Social Profile: 
✔️Breakfast ✔️Lunch ✔️Dinner ✔️Dine in
… View more
Buongiorno! We are excited to share with you our interpretation of Italian Cuisine. Our food may not be traditional Italian, but it is influenced by the vibrant culture of Italy and its deep-rooted passion for really good food. We cook what we are excited about, food that moves us. Our dishes have been thoughtfully prepared by Chef Josh Dalton with intention to be both delicious and playful. We believe that when you love what you do it shows, and you can taste the difference. We are excited to be serving you in our new downtown Columbus location! Grazie!
Address and Contact Information
Address: 89 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: (614) 754-8544
Website: http://speckrestaurant.com/
Menu Photos
Photo Gallery
Related Web Results
Speck Italian Eatery
FAQ/Policies · Gallery · Speck Italian Eatery · 89 North High Street Columbus, OH, 43215 United States. 614-754-8544. [email protected]. Aubrey + Paul. 0 …
Speck Italian Eatery – Columbus, OH – Tock
… Speck Italian Eatery. Columbus, OH · Italian · $$. We are excited to share with you our interpretation of Italian Cuisine. Our food may not be traditional …
Speck Italian Eatery (@speck_italian) · Columbus, OH – Instagram
15K Followers, 3426 Following, 679 Posts – Speck Italian Eatery (@speck_italian) on Instagram: “Where Tradition Meets Modernity By Josh Dalton”
Reviews
Orey Wilson
Went to Speck on a whim tonight after hearing only good things and I wasn’t disappointed. The moment I walked in, the atmosphere was upbeat with a good din of conversation, but not overwhelming. I was seated at the Chef’s Counter which gave an excellent view of the open kitchen. I started with the focaccia which is served with a delicious herb oil. The bread was super soft and pleasantly salty. For my main I got the Funghi pasta with occhi, white wine & crema, and fresh herbs as well as the Scallops served with a spicy yam risotto. The scallops were well cooked and the risotto was not-too-spicy and the pancetta gave it an addictive saltiness. However, the pasta was absolutely delicious and my top-pick. It was earthy, creamy, and the mushrooms gave it a great texture. The herbs also gave it a vibrant green (which, obviously means the pasta was healthy, right?). As I packed up, I ordered the Lemon Cookies to-go and was surprised with a delectable pair of mini cannoli with chocolate and raspberries as a gift from the kitchen. My waiter, Ethan, was attentive and friendly and gave some great recommendations. The next time I have someone I’d like to impress, I’m definitely keeping Speck high on the list. Can’t wait to go back.
… moreRyan Tocker
After weeks of trying to get a reservation we were luckily enough to secure a Valentines Day dinner with us and our friends. You know a place is going to be amazing when they are booked and busy even on weekdays.
Atmosphere:
Cozy and quaint interior with warm lighting. It was a full house but it didn’t feel packed tight. Some noise, but what else do you expect from a fully booked evening. Still quiet enough for us to talk at our own table.
Drinks:
Went with the wine, but I’ve heard the cocktails are also good. Wine selection is concise and feels intentional which I like because it takes the stress away from looking at a long list of wines. I went with the red, and had both the Antiche Vie’ Chianti & Valpolicella Classico. Enjoyed the latter more for its lighter body. It also had a hint of a nutty finish which I enjoyed.
Service:
Service was on point. Our server Eric was attentive, personable, knowledgeable of the menu and started off by wishing us a happy anniversary and asking about dietary restrictions. There was no wavering of attention at all despite the evening being fully booked.
Food:
Phenomenal. Pasta tasted freshly made and was a little el dente; adding to the Italian authenticity. I know that’s a subjective take and not everyone likes their pasta that way; but if you are into authentic Italian then you’ll enjoy these dishes. They were the perfect firmness allowing me to really take in the texture. It reminded me of some of my favorite dishes in Amalfi and Positano Italy. I went with the Bone Marrow pasta. Very delicious; never had pasta like that before and the bone marrow is served table side. But the marrow definitely elevated it, adding a silky, buttery texture, and deep savory flavor. Also ordered the beef short rib which was totally massive but very tender. The Broccolini side was also good adding a nice crunch with parmesan. Focaccia bread was also fresh and moist and served with an oil that had a hint of pistachio.
Price:
Spend what you want here. You can go all-out and get a bunch of pasta AND mains. OR you can get away with splitting a side with 2 pastas while keeping your bill to $50-$60 per person.
Everything is delicious and the portion control is great for the price so don’t worry about going hungry if you are just getting one of the pastas; I felt very satisfied.
Speck delivered fantastic authentic Italian with a well-executed elevated dining experience without overcomplicating anything. Overall this place delivered a great experience and can’t wait to go back.
