38 Must-Try Restaurants in Cleveland

Words can't capture the adoration for Il Rione, a lively pizzeria in the Detroit Shoreway area. Diners often wait for hours at nearby bars, eagerly anticipating a text that signals their table is ready. Once seated, they're treated to stunning New York-style pizzas in a dining space that’s both charmingly worn and stylish, featuring an open kitchen and bar. While the focus is on exceptional pizzas like margherita, sausage, and white clam, the menu also includes a few select items like meat and cheese boards and a handful of salads. The drink offerings are just as concise, featuring a curated selection of beers, wines, and cocktails.

Banter, a unique blend of a bottle shop, bar, and restaurant, first opened its doors in late 2015 but closed in 2020. After a four-year break, this beloved venue made a comeback in 2024, now located in a beautifully updated space in the heart of Gordon Square. The revamped double storefront features a full bar, a carefully curated selection of retail beer and wine, and a menu that enhances its original offerings of poutine, sausages, and corndogs. The sausages are sourced from Ohio City Provisions, the fried cheese curds are simply delectable, and every bottle of bubbly comes with complimentary fries.

Astoria serves as a vibrant blend of bar, restaurant, and gourmet marketplace, making it an essential hub for the neighborhood. Locals frequently visit the airy, lively space to stock up on imported olives, cheeses, meats, and bottled wines. For those who’d rather not cook, Astoria offers an extensive menu filled with Mediterranean snacks, appetizers, salads, sandwiches, pizzas, hearty mains, and desserts. The warm and attentive service, along with one of the best brunches in the area, keeps this spot buzzing all week long. Guests can find seating at the bar, at tables, or outside on the patio.

Stylishly laid-back, The Judith is the kind of café that everyone dreams of having nearby. Thoughtfully designed by the team behind Room Service home decor, this enchanting space combines art, textiles, wallpaper, and unique finds from estate sales, creating a warm and inviting hideaway perfect for leisurely Saturday mornings. Savor coffee and croissants, open-faced sandwiches topped with whipped labneh and fruit preserves, a hearty nicoise salad, or a simple plate of tinned fish prepared to your liking. Vibrant happy hours seamlessly transition into early dinners, filled with wine, beer, shareable plates, and engaging conversation.

Step into Cent’s, tucked away in a nondescript brick building on the western fringe of Ohio City, and you'll find yourself enveloped in a vibrant tangerine ambiance. Owner Vincent Morelli, a former visual merchandiser with experience at Brooklyn's Roberta’s, has created a unique space with modular shelves filled with an eclectic array of items like tinned fish, art magazines, and turntables. The Neapolitan-style pizzas, baked in a wood-burning oven, are outstanding, featuring inventive toppings such as tomato, garlic, white anchovies, and capers, or the Sunday Gravy topped with bite-sized meatballs, sliced garlic, and a generous sprinkling of pecorino.

In an era where most food orders are placed with a few quick taps on an app, Herb ‘n Twine in Ohio City insists on a phone call or an in-person visit to secure your meal. This minor inconvenience is well worth it for what many consider Cleveland’s finest hoagies, expertly crafted and piled high on house-baked French rolls. When the rolls run out, as they often do, the shop closes its doors for the day. The turkey club, featuring house-smoked turkey, smoky Gouda, and bacon, is the all-time favorite, closely followed by the Italian packed with cold cuts and provolone. Other offerings include shaved prime rib and crispy fried chicken, along with inventive daily specials.

It took Proof three years to finally open its doors in Tremont, just weeks before the COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc on the restaurant industry. When it did reopen, the barbecue spot struggled to gain the traction needed to succeed. It closed once more in December 2022, but not before the owners announced their acquisition of a new location in Ohio City. After another two years of preparation, Proof didn’t just reopen; it was reborn. Now situated in the former site of a greasy spoon, this restaurant and bar offers an excellent atmosphere to enjoy a cold beer or a strong drink paired with delicious slow-smoked barbecue.

