! I would recommend walking in and waiting at the bar if it's a party of two. I know it's becoming the norm - but I really don't like how restaurants are starting to charge a deposit to reserve, and specks is $20 per person, very steep. We started with the focaccia which was phenomenal. Definitely a must! We then split the salad which was a good size portion for two! Lots of cheese - no complaints. I had the bolognese and he had the pork Milanese. Both were good. Overall - speck was cute and great date spot. Columbus does have lots of competition for Italian food though, so I think I'll have a better opinion on Speck if I go again if they change their menu. Their menu is small, so hoping they'll switch things out occasionally. Our server was super sweet.