I feel like Columbus owes Delaware an apology. One of the area’s top restaurants, Veritas, starts in Delaware before migrating to downtown Columbus. This frees up space for Speck Italian Eatery to come…and now that has moved to Columbus as well. Can we assume we could possibly also get Cove, A Seafood Joint?
Columbus has been the beneficiary of some great restaurants pioneered by chef and owner Josh Dalton. Dalton owns the excellent 1808 American Bistro in Delaware, as well as the space just down Winter Street where Veritas, Speck and now Cove incubated.
In partnership with Edwards Communities, Dalton was able to relocate the restaurants in downtown Columbus around Gay and High streets, which were welcome additions to the heart of the city. Speck is the final entry, a great modern Italian spot with great cocktails and a wine list.
Speck’s space on the High Street is nicely appointed, with a front bar and an open kitchen.
It is currently open for lunch and dinner.
The cocktail menu is created by Genevieve Johnson, who recently wowed Columbus audiences with her work at Rooh in the Short North.
Speck is currently taking dinner-only reservations; lunch is available first come, first served.
We can’t think of a single misstep from our entire dinner. Here are the highlights!
Entrees included homemade focaccia and the namesake speck and burrata. For those who don’t know, speck is a lightly salted ham. Delicious on crusty bread with a fluffy homemade burrata.
THE candied wings stood out from the entrees menu. Crispy meat, wonderfully seasoned and tender.
As you can imagine, pasta takes center stage, comprising the majority of main courses on the menu.
THE scallops over pancetta and chilli risotto.
Soft and fluffy gnudi in the cacio and pepe.
Beautiful king crab on the linguine.
And the rich pomodoro on bucatini with ricotta and herbs.
Don’t pass up the dessert menu, with hits like the bitter Tiramisu with mascarpone ice cream and whipped espresso.
Or the pistachio cannolo with homemade ricotta and pistachio ice cream.
We’re certainly sorry that downtown Delaware lost Speck, but we’re selfishly happy to have him in Columbus. This is a standout restaurant with excellent service and a focused, expertly executed menu that should quickly become a favorite.
Speck is currently open Monday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Speck Italian Restaurant
89 N. High St.
Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 754-8544
IG: speckrestaurant.com
FB: SpeckItalian
Eng: @speck_italian