Z Cucina di Spirito

Mike Shorkend

Disappointing. Ranked number 1 restaurant in Columbus by TripAdvisor but I really cannot understand why. The pasta was bland and the vegetables overcooked. I did like the desserts

CJ

Five star authentic Italian dining. Everything was delicious and plate licking good. Come by Tuesdays for their rotating tapas menu. I had the caprese, the tapas, the smoked chicken ravioli, and the peach-blackberry gazpacho. The gazpacho was fruity and sour, fresh tasting with roasted nuts on top and a drizzle of EVOO to add some silky fat. It had the vinegar finish of classic gazpacho with a creamy, smooth beginning. The caprese was amazing, topped with housemate mozzarella balls, a basil leaf, balsamic glaze, all atop locally sourced Amish heirloom tomatoes. Disappeared in seconds. My only gripe is perhaps more basil. The tapas menu was a amazing way to get my appetite up after the gazpacho, at 5 dollars a pop you can chew through the entire menu easily. The shrimp dish features two jumbo tiger shrimp, good enough to eat the shells. The mussels had a smoked glaze on them, and the scallop was so good we ordered one more before dessert. My ravioli was creamy and decadent but not too rich. Perfect portion with roasted tomatoes and corn adding freshness and a textural contrast to the silky ravioli, the chicken tender and sweet inside the handmade shell. Will definitely return.

David Boyd

I very, VERY rarely give 5s, because the best score should be reserved for truly exceptional places, and Z Cucina is a SOLID 5. From the delicious fresh bread with a bit of tomato sauce setting them apart from the sea of Italian places with conventional bread and olive oil, to the amazing charcuterie board antipasto I felt like we were in for a great meal. A delightful curve-ball on the charcuterie board is the "Parmesan crème brûlée" that smells heavenly and tastes even better. Rich, savory, interesting, perfectly portioned, this was a stand-out item in an outstanding meal overall. The summer salad was delicious, well-balanced with fruit and the vinaigrette. My smoked-chicken ravioli with smoked corn cream sauce was also delicious. The service was good... friendly, unhurried, attentive without being intrusive. The generous pour of a lovely smooth grappa was a nice cap on a great meal.

Claudia Moore

We came from out of town and wanted to try one of Columbus’ most popular restaurants. We went to Z Cucina di Spirito tonight because it was #1 on so many “must try” lists and let me tell ya, it did not disappoint! From the food, to the service, to the restaurant atmosphere… everything was wonderful! We will definitely be back when we return to Columbus!