Martini Modern Italian

Reviews

• MB

  Melanie Barbis

  1 day ago
  5.0
  Love this place! Been there twice and it’s some of the best Italian food that I’ve had in the US.
• DM

  Daniel Matthew

  Oct 9, 2025
  5.0
  Wow… I usually don’t leave reviews but what a fantastic restaurant. Hailey was amazing at directing us to the perfect wine to start. We ordered the Shrimp pasta and the Mushroom pasta and both were absolutely phenomenal. Each bite left you wanting more. We ended with the chocolate torte which was the perfect end of the night.
• AA

  Andy

  Sep 26, 2025
  2.0
  Visited Martini after Open Table recommended for a fancy dinner- sad to say that every aspect fell short of expectations. My partner and I came for our anniversary and were sat in the front near the windows. Not a problem other than we felt our server had to continue to go out of his way to serve us. We weren’t greeted for a notable amount of time, didn’t receive cocktails for another notable amount of time, and then the waiter completely forgot our second round of drinks until I mentioned we were still waiting. Food was alright. We ordered the tuna tartare and beef carpaccio (two of our favorites) to start and were underwhelmed with how similar the two dishes came out. Entrees also underperformed. Overall a disappointing dining experience. We enjoy dining out quite frequently and have never felt significantly disappointed leaving an establishment until this night out. Definitely dropped the ball for a huge milestone which we mentioned in our reservation and also to our server. We left with a sour taste and agreed we wouldn’t be returning.
• PM

  Paul Meijer

  Sep 25, 2025
  5.0
  Martini Modern Italian, Columbus, Ohio Pulling up, I was instantly relieved to see valet service waiting right out front. It’s a small touch, but one that sets the tone, no circling the block, no stress, just straight into the experience. Inside, the restaurant hums with energy. The remodel has given it a sleek, modern edge without losing its warmth. There’s a lively buzz from the crowd, a low thump of music in the background, and the unmistakable feeling that this is where people come to kick off their night. I started with the Hugo by Proxy, a light, refreshing cocktail featuring Giffard Aperitif, elderflower, and alcohol-removed sparkling wine. Bright, slightly floral, and crisp, it set the mood perfectly. The Martini Salad was a pleasant surprise. Expecting delicate ribbons of prosciutto, I instead found what I can only describe as “Italian bacon bits,” crumbled prosciutto scattered among greens, tomatoes, pine nuts, and tangy gorgonzola. The balsamic tied everything together, but it was that salty, meaty crunch that made the salad memorable. For the main course, the Lasagna leaned classic but executed with finesse, layers of fresh pasta, robust sausage, and San Marzano tomato sauce that tasted slow-simmered and balanced, not too acidic or heavy. Comfort food elevated. To finish, a scoop of Vanilla Bean Gelato alongside a foamy cappuccino, simple, timeless, and the perfect close. Service from Leeann was standout, warm, attentive, and genuine, which only elevated the evening. Martini strikes a rare balance, polished enough for a celebration, but comfortable enough for a casual night out. With its history dating back to 1996 and its recent refresh under Executive Chef John Paul Iacobucci, Martini Modern Italian feels both rooted and forward-looking. It’s no wonder it continues to be a Short North staple. If you’re making a dining circuit through Columbus, this spot deserves a top slot. #MeijerFineDiningClub #Ohio #foodie #restaurants
• LA

  Lisa Arnold

  Sep 10, 2025
  5.0
  Another Italian restaurant reminding me I'm terrible at this cuisine. I had both a Dark Cherry Manhattan and an Empress Old Fashioned, over a single large ice cube, which is my preference. Both were good, solid, classic. Nothing ground breaking. I was with a large group so I tasted a lot of items. Here are my brief thoughts: Either bread option: Eat these until your full, then make more room. Totally worth it. Arancini: good, gooey, still not going to order for myself. Meatballs: They are meatballs that are well made. Caesar salad: a little too acidic, meh. I needed the fiber. Chicken Parm: Meh. Looks better than it is. Marinara is too acidic. If someone suggests changing the marinara to vodka sauce, do that. Butternut squash tortelloni: best thing I had, if you can hang with all the cream. I can't, but it's still worth it. Pistachio torte dessert: warm, very good if you like pistachios and cherries. The other guests I was with didn't prefer it. To be clear I wasn't sharing mine, they got their own. TJ was our waiter and he was attentive and patient with our group, and he described the menu so well I would have ordered dog biscuits if he suggested them!