… moreAtmosphere:
Cozy and quaint interior with warm lighting. It was a full house but it didn’t feel packed tight. Some noise, but what else do you expect from a fully booked evening. Still quiet enough for us to talk at our own table.
Drinks:
Went with the wine, but I’ve heard the cocktails are also good. Wine selection is concise and feels intentional which I like because it takes the stress away from looking at a long list of wines. I went with the red, and had both the Antiche Vie’ Chianti & Valpolicella Classico. Enjoyed the latter more for its lighter body. It also had a hint of a nutty finish which I enjoyed.
Service:
Service was on point. Our server Eric was attentive, personable, knowledgeable of the menu and started off by wishing us a happy anniversary and asking about dietary restrictions. There was no wavering of attention at all despite the evening being fully booked.
Food:
Phenomenal. Pasta tasted freshly made and was a little el dente; adding to the Italian authenticity. I know that’s a subjective take and not everyone likes their pasta that way; but if you are into authentic Italian then you’ll enjoy these dishes. They were the perfect firmness allowing me to really take in the texture. It reminded me of some of my favorite dishes in Amalfi and Positano Italy. I went with the Bone Marrow pasta. Very delicious; never had pasta like that before and the bone marrow is served table side. But the marrow definitely elevated it, adding a silky, buttery texture, and deep savory flavor. Also ordered the beef short rib which was totally massive but very tender. The Broccolini side was also good adding a nice crunch with parmesan. Focaccia bread was also fresh and moist and served with an oil that had a hint of pistachio.
Price:
Spend what you want here. You can go all-out and get a bunch of pasta AND mains. OR you can get away with splitting a side with 2 pastas while keeping your bill to $50-$60 per person.
Everything is delicious and the portion control is great for the price so don’t worry about going hungry if you are just getting one of the pastas; I felt very satisfied.
Speck delivered fantastic authentic Italian with a well-executed elevated dining experience without overcomplicating anything. Overall this place delivered a great experience and can’t wait to go back.
Megan Campbell
We celebrated a birthday at Speck Italian Eatery and it was such a fantastic experience from start to finish. If you are looking for a spot in Columbus for a special occasion dinner, this is it.
Sean took care of us and was incredibly knowledgeable, helpful, and prompt the entire night. He walked us through the menu, gave great recommendations, and made everything feel easy and relaxed. Service really makes a celebration feel special, and he nailed that balance of being attentive without hovering.
We started with the focaccia, which was unreal, and had an espresso martini, wine, and an Aperol spritz that were all perfectly done. For dinner, the cacio e pepe was rich and comforting in the best way, and the whole trout was beautifully prepared and full of flavor. We also had potatoes and broccoli on the side, and even the vegetables were standouts, cooked perfectly and full of flavor. Every dish felt thoughtful and well executed.
What stood out just as much as the food was the hospitality. Multiple team members checked in on us throughout the evening, but never in an overbearing way. It felt like everyone genuinely cared that we were having a great birthday dinner.
They even surprised us with a complimentary birthday dessert, which was such a sweet touch and really sealed the night as a true celebration.
Thank you, Sean, and the rest of the team at Speck, for making it such a memorable birthday dinner. We will absolutely be back. ✨
… moreSean took care of us and was incredibly knowledgeable, helpful, and prompt the entire night. He walked us through the menu, gave great recommendations, and made everything feel easy and relaxed. Service really makes a celebration feel special, and he nailed that balance of being attentive without hovering.
We started with the focaccia, which was unreal, and had an espresso martini, wine, and an Aperol spritz that were all perfectly done. For dinner, the cacio e pepe was rich and comforting in the best way, and the whole trout was beautifully prepared and full of flavor. We also had potatoes and broccoli on the side, and even the vegetables were standouts, cooked perfectly and full of flavor. Every dish felt thoughtful and well executed.
What stood out just as much as the food was the hospitality. Multiple team members checked in on us throughout the evening, but never in an overbearing way. It felt like everyone genuinely cared that we were having a great birthday dinner.
They even surprised us with a complimentary birthday dessert, which was such a sweet touch and really sealed the night as a true celebration.
Thank you, Sean, and the rest of the team at Speck, for making it such a memorable birthday dinner. We will absolutely be back. ✨
Chris Mlynek
Eric was our server and was absolutely lovely. He recommended several things and we picked a few of our own. We would get the focaccia, romaine, tortellini in brodo, and scallop again without a second thought. The tortellini in brodo was the best thing I had, just a warm bowl of comfort. We will be back.
