Bistrolino opens December 14 in German Village - All photos by Susan Post

Fusing Lebanese and Italian cuisine, Bistrolino Old World Kitchen & Bar will open its doors tomorrow, Saturday, December 14, at 495 S. Fourth St. in German Village.

The new eatery occupies the former home of Harvest Pizzeria, which closed in April 2019 after an eight-year run.

For the new concept, restaurant partners Samer Chedid and Francesco Todisco aim to create a menu that is a taste of both of their home countries. Featuring what Chedid describes as rustic home cooking from the Mediterranean, menu highlights include Lebanese flatbread Mankoushe in a variety of flavors, Parmigiana di Zucchini, Sicilian eggplant dish Caponata de Melanzane and Lamp Chops.

The wine menu will also see a heavy Mediterranean influence, with Italian, Lebanese, Greek and Spanish wines.

It’s the first restaurant for Chedid, whose background is in engineering with an MBA to boot, and he is joined by industry veteran Todisco who has two decades plus of experience in restaurants from NYC to Ohio. The duo landed on the German Village location because it reminded them of home.

“The small, intimate roads and neighborhood, as well as the old architecture reminds us very much of home and the concept of a small Mediterranean bistro,” Chedid says. “We are very excited to bring a taste of our home to Columbus and the German Village neighborhood.”

Bistrolino is a full-service, sit-down restaurant, but will offer carryout as well. It’ll be open every day from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.

For more information, visit Bistrolino on Facebook.

All photos by Susan Post

With a small, intimate setting, Bistrolino will seat about 30

Bistrolino is taking over the former home of the first Harvest Pizzeria

Guests can sit at a counter looking in on the action in the kitchen

Todisco at work

Diners can watch the action in the kitchen

Todisco at work

A dish from Bistrolino

Heading into the dining room at Bistrolino

The entrance and bar area feature a mural by local artist Paul Giovis