Z Cucina di Spirito in Columbus
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Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio, US
Site: http://www.zcucina.com/
- Monday:5–9PM
- Tuesday:5–9PM
- Wednesday:5–9PM
- Thursday:5–9PM
- Friday:5–10PM
- Saturday:5–10PM
- Sunday:Closed
WOW! This ❤ food was PRIMO !!!_ When our wait staff was otherwise distracted, the hostess and another stepped right in to take care of myself & my daughter. Their friendliness &hospitality (restaurant staff) was exceptional: we had indicated our schedule for the meal was pressed for time & needed to be in &out, quickly- with dessert included [BEST CANOLI AROUND!!] And they made it happen! Dinner came surprisingly fast- delicious and flavors all across the spectrum: zesty, creamy, savory, sweet ! In addition, Zs also was happy to kindly move our seating to a different , more quiet table, when the family next to us were annoyingly loud. The staff were so gracious & compassionate about our complaint & did not hesitate, in any area of our difficult time situation! Met every need with perfect aplomb! An absolutely beautiful atmosphere for a great dining experience
We liked the ambience and service at Z Cucina. The bruschetta is delicious along with the fig jam, but the cheese is a little salty. For our entree, we had the cauliflower gnocchi with squash. Although it tasted good, it could have been better with a little more flavor inside the gnocchi. Overall, its a good restaurant for your special days.
*** Update*** After I posted this the owner went and gave my business a negative review despite never having any interaction with my business. I’m stunned at how unprofessional that is!Took our reservation but were clearly overbooked. After waiting forever they tried to sit us outside in February! Thanks for ruining our Valentine’s Day date. Hopefully I get my $25 table deposit back at least! No idea how this place stays in business
Almost perfect meal (and drinks!), a few small things but honestly it was overall outstanding. The fig jam and ricotta bruschetta and the spicy carrot and sweet potato soup with the thin croutons, delicious! The fried risotto fritters were so darn good what can I say! The entree we shared, butternut squash ravioli with pistachio brittle, it’s a unique dish with distinct and good flavor and texture, although I believe the brittle gets slightly lost in translation. Brittle is better served when it’s less brittle. It can be done! If it was slightly more buttery and soft it would be heavenly. I still cleaned my plate...The desserts were honestly not great unfortunately. The orange zest in the cannoli cream was far too overpowering and it’s hard to reconcile anyone missing its prevalence (excessively so) in a taste test.The bread pudding was unfortunately undercooked and I was surprised and a little disappointed considering how excellent the dinner was. If it was cooked properly I still would not have been largely impressed. Your options are near limitless, blow us away.Still, I plan to come back and look quite forward to it.
Had to see what the number 1 restaurant in Columbus, Ohio was all about. Italian theme with a wonderful evening to enjoy dinner on the patio. I loved the Lasagna and the cheesecake was perfect. Loved the marshmallow on top along with salted caramel and raspberries. Look for Glory as she is such a nice person and made the visit a very enjoyable experience.
My husband brought me here for the first time for our anniversary. The food was fabulous, the service was quick and personable. I did not like that parking is absolutely atrocious to find as they do not have any parking and all of the lots around it get filled up quickly, but the experience is good enough not to retract any stars. Make a reservation and show up early to find parking and be on time. ☺
Wonderful service and staff. The food is really great. I tried something from the temporary menu. The chef who designed it is obviously skilled, although there were a few parts to the dish that I did not like. Mainly, I thought the smoked shrimp tasted odd and wasnt a great method to cook it. The flavoring it added to the risotto was incredible, but the smokey flavor on the shrimp itself tasted clashing with its natural flavor. The tomato salsa on this dish was absolutely perfect and the fish was light and crispy - delicious! It was really neat to try something that was creative and fun, and I would definitely come back to see what else the restaurant has to offer.
Absolutely one of the BEST Italian restaurant in Columbus. Hands down! Not only was the food absolutely amazing and well worth the money but the staff was so accommodating and on top of everything. Highly recommend if youre looking for a fancy place for dinner or to celebrate something romantic. Highly recommend!!
Appetizers were the highlights for me! The soup was complex in flavor, but simply put delicious. It was a creamy, butternut squash soup with notes of tomato and carrot. The bread with the ricotta and fig and balsamic complimented well, my only note would be that the portion of the fig was a lot compared to the four pieces of bread provided. The stuffed Parmesan risotto fritters, were my absolute favorite, with a slight note of spicy that added to the variety of the appetizers and m as de them all compliment one another seamlessly. We had a warm apple cider drink which tasted like apple pie and a caramel macchiato cocktail which was equally as tasty if you are a coffee lover and a fan of Baileys! It’s worth noting that the house bread they bring you (not pictured) is addictive. They’re small, proportionate bites in oil and sun-dried tomatoes, the bread is soft with a bit of an outer crunch and by far the best complimentary bread I have ever had. For our main course we chose the butternut squash ravioli, which like many of the other dishes was quite sweet. I assume that the chef enjoys balancing savory and sweet in his dishes, my only note was this dish was underwhelming due to the intensity of the sweetness and the fact that our appetizers were reminiscent of some of the same sweetness. We decided to get a dessert and found those to be unfortunately a miss. The bread pudding was undercooked, albeit tasty and the cannolis were heavy handed on the orange zest. Overall, the patio atmosphere was nice and warm, the server was informative and we took our time talking and enjoying our dishes. I would definitely return!
Food quality was excellent. It looks like they update the menu with the seasons which is great. Also have some great dessert options. Nice happy hours deals and overall great value/quality for the prices. I highly recommend the Italian street corn. It was very good. The flat bread was outstanding.
What a great place to happy hour and eat at. We came across this place by accident and had an unexpectedly great experience. The staff was great at making suggestions. We had a few signature drinks at the bar along with a delicious pizza we shared. We highly recommend this place!
