Speck Italian Eatery

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“My honest take on Spec. The overall vibe is great for Columbus, and the pasta is clearly handmade and absolutely delicious. That said, some of the other dishes fell a bit short for me. The chicken tasted slightly off, and a few of the pasta dishes arrived less warm than I would’ve liked. Portions are average-sized and pricing feels fair for the experience. That being said, the staff was excellent and the atmosphere is definitely one of the stronger parts of the restaurant.”

“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.”