I feel Columbus owes Delaware an apology. First one of the region’s best restaurants, Veritas, starts in Delaware before migrating to downtown Columbus. That frees up space for Speck Italian Eatery to come in…and now it’s moved to Columbus, too. Can we assume we could also get Cove, A Seafood Joint?
Columbus has been the beneficiary of some great restaurants started by chef and owner Josh Dalton. Dalton owns the excellent 1808 American Bistro in Delaware, as well as the space just down Winter Street that has incubated Veritas, Speck and now Cove.
In partnership with Edwards Communities, Dalton has been able to relocate downtown Columbus restaurants around Gay and High streets, which have been welcome additions to the downtown core. Speck is the latest entry, an excellent modern Italian venue with great cocktails and a wine list.
Speck’s High Street space is well appointed, with a front bar and open kitchen.
It is currently open for both lunch and dinner.
The cocktail menu is created by Genevieve Johnson, who recently wowed Columbus audiences with her work at Rooh in the Short North.
Speck is currently accepting reservations for dinner only; Lunch is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
We can’t think of a single misstep from our entire dinner. Here are the highlights!
Starters included home made focaccia and the homonym speck and burrata. For those who don’t know, speck is a lightly cured ham. Delicious on crusty bread with soft homemade burrata.
The candied wings they were a highlight of the starter menu. Tender, crispy and wonderfully seasoned meat.
As you can imagine, pasta takes center stage, comprising most of the main dishes on the menu.
The scallops on risotto with pancetta and chili.
Gnudi soft and pillow al cheese and black pepper.
beautiful king crab on linguine
And the rich pomodoro on bucatini with ricotta and herbs.
Don’t miss the dessert menu, with hits like the bitter tiramisu with mascarpone ice cream and whipped espresso.
Or the pistachio cannoli with homemade ricotta and pistachio ice cream.
We’re certainly sorry that downtown Delaware lost Speck, but we’re selfishly glad to have him in Columbus. It’s an outstanding restaurant with great service and a focused, expertly executed menu that should quickly become a favorite.
Speck is currently open Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Speck Italian food
89 N. High St.
Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 754-8544
IG: speckrestaurant.com
FB: SpeckItalian
IG: @speck_italian