I feel like I traveled to ItalyThe entire experience is totally amazingFancy but not expensiveThe pasta to die forSalad I know right a salad is a salad but no this salad was a complete amazing combination of Cesar and vinaigrette super greatAnd to finalize my super experienceThe tiramisu for dessert out of this worldThank you to the wonderfully great server SarahI will definitely be back
Been to this location twice so far - Dishes with their fish and meats are a little flavorless and boring. Complete waste of money.Their pasta dished however are ok.Their mouse is excellent.Note: Beware of “risotto” on the menu, it’s usually just rice and *not* the traditional scrumptious saucy risotto people are used too. That makes me angry
We celebrated 2 very special occasions tonight and even after having to wait 23 minutes for our waitor to arrive we had an amazing night. The food was impeccable as was dessert. The drinks were extremely refreshing and very well made. The owner addressed our inconvenience in a very admirable way and the waitor was one of the best we have had in a long time. I cannot share my gratitude enough for the experience we had tonight. We highly recommend and will be returning again.
This place is incredible! My boyfriend takes me here every year for my birthday dinner. We make a couple of spontaneous trips throughout the year as well. We are never ever disappointed. The food is always satisfying, the staff is always friendly and go above and beyond to take care of us every time we visit. We just got home from dinner. On the drive home we were talking and couldnt think of a single dish or cocktail that we have had here that havent been delicious. Our waitress tonight also was fantastic. I always get the lasagna, but he will normally choose one of the seasonal dishes, or the chicken parmesan. We once even stopped by on a very busy Saturday evening to sit at the bar, and still received fantastic service. I honestly cannot say enough good things about the service or the food here.
We came here for my birthday and could not have had a better experience. The food from the appetizers to the entrees was authentic and incredible. The service was was very nice and we did not have to wait long for our food or drinks. The wine list is comparable with other Italian restaurants, but they make up for it with an excellent scotch and whiskey selection. This restaurant is perfect if youre looking for a high class dinner or looking to celebrate a special occasion.
Everything was impeccable. From the service to the food to cocktails and dessert. Ambiance is great for impressing clients or an Anniversary date night. My wife and I both had some of the more expensive entrees and the portions were very hearty, we both took home leftovers.The house made gelatos are a MUST TRY
Highly recommend! Atmosphere was relaxing and the food was amazing! The bruschetta with fig jam and ricotta was life changing. Drinks were mixed with expertise and to perfection. Service was excellent. I had the butternut squash ravioli and cheese cake. Wow! Just wow! I will definitely be making a trip back to see what the next menu has to offer.
The most unprofessional restaurant I’ve ever experienced. We needed to book a table for a party of 11 outside on the patio for a company dinner.I would’ve understood if the answer was just “no that’s too many people” or “no the weather isn’t good we can’t do the patio today”However the person on the phone started telling me that if we make a reservation everyone has to show up and we can’t just have 8 show up… already felt strange that he was explaining that I have to make a reservation for the correct number of people but I understand that’s a common restaurant issue so it didn’t bother me yet.He then proceeded to ask if we would all be eating dinner. I said yes everyone will be getting drinks and dinner. He then said “are you sure? How do you know everyone will be getting dinner?” The man then proceeded to tell us that if we’re going to make a reservation then they need to call in more workers to show up to serve us and we can’t screw over their workers by not spending enough at dinner.I understand restaurants have had a lot of struggles lately. But to act like you do not trust your customers by asking so many questions and then saying “are you sure” to every answer we provided for the questions, AND THEN basically telling us if we don’t eat like we said we would then we would be wasting their time is the most unprofessional I’ve ever experienced in Columbus.Next time you don’t trust your customers, a simple no will suffice.
I was so thrilled to finally have a good Italian dinner. I’m 💯 Italian/Sicilian and very rarely eat Italian food out. I’m from Cleveland and cane down to Columbus with my sister for my birthday. We found Z Cucina and were Not disappointed!! Great atmosphere! Our server was awesome and they had a really good wine selection with wine actually from Italy which we appreciate! Our appetizer of their homemade ricotta was absolutely fabulous! We tried of their homemade two pasta dishes also that were so good! The owner was so lovely to take time to talk with us after our meal and we told her we were so excited to have a great Italian dinner out! Thank you Z Cucina and we definitely will be eating again at your restaurant the next time we are in Columbus!GRAZIEAngela Siciliano
Delicious food! We tried 3 different appetizers and they were all amazing. They had good vegetarian options for the entrees as well. The birthday dessert was so cute and really hit the spot.The service was excellent and everyone was so friendly. We felt very comfortable and safe. We will be back!
My best friend and I got the date night carry out just for fun, and it was amazing!!! Ive been to Z Cucina before, and it was just as good this time around. For the price, you get a great amount of food, and everything was so delicious. I love the homemade cheeses, the pasta was excellent, but the star of the night was the outrageously light cheesecake. I dont know how you can make cheesecake like that, it melted in my mouth, it was almost like mousse I was astounded!
Z Cucina was delicious. A quiet ambiance, and stellar service from our server. The oil that comes with the bread could be bottled and sold by the gallon it is that good. The salmon, shrimp, and mussels were cooked perfectly, and the caramel macchiato to finish the night was smooth and decadent. Cant wait to enjoy their food again!
When we arrived we were met by two very friendly staff members who showed us to our table. She made sure the candles were lit, the shades were drawn to our liking and any questions about the menu were answered. Our water glasses were never empty and our Server had the perfect blend of being there when we needed her and not over bearing us with questions. At no point did we feel as though we were being forced out. She was knowledgeable and we could tell she knew her stuff. The food was obsurdly delicious. We had the stuffed Fritters to start, which between you and me may have been my favorite dish. Delicious, crunchy, and the sauce was amazing. For our dinner we had a delicious pesto pappardelle and a margherita pizza. The pappardelle was well seasoned, and surprisingly the broccolini was not over cooked. The pizza was crispy and the flavors all complimented each other so well. My significant other pointed out the sweet and the savory was so well executed she was ready to crown it the best pizza shes had. Our dessert was brought to our surprise with a beautiful Happy Anniversary chocolate mousse. So flavorful, and not too rich. The whole meal was just a treat and paired with my lagavulin 16 I had one of the best dining experience Ive ever had.
Meet up with a group of friends and chose to switch restaurants due to a long wait. This was highly recommended and Im glad it was. They were very accommodating and the food was delicious! The space is nice and we loved the covered patio seating. Our waitress was wonderful as was the host. We had a great time and will be back!
