Experience · Columbus

Columbus Performance & Rooftop Date

Enjoy a refined evening beginning with exquisite Italian cuisine before immersing yourselves in a captivating performance at the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. Conclude your date with cocktails and city views from a trendy rooftop bar.

A 4.5-hour Columbus evening plan for couples — Mabella's | Italian Steakhouse, RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, Nonic - Restaurant and Rooftop Bar.

Duration: 4h 30m
Cost: $100–$250
Stops: 3 stops
Walking: Moderate walking · Total 0.7-mile driving route
Best time: 5:00 – 10:00 PM
Ideal for: Couples · Friends · Solo

Start Plan

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The plan

1Mabella's | Italian Steakhouse(1 hr 30 min)→
2RiverCenter for the Performing Arts(2 hrs)→
3Nonic - Restaurant and Rooftop Bar(1 hr)

Why this plan works

The 3 stops cover about 0.7 miles total, which keeps you in one pocket of Columbus instead of crossing town between them. RiverCenter for the Performing Arts is the main event and takes the biggest block of time; the other stops are built around it. It finishes at Nonic - Restaurant and Rooftop Bar — a short, low-effort stop you can skip if you're ready to call it. Best suited to couples, friends, and solo who want a planned Columbus outing without improvising between stops.

The story

The itinerary

3 stops, one great day

1
1h 30m
Mabella's | Italian Steakhouse
Food & Drink
Quaint trattoria offering Italian standards in a cozy, art-adorned space with exposed-brick walls.
What to do — Arrive early for a delightful dinner at Mabella's, enjoying their charming ambiance and delicious Italian dishes. Reserve a table in advance.
Scout Side Quest
Swap menus and pick the dish you think the other person secretly wants most. See how close you get.
0.2 mi · 4 min walk or 3 min drive
Then It's a short, pleasant walk to the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts.
2
2 hrs
RiverCenter for the Performing Arts
Arts & Culture
A grand hall & 2 smaller theaters host symphony, ballet, Broadway musicals, comedy & special events.
What to do — Enjoy a captivating performance, from orchestral concerts to Broadway shows, at one of the RiverCenter's beautiful venues. Check their schedule for evening events.
Scout Side Quest
On your way out, give the performance your own dramatic, exaggerated two-word review.
0.5 mi · 10 min walk or 4 min drive
Then After the show, take a short walk to the nearby rooftop bar for a final drink.
3
Optional 1 hr
Nonic - Restaurant and Rooftop Bar
Food & Drink
Hip, lofty hangout with sharable pub plates, 30 rotating craft beers on tap & sidewalk seating.
What to do — Optional nightcap for those who drink — skip it and the plan still works. Head to Nonic for a relaxing end to the evening, choosing from their selection of craft beers or specialty cocktails while enjoying the unique atmosphere.

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The route

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Common questions

Planning this outing

Is this a good Columbus itinerary for couples?: Yes. It's built for couples, friends, and solo and runs about 4 hr 30 min across 3 stops, starting at Mabella's | Italian Steakhouse.
How long does this outing take?: Plan on 4 hr 30 min door to door, including time between stops.
How much does this Columbus itinerary cost?: Roughly $100–$250 per person, before parking and tips. Free and low-cost stops are marked on each card.
Is this itinerary walkable?: Yes — every hop is under a mile, about 0.7 miles of walking in total.
Do I need reservations?: No. Every stop on this plan takes walk-ins, though weekends move faster if you arrive early.

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