Humble Beginnings,
Good Spirits, Great Food

Giuseppe began his culinary exploration as a child growing up in the town of Calabria, Italy. Learning the basics of Italian cuisine from his mother, he later perfected his art while working with other Italian chefs on cruise ships. This exposure to flavors from around the world honed Giuseppe’s traditional dishes to the unique tastes guests have grown to love.

The Ritrovo started, after Giuseppe met Vesna, as a simple café serving ready-made fare to the local community. But one day when a customer asked Giuseppe to cook some of the pasta and sauce they’d just purchased, a Columbus icon was born. More and more people were asking Giuseppe to cook his pasta for them and the café grew out of its shell. Using the dishes from their wedding, Giuseppe and Vesna sold the deli cases—at a huge loss—added some tables and chairs, and turned the café into the destination it is today.

From his country home of Italy, to a checkered-floor café in central Ohio, Giuseppe’s humble yet elegant treatment of simple ingredients is a marvel for the senses as well as the spirit. A cozy, welcoming gathering place where guests are always welcome, Giuseppe’s Ritrovo boasts an immersive menu of the highest quality Italian products and pizzas.

Add to that our expertly stocked bar full of hand-crafted, original cocktails made with the finest alcohol from around the world, over 100 different curated bourbons, our own proprietary Woodford Reserve single-barrel whiskey, and knowledgeable, professional staff, and you won’t want to dine anywhere else.