I recommend this place for those who are willing to try the seafood (pricy but good) and are planning on sitting in the bar section. I came here for a 2 year anniversary and was disappointed by the dining section which was really shabby, especially for the high priced menu they offer. The chairs and tables looked like they belonged in a cheap bar and the décor was cheesy. The bar section on the other hand looked nice and modern, and was totally full by 6pm on a weekday night. Next time I come it will be for happy hour and I will be sitting at the bar. I got the chicken etouffee which wasn't that tasty and didn't come with enough rice. My boyfriend got the house pasta with cremini mushrooms. Neither of us found the pasta sauce that flavorful although the mushrooms were really meaty and delicious. I ate at the Gallo's bar on Bethel Rd. for Mardi Gras a few years ago and I got the Jambalaya which was hands down the best I've ever had and I've been craving it ever since. I'm assuming Gallo's Kitchen has the same recipe so if this assumption is true I highly recommend it! Overall I was expecting better due to the high ratings on Yelp. read more

The pulled pork sandwich was mush... the burger, just ok. Hence, the short, uninspiring review. Goodbye.

The food was pretty good, but I like a place in Akron better, called Russo's. The atmosphere was very clean, but it felt like a bar with a dining room. It is located in a plaza, so it looked like at one point in time it use to be a dairy mart or some other store at the location. But at the end of the day, I would go back again for the food. read more

More of a redneck sports bar vibe here. Excellent food. Kitchen is very clean and organized. Menu is a combination of Italian and creole dishes. Service can be a bit dismissive but definitely worth a visit read more

NOLA in UA? Gallos's does a great job with NO cooking in a nice casual atmosphere. I've been three times and have had good food and good service every time.I've had the jambalaya as well as the étouffée and they were both excellent. The place has a bit of a neighborhood bar feel to it. Don't get me wrong - the atmosphere is good but it is not a prom date type of place. Try the specials - they keep with the New Orleans theme; but there are also more mainstream items (eg burgers) for the less adventurous. read more

Keeping this simple. Get the sauted fish. Seriously the best I've had. Also the bolegnese is the best ever. Tommy is always here to greet you and make sure the food came out right. Hidden gem! read more

One of the best in Columbus. Great food, with an awesome daily menu. Great atmosphere and staff as well. Can't recommend it enough

Nice neighborhood place. Very good food. Had Italian meatballs for an app, and house salad with grilled shrimp with red wine vinegarette. The salad reminded me of the old-fashioned oil/vinegar delicious fresh salads Italians make. Delicious. Nice, small neighborhood bar/restaurant. Recommend! read more

I'd give it 5 stars if the ambiance was a bit nicer. As it is, I'll take fantastic food over a swanky atmosphere any day. We've gotten carryout quite a few times, since they're between office and home -- the etouffee and jambalaya travel well and are tasty at home. But last night we ate at the restaurant and tried a few things that shouldn't be ordered carry-out. The fried oysters were divine. I had the walleye special with a crawfish cream sauce and it was delicious, too. And we enjoyed the live guitar music, too. read more

We came from out of town in California to check out Gallos, and got way more than we expected! From the service, the ambiance and the atmosphere to the mouth-watering dishes, it was a fantastic experiences. The homemade meatballs, homemade Italian sausage and the calamari were excellent. For the main course, the Chef Tom Gallo created a cultural blend that left us wanting more. All of the workers were down to earth and friendly and the Chef is a skilled master in the kitchen. We plan to come here next time we are in the area. read more

Nice restaurant/bar tucked in corner of a strip mall! I really like the Seafood Creole! Girl I was with seem to enjoy her Russo pasta dish. Good vibe and background music! Must say out server was not top notch and drinks can be pricey. 4 stars mainly for food and scenery. read more

I had been wanting to go for a while and we finally made it this weekend. Gumbo - It was missing something. I felt like I can make better. Fried oysters - nothing special about them Seafood creole - it was pretty good. Since I lived 5 hrs away from New Orleans for 5 years. maybe I am used to true Cajun food - it was a slight disappointment. read more

The food is great and they play the sports game that everyone wants to see. The staff is very friendly and it's a great place to be!

Tough night. Hamburger was awful. Like really awful. Tater tots were good. Not rushing back.

