Marcella's

This is my second trip to Columbus for work, and both times I've made it a priority to stop at Marcella's--first at the Short North location, and now at Polaris. I can confidently say: this place delivers, consistently. The star of the show is the meatball. I'd seen all the rave reviews online, and let me tell you--they're not exaggerating. It comes paired with fettuccine alfredo and marinara, and the combo of sauces works surprisingly well together. The meatball itself? Easily the best I've ever had. And no, I haven't been to Italy (yet), but I've had my fair share of meatballs--and nothing has come close to this one. We also tried an Melted Pecorino Cheese appetizer that included melted cheese, fig jam, and apple slices -- and it was quite good. A perfect blend of sweet and savory. I had the Italian wedding soup, which was a bit heartier than most versions I've had. It was solid--nothing mind-blowing, but definitely above average. The Milan Manhattan cocktail was well balanced and smooth, and we finished with the pistachio cannoli, which were crisp, creamy, and not too sweet. A great way to end the meal. Both times I've visited Marcella's, the service has been warm and attentive, and the atmosphere feels just upscale enough for a nice dinner while still being relaxed. If you're in Columbus and enjoy Italian food, go here. And whatever you do--get the meatball. You won't regret it.

Went here for dinner. The service was good as drinks where refilled quickly. Waitress was attentive but not intrusive. As for food it was good for most people at the table. My food had watery sauce at the bottom. The desert was nice looking but nothing special. Bruschettta was closer to a chessey garlic bread. Not a traditional version. It did taste good but not what was expected.

Really enjoyed our waiter & our food. They had pop radio playing which kind of ruined the atmosphere. Probably should have had some nice Italian background music playing, not trashy radio pop… but otherwise we really enjoyed our appetizers. We didn’t get any entrees but enjoyed the bruschetta and the burrata. Our waiter recommended a side of pesto and balsamic glaze to go with the burrata which was definitely the move!! So good. We were disappointed in the lack of fresh tomatoes on the bruschetta and even with the burrata. It showed a slight bit of laziness on behalf of the kitchen, Italian food usually prides itself on fresh tomatoes and basil especially regarding these two dishes. It was still enjoyable but we would have preferred fresh tomatoes.

Where to start… The gluten free bread for the table was phenomenal. Our entire table was gluten free and tasted spot on. The chicken parm was huge and flavorful. The pasta alla carbonara was also great and had a perfect amount of sauce and was perfect with the chicken. Our waitress, Vanessa, was so nice and accommodating to our needs(lil bro had a crush). She even gave us a special off-the-menu desert after hearing about or gluten free travels. Will 100% come back again every time we’re near. The whole experience was SPOT ON!!!

We all absolutely LOVED our meal and our service. I had Create your own pasta with gluten free pasta and several veggies of my choice topped with shrimp. They offer gluten free bread which is delicious and a wonderful addition I never receive at other restaurants. I also enjoyed a chopped salad before my meal and it was very tasty. My husband and father-in-law had the chicken parm. We all had enormous portions and brought home enough for a leftover lunch. The only negative is that it is not a quiet restaurant. If you’re looking for a quiet atmosphere this is not your place. However, it is lively, friendly and welcoming. They also allow reservations. I highly recommend making reservations. We were seated without a wait because we had them. When we have visited without reservations we had to sit in the bar, which is much louder and not as comfortable.

Solid and worthy. The food was on queue, we all were served at the right time none felt like it was on the warmers for any length of time. It was fresh and tasted just so. The service was attentive, they were busy yet he did not miss a beat. Great experience we all enjoyed our time, the food and staffs engagement. Thank you for a great birthday dinner.

First time eating here and it was all right. The facility itself is beautiful. Everyone was very friendly and courteous, attentive without being intrusive. The food was okay. My fried calamari was salted pretty heavily and my ravioli was a little tough as if underdone or old. But it all tasted good. But for the prices (just over $50 for an appetizer and and entree, water, no dessert) I expected something more.