The feeling of dining in a small Italian village is one of the most sought-after experiences in the world. Yet somehow, some way, a spot hidden in a Columbus plaza is able to do just that.
Most people haven’t even heard of it. After all, it only seats just over two dozen people at once. That makes it as intimate as stumbling upon a restaurant in the Italian mountainside. But if you show up on a whim expecting to get a table, you will leave disappointed.
Why?
Well, for one, this intimate, authentic Italian restaurant requires reservations. And more often than not, you’ll have to make that reservation weeks in advance.
Introducing: Pasqualone’s Ristorante
First of all… Why is it so hard to get into?
There really isn’t one reason. The experience. The atmosphere. The service. The food. Simply put, Pasqualone’s curates an authentic, familial meal for each table. The food you eat is made from recipes that have been passed down for generations.
So you’re not just dining at a restaurant. Pasqualone’s is like being invited over to their house for a family meal. And that feeling isn’t created out of thin air. It’s an intentional, yet natural vibe that David and Lori Pasqualone have curated to perfection.
The Menu
The dishes are inspired by the Abruzzi region of Italy, where members of the Pasqualone family still live today.
The menu is simple:
- Antipasto
- Pasta
- Veal
- Chicken
There’s also a small, simple dessert menu.
The veal meatball is a phenomenal appetizer. It’s stuffed with bocconcini (mozzarella balls) and capicola, then topped with marinara sauce, and it’s even better than it sounds.
Then there’s the house tortellini or the lasagna, which you simply can’t go wrong with.
The one dish you HAVE to know about
But maybe the most intriguing thing on the menu is the Veal Loaf.
It’s made with fresh ground veal, formed into a loaf, and stuffed with:
- Spinach
- Provolone cheese
- Prosciutto di Parma
- Hard boiled egg
- Toasted pine nuts
- Imported Fior de Sardegna cheese
It’s baked, then topped with a mushroom marsala sauce with heavy cream. My mouth is watering just thinking about it, and I would go see a doctor if yours isn’t doing the same.
Dining at Pasqualone’s in Columbus
There’s nothing quite like this spot.
It’s one of the most underrated Italian restaurants in Columbus. Often overlooked, yet still one of the hardest reservations to get. But trust me… with a little planning ahead, it’s a meal you won’t forget.
📍 Pasqualone’s Ristorante | 5766 Emporium Square, Columbus, OH 43231
Hours: Wednesday – Saturday 5 PM – 9:30 PM
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