We had an amazing experience for our anniversary. Rick, the owner, greeted us when we entered, and was extremely friendly. He made sure we were seated on the patio as requested. Masks and social distancing rules were in place and maintained so we were very comfortable. The food was excellent and the service from the staff was high quality all evening. The complementary dessert acknowledging our anniversary at the end was a nice touch. We definitely would go back, and highly recommend this fine restaurant. Bon appetit!
We found Z Cucina and were Not disappointed!! Great atmosphere! Our server was awesome and they had a really good wine selection with wine actually from Italy which we appreciate! Our appetizer of their homemade ricotta was absolutely fabulous! We tried of their homemade two pasta dishes also that were so good!
This place is amazing! My sister and I came to Columbus for her birthday and really wanted to eat a good Italian meal. Since we are Italian & Sicilian it’s very difficult to find good Italian restaurants in our opinion. Z Cucina blew us away! All homemade pasta, sausage and ricotta! My only regret is that I didn’t order a meal to go for later the food was that good! I can’t wait to come back to Z Cucina!
My girlfriend and I came here on Valentines Day without a reservation just hoping to find somewhere to get dinner last minute. The host staff did an A+ job to accommodate us. They were able to find a spot for us at the bar and were very friendly. The bartender was nice and was able to serve us drinks and food quickly. Our pizza was delicious. Overall an A++ experience and will come back.
The staff is great!! The owner is personable!! The ambience is quaint and chic. The food is AMAZING!! The best Italian I have had in a very long time and as an Italian American I grew up in an Italian household and I know great Italian. If you don’t eat here you’re crazy!
My wife and i have done the Date Night special a handful of times since COVID started and i have to say its incredible every single time. The variety of food you get is amazing and we still have plenty of things to try from the menu! Im not really a dessert person, but the tiramisu, cheesecake, and cannoli trio are INCREDIBLE! We were stuffed, but still made room for them.
Glorious smell of top-notch Italian cuisine when you walk in. High ceilings, spacious, and modern - a pleasant twist on the traditional Italian decor and a perfect fit for the area. Was seated right away, service was prompt and on-point. Had the Barrel-Aged Manhattan and as a Manhattan connoisseur, I can confirm it was top-notch. My bride loved the wine recommendation (and so did I, after changing gears to a red blend with dinner). Bread and olive oil was so soft, I wanted to cuddle with it...but didnt want to make a scene and embarrass my wife. She got the Chicken Parmesan - loved it. I ordered the Lasagna and while I was too full to eat anymore, I kept going until (thankfully) the servers assistant came to box it up for me. Speaking of the servers assistant - this guy was busting his a$$ - which needed to be recognized here. Lastly, had a couple visits to the table by the owner.... no, not the GM or server manager... but in true, old-school style, was greeted by the owner (Rick) and had a great, long discussion about how they make all their pasta from scratch, etc., etc. Bottom line, a really nice, romantic place with great food, prices that I think were way more than reasonable as compared to the other restaurants in the area - and another wonderful addition to Bridge Street/Bridge Park.
We celebrate many of our families special occasions here, from birthdays to promotions. This is one of our familys favorite restaurants in the area. Easy to order several of the flat bread pizzas, a couple items from the primo course and salads to share. The seafood risotto is always wonderful. Service is excellent and do not miss the desserts. Highly recommend.
We celebrate many of our families special occasions here, from birthdays to promotions. This is one of our familys favorite restaurants in the area. Easy to order several of the flat bread pizzas, a couple items from the primo course and salads to share. The seafood risotto is always wonderful. Service is excellent and do not miss the desserts. Highly recommend.
Creative Italian offerings but not what you usually find at traditional American Italian restaurants. And the serving staff understands the balance between being attentive and being inobtrusive. Very pleasant ambience inside and on the patio. It is a excellent choice when you are looking to have an evening out.
Excellent place to dine. Cheeses and breads made in-house are worth the trip themselves - order the cheese board, you wont regret it.The bacon wrapped scallops were amazing. Three large, perfectly prepared scallops, wrapped in bacon and served over a corn cake that could have been on the menu by itself.Service was excellent, really couldnt have been better. Our waitress provided excellent advice and personal details about menu items and took great care of us.
We had a great experience here! Wonderful atmosphere, nice menu selection for anything from rack of lamb to simple spaghetti and meatballs. (The lamb was simply wonderful) Service was quick, efficient and very professional. Many guests around us were also speaking highly of the service and food. Valet parking available with very capable and friendly staff also. As a self proclaimed foodie around Columbus, this will be very high on my recommendation list. From start to finish this was a great experience. We will return many times!
First and foremost the service was amazing!! I made a reservation and they called to ask if there was anything special they needed to prepare for. The hostess was very accommodating when my party decided they wanted to stick to the happy hour menu since were students and the menu is a little pricey. AND my friend left their earring at the table and they called me from my reservation number to let us know! So sweet. The drinks were all good and $5 is a great happy hour price. I got 2 Italian Lemon Drops. They were so good, I could have gone for another but I had homework to do. I got the prosciutto and roasted grape flatbread which I was hesitant about but it was actually very good and very large so I could only eat half of it. The bread that comes at the table is soooo delicious with a nice salty top....I ate so much of it that might be why I could only eat half my pizza. We finished off the evening with a nice chocolate mousse. I loved this place and will definitely be back!
My boyfriend and I came here for the first time to celebrate our anniversary, and it was definitely a good choice. From the moment we walked in the door, the staff was friendly and the service was prompt. Everything, the bread, appetizer, entrees and the desert (they even wrote Happy Anniversary on our plate in chocolate! Such a nice personal touch!) was delicious, and it was all cooked to perfection. I love the local menu options, and the portion sizes were perfect. You can tell the chef takes pride in his work. Adding this restaurant to my favorite Columbus dining spots for sure.
Me and my girlfriend came here for our anniversary dinner and had probably the best dining experience you could ask for. The man who greeted and sat us was also the owner and was super personable and genuine, and our waiter met every standard of great service. And the food was all top notch as well. All in all, we were made to feel very special and well-recieved.
