The 38 Must-Try Restaurants in Cleveland

Il Rione, a lively pizzeria in the Detroit Shoreway area, has captured the hearts of many. Patrons often wait for hours at nearby bars until their phones buzz, signaling their table is ready. Once seated, they enjoy mouthwatering New York-style pizzas in a dining space that's both a bit worn and stylish, featuring an open kitchen and bar. The focus here is on exceptional pizzas like margherita, sausage, and white clam, though the menu also includes a few extras such as meat and cheese boards and salads. The drink menu is similarly streamlined, offering a select range of beers, wines, and cocktails.

Opened in late 2015 and shuttered in 2020, Banter made its comeback in 2024 at a stylish new location in the heart of Gordon Square. This revamped double storefront features a full bar, a thoughtfully curated selection of retail beers and wines, and a menu that evolves from its original offerings of poutine, sausages, and corndogs. Ohio City Provisions supplies the sausages, the fried cheese curds are delectable, and bottles of bubbly come with complimentary fries.

Astoria stands out as a dynamic fusion of bar, restaurant, and gourmet market, making it a treasured spot in the neighborhood. The lively and expansive space invites locals to browse a selection of imported olives, cheeses, meats, and bottled wines. For those who prefer dining out, the extensive menu features a wide array of Mediterranean appetizers, snacks, salads, sandwiches, pizzas, hearty dishes, and desserts. With its warm, friendly service and top-notch brunches, Astoria remains a popular destination throughout the week, offering seating at the bar, tables, and on the patio.

The Judith exudes effortless cool, embodying the kind of cafe that everyone dreams of having in their neighborhood. Thoughtfully designed by the creators of Room Service home decor, this enchanting spot combines art, textiles, wallpaper, and unique estate sale finds to create a cozy sanctuary perfect for leisurely Saturday mornings. Indulge in coffee and croissants, open-faced sandwiches with whipped labneh and fruit preserves, a hearty nicoise salad, or a simple yet elegant plate of tinned fish prepared to your liking. The lively happy hours seamlessly transition into early dinners, featuring wine, beer, shareable dishes, and great conversation.

Step into Cent’s, nestled in a nondescript brick building on Ohio City's western fringe, and you’re greeted by a vibrant tangerine-hued interior. Vincent Morelli, the owner and former visual merchandiser with a background at Brooklyn’s Roberta’s, has outfitted the space with modular shelves brimming with eclectic items like tinned fish, art magazines, and turntables. The Neapolitan-style pizzas, baked in a wood-fired oven, are outstanding, featuring inventive combinations such as tomato, garlic, white anchovies, and capers, or the Sunday Gravy with mini meatballs, sliced garlic, and a generous sprinkle of pecorino.

In an age where many food orders are quickly placed through apps, Herb ‘n Twine in Ohio City still relies on good old-fashioned phone calls or in-person visits. It’s a small inconvenience for what many consider Cleveland’s finest hoagies, meticulously crafted and served on freshly baked French rolls. Once these rolls are gone, the shop closes for the day. The turkey club, featuring house-smoked turkey, smoky Gouda, and bacon, remains the top choice, closely followed by the Italian with cold cuts and provolone. Other highlights include sandwiches with shaved prime rib and crispy fried chicken, plus inventive daily specials.

Proof BBQ faced a challenging start, struggling to open its doors in Tremont just before the COVID-19 pandemic hit the restaurant industry hard. After a brief run, it shut down again in December 2022, though the owners had already secured a new location in Ohio City. It took another two years to get the new spot up and running, but when it finally did, Proof BBQ didn’t just make a comeback—it experienced a full revival. Now housed in the former site of a greasy spoon, this restaurant and bar is the perfect place to enjoy a refreshing beer or a strong cocktail alongside some exceptional slow-smoked barbecue.

Chef Karen Small’s Juneberry Table, inspired by Appalachian cuisine, offers a chic setting for breakfast and lunch. The Appalachian influence shines through in dishes like biscuits paired with sorghum butter and jam, chicken and cornmeal waffles, and bourbon-apple pancakes drizzled with Ohio maple syrup. For lunch, don’t miss the standout smash burger, the Cleveland Croque featuring butter-fried smoked ham and Swiss, and a selection of natural wines to complement your meal.

Housed in a former Vitrolite tile showroom, Patron Saint brings the charm of an all-day cafe to Ohio City. This sunlit venue boasts elegant arches, soaring 15-foot ceilings, and walls adorned with a mosaic of colorful glass tiles. Patron Saint effortlessly shifts from morning coffee to evening aperitivo. Reflecting its Italian inspiration, the menu features a refined selection of dishes such as continental breakfasts, hearty grain salads, warm vegetable fare, piadinas, and savory meatballs.

