Columbus isn’t exactly hurting for great Italian food. Between the handmade pastas at Pelino’s, the charming & cozy familial vibes at Lola & Giuseppe’s, and the consistently stellar Basi Italia, we’ve got options.
So when a brand new Italian restaurant opens and somehow manages to hold its own — and then some — you pay attention.
Enter: Osteria Pizzeria.
Tucked away in an unassuming stretch of Olde Towne East, this hidden gem just opened and is already making a serious case for being your next go-to. The space used to house some late-night pizza joints over the years, and while we’ll always have love for a stumble into a slice kind of place, what Osteria Pizzeria has done to this spot is nothing short of incredible.
Think moody lighting, gorgeous exposed brick, crisp neon signs, and a clean, modern layout that somehow still feels warm and inviting. It’s upscale without being pretentious, intimate without feeling cramped, and cool without trying too hard. Basically, they nailed the vibe. And that’s before we even talk about the food.
Let’s talk sandwiches, because WOW.
I came here on a mission to find the best sandwiches in Ohio, and this one? This one stopped me in my tracks.
It’s called the Sicilian Hot Honey, and it’s stacked with mortadella, prosciutto, burrata, housemade pesto, and a generous drizzle of hot honey. The burrata is so creamy it might make you emotional, the pesto is bright and herby, and the hot honey adds the perfect kick of sweet heat. It’s the kind of sandwich that makes you forget every other sandwich you’ve ever loved.
And the focaccia appetizer? Light, airy, golden-crusted perfection. They serve it with housemade garlic confit on the side, and if you’re not dragging every bite of crust through it like your life depends on it, you are doing it wrong.
The pizza deserves its own round of applause
The pies at Osteria Pizzeria are more than just a menu filler… they’re a love letter to the pizza joints that came before them. The dough is chewy with just the right char, and the toppings lean classic, but elevated. It’s the kind of pizza that makes you pause mid-bite and say something dumb like “this crust though.”
But, let’s be honest; if your favorite Italian joint isn’t making you say dumb things out of pure satisfaction, you need to find a new spot for Italian.
Bonus points: it’s directly below a comedy club
Just upstairs from the dining room is The Attic, a comedy club that hosts shows regularly, so whether you’re grabbing dinner before a set or looking to keep the night going after some laughs, this is a one-two punch of a night out.
Plus, this little pocket of Olde Towne East is adorable and under-explored. It’s got some serious charm.
Final Thoughts
In a city full of Italian heavyweights, Osteria Pizzeria could’ve easily gotten lost in the noise. But with a jaw-dropping renovation, ridiculously good food, and a location that makes for a perfect night out, this spot deserves to be top of mind for you foodies.
Go now, before the rest of the city catches on.
📍 Osteria Pizzeria | 892 Oak St, Columbus, OH 43205 | 7 days/week 11 AM – 10 PM