We dined at Z Cucina on a Monday evening and it was phenomenal. Upon entering the restaurant we were greeted by Rick, the owner, and he was very friendly and accommodating. We had the stuffed fritters for an appetizer and they were delicious. For dinner we had the lasagna and chicken parmesan. Both entrees were expertly crafted and left my wife and I fully satisfied. The table service was on point and very helpful throughout our entire meal. I will definitely be coming back.
Our waiter, Scott, was a true gentleman and very knowledgeable of the menu. Took good care of us, as did all the staff. Very quaint outdoors area. The house meatballs were superb. I dock a star because the halibut special overall was bland and the fish was overcooked, although I feel white fish is a very unfair and temperamental dish to judge a restaurant on.I would love to come back to try some of the other menu items as the restaurant overall was a friendly experience. Prices were what Id expect from a slightly upscale place.
The food was pretty good and I loved the atmosphere. The restaurant had a very warm feeling to it which I enjoyed. This restaurant does provide free fresh bread with olive oil and vinegar which was very good. All of the food was pretty good really. I was not completely blown away by the pizza I ordered though. It was just average for a non-pizza focused restaurant pizza. I understand the pasta option are very good though, and the entrees are delicious.
OMG, this place was AMAZING!!!!!!The owner Rick never had met me, never spoke to me before. I called to see if he could accommodate our party of 14 and he went over and beyond to make us feel like he appreciates us and to make sure we are comfortable.We are in Columbus for the USA Diving National Championship and was looking for a moderately priced restaurant with nice atmosphere that had great food with a variety of things to eat to please our group of 14. Well the Z Cucina di Spirito met all of our needs.I cant even tell you how nice we were treated. Rick, the owner, saw to our every need. The servers were professional, kind and attentive. The atmosphere was clean, beautiful and very welcoming. If you are any where near this restaurant, you must go there and enjoy the experience.Thank you to Rick and the staff at this amazing, warming and lovely restaurant.We will be back. Thats for sure.Thank YouLynette Rousseau
From the time we walked in, until we left, my husband & I were thrilled. Excellent service, atmosphere, and the food is absolutely delicious. (We are food snobs, and were IMPRESSED!) The owner, and staff (Seth is awesome!) were very attentive, and truly cared about our experience. I highly reccomend this wonderful restaurant, we have found our new favorite place to have amazing meals.
I was in town visiting my fiance for our Anniversary and wanted to take her out to a nice restaurant. After reading the reviews I decided that Z was the place to go. Let me tell you, we were not disappointed. Met Rick the owner as soon as we walked in, really nice gentleman and the atmosphere was quaint and romantic, very inviting. The food was on point excellent, and our waitress Hailey was extremely friendly and did a great job. They gave us a sweet complimentary dessert for Anniversary that was nice and the Gelato was awesome. I would highly recommend this place to anyone in the area looking for a really nice, tasty place to treat their sweetheart to!
I came to Z Cucina on a Thursday night for my boyfriends birthday and the moment we got there, everyone was so sweet, our waiter Chris came to us quickly and was very kind. He frequently checked on us and brought and served our food sufficiently. Our food tasted phenomenal and it was very filling. The restaurant was dimly lit with candles and low-lit lamps and it was very romantic. Will definitely be coming again.
We always have such a fantastic experience whenever we come, its our go-to for special occasions and when friends are in town, or when we just need a night out! The food is always incredibly flavorful and inventive, as as well as the cocktails, they have homemade cheeses and pastas that are out of this world, and the level of service is top-tier. If you somehow havent been yet, definitely give it a try.
We celebrate many of our families special occasions here, from birthdays to promotions. This is one of our familys favorite restaurants in the area. Easy to order several of the flat bread pizzas, a couple items from the primo course and salads to share. The seafood risotto is always wonderful. Service is excellent and do not miss the desserts. Highly recommend.
I planned my boyfriend’s birthday dinner at the Dublin location which did not turn out the way we wanted. The service was slow and they got our orders wrong. Our server was also extremely flustered and took it out on us which was very rude and unprofessional. Despite that awful experience, my boyfriend and I decided to give them another shot at their Grandview location. We sat at the bar and the service was even worse this time around. The bartender barely acknowledged us. Our request for a dessert menu was completely ignored and when we asked for the check, he literally tossed the server book at us. Safe to say, we will not be going back to either location again.
Visiting Columbus for music festival. Big rain delays and we went to Z Cucina and were warmly greeted. Fabulous food and drink and owner overheard us talking that it was our daughters birthday. Very nice birthday treat to top off a fabulous meal. Great people, great service, and great food. Highly recommend this place
Service was good, we got our food very quickly. The food, however, was sub par. We ordered the cheeseboard first and the pickle juice was everywhere causing all the chesses to be extremely salty. Our entrees were fine, far from special but not bad. Cheesecake was also fine.. again, nothing special. It was $80 for two people.. I wont be going back.
An Italian restaurant can only live up to its billing if the food is well-prepared, tasty and presented creatively. Z Cucina checks all these requirements at a very high level. Our server was knowledgeable, friendly, and a definite asset to the overall experience. The ambience is upscale but welcoming. I appreciated that every attempt was made by Z’s owner to make the dining spaces so conducive to conversation over fine food. Overall our experience was enjoyable in every way that one might expect for a fine restaurant. We even got to meet Z’s owner who is energetic, personable, and strongly committed to ensuring that each of patron leaves his establishment having enjoyed a cozily sophisticated night out to dinner with friends. Well done!
This is one our favorite date nights in Dublin. The space is beautiful and the staff is SO nice and warm. The owner, Rick, is extremely welcoming and goes out of his way to make your night wonderful. The food is phenomenal- id recommend the lasagna, the goat cheese ravioli and the meatball app. Tiramisu is delicious as well. This place is a must.
Absolutely hands down the BEST restaurant in Grandview! I have eaten here many times and every single dish, appetizer, dessert, cocktail, etc. is delicious, fresh and well prepared and presented. The owner is a wonderful man who is friendly, knowledgeable and clearly runs a wonderful restaurant! The atmosphere is comfortable and inviting. The wait staff are courteous, knowledgeable and attentive. This is my first choice for a restaurant to bring out of town guests to. As I said, you will not be disappointed, every dish is amazing; but the tiramisu is to die for!
