Columbus has had its fair share of iconic dishes over the years, but few live rent-free in people’s memories quite like the Pasta Salvi. Back in the day, this golden-fried block of pasta was the talk of the town at a now-closed restaurant called B.G. Salvi’s. And ever since the doors shut, Columbus diners have been chasing the high of that perfect bite.
But here’s the twist most people don’t know… the Pasta Salvi never actually left.
Yep, it still exists. And you can still order it today.
So What Exactly Is Pasta Salvi?
Think of it as pasta’s final form. Egg noodles tossed in a rich cream sauce with scallions, then coated in panko breadcrumbs and fried until the outside is crispy and golden. Inside, it’s all creamy, cheesy, and just indulgent enough to make your cardiologist frown. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill fettuccine. You can tell there’s a whole science (and maybe a little sorcery) behind how perfectly it comes together.
If you’re feeling extra saucy, you can order it “Speciale” style — topped with marinara and a melted slice of provolone cheese. Honestly, this version is the move. The marinara cuts through the richness of the cream sauce, and the provolone pulls everything together in glorious, gooey harmony.
Why Columbus Can’t Let It Go
When B.G. Salvi’s was open, the Pasta Salvi was the dish. The kind of thing people would rave about years later, as if describing a long-lost love. Ask any longtime Columbus foodie what they miss most, and chances are this fried pasta block will come up within the first five minutes.
It’s basically comfort food royalty (and might be why Columbus has such a great network of hospitals.)
Where to Get It Now (Surprise!)
Here’s the good news that many Pasta Salvi fans don’t know: the Pasta Salvi is still alive and well at Delaney’s Diner.
The diner was founded by Jeff and Lisa Miller. Jeff actually worked for the Salvi family restaurants for more than two decades, so when he and Lisa opened Delaney’s, they knew they had to bring the Pasta Salvi with them. And they did it with the original recipe.
That means everyone who remembers the original can still enjoy it, and those of us who were too young to ever visit a B.G. Salvi’s (like me) can finally understand why this thing has such a cult following. Spoiler: it’s way more delicious than it sounds.
They have multiple locations, so wherever you live, there’s probably a Delaney’s that’s not too far away!
Bonus Round: The Breakfast Conewich
Since you’re already at Delaney’s, you should also try the Breakfast Conewich. Imagine three scrambled eggs with grilled onions, green peppers, and cheese, served with a hollow, cornucopia-shaped loaf of bread. It comes with shredded hash browns on the side, but I like to shovel all of it inside the bread cone and eat it like an ice cream cone. It’s chaotic, it’s delicious, and yes… people will stare. But it’s a stare of jealousy, a stare of “why didn’t I order that?”
That’s at least what I tell myself.
The Bottom Line
The Pasta Salvi is more than just a quirky dish — it’s a piece of Columbus food history that’s thankfully still here for us to enjoy. Whether you’re revisiting an old favorite or trying it for the first time, Delaney’s Diner keeps this legendary pasta alive.
Just don’t blame me if you suddenly develop a long-term relationship with cholesterol medication.
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