Focaccia | housemade. Olive oil, sea salt (v)
Burrata | speck, giardiniera, crostini, cracked black pepper, evoo
Romaine | parmesan & anchovy crisp, guanciale, house caesar
Funghi | occhi, white wine & crema, fresh herbs (v)
Tortellini in Brodo | mortadella mousse, beef bone, parmesan
Scallop | mushroom risotto, pancetta, herbs, uovo (gf)
… moreFocaccia | housemade. Olive oil, sea salt (v)
Burrata | speck, giardiniera, crostini, cracked black pepper, evoo
Romaine | parmesan & anchovy crisp, guanciale, house caesar
Funghi | occhi, white wine & crema, fresh herbs (v)
Tortellini in Brodo | mortadella mousse, beef bone, parmesan
Scallop | mushroom risotto, pancetta, herbs, uovo (gf)
Let Jess Tell It
Speck Italian Eatery – Columbus, OH
I showed up ready. Reservation confirmed, parking handled, outfit chosen with intention. Because when you book a table at a place like Speck, it’s framed as an occasion — the kind that justifies the parking fees, the punctuality reminders, and the hotel-check-in style confirmation emails.
They make it clear upfront: time limits based on party size, a $50-per-person no-show fee, valet or “corner parking,” and a tone that says, This experience matters.
And for a minute, I believed it.
Ambiance ✨
The space is undeniably beautiful — warm lighting, tall ceilings, a soft open-kitchen hum. Modern in a curated way. Cozy, but not casual. The kind of room where you feel like you should sit straighter and use words like “notes” when describing your drink.
I’ll give them this: the floral aprons are a standout. Genuinely stylish and a refreshing break from the typical all-black server uniform.
When you book, you can choose main dining, bar seating, or the chef’s counter. Sounds luxe… until you realize the chef’s counter gives you more “kitchen mechanics” than “culinary theater.” From where I sat, I could see someone in a Buckeyes hat sipping a drink at the bar — illusion broken.
Pretty? Yes. Elevated? Yes. But the vibe never fully matched the anticipation the reservation system builds. It felt more like curated efficiency than genuine hospitality.
The Food
I decided to be bold and order the bone marrow — a personal “finally trying it” moment. It arrived looking glossy and elegant… but cold. Not warm. Not room temp. Cold.
The server gave a little tableside scoop onto my pasta like it was supposed to be a moment. And visually, it was. Taste-wise? Not so much. No richness, no depth — just a theatrical presentation without the payoff.
So yes, I felt grown ordering it… and childish sending it back.
I switched to the Sausage Ragu, which was hearty, comforting, and exactly what I needed to reset. My dinner date’s Short Rib (with a glass of Moscato) made the most sense that night — straightforward, flavorful, and satisfying.
Service
Polished, efficient, and very by-the-book. Nothing rude — just procedural. You can feel how tightly the operation is run, and while it keeps things smooth, it also keeps things from feeling personal.
Final Thoughts ⚖️
The food wasn’t bad, just not memorable. The ambiance was curated, not captivating. It’s a restaurant engineered to feel like an event — the kind of place where the reservation system and policies do more of the heavy lifting than the experience itself.
Business-wise? Smart.
Experience-wise? It left me hungry for more.
Would I go back? Probably not.
Would I tell you not to try it? Also no.
Some restaurants aren’t about being amazing — they’re about finally seeing what the hype is about. Speck is exactly that.
⸻
Speck Italian Eatery
89 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215
Price per person: $40–$60
⏰ Reservation required: 1.5–2 hour time limit
Seating: Bar, main dining room, chef’s counter
Parking: Valet on the corner of N High & W Gay
Additional fee: 3% “Team Wellness” surcharge added to all checks
… moreI showed up ready. Reservation confirmed, parking handled, outfit chosen with intention. Because when you book a table at a place like Speck, it’s framed as an occasion — the kind that justifies the parking fees, the punctuality reminders, and the hotel-check-in style confirmation emails.
They make it clear upfront: time limits based on party size, a $50-per-person no-show fee, valet or “corner parking,” and a tone that says, This experience matters.
And for a minute, I believed it.
Ambiance ✨
The space is undeniably beautiful — warm lighting, tall ceilings, a soft open-kitchen hum. Modern in a curated way. Cozy, but not casual. The kind of room where you feel like you should sit straighter and use words like “notes” when describing your drink.
I’ll give them this: the floral aprons are a standout. Genuinely stylish and a refreshing break from the typical all-black server uniform.
When you book, you can choose main dining, bar seating, or the chef’s counter. Sounds luxe… until you realize the chef’s counter gives you more “kitchen mechanics” than “culinary theater.” From where I sat, I could see someone in a Buckeyes hat sipping a drink at the bar — illusion broken.
Pretty? Yes. Elevated? Yes. But the vibe never fully matched the anticipation the reservation system builds. It felt more like curated efficiency than genuine hospitality.
The Food
I decided to be bold and order the bone marrow — a personal “finally trying it” moment. It arrived looking glossy and elegant… but cold. Not warm. Not room temp. Cold.
The server gave a little tableside scoop onto my pasta like it was supposed to be a moment. And visually, it was. Taste-wise? Not so much. No richness, no depth — just a theatrical presentation without the payoff.