If you like italian food, this place is a must!! Took my girlfriend to eat here for her birthday and we both loved every bit of it. Our server Scott was honestly one of the best servers Ive ever had eating out and made our experience wonderful! Definitely coming back next time Im in town.
Our new favorite restaurant! Owner Rick is the best...he made us feel so special on my birthday and the food was fantastic! We had the Wine Dinner Wednesday (three off-menu dishes each paired with wine) with each course being equally delicious. Rick and server Scott seemingly went out of their way to please. We will definitely make Z Cucina our special night out place to go.
My girlfriend and I eat out 3 to 5 times per week, so we know a great place when we find it. Ive been to Z Cucina on two other occasions with my girlfriend and its always been great. This time we had a group of 5 and EVERYONE was extremely happy. One foodie stated it was the best lasagna he has ever had. They have a great wine selection and service is always spot on. Definitely recommend it!
Visiting from NY. The had a tapas menu on the specials for the day. 7 options we tried and loved them all. For dinner we had soft shell crabs from the specials menu and lamb loin from the regular menu. Both were very over salted. Was disappointed. The lamb could have been spectacular it not for the salt. I would give it another try to see if it was an off night.Update: went back a second time and everything was excellent. Food was perfectly seasoned. Around the table we had lamb loin and pork loin they were all cooked to perfection.
We were on a bit of a schedule and Doug, our server, recognized this. He was attentive without being pushy and made sure our dishes arrived in order and all our needs were met. We ordered the mushroom soup daily special along with the Caesar salad to share. As an entrée, we ordered 2 Primo dishes, the Wagyu Carpaccio and the Risotto Fritters. Everything was amazing with the real standout being the carpaccio! Holy smokes this dinner blew me away. Im sad that Z Cucina hasnt been on our regular rotation. I ate here many years ago (before the remodel) and wasnt compelled to return. So glad we returned, this was a memorable meal :)
Z Cucina is and has been for some time, one of my favorite restaurants in Columbus.The space is modern without being pretentious. The menu changes often, but keeps regular favorites year-round. The wine list is excellent but not overpriced. And the food always comes out perfect.
My wife and I had the opportunity to get over to Grandview and enjoy the food, atmosphere, and service at the best restaurant in Columbus!!! I enjoyed the swordfish my wife enjoyed the ravioli dish and we both look forward to getting back soon!!! I just want to thank Rick and David for making our 26th anniversary dinner out memorable!!!
Took my wife and family out for her 33 birthday to Z Cucina and we loved it. During our visit our waiter and the owner spent the perfect amount of time making sure everything was to our satisfaction. The food was fabulous and the atmosphere was perfect. If you live in Columbus and havent been there, you need to have your head checked.
My wife and I have come here on several occasions at the suggestion of a close friend of mine. We love that the owner walks around and talks with the customers while dining. Comparable prices to upscale dining costs. Nice atmosphere and comfortable seating. My only complaint is that we tried to order a bottle of champagne or wine, but were told that it could only be sold by glass.
Not bad, not great but kinda disappointing. The location, the setting and atmosphere, the service were all great but it all fell short on the main aspect; the food! Was greeted by a very nice man at the front. Our server got switched at the beginning making it awkward, but all the servers here are very polite. The appetizers were not that, the fritters were the best thing. The rissotto fried balls(arancini) were okay but the risotto inside was wayyy overcooked. The prosciutto with the melon was quite interesting, some cheese with it would’ve been better. The barattas were very disappointing, with two skinny strips of “herb” biscotti that were beyond stale and crumbly with a big piece of cheese that had to be enjoyed without the “biscotti”. That was the appetizers...Moving on the the entrees, they reallllyyyy fell short. My linguine with spicy shrimp was more like a soupy mess, it was served IN A BROTH!? Same with the gnochhis, also in a soupy mess. The grilled fish was overcooked, dried to a crips and barely any seasoning served with what seemed like a canned three been salad.I just wanted to say that the service was amazing and the staff were very welcoming, it just needs some more focus on the food.
We went here for our anniversary and it was phenomenal! Weve been to Hyde Park and Mitchells, granted those are steak houses and this is primarily italian.. we felt like Z Cucina was just as good if not better and was a fraction of the cost! We got homemade ravioli, chicken parm, drinks and a bottle of white for under $120. On top of that, the chef made us a complimentary dessert with happy anniversary on the plate. It was an amazing meal and we will be sure to come back!
Overall, it was a very nice place. The food was outstanding - very modern Italian. It was magnificent, and was presented well, and cooked perfectly. The service was excellent, too. Maybe something you expect from a place like this, but it was top notch. The vibe was ok - a little too stuffy. We werent unwelcomed, but its much more of a special occasion place than something we would frequent. Again, very very good overall, and I would highly recommend it. Just probably not a once a week or month type place. Oh, and make a reservation. We did and still had to wait - its a very busy place.
At the Grandview location, the staff was friendly and attentive. However, the food fell very short of expectations. The short ribs were overly fatty - I actually had to scrape a THICK layer of fat off in between the barbecued outer surface and the meat. The scallops wrapped in prosciutto were over cooked. Cocktails and service hit the mark but the food will not bring me back.
After several times dining at Z Cucina, Ive had consistently impressive meals, service and experiences. My first experience is memorable. I was outside the restaurant and reading a menu in the window while trying decide where to dine. The owner saw us, came out, and welcomed us in. From the warm welcome at the door, to the owner visiting tables, to the friendly staff and delicious (often locally sourced from what I understand!) meals, I personally feel that dining here is a delight. I love supporting local businesses and the quality, pride and service at this one makes it pleasurable and easy to do! Looking forward to the next time!!!
Everyone should eat here at least once in their life. It is true that the food is somewhat expensive but not compared to the quality that is presented, I would easily pay more for any of the dishes that ive had here. Ever since I have moved to Columbus I have made an effort to eat here twice a year, once with family and the other with my Fiance, if I had more money id go to Z Cucina every day. The owner is very involved with his business, and the staff has always been nothing but warm, welcoming, attentive, and friendly. At least every time I have gone, I have been treated like family. The food is cooked expertly in house, and everything from the free bread, to the appetizers, to the chef specials, recurring dishes and deserts are absolutely phenomenal. This is easily the best food I have ever had in my life, and I look forward to going here every year. Sadly this will likely be the last year I ever eat here, because I am moving across the country, but if you pass through Columbus, go out of your way to try Z Cucina, you will not regret it. I know that in the future every time im in Ohio, it will be well worth going out of my way to stop by.