Located in a historic 1850s firehouse, Larder reimagines the classic Jewish deli through chef Jeremy Umansky’s modern lens. The charming setting is perfect for showcasing delightful breads and pastries such as black-and-white cookies, fruit-studded rugelach, chocolate babka, rich challah, and hearty knishes. Locals flock for the renowned koji-cured pastrami sandwiches, but don’t miss the impressive fried chicken sandwiches, matzo ball soup, housemade charcuterie, and seasonal specials like the beet salad. The Hingetown Dinogoy shares its patio with Rising Star Coffee.

In addition to running Zhug, a small-plates gem in Cleveland Heights, chef Doug Katz also operates Amba in Ohio City. This tastefully designed venue offers a sensory-rich experience with its dim lighting, energetic atmosphere, and a menu crafted for sharing. Begin with an array of pickled vegetables, chickpea fritters, and smashed-pea samosas, then dive into ghee-basted shrimp, venison keema, and paneer with curry leaf and mustard seed. Bar Amba, attached to the restaurant, is the perfect spot to enjoy a drink while you wait for a table.

Transforming the chilly, expansive United Bank Building in Ohio City into a charming supper club took extraordinary vision. Instead of emphasizing the building’s grand 1920s features—like its high coffered ceilings, grand arches, and 10,000 square feet of space—owner Morgan Yagi scaled it down to a cozy human level. The space now feels inviting with its prominent bookshelves, plush seating, botanical-patterned carpets, and a striking tree rising from the center. “Fun dining, not fine dining,” as Yagi puts it, describes the modern American menu that includes pizzas, pastas, burgers, and steaks. The lively lounge and cocktail scene keep the evening going into the early hours.

Among the year's standout openings, Jaja stands out as exceptional. Under a pergola adorned with garlands and festooned with oversized string lights, the intimate yet lavish dining area accommodates 90 guests. Windows on three sides frame spectacular views of the city skyline and the West Side Market clocktower. When the weather is warm, a retractable glass roof allows for an open-air dining experience. Guests are greeted with a complimentary tulip of cava before exploring the exquisite cocktail selection. The modern seafood and steakhouse offerings are enhanced by the live-fire grill shared with Pioneer below. For a truly indulgent experience, try the parillada—a grand platter of prime meats, fresh seafood, assorted sauces, and ample grilled bread.

Porco Lounge & Tiki Room has established itself as a premier destination among tiki bars worldwide. Eschewing the typical kitsch, it offers a captivating ambiance adorned with high-quality mugs, artwork, and relics from bygone legendary tropical bars. The city's top bartenders, decked out in Hawaiian shirts, craft meticulously balanced versions of mai tais, zombies, and painkillers, using only the finest spirits, fresh juices, and syrups, and often garnishing with playful umbrellas or dramatic dry ice. The inviting patio out back enhances the overall experience.

As genuine dive bars continue to disappear, Johnny's Little Bar remains a cherished spot for shots, beers, and hearty burgers. Nestled in a downtown alley since 1984, this no-frills hangout has withstood gentrification waves, enduring like a stubborn guest. At this classic bar, you can still enjoy $5 imported beers, $7 cocktails, and one of the city's top burgers. Despite its small size and perpetual buzz, it’s a beloved local fixture with hopes for many more years of service.

In the evolving Old Brooklyn neighborhood, Never Say Dive stands out as a new gem. Opening in early 2024, this dive bar exudes personality with its vibrant and eclectic decor. Despite its modest exterior, inside you'll find a riot of neon pink flamingos and whimsical art. The drink menu features $3 beers, draft cocktails, and inventive house-made seltzers. The menu is equally adventurous, with offerings like the Dive Dog—a Kobe beef hot dog topped with caviar and potato chips—and a surprisingly rich bowl of udon in savory bone marrow broth.

Fahrenheit is easy to find—just look for the impressive new 36-story Sherwin-Williams headquarters downtown and head to the ground level. Rocco Whalen's celebrated bistro, which dazzled in Tremont for over two decades, has now made its grand entrance here, with a sleek and sophisticated makeover. The restaurant features a dramatic glass wall separating the dining area from a sparkling open kitchen, surrounded by a chef's counter. Whalen’s classic thin-sliced potato nachos, bias-cut Vietnamese spring rolls, and braised short ribs with lo mein noodles are joined by succulent prime steaks and enticing seafood dishes.

