COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Dave Portnoy, who founded Barstool Sports and is also known for his pizza reviews, recently visited nine Columbus-area pizzerias and rated them.
Portnoy hosts the internet show One Bite Pizza Reviews, which he started in 2013. In the series, he reviews pizza from restaurants around the world, giving each a rating on a scale of 0 (worst) to 10 (best).
Since the concept began, Portnoy’s pizza reviews have gained widespread popularity, with The New York Times calling him “one of the most influential people in the world of food social media” who has the ability to “change the fate of a pizzeria with a single utterance” in a 2023 article.
Portnoy was recently in Columbus for the Aug. 30 Ohio State vs. Texas game, and it appears he had a busy trip. From Aug. 28 to Sept. 15, he posted nine ratings for central Ohio pizza shops. The list of those nine pizzerias and the rating Portnoy gave them can be found below.
Harvest Pizzeria
Harvest Pizzeria, located at 45 N. High St. in Dublin, earned a 6.8. Portnoy said a 6.8 is his standard rating for Neapolitan-style pizzas, as they are not his favorite. But he did say the eatery has “very cool vibes” and “great people” working there.
Grandad’s Pizza and Pub
Portnoy rated Grandad’s Pizza and Pub, located at 5241 Bethel Center in The Gables, a 7.1. He implied the pizza was too oily for his liking and noted that the style of pizza the establishment serves, tavern, is not his favorite, but he said he did “like” the pizza.
Plank’s Cafe and Pizzeria
Located at 743 Parsons Ave. in Schumacher Place, Plank’s Cafe and Pizzeria earned a 7.1. Portnoy was seemingly caught off guard by the pizza’s sweet crust, calling it “very unique” and an “acquired taste.” However, he said the pizzeria’s workers were “super nice” and the atmosphere made the business one of his favorite places he has visited in Columbus.
Aracari Pizzeria
Aracari Pizzeria, located at 51 E. Gay St. in the Uptown District, was given a 7.2. Portnoy said the pizza has a “good” crust but could use “maybe a little more sauce.”
JT’s Pizza and Pub
Portnoy rated JT’s Pizza and Pub, located at 845 Goodale Blvd. in Grandview Heights, a 7.3. He said the restaurant has “good quality” pizza but again noted tavern-style is not his favorite. He also called the restaurant a “great place to watch a game.”
The Pizza House
Portnoy gave The Pizza House, located at 747 E. Lincoln Ave. in Salem Village, a rating of 7.4. He called the pizza “fluffy” with “good sauce” but noted the bottom of the pizza was “not really cooked.”
Bobby Jo’s Pizza
Bobby Jo’s Pizza, located at 5225 N. High St. in Sharon Heights, earned a rating of 7.5. Portnoy complimented the pizza’s tangy sauce and said the pie had a “great taste” but took off points due to it being “a little floppy.”
Iacono’s Pizza and Restaurant
Portnoy rated Iacono’s Pizza and Restaurant, located at 9303 Dublin Road in Shawnee Hills, a 7.9. He said the pizza was as good as possible for a Tavern-style pie, calling it “light” and “crispy.”
Artisan Pizza Cafe
Located at 91 E. Fifth Ave. in Italian Village, Artisan Pizza Cafe was given an 8.1. Portnoy said he loved the pizza and could tell the ingredients were “super fresh.” His one critique was that the pie was “a little burnt,” which he mostly blamed on how he ordered the pie. Owner Jasmin Ahmed told NBC4 that she has been selling out regularly ever since her shop got Portnoy’s highest rating from his Columbus visit.
The only place Portnoy has ever given a rating of 10 to is Monte’s Restaurant in Lynn, Massachusetts, according to the One Bite Pizza Reviews website.
Portnoy’s full reviews of the nine Columbus pizzerias can be found on One Bite Pizza Reviews’ website and YouTube channel.