So yes, I felt grown ordering it… and childish sending it back.
I switched to the Sausage Ragu, which was hearty, comforting, and exactly what I needed to reset. My dinner date’s Short Rib (with a glass of Moscato) made the most sense that night — straightforward, flavorful, and satisfying.
Service
Polished, efficient, and very by-the-book. Nothing rude — just procedural. You can feel how tightly the operation is run, and while it keeps things smooth, it also keeps things from feeling personal.
Final Thoughts ⚖️
The food wasn’t bad, just not memorable. The ambiance was curated, not captivating. It’s a restaurant engineered to feel like an event — the kind of place where the reservation system and policies do more of the heavy lifting than the experience itself.
Business-wise? Smart.
Experience-wise? It left me hungry for more.
Would I go back? Probably not.
Would I tell you not to try it? Also no.
Some restaurants aren’t about being amazing — they’re about finally seeing what the hype is about. Speck is exactly that.
⸻
Speck Italian Eatery
89 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215
Price per person: $40–$60
⏰ Reservation required: 1.5–2 hour time limit
Seating: Bar, main dining room, chef’s counter
Parking: Valet on the corner of N High & W Gay
Additional fee: 3% “Team Wellness” surcharge added to all checks
Stephanie Overbey
My husband and I celebrated our 2nd wedding anniversary at Speck and it was absolutely incredible. The mussels are worth every penny, and the bone marrow pasta is something I still dream about, it was that good!
The atmosphere was cozy and intimate, perfect for a special night out, and the staff made us feel so welcomed. Every detail, from the food to the service, made it such a memorable experience. Highly recommend for a special occasion or just an unforgettable meal!
… moreThe atmosphere was cozy and intimate, perfect for a special night out, and the staff made us feel so welcomed. Every detail, from the food to the service, made it such a memorable experience. Highly recommend for a special occasion or just an unforgettable meal!
Blake Thornton
First time going into Speck, and the experience did not disappoint. Started with Caesar salad, wings, and focaccia bread. All incredible.
I didn’t get a picture of my pasta, but I would order anything on their menu. 10/10.
… moreI didn’t get a picture of my pasta, but I would order anything on their menu. 10/10.
Darya Fedorova
This was such a lovely spot for lunch. The restaurant is beautifully designed, with charming décor and a warm, inviting atmosphere. It actually feels like the kind of place you’d expect to visit for a special dinner, so finding it open for lunch was a great surprise.
Our server was outstanding – incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, and clearly passionate about both the food and the restaurant. She didn’t just give recommendations; she took the time to explain each dish, describe the flavors, and even compare items to similar styles in other restaurants. That level of care made the experience feel thoughtful and personal.
The food absolutely lived up to the service. I ordered the prosciutto sandwich and was amazed by both the quality and the generous portion. My colleagues had pasta dishes, which they couldn’t stop talking about.
A fantastic experience overall. I hope to be back in Columbus someday to try their dinner service, because if lunch was this good, I can only imagine how special the evening menu is.
… moreOur server was outstanding – incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, and clearly passionate about both the food and the restaurant. She didn’t just give recommendations; she took the time to explain each dish, describe the flavors, and even compare items to similar styles in other restaurants. That level of care made the experience feel thoughtful and personal.
The food absolutely lived up to the service. I ordered the prosciutto sandwich and was amazed by both the quality and the generous portion. My colleagues had pasta dishes, which they couldn’t stop talking about.
A fantastic experience overall. I hope to be back in Columbus someday to try their dinner service, because if lunch was this good, I can only imagine how special the evening menu is.
Marie Kang-Scott
We had dinner with friends at Speck, a modern Italian restaurant, and it was our first time visiting. I really enjoyed it! My husband and I shared the Chianti Braised Short Rib and the Wedge Salad, while our friend ordered the Crab Spaghetti. The short rib was incredibly tender and flavorful, and our friend loved her spaghetti. The focaccia bread was served hot and was so tasty. The service was excellent, and the ambiance made for a great dining experience. I can’t wait to go back on our next trip to Columbus!
We went back about a year later, and the food wasn’t as good. Crudo was too salty from too much rock salt sprinkle. My husband had a bite of one wing – thr wings were too limey and lacked flavor. Pomodoro pasta was not bad. Our server was friendly, though.
… moreWe went back about a year later, and the food wasn’t as good. Crudo was too salty from too much rock salt sprinkle. My husband had a bite of one wing – thr wings were too limey and lacked flavor. Pomodoro pasta was not bad. Our server was friendly, though.
Yueran Zhang
The vibes were warm and perfect for a special night. The cocktails were creative and tasty, and they offered great vegetarian options as well. The food was fresh, flavorful. Overall, a fantastic local Italian spot and will defo be back!
… more