13-05-2025
Metsi's joins a crowded Columbus Italian scene
Our dining scene is getting another upscale Italian option — can it separate itself from the pack?
Dining the news: Last week, chef BJ Lieberman gave Columbus a sneak peek of his new concept, Metsi's, a "wood-fired Italian" restaurant in the Short North.
Lieberman is a James Beard nominee and one of our most visible chefs, helming Chapman's Eat Market and Ginger Rabbit.
The intrigue: He also opened Hiraeth, a short-lived fine dining concept at 36 E. Lincoln St. centered around its wood-fired oven.
A year after Hiraeth closed, Metsi's is taking over the space.
Yes, but: Chapman's hosted the preview, so we can't report on the vibes.
What I ate: A six-course prix fixe menu ($75).
The meal started with sourdough focaccia with a whipped ricotta dip and a Caesar salad.
For mains, guests shared two "dueling pastas" — cacio e pepe and amatriciana — and individually portioned osso bucco with polenta.
For dessert: tiramisu.
Best bites: Everything was tasty, but at this price point, I was slightly disappointed to be more excited by the starters than the pastas at an Italian restaurant.
The osso bucco, however, was fantastic and probably my highlight.
And they made a killer tiramisu.
The big picture: Metsi's joins a crowded Central Ohio Italian scene.
Columbus loves classics like Martini, Moretti's, Marcella's and Basi, as well as newer options like Speck, Cento and Pelino's.
💭 My thought bubble: During its short life, Hiraeth was easily my favorite Columbus restaurant.
📆 What's next: Metsi's aims to open in June.