Chef Karen Small’s Juneberry Table draws inspiration from Appalachia, creating a chic breakfast and lunch spot. This influence shines through in offerings like biscuits slathered with sorghum butter and jam, chicken and cornmeal waffles, and bourbon-apple pancakes drizzled with Ohio maple syrup. For lunch, don’t miss the exceptional smash burger, the Cleveland Croque featuring butter-fried smoked ham and Swiss cheese, along with glasses of natural wines to complement your meal.

Housed in a former Vitrolite tile showroom, Patron Saint brings the all-day café concept to Ohio City. This sunlit venue boasts elegant arches, soaring 15-foot ceilings, and walls adorned with various shades and patterns of colored glass tiles. Patron Saint evolves from serving morning coffee to hosting an early evening aperitivo hour. Reflecting its Italian-inspired theme, the chef offers a curated menu of dishes such as continental breakfasts, hearty grain salads, warm vegetable plates, piadinas, and meatballs.

Located in an 1850s firehouse, Larder reimagines the classic Jewish delicatessen through the culinary lens of chef Jeremy Umansky. The historic ambiance provides a perfect backdrop for an array of delightful breads and pastries, including black-and-white cookies, fruit-filled rugelach, chocolate babka, rich challah, and savory knishes. Locals flock for the renowned koji-cured pastrami sandwiches, but be sure to also sample the incredible fried chicken sandwiches, matzo ball soup, housemade charcuterie, and seasonal specials like local beet salad. The Hingetown Dinogoy shares patio seating with Rising Star Coffee.

In addition to Zhug, the small-plates venue in Cleveland Heights, chef Doug Katz operates Amba in Ohio City. This thoughtfully designed space offers a sensory delight, featuring low lighting and an energetic soundtrack, with a menu perfect for sharing. Begin with mixed pickled vegetables, chickpea fritters, and smashed-pea samosas, followed by ghee-basted shrimp, venison keema, and paneer infused with curry leaf and mustard seed. The adjoining Bar Amba is an excellent place to enjoy while waiting for a table.

It required a visionary to turn the vast, stark United Bank Building in Ohio City into a charming supper club. Instead of highlighting the architectural grandeur of the 1920s structure—featuring lofty coffered ceilings and massive arched windows—owner Morgan Yagi has created a cozy atmosphere. The space feels surprisingly intimate, adorned with extensive bookshelves, plush seating, botanical-themed carpets, and a striking tree at its center. This is “fun dining, not fine dining,” Yagi explains; the inviting modern American menu includes pizzas, pastas, burgers, and steaks. A premier lounge and cocktail program ensure the fun continues late into the night.

In a year filled with bold new openings, Jaja stands out as the finest. Beneath a pergola adorned with garlands and oversized string lights lies an intimate, luxurious dining room with 90 seats. The windows on three sides provide breathtaking views of the city skyline and the West Side Market clock tower. On warm nights, a retractable glass roof opens up to the sky. Guests are greeted with a complimentary tulip of cava before exploring the impressive cocktail menu. The modern seafood and steakhouse dishes benefit from the same live-fire grill used by Pioneer one floor below. Treat yourself to the parillada, a grand platter featuring prime meats, sparkling seafood, a variety of sauces, and ample grilled bread.

This enchanting little hideaway has carved out a spot among the finest tiki bars in the world. Rather than relying on kitschy decor, it boasts an alluring interior adorned with collector-quality mugs, artwork, and artifacts, many salvaged from legendary tropical bars of yesteryear. Some of the city's finest bartenders, donning Hawaiian shirts, craft balanced yet boozy versions of mai tais, zombies, and painkillers, using top-shelf spirits, fresh juices, and syrups, all garnished with umbrellas or striking dry ice. A fantastic patio at the back enhances the experience.

In an era where genuine dive bars are disappearing quickly, Johnny's Little Bar remains a reliable spot for shots, beers, and burgers. Nestled in a downtown alley since 1984, this unpretentious watering hole has weathered many waves of gentrification, staying put like a tenacious houseguest. Here, you can still grab $5 imports, $7 cocktails, and one of the finest burgers in the city. The place is cozy, lively, and always buzzing with patrons, a reassuring sign for those hoping it sticks around for years to come.

