A new intimate dining concept is coming to Columbus’ Short North, where local hospitality professionals Marco Piazza and Chef Jeremy Nelson are preparing to open Canario.
WhatNow Columbus spoke with Marco Piazza, co-owner of Canario, about the upcoming restaurant, its chef-driven menu, the inspiration behind its name and what diners can expect when it opens.
The restaurant is planned for 19 W. Russell St., near Goodale Park, in a roughly 1,200-square-foot space that will feature an open kitchen, exposed brick and a two-level layout.
Canario will offer approximately 42 seats and a chef-driven menu featuring both an eight-course tasting menu and an à la carte dinner menu.
“We’re a small, intimate space, about 42 total seats,” Piazza said. “It’s going to be a chef-driven menu featuring an eight-course tasting menu along with an à la carte dinner menu.”
While Canario may sound like it was chosen to reflect a particular culinary influence, the name actually comes from a much more personal story.
Piazza said that shortly before his father died, his wife found a dog that the couple eventually decided to keep. After having the dog’s DNA tested, they learned she was a purebred Presa Canario, a mastiff breed originating from the Canary Islands of Spain.
The dog became part of the inspiration for the restaurant’s name and logo.
“With the logo, it’s her face as well,” Piazza said. “So it’s kind of a tip of the hat to her.”
