There are some meals that stick with you long after you leave the restaurant. The kind that make you pause mid-bite, look around, and think, is this real life?
And then there’s Speck Italian Eatery in downtown Columbus.
It was one of those nights that felt almost dreamlike — the kind where every dish, every conversation, every little detail comes together so perfectly that you never want it to end.
Located at 89 N High St (just a few blocks from the Statehouse), Speck might just be one of the best dining experiences you’ll ever have.
First Impressions: The Vibe
The second you walk in, you know you’re in for something special. To the right is the bar, backlit by the open kitchen where you can actually watch the chefs in action. To the left is the dining area, filled with warm lighting, hanging plants, and ceilings so high it almost feels like you’re in a movie set.
But look up, and you’ll notice something even cooler. A small room that sits above the bar and kitchen. That is where the magic happens. It’s where Speck makes all their focaccia and pasta from scratch.
We somehow snagged what might’ve been the best seats in the house: high-top bar-style facing the open kitchen. Watching the chefs cook, plate, and present every dish with precision was honestly mesmerizing.
The Food: Where It Gets Unbelievable
Our server, Nick, set the tone for the night. He was friendly, helpful, and knew the menu like the back of his hand. He gave us the rundown on seasonal items, answered every question, and helped us pick the perfect wines (one red, one white).
Here’s how you can replicate our amazing night:
The Starters
Kick things off with the Mussels. Wow… what a way to start. They come swimming in a rich broth topped with thin slices of salami and fennel. The flavor combo is unreal. The salty meat and aromatic fennel add the perfect depth to the dish.
And the scacciata bread that comes with it? A complete game changer. Four thick slices of airy, perfectly toasted bread soak up the broth like a dream. I piled a few mussels, a bit of fennel, and a piece of salami on top of a soaked slice, and I’m not kidding… it was life-changing.
Do that.
Trust me, you have to start with these mussels.
The Pasta
Now for the main event. I was torn between two pastas: the Bone Marrow Casarecce and the Cacio e Pepe. Total opposites, I know, but Nick convinced me to go with the Bone Marrow, and I’m so glad he did.
This dish arrives in two parts: one bowl with spinach casarecce pasta, short rib, herbs, and pecorino, and another with two massive bone halves. Nick scooped the bone marrow out and mixed it into the pasta tableside, and then it was game time.
The marrow melts almost immediately after touching your tongue, creating this buttery, savory richness that’s balanced perfectly by the mint and pecorino. If you’re adventurous at all, get this dish.
We also tried the Pumpkin Caramelle Pasta, which was another showstopper. The caramelle noodles are shaped like little wrapped candies, filled with hearty pumpkin, and cooked to absolute perfection. Eating this dish will give you one of those “ohhhh, THAT’S what al dente actually means” moments.
The Surprise Dishes
We were about to grab tiramisu and call it a night when the kitchen had other ideas. Since it was my birthday, Nick and the chefs decided to go all out.
First came a surprise half-order of Cacio e Pepe, made with gnudi, a light, cheesy pasta bathed in creamy pecorino and cracked pepper sauce. It was simple, but absolutely flawless. It turns out our waiter told our friend Alex, one of the chefs at Speck, that I was debating getting the Cacio e Pepe. So when he found out that it was my birthday, he made it his mission to make it special.
Then he sent out ANOTHER surprise dish, the Tortellini in Brodo. This one blew my mind. It came in a rich bone broth with mortadella mousse and parmesan. It was savory, a little sweet, and had this nostalgic bologna-like flavor that was oddly comforting. It was one of those dishes you eat even after your stomach is begging you to stop because it’s simply too good.
The Grand Finale
For dessert, we ordered the tiramisu, but the Speck team wasn’t done spoiling us yet. They brought out lemon cookies, light and crisp on the outside, filled with a lemon-almond center that was dangerously addictive.
Then came another dessert that I didn’t even see listed on the menu: a lemon mousse over white chocolate. Refreshing, creamy, and the perfect way to end an already unforgettable meal.
A Night Full of “WOW”
By the end of the night, I was honestly a little emotional. It was one of the most memorable birthday dinners I’ve ever had. Huge shoutout to Nick and Alex, who went above and beyond to make it special.
I honestly don’t even know how to put it into words how kind and generous they were… maybe that’s because of my limited writing abilities, but I’m more inclined to think it is because Speck is just a different animal when it comes to hospitality, food, service, and kindness.
That’s what sets Speck Italian Eatery apart. The food is incredible, the atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the service makes you feel like family.
Whether you go for a birthday, anniversary, or just a random Wednesday night, Speck will make you feel special — and feed you some of the best Italian food you’ll have.
Food & Drink Guides
Attention Central Ohio Business Owners!
We built the Step Out advertising program for local businesses that want to get in front of locals in Central Ohio — people actively looking for places to eat, shop, and explore.
A business we advertised even had to hire 2 more people after working with us.
Curious if we’re a good fit for your business?
👉 Learn about our audience
Already thinking, “This sounds perfect for us”?
👉 Learn more about our ads