Artisan Pizza Cafe just opened 3 weeks ago in Columbus and I’m calling it now: This pizza is about to blow up.
This comes much to my dismay, as I’m afraid I may never be able to just walk into this spot without waiting in a line out the door ever again.
But it’s so worth it.
Artisan Pizza Cafe was opened by an African-Italian chef named Jasmin, and get this… she’s never owned or operated a restaurant before. And yet, somehow, the pizza is literally perfect.
300 Flours Later… She Found The One
Jasmin went through over 300 different types of flour before landing on the one she uses now. And BOY does it work.
The crust is firm and crisp, yet fluffy. It’s super thin, but it doesn’t get floppy. No sad, droopy slices here.
The cheese is savory and has a little bit of bite, which is offset beautifully by a tangy, fresh tomato sauce made from the ripest tomatoes. You know the ones. The kind that taste like they were sun-kissed, with just a touch of sweetness to them.
The Crazy Story of How I Discovered It (and Almost Didn’t)
You would’ve never guessed I found this spot after they posted an ad in the Columbus Pizza Connoisseurs Facebook group.
I often scroll those groups haphazardly, and I’m so glad I was paying enough attention to notice that something about this place was different.
From the pictures alone, I knew this pizza was something special.
It had that glowing reddish-orange hue with just a little caramelized brown speckling from the cheese. You know the kind. The kind of photo that makes you drop whatever you’re doing and immediately text five friends about dinner plans.
Every Pie Is Handmade, And That’s the Point
Everything here is made fresh, in-house, entirely by hand. Each pizza has a unique shape, something Jasmin welcomes with open arms.
She believes food is spiritual. If the dough wants to form into something that isn’t a perfect circle, that’s OK. The flavor is what matters, and the flavor is impeccable. She could honestly teach me a lesson or two about embracing imperfections, because while these pizzas aren’t “perfect,” they’re perfect.
You know what I mean?
The Hidden Menu Sauce That Deserves A Permanent Spot on the Menu (And in my Fridge)
Jasmin also makes a cucumber-based sauce inspired by her African roots, and it isn’t even on the menu. But she had us try it… and oh my goodness, I would buy this stuff by the gallon.
It’s light and refreshing from the cucumber, but there’s a complexity of spices that adds serious depth. It’s like tzatziki’s cooler, more sophisticated cousin who studied abroad and came back with a new lease on life and a beautiful blend of spices that span cultures.
Get The Meatballs. Oh My.
She also makes her meatballs from scratch, and they have this beautiful moistness and rich flavor that you just don’t find in store-bought anything. These are meatballs with a story. With soul. With purpose.
You Might Not Always Get One… But If You Do, Consider Yourself Lucky
Because everything is made by hand, Jasmin might not be able to handle a massive rush of orders right away. So if you do manage to get your hands on a pizza, just know: you’re one of the lucky ones.
This isn’t fast food. This is food made with care, culture, and a crazy level of precision. And it’s worth every second of the wait.
Final Thoughts: What a Pie! What a Chef!
This pizza is the real deal.
It’s top 3 for me. Ever. Just look at how happy I am, and how… uhhhhh, entranced (?) my buddy Will is!
And honestly, I can’t wait for people to try it and experience the magic for themselves. Artisan Pizza Cafe is about to become a go-to in the Columbus pizza scene. Get there before the crowds come.
🍕 Artisan Pizza Cafe | 91 E 5th Ave, Columbus, OH 43201