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An Exclusive Tasting Menu Restaurant Is Heading To Merion Village

A new tasting menu restaurant is headed to Merion Village.

According to Columbus Monthly, Chef Andrew Smith will open his exclusive eatery, Isla, at 116 E Moler Street. Inspiration for Isla comes from an underground supper club Smith and his wife, Devoney Mills, hosted at their Westgate home.

The Merion Village space formerly housed Bake Me Happy’s prep kitchen and is currently under renovation. In addition to Isla, Jennings Java will also be moving into the building, serving as a coffee shop.

“We really love the space over here [in Westgate], but we ended up hearing about this Merion Village space. For the concept that we want to do first, it has more space. It’s a little more friendly towards [Isla],” Smith told Columbus Monthly.

The concept for Isla is unique to Columbus. The restaurant will offer a tasting menu format twice a week. It will only be open to two seatings of 12 diners, so you can bet that there will be a wait when they initially open.

The space will also include a chef’s counter and a small bar. The restaurant is expected to open in September 2023.

Chef Smith is originally from the Pacific Northwest. After moving to Columbus back in 2009, Smith has added some delicious eateries to his resume, including the Rossi, Philco, Salt & Pine, and Rockmill Tavern.