Overall a good experience, but I expect something was up with our waiter. Husband and I went for our anniversary; it was about 7:30 on a Tuesday night and the restaurant was active but not busy. We were seated very promptly by the owner despite not having reservations (it was, after all, a Tuesday). But then we didnt see the waiter for about ten minutes. Someone stopped by and poured us water, still no waiter. Then the waiter popped by and told us hed be right with us. Waited some more. When he did finally pay us some attention, he didnt read/explain the specials, nor bring us bread. He or the bar got my husbands cocktail order wrong (husband liked the wrong cocktail so we didnt say anything, but on top of everything else...) The waiter was fine after that but when Im paying for a special occasion date, Id like to receive our drinks before we had sat there for twenty minutes, our entrees a hour after were seated, and to not have to ask for bread. The restaurant was not terribly busy and there were other waiters there. A table seated at the same time as us (of three older people) had several visits from their waiter by the time we got to meet ours. Maybe the waiter had another demanding table or maybe we were being ignored because we were a young couple (and therefore more likely to be cheap). I dont know. I just did NOT expect this after the repeated glowing reviews of the service. By far not the worst service Ive experienced, but not appropriate for the price of the restaurant. Are my expectations too high, or something?That said, the food was delicious, they split entrees for us very nicely, and the experience was overall good. The atmosphere was very pleasant, romantic yet upbeat. We got the appetizer taster plate, which was fantastic and a fun variety of different flavors and textures. We will be back, but only because I expect that our service this last time was a anomaly and not the norm.
Why go anywhere else for fine dining Italian style in Columbus? The cheese plate and charcuterie plate as starters are very well done, unique, well composed, and well displayed. I can speak directly to the fall off the bone lamb. The knife becomes superfluous. Risotto done right with a sauce and mushrooms that meld the flavors together. While the wine list is not extensive, there are some wonderful offerings sure to compliment any dinner. As for service, it was pleasant, prompt, attentive, non-intrusive. In a word? Fantastic.
Traveled in from New York with my son visiting Ohio state . Had dinner Friday night at Z , our waitress Meegan was very friendly and personable. She suggested a few of her favorite dishes and explained most of everything on the menu which was very helpful. I had the Linguini and clams which were just delicious , put that dish right up there anything I would order out in the Cape. My son ordered the classic chicken parmigian which was fabulous. We will certainly be back!
Ive never reviewed anything on this website so maybe that should tell you I really liked this place. My wife and I came here from Cincinnati for our first anniversary. It was just what we hoped for! The atmosphere is nice and relaxing...not too busy (although we didnt get into town until 9pm). We LOVED the mozzarella caprese appetizer. So good. My wifes words: Whenever we come back to Columbus we have to come back here just for this dish. She ordered the chicken parm and I had the lasagna (and some of her chicken parm ;)) Both dishes were amazing for a great price and huge portions. Neither of us finished. I rarely do not finish a plate while eating out. They do it right here!
Love this place, the staff, and the owner. My family and I have celebrated countless special occasions at Z Cucina, and its also our go to place for an impromptu date night. I highly recommend getting on their mailing list and attending one of their wine dinners (it was amazing!).
Without a doubt the best restaurant in Columbus. Top notch all the way around. Service, food, and environment were spectacular. Highly recommended to anyone looking for a great meal and a great time. The staff was awesome and attentive. Rick Ill be sending people your way brotha!Salud!
If I like you, Ill make sure you know about this placeIve been eating here for 15+ years... and am still blown away by the amazing dishes they create, the quality of the ingredients, the welcoming and warm atmosphere, and the spirit of hospitality that Rick and his team offer. If we know each other and I havent told you about Z or taken you there... I must not like you very much.My most recent experience was for my anniversary... Anthony (?) was the consummate server; knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive. We ordered the House Made Sausage & Ricotta Tortelli and House Made Sausage Flatbread with the cheese board for an appetizer. I love cheese so the cheese board is always a way to try something new without spending $20 on a chunk @ Whole Paycheck. The house made sausage was delicious. A tiny kick (Im a wuss) but nothing that prevented the flavor from coming thru. A special thanks to Z for our delicious chocolate mouse dessert. It was the perfect end to a lovely meal.Bottom Line: GO! Amazing Italian food, reasonable prices, friendly and knowledgeablestaff.Bonus Tip: If you can, check our their Happy Hour... the bartenders are awesome (how do they come up with these drinks?!?) and the app prices worth the tripThank you to Z for the chocolate mouse dessert... perfect end to a delicious meal!
We have heard great things about ZCucina and were not disappointed. The owner, Rick, called to confirm our internet reservation, and wanted to know if we were celebrating anything. My husband, Scott, said we were celebrating my birthday, and asked if they had limoncello. Rick said yes, they make their own, and when we arrive, they had already put in an order for it! That was just the beginning of the attention to detail.The restaurant was wonderfully alive with people having a great time. The decor was beautiful, upscale and inviting- just like a true Italian kitchen. And the food was OUTSTANDING!From the amazing lItalian Limoncello Martini, to the OMG homemade ricotta, fig jam and pistachio bread appetizer, the gnocchi main dish and scratch-made lasagna, it was an incredible feast. And coming from a fellow Italian, this is high praise. The food was wonderful.But even better, if thats possible, was the friendly wait staff. Our server, Anthony was the perfect blend of helpful without hovering. His recommendations were on point, and he was attentive to our needs without interrupting. I love service, but it can be irritating when the wait staff are always in your face. Not here. It was a lovely experience.And the prices were great! We could not believe how reasonable they were. Seriously, Olive Garden costs more (not even in the same class as Z Cucina).We will definitely be back here. Its our new favorite. And in the highly competitive restaurant industry in Columbus, this place stands out above all other Italian restaurants.