Summary: fantastic food, perfect service, great date spot! Not too formal or too casual. Food was excellent: sweet, juicy kobe burger, beautifully prepared walleye, attention to every detail. A++ on the food. Chef came out and stopped by each table, waitstaff was very attentive without being at all intrusive and definitely on their game. Great recommendations. Setting was comfortable and unpretentious, with a happy noise level that encouraged you to lean in to the conversation - high marks for date night, but bringing a crowd back with us next time. This place is a real gem. read more

I had the alligator etouffe. It was my first experience with alligator and I will say it was exceptional and worth the price. It was very tender in a lobster stock and had amazing flavor. I am definitely going back to gallos. read more

OMG!!!!! AMAZING!!!!!! There were 4 of us so we ordered quite a bit!!!!! 5 or 6 appetizers, 4 entrees, and of course 4 desserts. Everything was delicious!!!! I've been known to at least return something since I grew up with outstanding food thanks to my dad being a CIA (Culinary Institute of America) grad. But not one thing got returned!!!!! If I had room in my tummy, I would have ordered more!!!! That is how good this place is!!!! The seafood creole is a must!!!!!! Can't wait to go back!!!!! read more

The seafood creole is one of the best dishes I've had in the entire city of Columbus. The fish and shellfish change out depending on what's available, but on the night I went, I had perfectly cooked halibut as part of the seafood mix. I've also gone there to pick up some shrimp and crawfish po' boys to-go, and those are solid as well. Not exactly overflowing like the ones I had in New Orleans, but nothing is. I never see this place on any Best of Columbus lists, but that's cool, since the wait times are pretty good right now. I would hate to have to wait too long for their food. read more

This might be the first and only placed I bookmarked, which is more a testament to lack of yelp skill rather than selective proclivities but it was well worth such a distinct honor. Gallo's storefront somewhat belies the culinary excellence that lies within, that is to say the facade is a bit plain. Nestled comfortably on the end of a small line of buildings is Gallo's Kitchen & Bar a cajun and italian restaurant that was one of the most memorable meals we've had in a while. We started with arancini that had the added twist of artichoke hearts in the filling. They were fried perfectly and though I'm not as much of an artichoke fan as my girlfriend, I was thoroughly pleased. As for drinks, I had a moscow mule, my new go to, and my girlfriend had a peach bellini. Both were really good, but I liked mine better. The entrees are the main draw though. My girlfriend had the small caesar and half size pasta russo. I didn't try either, but she raves about in her review, as does most everyone else. I had the Ohio Pride filet with roasted red baby potatoes and asparagus. I'm not a huge asparagus fan, but I did enjoy it, though the potatoes more so. The steak was one of the best I've ever had. Just a rare filet cooked to perfection. Extremely juicy and a good portion to for the price, though it's rare that I've had a steak that was too big. Alas, we did not try dessert, but we will be back soon and we'll have to remedy that. The least memorable part of the experience was the service. It was fine, it didn't detract from the experience, it didn't add to it either. The owner however, did come out to briefly say hi to us and make sure we enjoyed our food and this is always a really nice touch. I would absolutely recommend this place and I can't wait until we go back. read more

Due to the high reviews, I decided to try this place with my friend for my birthday. We ordered the fried oysters, jambalaya, and seafood creole. The fried oysters came with two kinds of dipping sauces and it was superb. I was disappointed on both of the entrees though. They were rather bland so it was a bit of let down because I was expecting to be blown away by the entrees based on other's reviews and the price of the food. I also wish that they brighten up the place a bit more, it is way too dim for me. Will give this place another try sometimes for their Italian food. read more

Place always smells like turned fish. Can't believe anyone can stand it in there. Pretentious management who don't give a crap about relating to customers. Staff is nice but place sucks overall. read more

This is one of the very best restaurants in Columbus. It is without peer when it comes to creole dishes, which rival the finest served in leading New Orleans restaurants. Please don't complain about long waits for a table. Make a reservation, just like those of us who regularly patronize this outstanding establishment. read more

Funny feeling (in a good way) about Gallo's Kitchen & Bar. I visited on a Tuesday afternoon just as Gallo's was opening at 4PM. That in itself could be a recipe for a dismissive review. Just the opposite. There were perhaps 8 folks inside and as I sat at the bar the bartender was friendly and very efficient. I was informed the menu from 4 - 5PM is about 3 - 4 items long. I had the dry-rub chicken wings with some zingy-tangy sauce at the bottom of the bowl. This allowed me to dip and swish wings to the level of taste I desired. I liked that. There is a Daily Menu Special(s) and the main dishes made my mouth water. I wanted to stay beyond 5PM but couldn't. Gallo's isn't large but has ample seating with a mix of dining room size tables. The bar is curvy swerving and is 1/2 circle type, all patrons facing inwards mostly except 5 - 6 seats with backs to the front. I think I've convinced myself Gallo's Kitchen & Bar is a 5-STAR local place and a hidden gem unless you're a UA resident or know someone who is. I'm going back and I'll wager back again,... and again. read more