The Old Brooklyn area is transforming from a quiet residential zone into an exciting food and drink hub. In early 2024, a team of industry veterans launched Never Say Dive, a thoughtfully designed dive bar boasting exceptional drinks and a whimsically extravagant atmosphere. The tavern's unassuming exterior contrasts with its vibrant interior, featuring neon pink flamingos and playful artwork. Guests can enjoy $3 beers, draft cocktails, house-made seltzers, and inventive mixed drinks. For food, try the Dive Dog, a Kobe beef frank adorned with caviar and potato chips, or the surprisingly delicious bowl of udon served in a savory bone marrow broth.

Finding Fahrenheit is a breeze; simply head to the new 36-story Sherwin-Williams headquarters downtown and enter at street level. Rocco Whalen’s bistro, which shone brightly in Tremont for over two decades, has been reimagined here, now more spacious, stylish, and filled with striking details. A glass wall divides the dining area from a glimmering show kitchen, which features chef’s counters on three sides. Whalen’s signature thin-sliced potato nachos, bias-cut Vietnamese spring rolls, and braised short ribs served with lo mein noodles have made the transition, now complemented by prime steaks and delectable seafood offerings.

Ian Herrington’s chic, modern European-style bakery is the centerpiece of a residential building at the edge of Tremont. Beyond the essential rustic sourdoughs in various forms, Herrington also bakes airy rosemary focaccia, aromatic cardamom buns, and delightful cheddar and scallion scones, alongside gooey cinnamon rolls, plum-filled Danishes, and rich chocolate chip cookies. A selection of rotating soups and sandwiches completes the menu.

Michael Symon’s barbecue spot in downtown has struck gold with its combination of outstanding smoked meats and a vibrant industrial bar atmosphere. Cooked low and slow over Ohio fruitwoods, dishes such as beef brisket, pork butt, ribs, turkey, and kielbasa come out tender, smoky, and utterly flavorful. These meats can be ordered by the pound or served in hearty sandwiches. Accompaniments include creamed corn, fried potatoes, broccoli salad, and pork cracklins paired with French onion dip. Bourbon enthusiasts will find one of the best selections in the city, while craft beer lovers will also be pleased. The patio overlooks the bustling East Fourth Street.

Taking over from Michael Symon’s Lola Bistro, Cordelia has quickly gained widespread acclaim on East 4th Street. The restaurant boasts a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere, embodying the spirit of “Midwest nice.” From the city’s most striking open kitchen, James Beard-nominated chef Vinnie Cimino proves that dining out can be adventurous, delightful, and fun. The dynamic menu features shareable relish and dip boards, vegetable-forward salads and sides, daily seafood and steak specials, and a playful four-slider pull-apart smash burger with a cheesy exterior.

Cloak & Dagger exudes the charm of a warmly lit study, featuring shelves filled with leather-bound books, intriguing antiques, and plush seating. This literary ambiance extends to the drink menu, which is a seasonal selection of unique cocktails presented in an exquisitely illustrated booklet. The trendy venue complements these cocktails with a fully vegan lineup of bar snacks, sandwiches, and entrees. Offerings include seasonal jams with fresh bread, masa hushpuppies, spring pea bruschetta, and artichoke-stuffed “crab” cakes.

The most luxurious dining venue in Cleveland is Marble Room, an extravagant prime steak and seafood restaurant located within a historic bank lobby from the turn of the century. Crafted by the same architectural firm responsible for Severance Hall, the striking beaux arts-style setting features lofty ceilings, enormous columns, sweeping staircases, and intricate ironwork. Complementing this visual splendor is a menu filled with caviar, seafood towers, sushi, sashimi, and an impressive selection of steaks and chops. The most sought-after tables come with exquisite cocktails, attentive service, and often, live musical performances.

What began as a pandemic-inspired pop-up has transformed into one of Cleveland’s most distinctive and delightful breakfast spots. Chef Ryan Beck has turned a long-time carryout-only location in Tremont into a charming micro-diner adorned with chrome, mirrors, neon lights, and a handful of counter seats. The heart of Martha’s menu features breakfast sandwiches highlighted by creamy steamed egg patties, paired with zesty sausage or thick-cut bologna, all nestled in fluffy, house-baked buns. Accompanying sides like cornmeal fries, potato crispies, and seasonal fruit hand pies keep customers returning for more.

