COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — An eatery from the Columbus restaurateur couple behind Chapman’s Eat Market and Ginger Rabbit Jazz Lounge is opening this weekend.
Metsi’s Wood-Fired Italian is welcoming guests for the first time on Friday at 36 E. Lincoln St. in the Short North for a grand opening celebration. The Italian restaurant comes from husband-and-wife duo B.J. Lieberman and Bronwyn Haines, who launched Chapman’s at 739 S. Third St. in 2020 and Ginger Rabbit at 17 Buttles Ave. in 2022.
Indoor slide park opens first Ohio location in Columbus
Lieberman was one of two Columbus chefs named among the semifinalists for last year’s James Beard Awards, prestigious national honors that recognize talent in the culinary and food media industries.
Metsi’s Wood-Fired Italian is opening on Friday at 36 E. Lincoln St. (Courtesy Photo/Jordan Posner)
Metsi’s Wood-Fired Italian is opening on Friday at 36 E. Lincoln St. (Courtesy Photo/Jordan Posner)
Metsi’s is designed to be an Italian-centric restaurant serving classic dishes “that incorporate the use of smoke and fire,” Lieberman said in a release. From radiatori alla roma and eggplant parmesan to grilled artichoke and tiramisu, the couple said the menu is filled with food that is suitable for any occasion, whether it’s a midweek comfort meal or a celebratory occasion.
“This entire menu is made up of the food I crave,” Lieberman said. “Plus, we have an incredible cocktail menu that’s anchored by a suite of Negronis that are the perfect standalone drink or complement to your meal.”
Visitors can enjoy dining in three distinct spaces within Metsi’s, like a lively upstairs bar and lounge area that pulls inspiration from the Italian coast. The bar is open one hour earlier than the main dining room, for a walk-in only happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m. and featuring a shortened menu and drink specials. Once dinner service begins at 5 p.m., customers in this space can take advantage of the full dinner menu.
Indoor park with ‘waterless slides’ opens first Ohio location in Columbus
Located downstairs, the main dining room is a moody restaurant space with sightlines from every seat to the wood-fired open kitchen. A private room for intimate dining experiences, the parlor is also located downstairs, off the main dining room. The parlor has a full bar and seating area suitable for parties between eight and 20.
“I’m thrilled to welcome the community to this restaurant, which is named after my father, who my son lovingly calls Metsi,” Lieberman said. “I wanted to create a space that felt like home, somewhere that serves approachable food that was elevated in form but desired any day of the week. I hope Metsi’s can be a go-to for anyone who loves great Italian food, delicious cocktails, and a beautiful ambiance.”
Metsi’s is open 5 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, 5 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday at the bar.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.