Our meals at Gallo's were amazing. I had the fusilli appetizer and added one homemade Italian sausage (maybe the best sausage in the City !) for my main course. Their Louisiana crawfish sauce is incredible. I recommend dipping the fresh bread in the sauce until it's all gone. The crawfish burst with flavor when you bite down and then melt in your mouth. More than enough for an entree. My spouse had the Gallo's Half & Half appetizer for her entree (one large awesome homemade meatball and one sausage), with delicious Italian tomato sauce (Pomodoro sauce - again perfect for bread dipping). Not sure how they do it, but our meals were piping hot when served, and stayed hot for the entire meal (no, not because we devoured it incredibly fast !). We highly recommend Gallo's Kitchen. We have been several times before, when we've enjoyed perfectly prepared fish dishes (changes daily), seafood creole, jambalaya and etouffe (chicken, and occasionally crawfish). A friend once told me that he thought their filet was the best steak in the City ! Try it out ! read more

I love this place! It's a great casual/nice date spot. I ALWAYS get the crawfish pasta fusilli. Its litterally the best pasta I've ever had. Though it makes my stomach hurt after, likely due to the oil. I've also had the shrimp po' boy which is ok but nothing too special. Give this place a try, you won't regret it. read more

This place is fantastic!! Tommy and his team work their a$&es off and it shows in their food and service. I have never had a dish that I did not like. The pan seared fish with crawfish sauce is to die for. Do yourself a favor and try this place ASAP! read more

I was given the task of picking the restaurant for our family birthday celebration. Only I live in Indianapolis so I went to Yelp for ideas in the Columbus area. Read the reveiws for this place and thought it sounded interesting. It was and the food was very good, we had an assortment of meals and it was all yummy. Good wine...wait staff very friendly and knowledgeable. It was worth the drive and it even had Jeni's ice cream..best birthday dinner yet! We'll be back! read more

Gallo's Kitchen + Bar - Thumb wars at dinner. - Italian Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

Yummy! All the dishes are amazing I like the Cajun inspired best. Sit at the bar the bartender will steer you right and is such a nice guy. Talked me into a wonderful dish I am still thinking about! Bread is amazing here so get a salad. Reasonable prices including on wine. Not super fancy but delicious and wonderul! read more

This was a OK experience. I have see the good reviews on Yelp about this place. I was not impressed. My wife got the Walleye 29 dollars and one iced tea. She said it was good but had much better around town I started of with a Rhinegeist Truth for a drink was surprised when she came out with a can. My bad assumed it would be draft. On to food I ordered fried oysters and crawfish etouffee. The fried oysters looked nothing like pictures I have seen on Yelp. There was 3 quarter sized oysters and 4 or 5 nickels sized ones the rest were a few pea sized. They were lightly battered and good just not many for 12.75. The crawfish etouffee 25 dollars was edible with small pieces of crayfish. I said to my wife if Campbell's soup made crawfish etouffee this is exactly what it would turnout like. It was more soup like and once again didn't look like the pictures I have seen on Yelp. I wish them the best it seemed they do have a loyal crowd that goes in there good for them. It is not for me I expected better. read more

Seriously good etoufe, poboys, and Brussels sprouts! Drinks awesome, service great! I'll be back!

One of the top resteraunts in UA. Everything made fresh, seasonal menus, awesome cajun/Italian fusion. The staff makes everyone feel like family. The mix a great cocktail!!! You can't get better than this place if dining out in UA across the board. read more

The food was honestly the worst pasta I have ever had. It had a very nice atmosphere but frozen pasta you cook at home is 10x better. I have never had a sour and bitter red sauce and the pasta wasn't cooked all the way. Everyone in our group was very disappointed and left very hungry. Would not recommend at all. read more

Sooo good! Pulled pork sandwich is amazing! The cook/ owner is great and makes a point to speak to everyone.

