COLUMBUS, Ohio — Bistrolino co-owner Sam is from Lebanon and went to school at Ohio State. 

His business partner Francesco hails from Italy.

  • The two owners fused their Lebanese and Italian cultures
  • It only seats 28
  • Favorites are the brasciola, salmon tortellini, zucchini parm, and flatbread

“When I first moved to the states, I came over to New York City and a company from Italy, they sent me over to open restaurants for them. I opened 3 restaurants in 3 years and then I met my wife there and we moved back to Ohio because she's from here,” said Francesco Todisco, Bistrolino co-owner.

Together, the two have fused their cultures —bringing a taste of the Mediterranean to Columbus’ German Village. 

“Not just generally even the food, they make pizzas, we make whatever, it’s just more like spices, the olive oil, wine. Even over time as we’ve opened the place, we’ve learned more,” said Sam Chedid, Bistrolino co-ower.

The place has only been open two months, but has already been a big hit in the Village.

“Everyone loves it, it’s definitely brought a new kind of idea of cuisine to Columbus. I don’t think there’s anything going on right now that even comes close to this fusion of Mediterranean tastes,” said Bistrolino employee Stephanie Delakas.

“And the zucchini, instead of being fried, they are roasted. So, like you can see, every dish that we make, every dish is served in a single-serve baking dish and all the hot things that we have, they come out like that, and it’s really nice to share, they are a one-person portion, but it’s nice to put them in the middle of the table,” said Todisco.

Ideal to split for a date night or a small group, as Bistrolino only seats 28 — creating an intimate and authentic setting.

“German Village just was the perfect spot, just the little streets, the small little places like the little cafes like this will seat about 20-30 people," said Chedid.

Some of the favorites so far are the brasciola, salmon tortellini, zucchini parm, and flatbread — dishes Sam and Francesco want to introduce to newcomers and continue sharing with their fellow Italian-Lebanese Ohioans. 

“People have loved it. We’ve actually, through this whole experience, met so many Lebanese-Italian families and they just love the authentic dishes we’ve brought in from back home,” said Chedid.