Bar in Columbus, United States
Cento
100ptsSolid neighborhood Italian for date night.
About Cento
Cento on South Third Street is a solid Columbus pick for a relaxed Italian dinner without the hassle of a hard-to-book room. The crowd skews local and repeat — a reliable signal for consistency. Easy to book, practical location, and better suited to weeknight dinners or date nights than large groups or special-occasion splurges.
Who Should Book Cento
Cento is a strong pick for Columbus diners who want a neighborhood Italian spot in the Short North-adjacent South Third Street corridor. If you're planning a relaxed weeknight dinner with a partner or a small group that prefers a local room over a chain or a buzzy rooftop, this address makes sense. First-timers to the Columbus dining scene will find the South Third location practical — it sits in a walkable stretch with access to other solid options if plans change.
The Room and the Crowd
Based on its South Third Street address, Cento draws a mix of young professionals, Columbus locals, and date-night pairs who want something a step above casual without the formality of a reservation-required tasting menu room. Expect a mostly local crowd rather than a tourist-heavy one. That's a point in its favor: the room tends to feel like a neighborhood place that regulars trust, not a venue performing for out-of-towners. For first-timers, that means you'll likely be the only table there for the first time — which is usually a good sign about consistency.
Italian-format restaurants at this kind of address in Columbus tend to run quieter early in the week and fill more decisively on Fridays and Saturdays. If you're sensitive to noise or want to be able to hold a conversation easily, aim for a Tuesday or Wednesday visit. Weekend evenings will have more energy but also more competition for attention from staff.
What to Know Before You Go
Cento sits at 595 S 3rd St, Columbus, OH 43215 , a walkable location in a stretch of Columbus that has seen consistent dining investment over the past decade. Booking here is categorized as easy, so you're unlikely to need to plan far in advance, though weekend evenings warrant a reservation rather than a walk-in attempt. For first-timers, arrive knowing roughly what you want: Italian-format venues in this tier tend to reward guests who engage with the menu rather than defaulting to the most familiar dish.
If Cento doesn't fit your timing or you want to compare options before committing, Barcelona Restaurant and Bar and Antiques on High are worth checking against your occasion. For a broader look at what Columbus has on offer, see our full Columbus restaurants guide, our full Columbus bars guide, or our full Columbus hotels guide.
Quick reference: 595 S 3rd St, Columbus, OH 43215 , booking difficulty: easy , leading for: weeknight dinners, dates, small groups.
Compare Cento
| Venue | Price | Booking Difficulty | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cento | Easy | — | |
| Sushi Ten | Unknown | — | |
| 11th and Bay Southern Table | Unknown | — | |
| Akai Hana | Unknown | — | |
| Antiques on High | Unknown | — | |
| Barcelona Restaurant and Bar | Unknown | — |
A quick look at how Cento measures up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Cento have happy hour deals?
Happy hour details for Cento at 595 S 3rd St are not publicly confirmed. Your best move is to call ahead or check closer to your visit — South Third Street venues in Columbus typically run weekday evening specials, so it's worth asking directly when you book.
Is the food good at Cento?
Cento draws a consistent local following on South Third Street, which in Columbus is a reliable signal that the kitchen is delivering. For Italian at this address, the expectation is solid, mid-upscale execution rather than a destination tasting menu. If you want Michelin-caliber Italian, Columbus isn't the market — but Cento holds up well against comparable neighborhood spots in the city.
What's the crowd like at Cento?
Expect young professionals and date-night pairs, with Columbus locals making up the core. The South Third Street corridor attracts a step-above-casual crowd — dressed up enough for a good dinner out, but not a formal room. Groups of four or more should book ahead; the room isn't built for large parties dropping in.
What's the signature drink at Cento?
No specific cocktail or drink menu details are confirmed for Cento. Given the Italian-leaning concept and the South Third Street dining demographic, an Italian-focused wine list or aperitivo-style cocktails would fit the format — but verify with the venue before planning around a specific order.
Is Cento good for a date?
Yes, this is one of the stronger date-night picks on South Third Street in Columbus. The neighborhood draws a mix of locals and young professionals, which keeps the room energetic without being loud. For a first date, the setting works; for a longer relationship dinner, book a table rather than bar seating if you want the full experience.
Does Cento have outdoor seating?
Outdoor seating at Cento's 595 S 3rd St location is not confirmed in available venue data. The South Third Street corridor does include venues with patio options, but check directly with Cento before building your plans around al fresco dining.
Do I need a reservation at Cento?
Book ahead, especially Thursday through Saturday. South Third Street dining in Columbus has gotten competitive, and Cento's date-night positioning means the room fills. Walk-ins may work on slower weeknights, but a reservation is the safer call if you have a specific evening planned.
More bars in Columbus
- 11th and Bay Southern Table11th and Bay Southern Table is a sit-down Southern venue on Bay Ave in Columbus, Georgia, suited to date nights, celebrations, and small group dinners. Booking is easy, making it a low-friction choice for a considered evening out in downtown Columbus. Confirm current pricing directly before planning a special occasion.
- Akai HanaAkai Hana is a low-key neighborhood spot on Columbus's northwest side, suited to value-conscious diners who want a relaxed, no-fuss evening without downtown prices or crowds. Easy to walk into, easy on the wallet by local standards. If a serious cocktail or spirits program is your priority, look elsewhere in Columbus — but for a quiet, consistent neighborhood option, it's a reliable pick.
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