Ian Herrington’s chic, modern European-style bakery stands prominently at the edge of Tremont. Beyond staple rustic sourdoughs, Herrington creates airy rosemary focaccia, aromatic cardamom buns, and savory cheddar and scallion scones, alongside gooey cinnamon buns, plum-studded Danishes, and rich chocolate chip cookies. The menu also features a rotating selection of soups and sandwiches.

Michael Symon’s downtown BBQ hotspot serves up exceptional smoked meats in a vibrant industrial setting. Slow-cooked over Ohio fruitwoods, their beef brisket, pork butt, ribs, turkey, and kielbasa are tender, smoky, and mouthwatering. You can get these meats by the pound or in hearty sandwiches. Sides and snacks include creamy corn, crispy potatoes, broccoli salad, and pork cracklings with French onion dip. Bourbon enthusiasts will appreciate the top-notch selection, and craft beer lovers won’t be disappointed either. Enjoy outdoor seating right on the bustling East Fourth Street.

Taking over from Michael Symon’s Lola Bistro, Cordelia has quickly become a favorite on East 4th Street. With its vibrant, inviting atmosphere, the restaurant embodies the spirit of “Midwest nice” hospitality. James Beard-nominated chef Vinnie Cimino showcases that dining out can be both adventurous and delightful from the city’s most impressive open kitchen. The menu is ever-changing, featuring shareable platters, fresh veggie-focused salads, daily fish and steak options, and a unique four-slider pull-apart burger with a cheese skirt.

Cloak & Dagger exudes the charm of a well-loved study, featuring shelves filled with leather-bound tomes, intriguing artifacts, and comfortable seating. This literary-inspired venue extends its theme to the drink menu, offering a seasonal selection of inventive cocktails in a beautifully illustrated booklet. The bar serves an entirely vegan array of snacks, sandwiches, and hearty dishes, including seasonal jams with bread, masa hushpuppies, spring pea bruschetta, and artichoke-based 'crab' cakes.

Marble Room stands as Cleveland's most opulent dining venue, nestled within a grand early 20th-century bank lobby. Designed by the same firm behind Severance Hall, the space features a breathtaking beaux arts aesthetic with towering ceilings, colossal columns, sweeping staircases, and intricate iron details. The menu is equally extravagant, offering a range of caviar, seafood towers, sushi and sashimi, alongside an impressive selection of steaks and chops. Guests can enjoy meticulously crafted cocktails, exceptional service, and live music in a setting that exudes luxury.

What began as a pandemic pop-up has transformed into one of Cleveland’s most distinctive breakfast spots. Chef Ryan Beck reimagined a long-standing carryout spot in Tremont into a charming micro-diner featuring chrome accents, mirrors, neon lights, and a few counter stools. Martha’s menu focuses on breakfast sandwiches with rich, custard-like steamed egg patties, complemented by spicy sausage or thick-cut bologna, all nestled in light, house-baked buns. Accompanying dishes such as cornmeal fries, crispy potatoes, and seasonal fruit hand pies make it a favorite repeat destination.

In Cleveland, where coastal sushi spots are rare, there’s one standout for nigiri enthusiasts. Ginko, helmed by ex-Nobu chef Dante Boccuzzi, offers a distinctive experience in both ambiance and cuisine. Nestled beneath Boccuzzi’s namesake bistro Dante, Ginko features a cavernous, horseshoe-shaped sushi bar. The restaurant spares no expense in sourcing the freshest, highest-quality fish for an unforgettable omakase or à la carte dining. For those seeking alternatives to sushi, dedicated shabu-shabu tables are available, and sake connoisseurs will appreciate the top-notch selection.

Cleveland boasts an impressive array of breweries, but Noble Beast stands out for its exceptional brew and inviting brewery space. Located in a spacious 5,000-square-foot warehouse on the outskirts of downtown, the open industrial setting is both airy and inviting. Guests are immersed in the brewing process, where classic Belgian strong ales, altbiers, kölsches, and a variety of hazy and double IPAs are expertly crafted. Complementary eats such as corndogs, nachos, salads, and sandwiches complete the experience.

In a year marked by numerous comebacks, La Cave Du Vin stole the spotlight. Originally flourishing under Erich Lasher's management, the Cleveland Heights wine bar closed its doors in 2018 after a successful 23-year run. Following the closure of Spotted Owl, Will Hollingsworth repurposed the space for a new La Cave, which re-emerged in late 2023. This revival beautifully echoes the charm of the original, from its underground ambiance to Lasher’s return at the helm.