Great to find an awesome Italian restaurant in the Grandview neighborhood. Absolutely delicious food with large portions but you won’t be spending a lot of money. Two entrees, two salads, an appetizer with drinks came to $106 before tip. Definitely lives up to # 1 ranking of all restaurants in the Columbus Ohio area in TripAdvisor
Just got home from another fabulous meal. The menu changes seasonally, and this was our first time enjoying this years outstanding fall menu. I have been coming here for years, and Rick and his staff consistently deliver a great experience: wonderful food and excellent service are the norms here.
Rick, the owner, is always ready to greet you and make you feel at home. Hes 5*. The menu has variety, great specials, and consistent standards (maybe the best lasagna in Cbus). 5*. Service is a match to compliment the visit (although our server tonight was less than great, he needs some seasoning, Im sure Rick will take care of that). We are big fans.
We were just visiting Ohio and found this place in the hotel magazine, best stroke of luck on the entire trip. Amazing atmosphere and the food is to die for. It started with a specialty basalmic and bread that outshone every previous experience. Each dish had some kind of new flair that made it unique and beautiful. Omg, dessert. Panna Cotta has never tasted so good. I took half an hour to eat it because I didnt want it to end.Overall so worth the cost and then some. The owner was very friendly and everything was wonderful!
Im super disappointed to,discover there is not consistency in this place. I went in October had fabulous short ribs, yummy butternut squash soup and amazing tiramasu- Expensive for,sure but the food quality was amazing. Ive been bragging about how wonderful this place was for a couple months now then went back this past Friday with a vegetarian, he had a salad which was salty, when we asked the server why the salad would be salty he had no idea, didnt apologize, say he would check on it or anything, he just had no idea and took the salad away, which had barely been touched. I had the vegetarian gnocchi which was good, nothing spectacular but totally edible. Then we got,the tiramasu, it was terrible - we each had 2 bites (it was our main reason for coming and we told the server that) it was totally different than the last one I had there. It was heavy and Not fresh. The first one I had in October looked like they topped it with fresh whipped cream and shaved chocolate right before it came out, this one was Definetly wrapped tightly with saran wrap before it came out and was put on a plate drizzled with Carmel, seriously, who adds Carmel to tiramasu and there was NO coffee or liquor taste to the lady fingers, it was bland and heavy, not at all light like the one in October, I asked the hostess if there was a new chef, she said No same one for 6mths. So disappointing, Im sorry to say I no longer recommend this place. (The owner did have me back as his guest and assured me that was not the norm, I did have a nice meal and excellent service my 3rd visit)
Creative combinations, house made ingredients, and a big bowl of rustic goodness. Dont go expecting pasta sauce that is all pureed tomato...expect rustic chunky goodness! The jam and ricotta was insane. House made berry jam with a depth and earthy undertones combined with cant house made ricotta and hunks of thick fresh bread, all surrounding pistachio brittle (that wasnt; it was just a tiny bit soft and awesome).The dinner was fantastic, the owner was obviously passionate about his food and really nice, and the staff was great and well educated. Go, spend a couple hours enjoying great food. Just dont plan on quick or like what you get at the Italian place in the mall.
Decided to celebrate our anniversary at a restaurant we constantly see recommendations for. Well, it did not disappoint. My husband and I enjoyed a carafe of sangria, fresh mozarella caprese appetizer, spinach salad, entrees (chicken parmesan and a wild mushroom pasta), and dessert sampler (tiramisu, pot de creme, cheesecake). Needless to say, we were stuffed but satisfied by the end of our meal. The service was fantastic and the food was awesome. Simply wonderful experience.
We were in the mood for Italian, as usual, so read the reviews and chose the Z. Got there early (6:15) and had a reservation so got seated right away. Waiter was quick to greet us and take drink orders. We started with salads - he had the caesar and I had the roasted beets. The beets were too vinegary but the salad was pretty good. Hubby enjoyed the somewhat non-traditional presentation of the caesar. Followed with soup of the day and he had the fried calamari. His calamari was yummy, great sauce - huge plateful - my soup, a kale and white bean, was very ordinary. Next he ordered the ribeye and I had one of the specials - a fish dish that came so overcooked it was an embarrassment to the owner, Rick. He was very apologetic and bought us desert - which was great except the caramel was burned! He went into the kitchen to taste the caramel after I told him it was burned; after tasting it he made the staff throw it away and make a new batch! He took the fish off the bill, and all in all I have to say he was genuinely distraught over the kitchens faux pas. It is refreshing to see that he cares so much. I was very impressed with Rick, and his restaurant was very busy, so he must be doing something right; everybody has an off night once in a while. We will definitely be back.
Our experience at Z Cucina was spectacular. We had reservations at 7:30. They were running behind. No big deal, we didnt throw a fuss or anything... but they immediately set us up in the bar and sent over two glasses of champagne. When the delay became prolonged, a surprise complimentary appetizer arrived! They went above and beyond.Once we were sat, we were impressed by the depth and interest of the menu. In addition to the classic Italian dishes weve learned to love, they have a nice mix of modern Italian. We shared an extremely tasty (and gigantic!) clam special appetizer, a salumi flatbread, and the traditional lasagna. The clam special was just that: special. The cream sauce was exactly what youd want on a cold winter night; the dish peppered with decadent bacon, mushrooms, and onion. The flatbread crust was sweet and substantive, while hitting the perfect cripsy/chewy balance; the toppings included peppers with punch and toasted, cured meat. Finally, the lasagna hit it out of the park: bubbling out of the broiler, perfectly browned crust, delectable combination of mascarpone / ricotta / mozzarella mixed with a rich, deep bolognese. Heaven!Well definitely be back. Thanks for a memorable night!
All I can say is WOW. I hosted an event on March 18th for High Point University at Z Cucina di Spirito and the staff, food, and atmosphere were incredible. My guests were pleased with the quality and the selection of food, and I was so impressed with how accommodating every single person was. I would highly recommend Z Cucina for any event you want to plan. You will not be disappointed! Thank you to everyone who made this event possible, you will definitely see me and HPU there for years to come!