I can't believe all the glowing reviews for this place. I must have stepped into an alternate universe because our experience here was not good. We visited on Saturday at 7pm, yes it was busy and we had to wait, no problem. First let me say the bartender was wonderful. Very helpful with complete descriptions of all the craft beers and giving samples, A+ but from here it quickly gets ugly. Our waiter approached with a line about how we seem to be all set because we had our drinks already, ok, we want the polenta special - the waiter says "as an appetizer or meal"? Appetizer we say, then I'll have the chicken etouffee, spouse says Jambalya. Away he goes, never to return. After 30 minutes we flag him down to ask where our appetizer is? Oh I thought you wanted that as a meal, I didn't here Jambalya at all. REALLY? You even said "as a appetizer or meal"? So he leaves to "fix it". 20 more minutes and here is the Polenta and etouffee and your jambalya will be out shortly. Uhhh the polenta is our app. - yes but the order was already in - Are you telling me in 20 additional minutes they couldn't just give us the app and move the ettoufee to the ticket with the jambalya. Well its too late now, so whatever. Now the polenta was ok, nothing special but the etouffe was the blandest thing I think I have ever eaten. All I could taste was the flour the chicken was dredged in, and the "gravy" was a pool of grease, my spouse had 1 bite and wouldn't eat anymore, I had maybe 3 and thats all I could stomach. Now the jambalya arrives, the sausage is the only thing in it with any flavor, we had to put 1/4 bottle of the table hot sauce on it to make it edible. This is the blandest cajun we have ever had. Oh and now the waiter won't even look at us, we are long ago out of drinks. But he does come to the table next to us with the exact same line about how they are all set with their drinks, but won't look at us. When he brings the bill he never asks how the food was, terrible and uneaten, obviously, but they did take the polenta off the tab - a whole $7. Never saw a manager, was never approached by anyone appoligizing for the problems, but the chef did make 2 rounds in the dining room to fist bump all the people he knew, but never stopped at our table, surprise. Will never go back, a manager really needs to be involved when a table has problems, believe me both the tables to each side of us knew we were unhappy and were being ignored. Terrible service except the bartender. read more

The food was good, the service average and the atmosphere well below average. Small menu but good selection nonetheless. I was with a larger party and everyone was pleased with their food selection but no one overly impressed. The service was casual and discreet. Not an environment for kids though. No kids menu or changing tables in either bathroom. I would recommend this place but not for a family with younger kids. read more

Chicken wings were a great appetizer so good that I could see myself getting them as an entrée. The sauce reduction they have for the steak is great. My filet was perfectly cooked. I also tasted the chicken étouffée and was not disappointed. read more

Love this place! I've probably been a dozen times, and the food is consistently wonderful. The wine list is excellent, service is always on point (I've had Chelsea a few times, and she is particularly fun and attentive), and the specials have yet to disappoint. Arancini and gumbo are both excellent ways to start the meal, and pretty much any seafood dish is a win. Can't recommend Gallo's Kitchen highly enough! read more

This place is amazing! I actually downloaded the Yelp app so I could leave a review....I cannot say enough good things about this place! The quality of the menu is amazing and the staff is top notch...I have never had anything but an amazing experience here! read more

Our second visit here in the past year: the first was great - 4.5 star experience overall. The most recent visit was 2.5 stars, mostly because of the below average food experience. Calamari tasted good but slightly undercooked. The muffaletta was by far the worst Ive ever had - cheap bologna?!!! Really? You cant call yourself a creole, New Orleans style restaurant and put this scrub meat on this type of sandwich. Hardly any olive salad spread on it (and applied to only one side of the sandwich). The bread may have been the biggest gaff of all - some weak, local basic white bun that topped off the horrible eating experience. Ive had better sandwiches at subway. The fries that accompanied the sandwich were very overcooked, like eating additive-preservative flavored twigs. The burger was 4 stars btw. Very flavorful and hearty. read more

I went to Gallo's a couple of weekends ago for a friend's birthday. We got there around 8:30 and the place was packed. We had a large party and when we asked how long it would be until we were seated we were told 2 hours! I must say that initial comment and the attitude of the greeter sort of turned us off, but then we were told shortly thereafter that it would be 45 minutes so we decided to wait. It ended up being a little over an hour in the end. We waited at the bar in the meantime and I ordered a cocktail from their specialty drink list. I can't remember what it was called but it was not good. For dinner I ordered the shrimp po-boy and it was quite delicious as was the wine that I ordered with dinner. The cajun crawfish appetizer that we ordered was mouthwatering. The others that I dined with seemed to be pleased with their food as well, although our waitress forgot to put in one person's order and didn't realize it until everyone elses meals came out and then learned that the dish that he had originally ordered had sold out, so that was quite disappointing although she did offer to buy him a drink on her. I know this place is new so hopefully they will work out the kinks with the service issues. Bottom line is that the food was quite good, prices were a tad overpriced but not outrageous, and the bar was huge and very trendy. Oh, and this place is nothing like Gallo's on Bethel -- much trendier; not a sports bar. read more