Built on the foundation of big family and good food, Aracri Pizzeria on Gay (formerly Café Napolitana) originally opened its doors nearly 30 years ago to the downtown Columbus lunch crowd at 40 N High St. Still owned and operated by the same family with the same secret recipes, the new location is right around the corner at 51 E. Owners and operators Palmo and Deanne Aracri epitomize the Ma and Pa
persona and often times their four children can be found hard at work behind the counter. Palmo, an Italian immigrant, from Calabria, Italy, grew up with the culinary gene running through his veins. His older brothers Salvatore and Quentino both owned pizzeria and Italian restaurants in the South before settling in Dayton and Cincinnati, respectively. Palmo learned the craft from hardwork in his brothers’ restaurants, before earning the title of pizzaiolo in 1992, when he and his wife opened their downtown Columbus location. The two have strived to make the former Café Napolitana, now called Aracri Pizzeria on Gay, a family friendly establishment and a place where one can get a great slice of New York style pie (amongst the newer additions to the menu). Having relocated in December of 2021 around the corner to 51 E. Gay St, Aracri Pizzeria on Gay is a classic pizzeria and bar with that same slice you've come to love for over 30 years (heck... we even rolled our huge pizza oven down the street by hand to the new location)! You will also need to try our gourmet / authentic pastas (some with a twist), and our deep fried calzones. While you're here, stay a while and enjoy an adult beverage from our one-of-a-kind bar (opening soon) that incorporates some relics from the old Alley Bar, but has a revamped craft cocktail menu. COME SEE IT FOR YOURSELF! YELP: www.yelp.com/biz/cafe-napolitana-columbus
URBAN SPOON: www.urbanspoon.com/r/33/370363/restaurant/Downtown/Cafe-Napolitana-Columbus