Cleveland, much like other major cities far from the coast, boasts a variety of excellent sushi spots to please nigiri enthusiasts. However, this particular establishment, helmed by former Nobu chef Dante Boccuzzi, stands out in style, ambiance, and menu offerings. Nestled beneath Boccuzzi’s eponymous bistro Dante, Ginko features a grotto-like atmosphere centered around a horseshoe-shaped sushi bar. Every effort is made to procure the finest, freshest fish, which can be enjoyed in an unforgettable omakase or à la carte format. For those seeking alternatives to sushi, dedicated shabu-shabu tables are also available, and sake lovers will appreciate the impressive selection on offer.

Cleveland boasts a wealth of fantastic breweries, but Noble Beast stands out for both its exceptional beer and inviting atmosphere. Located in a spacious 5,000-square-foot warehouse near downtown, the industrial-chic setting feels open and welcoming. Guests find themselves nearly encircled by the brewhouse, where skilled brewers produce classic styles like Belgian strong ales, altbiers, and kölsches, alongside hazy IPAs and double IPAs. The menu also features delightful pairings such as corndogs, nachos, salads, and sandwiches.

Amid a wave of revivals, La Cave Du Vin has captured the spotlight. This Cleveland Heights wine bar thrived under the stewardship of Erich Lasher before closing its doors in 2018 after 23 successful years. Following the closure of Will Hollingsworth's Tremont cocktail bar, Spotted Owl, the new La Cave emerged in late 2023, rekindling the essence of the original. The revival embodies the charm and spirit of its predecessor, featuring the familiar subterranean ambiance and Lasher at the helm once again.

Located in Cleveland’s AsiaTown, this restaurant draws crowds with its steaming baskets of xiao long bao. However, those who delve deeper into the menu will discover a delightful selection of Shanghai-style soups, noodle dishes, and meats. Standout items include wonton soup featuring shrimp dumplings, spicy beef noodle soup, scallion noodles, shredded pork with preserved vegetables, and soy sauce duck.

Renowned restaurateur Sheng Long Yu has unveiled one of his most heartfelt projects at YYTime. After two years of development, he launched the vibrant Dinogoy in a former National Tire & Battery location in Asiatown. The extensive menu highlights street food, noodle bowls, and bubble tea, featuring everything from skewered, grilled king mushrooms to the intricate crossing the bridge noodle soup. Additional delights include spicy cucumbers, whole grilled shrimp, pork dumplings, Sichuan-style beef tripe, and coconut curry chicken soup. To complete your meal, enjoy a refreshing Thai milk tea with popping pearls.

The Filipino food landscape in Cleveland is quite sparse, comprising mainly a few small markets and Mytouries. To fill this gap, Flora Grk launched Tita Flora’s in Independence. The chef adheres to authentic recipes, establishing a high standard with crispy lumpia, sizzling pork sisig, aromatic pork adobo infused with soy, garlic, and vinegar, and comforting pancit featuring tofu, chicken, or shrimp. Desserts feature halo-halo brimming with ice cream, evaporated milk, crushed ice, and various toppings.

After completing the Edwins culinary training program, Jamaican-born Kedemah McHugh began his journey with a small food stand in an African market, later working in clubs and serving customers from his garage. In 2024, McHugh and his wife Melissa launched Rich Caribbean, a vibrant and lively restaurant just a mile west of Shaker Square. The Mytoury features steam tables brimming with traditional Jamaican dishes. The jerk chicken, marinated and grilled over wood in the back, is packed with flavor, while the oxtail with spinners ranks among the best in the area. The curry bone-in goat is a must-try, making it worth a trip across town. On Saturdays, the menu includes breakfast offerings like creamy peanut porridge and ackee paired with saltfish.

From its name to the ambiance, cuisine, and the talented individuals behind the dishes, Wolf Pack Chorus embodies an exuberantly over-the-top experience. Housed in a spacious former carriage house, the restaurant boasts grand cathedral ceilings, an extensive bar that seems to stretch on forever, and large windows that frame views of University Circle. The dining experience is lively, often enhanced by live performances that evoke a supper club atmosphere. The diverse French-inspired menu takes diners on a joyous journey, offering everything from za’atar-spiced asparagus to delectable braised short rib croquettes. Guests can look forward to a variety of seasonal, expertly prepared entrees featuring a wide array of proteins.

