TooDooPolaris.com Polaris Mall

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.

The Cheesecake Factory at Polaris is an Italian themed restaurant with some excellent pizza and pasta dishes. But, italian food is only a small section of the overall menu choices. At 18 pages, the longest part of the meal can be deciding what to order.

Depending on the time of day, you may sometimes end up waiting for a table, but you can always grab a seat at the bar. The bartenders are fast and friendly and this can make the wait rather enjoyable.

The bread that arrives prior to your meal is pretty good – fresh and soft, with three different types to choose from.

The extensive menu includes over 200 selections, including appetizers, pasta, pizza, seafood, steaks, salads, sandwiches, etc. The menu offers more choices for vegetarians than most restaurants. Featured dishes include Miso Salmon, Chicken Madeira, Cajun Jambalaya Pasta, and one of my favorites – The Factory Burger.

There are over FIFTY different cheesecake and dessert options, including the 30th Anniversary Cheesecake, and Godiva Chocolate Cheesecake.

The portions are absolutely huge, and usually leave no room for cheesecake, but when in Rome… You can always split a piece with a friend and have more than enough.

The outdoor patio is a nice option when the weather is nice.