Marcella’s Ristorante on Polaris Parkway
In an effort to bring a part of traditional Italy to Central Ohio, Marcella’s Ristorante, located on Polaris Parkway, is a pizzeria and wine bar which presents a unique “small plate” menu with homemade Italian cuisine. Created by well known restauranteur, Cameron Mitchell, Marcella’s was named after Marcella Libertini. Marcella is the chef and house manager for the Tuscan villa where Chef Mitchell visits in Italy.
Marcella Ristorante’s motto is, “Where plates are passed and flavors shared,” Marcella’s has the atmosphere of an old Italian restaurant or even better, causes memories of Italian family gatherings in “Grandma’s dining room”. The service is passionate, the atmosphere exciting and refreshing while the menu offers the best Italian taste available anywhere. Menu favorites include Marcella’s Lasagna, Braised Beef Pizza, Salmon al Fresco, Pancetta Wrapped Pork Tenderloin,
Spaghetti “Your Way” and their famous signature Meatball Sunday Salad In addition, Marcella’s menu features their famous flatbread pizzas, and a selection of pasta dishes including Italy’s all time favorite, Fettuccine & Meatball. Their appetizers are a must and include a wide selection of cheese and hot small plates like the homemade Sweet Italian Sausage.
A necessary part of the Marcella’s experience is selecting a wine from their extensive collection, which challenges any in the city. Offering over fifty Italian wines, along with white and red house sangrias, they also recommend a special house Pinot grigio made especially for Marcella’s in Italy. Each wine may be served as a “quartino” (one-third bottle), “mezzolitro” (half bottle) or “litro” (full bottle). Unlike Italy, where drinking wine with meals is a daily ritual, Marcella’s offers wine as a special occasion and celebration.
COMMENTS:
Marcella’s is surprisingly authentic. The menu reminded me of when I was in Florence. Italian dishes, excellent wine list, combined with affordable prices make Marcella’s my favorite Italian eatery in Columbus.
2. What’s the best pizza? We don’t know. We have only tried three, and the menu offers thirteen. After the first three we tried, we will definitely keep going until we sample all thirteen. The we will decide on the best. In the meantime, what a tasty way to find out. Oh, by the way, the Calamari is the best, period.
Tags: Braised Beef, Cameron Mitchell, Drinking Wine, Italian Cuisine, Italian Taste, Italian Wines, Marcella, Pasta Dishes, Polaris Parkway, Quartino, Sweet Italian Sausage, Tuscan Villa, Wine Bar