Following a change of ownership in 2022, a well-known corner spot in Little Italy has been reimagined as a chic, elegant Italian steakhouse. Chef-owners Zachary Ladner and Carl Quagliata, who operate several local Mytouries, have crafted a stunning 45-seat bistro that utilizes ingredients sourced from their sister restaurant, Village Butcher. Diners can enjoy classic chophouse starters like steak tartare and shrimp cocktail, along with warm appetizers such as coquilles Saint Jacques and veal sweetbreads. For the main course, guests can choose from impressive large-format steaks, including a 100-day dry-aged tomahawk rib-eye, bistecca alla Fiorentina, or chateaubriand, all elegantly presented on silver platters. This menu is complemented by a selection of other steaks and chops, seafood dishes, and indulgent pasta options.

Amaro is experiencing a surge in popularity in Cleveland, with the aromatic Italian liqueur appearing on cocktail menus throughout the city. However, one bar stands out by focusing entirely on this elixir, conveniently located in Little Italy. This chic newcomer accommodates fewer than 60 patrons, many of whom are en route to or from dinner in the area. Each cocktail features at least one type of amaro, complemented by a playful selection of amaro-based shooters. Enthusiasts can also savor these herbal blends neat, in flights, or crafted into inventive Negronis. While food options are currently limited to a few bites, a wood-fired oven will soon start producing Neapolitan-style pizzas in the back.

Jill Vedaa and Jessica Parkison, the creative minds behind Salt in Lakewood, have recently taken over a cherished century-old house-turned-restaurant on the vibrant Larchmere Boulevard. The refined main floor features mahogany accents, exposed wooden beams, and an upscale four-seat cocktail bar. Additional seating includes an enclosed front porch, a renovated second floor, and an expansive landscaped patio complete with a bar in the carriage house. Chef Vedaa’s innovative global cuisine shines through in a variety of seasonal small, medium, and large plates, and the cocktails are a must-try.

At Zhug, Chef Doug Katz presents an enticing selection of small plates in a lively, lounge-like setting. The menu includes delights such as cold-smoked octopus, schmaltz-fried potatoes, curried lamb-topped hummus, and eggplant moussaka. Each meal is accompanied by warm pita and spicy zhug. The experience is enhanced by inventive cocktails and an international wine list.

Renowned as one of the finest Neapolitan pizzerias in the area, Vero frequently operates at full capacity, with waits often extending to an hour. When a neighboring storefront became vacant in late 2023, owner and pizzaiolo Marc-Aurele Buholzer swiftly seized the opportunity. Following a careful renovation of the two spaces, Vero emerged with a new bar, double the seating, and a fresh ambiance. The wood-fired pizzas have reached new heights, featuring characteristically puffy, chewy, tender crusts dotted with leopard spots. The margherita highlights San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and extra-virgin olive oil, while the diavola boasts spicy Calabrian chiles.

In 2023, the Cleveland dining landscape faced a significant loss with the closure of Corky & Lenny’s Delicatessen after 67 years of service. Fortunately for deli lovers, Jack’s continues to thrive. This relative newcomer has been a staple since 1980 when Jack Markowitz introduced a menu filled with traditional Eastern European dishes. Decades later, classics like matzo ball soup, chopped liver, potato pancakes, cheese-filled blintzes, corned beef hash, pastrami sandwiches, and house-roasted turkey served with mashed potatoes are still made from scratch, honoring time-honored recipes.

Owner Doug Petkovic meticulously transformed the former Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse on Eton Chagrin Boulevard into a sophisticated yet inviting chophouse. Drawing on his 40 years of hospitality expertise as Michael Symon’s longtime partner, Petkovic serves up expertly charred filets, center-cut rib-eyes, rib-eye caps, and wagyu hangars over a wood-fired grill. The menu also features lavish options such as scallops, Dover sole, duck confit, and hearty double pork chops. A vibrant lounge at the front invites guests to unwind after work or a hearty meal, showcasing one of the finest whiskey collections in the area.