BlackSheep Pizza & Cocktails - Columbus — Restaurant in Columbus

Visited 12/28/24

We made a reservation for our visit and were seated at a very small table, uncomfortably close to other patrons. I had to adjust my chair to avoid bumping the person behind me, and they had to do the same. The table setup included pre-poured water glasses, which were present at all tables. I personally find this unsanitary, as anything could contaminate the water before the diners even arrive. I asked the waitress to remove my glass since I don’t drink while eating.

The service was disappointing. Our waitress was inattentive, only appearing to take our order, deliver the food, and drop off the check. My wife never received a refill on her drink, which was both odd and frustrating.

The waitress never asked how our food was, and no manager stopped by to inquire about our dining experience. At more polished establishments, like Texas Roadhouse or Yard House, this level of attention is standard and adds to the overall dining experience—something sorely lacking here.

For appetizers, we ordered the garlic bread with whipped feta, pesto, and tomato sauce options, as well as the roasted Brussels sprouts (per menu) (which the food runner oddly referred to as “spicy” Brussels sprouts). The Spicy Brussels sprouts were the highlight of the meal—delicious and well-prepared.

For our main dish, we chose the Little Nero pizza with sweet sausage. According to Black Sheep, their Neapolitan-style pizza is supposed to feature a light, airy 12-inch crust with thick, puffy edges and those characteristic charred spots from fast, high-heat cooking.

Unfortunately, our pizza didn’t meet these standards. It had no brown or charred spots and looked undercooked, lacking the texture and appearance you’d expect from a wood-fired Neapolitan pizza.

We also learned the dough isn’t made fresh in-house daily but is shipped in, and the cheese is pre-shredded. For a restaurant presenting itself as an authentic, Italian-inspired craft pizzeria, this was very disappointing. Freshly made dough and hand-shredded cheese are fundamental to the craft pizza experience.

The pizza itself was bland and forgettable. It lacked the distinctive flavors and quality one associates with Neapolitan-style pizza.

Overall, our experience at Black Sheep fell far short of expectations. If you’re looking for authentic Neapolitan pizza, this isn’t the place. In fact, you’d likely find better pizza at chain restaurants like Fazoli’s or Olive Garden. We won’t...

This is NOT Italian, just a place selling pizza and some Italian fare.

I wanted to like Blacksheep Pizza, really, but unfortunately, it fell short of expectations.

The ambiance was decent, and the music created a lively vibe, but it was too loud to comfortably hold a conversation. We asked to change tables for a better spot, and while it was possible, we were told it would result in a longer wait for service, which felt unnecessarily complicated.

The wine selection was another letdown. Two bottles we requested were out of stock, and the manager’s suggestion didn’t match the region we wanted. It felt more like a random recommendation than a thoughtful one. Additionally, bottles of wine are usually presented and opened at the table, but here they are opened away from the table, which felt slightly awkward.

Dirty plates were also left on the table longer than they should have been, which detracted from the experience.

The burrata was particularly disappointing. Typically, a whole ball of burrata is served, allowing the creamy center to ooze out when sliced. Here, we were given just two slices, and no creamy milk emerged. Instead, it was gooey rather than the delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture you expect. For an appetizer priced like this, I expected far better quality and presentation.

As for the pizzas, they were unbalanced, with far too much dough and sauce overpowering the sparse toppings. The crust lacked the satisfying chew of a good artisan pizza, and the toppings felt like an afterthought rather than the star of the dish. For $75 for an appetizer and three pizzas, it was steep for Columbus and disappointing in quality.

I agree with another review that this place is trying to bring a big-city feel to Columbus, but it misses the mark entirely. Upland should either stick with what they know—brewpubs—or rethink how to truly provide good pizza, better service, and an experience that feels refined rather than chaotic and disorganized. Attention to detail and a focus on creating balance and quality in every aspect of the meal would make a huge difference.

For truly excellent pizza, spend your money at...

An Exquisite Experience – A Slice Above the Rest!

From the moment you step into this sleek, upscale pizza and cocktail haven, you know you’re in for something special. The ambiance exudes sophistication with its modern décor and intimate yet vibrant atmosphere. This isn’t just a pizza joint — it’s a destination where every dish feels like a carefully curated work of art.

I started my evening with a crisp Diet Coke, served to perfection — refreshing but never overpowering. While the pizza is undoubtedly the star, the menu offers so much more to indulge in, making it a standout for any dining occasion. The variety and quality of options leave you wanting to return to try something new each time.

Now, let’s talk about the true masterpiece of the evening: the Pizzavant. I opted for a cauliflower crust, which was nothing short of exceptional — light, crispy, and golden, yet sturdy enough to support the toppings without losing its delicate texture. I crafted my pizza with pancetta, mozzarella, Kalamata olives, and the house-made marinara sauce. Each bite was a perfect blend of savory, creamy, and tangy — an unforgettable combination that felt like it was made just for me.

A special shout-out to my server, Deidra, whose impeccable service and warm professionalism elevated the entire experience. She made sure every need was met, with thoughtful recommendations and a genuine care for ensuring my evening was flawless.

This restaurant doesn’t just offer pizza — they deliver a complete, refined dining experience, with a menu that caters to every taste and a commitment to quality that shines through in every dish. Whether you’re here for the pizza, the cocktails, or something else entirely, this place never disappoints.

Highly recommend it for anyone looking for a unique, upscale dining experience that goes well beyond...