Z Cuchina is your standard upscale Italian restaurant. The staff is very professional and their rotating seasonal menu is sure to impress but the execution sometimes misses the mark. The biggest problem though is the lack of character. Youll probably have a great meal here but its nothing memorable.
The dining experiences weve had at Z were great, and consistent with the other rave reviews here. As parent of former and current staff members, I can also report that the good service experienced by Zs customers owes to the support and consideration Rick provides to staff.
The best meal that I had in Columbus mainly due to the distinctive and well-paired flavors. My wife and I enjoyed a nice dinner there on a Tuesday. We started with Tapas and had the most wonderful stuffed pumpkin blossoms with spicy tomato aioli and prosciutto-wrapped shrimp with grilled melon. The flavors were popping. After that I had a great take on classic broccoli and cheddar soup - meaning a broccoli and gorganzola puree - absolutely delicious. The entrees were the butternut squash gnocci and a duck ragout. Again, nothing but delicious. We finished our meal with an absolutely fabulous butterscotch panna cotta. It was perfectly chilled and the butterscotch was perfectly blended. Beyond the food, our server was very knowledgeable and gave the perfect blend of alone time and service. His recommendations were spot on and as in my last few meals there, the owner is personable and takes time to talk to his patrons. We will definitely go back.
Z Cucina di Spirito is a great restaraunt. Perfect for foodies who love modern italian with a fresh, local spin. Everything is made from scratch in house to make sure it is perfect when it gets to your plate. They will usually mix up their menu with the season to keep the options fresh with the produce available. This does mean that menu items will eventually be gone, so make sure to sample often so you dont miss anything! Place is great for dates, work outings, or just dinner with friends who appreciate a really well made meal.
Meh. ..Really good white wine that we had to find on menu, homemade riccota way to sparingly applied to too much bread, homemade mozzarella too much salt added and not warm, smoked chicken ravioli was like an odd mix of BBQ with Italian, Caesar dressing was just a tad bit odd flavored (like they added sugar) but not too bad really, chicken parmesan. . .Well u can do way better..Come on guys. . .And white table clothes. . .If you dont get caught up with modern times, you will go by the way of the dinosaurs. Im sorry. This is all true.
Total reviews rating 4.6
199 Reviews for Z Cucina di Spirito 2023:
Review №1
2022-04-24Everything from start to finish was great. Best calamari ever. Bread and dip was delicious. Tried several appetizers and our entrees were delicious too. Rack of lamb and smoked chicken ravioli. Will definitely be back to try more dishes. Staff was great and welcoming. Definitely make a reservation.
Review №2
2022-03-03I go here for the best bar service and tasty food. Kevin always tells me what is new and what freshest dishes taste. Let me tell you, the tomatoe dip for the bread is to die for! Kevins cocktails are worth the wait while he makes magic in a cocktail glass.
Review №3
2021-07-05Such an amazing experience. We made reservations for a Friday night to celebrate my birthday. I have a peanut allergy and I was able to mention that in the reservation and they confirmed that with me when I arrived and were very aware of the allergy all night which was greatly appreciated. We started with the charcuterie board and it was absolutely fantastic, the complimentary bread and oil also paired well with it. I ordered a mushroom pizza and my husband ordered a sausage with pasta dish (not sure of the names of either). Both dishes were SO good!!! I believe our waiter’s name was Mark and he was courteous, knowledgeable and very helpful with all of our questions. Then they brought out a mousse as a dessert for my birthday! The atmosphere was excellent and all around it was a terrific experience. I read dozens of reviews for restaurants in Columbus before deciding on this one and I am so glad I did! If you are in Columbus please go to this restaurant! Truly an amazing meal.
Review №4
2022-01-16My wife and I visited Z Cucina in Grandview for the first time roughly 6 months ago and have been back multiple times since! The food is amazing! We have tried many things and have not been disappointed once. The oil for the bread is the absolute best we have ever had! The restaurant is very beautiful inside! The staff is amazing but the #1 reason we continued going back is the owner, Jackie. She runs the front desk so perfectly! She is an extremely pleasant person and is great at what she does! She truly cares for her guests and makes you feel so welcome and not like you are just another person. I would recommend any small business owner who works with the public makes a visit to this restaurant to see just how you should run a business and treat your customers.Chris & Mindy Hill
Review №5
2022-03-20Had an incredible experience from start to finish. The service from the hostesses, bar, and waitress was 10/10. So nice, friendly, and welcoming. Our food was amazing. Probably my favorite Italian restaurant in Columbus by far. We ordered the meatballs to start and the lasagna. 10/10 all around. Definitely will be back.
Review №6
2021-05-16We came here in a Saturday evening with reservations that were 100% necessary as the restaurant filled up in minutes. Our waitress, Angela was very helpful with the menu and friendly. The bread and sauce were amazing to start. We shared the Risotto Fritters which were great as well. I ordered the Tortelli and my wife got the Goat Cheese Ravioli both of which were amazing in their own, different ways. They also gave us a mousse for our anniversary! So nice, little wait time, and the best food I have had in a long time. Absolutely a new favorite!
Review №7
2022-04-04I guess this place is not for me. Super fancy. So fancy they dont feel the need to feed you. The bread basket had 4 pieces of bread no bigger than my thumb. They gave me 5 ravioli and a bit of corn chowder over it for my dinner. The sausage dish my son had, had a tablespoon of sausage on shells that were left way to long under the heat lamp. Very beautiful place. Food average, service good good. Portions ver small. We will not be going back
Review №8
2021-09-05The food was delicious! The atmosphere is a so beautiful and the service was impeccable! I got the shrimp Alfredo. The portion size was so big I had enough for lunch the next day and it was still just as good reheated!
Review №9
2022-02-15Yes, weve often enjoyed dinner at Z Cucina (I proposed to my wife over dinner here) but we love the happy hour. Great bartender and specials. Park easily and enjoy a weekday date here!
Review №10
2021-11-21Booked a table for six to celebrate three November Birthdays - well, we could not be happier with our choice! Excellent service that was very welcoming and went above and beyond to make sure we were able to sit back and enjoy our evening. The food was delicious, and everything on the menu looked appealing. Towards the end of our evening, we were treated to a delicious Birthday dessert. Thank you so much! We plan on returning!