Nestled in Cleveland’s AsiaTown, this gem draws patrons with its delectable xiao long bao. Yet, the menu extends far beyond, showcasing an impressive selection of Shanghai-style soups, noodle dishes, and meat specialties. Highlights include the wonton soup with shrimp dumplings, fiery beef noodle soup, scallion noodles, shredded pork with preserved vegetables, and soy sauce duck.

Restaurateur Sheng Long Yu has introduced one of his most personal endeavors with YYTime. After two years of meticulous planning, he unveiled Dinogoy, a vibrant Mytoury located in a former National Tire & Battery spot in Asiatown. The extensive menu showcases street food, noodle bowls, and bubble tea, featuring dishes from skewered king mushrooms to the elaborate crossing-the-bridge noodle soup. Other must-try items include spicy cucumbers, whole grilled shrimp, pork dumplings, Sichuan-style beef tripe, and coconut curry chicken soup. Pair your meal with a refreshing Thai milk tea topped with popping pearls.

Cleveland’s Filipino dining options are limited to a few small markets and Mytouries. To fill this gap, Flora Grk launched Tita Flora’s in Independence. The chef remains true to traditional recipes, offering standout dishes such as crispy lumpia, sizzling pork sisig, pork adobo infused with soy, garlic, and vinegar, and flavorful pancit with tofu, chicken, or shrimp. Dessert features a classic halo-halo, brimming with ice cream, evaporated milk, crushed ice, and a variety of toppings.

Jamaican native Kedemah McHugh’s culinary journey began after completing the Edwins training program. He initially served food from a stand in an African market, worked at various clubs, and even operated from his garage. By 2024, McHugh and his wife Melissa launched Rich Caribbean, a vibrant Mytoury located a mile west of Shaker Square. The restaurant boasts an array of traditional Jamaican dishes, including smoky jerk chicken grilled over wood, succulent oxtail with spinners, and flavorful curry goat that’s worth the trip across town. On Saturdays, enjoy breakfast offerings like creamy peanut porridge and ackee with saltfish.

Wolf Pack Chorus is a vibrant celebration of excess in every aspect. Housed in a grand carriage house with cathedral ceilings and an expansive bar, this restaurant offers stunning views of University Circle through its large windows. The lively atmosphere is enhanced by live performances that give the bistro a classic supper club feel. The menu, inspired by French cuisine, ranges from za’atar-seasoned asparagus to savory braised short rib croquettes. Patrons can enjoy a rotating selection of expertly prepared seasonal dishes featuring various proteins.

In 2022, a notable corner location in Little Italy was reimagined as a chic and refined Italian steakhouse. Zachary Ladner and Carl Quagliata, known for their local dining ventures, have crafted a stunning 45-seat Mytoury that leverages high-quality ingredients from their sister establishment, Village Butcher. The menu features traditional steakhouse fare including steak tartare and shrimp cocktail, as well as hot appetizers like coquilles Saint Jacques and veal sweetbreads. For the main course, diners can choose from impressive large-format steaks such as a 100-day dry-aged tomahawk rib-eye, bistecca alla Fiorentina, or chateaubriand, all elegantly presented on silver platters. The selection also includes other prime steaks, chops, seafood specialties, and sumptuous pasta dishes.

Amaro is currently trending in Cleveland, with this aromatic Italian liqueur making its way onto cocktail menus across the city. A particular bar stands out for its exclusive focus on amaro, nestled in Little Italy. This chic new spot accommodates fewer than 60 guests, many of whom are dining in the neighborhood. Every cocktail here incorporates at least one kind of amaro, featuring a range of amaro-infused shooters. Amaro enthusiasts can also savor these herbaceous liqueurs neat, in tasting flights, or in inventive Negronis. Currently, the food menu is limited to snacks, but soon a wood-fired oven will be adding Neapolitan-style pizzas to the offerings.

Jill Vedaa and Jessica Parkison, the team behind Salt in Lakewood, have recently acquired a charming century-old home on artistic Larchmere Boulevard. The refined main floor features mahogany details, exposed wooden beams, and an elegant four-seat cocktail bar. Additional seating is available on the enclosed front porch, the renovated second floor, and the expansive landscaped patio, which includes a bar in the carriage house. Chef Vedaa’s inventive global cuisine is showcased through a variety of seasonal small, medium, and large plates. Don’t miss the exceptional cocktails offered here.

At Zhug, Chef Doug Katz presents a delightful array of small plates in a lively, lounge-like environment. The diverse menu includes cold-smoked octopus, crispy schmaltz-fried potatoes, curried lamb hummus, and eggplant moussaka. Each meal is served with warm pita and zesty zhug sauce. The experience is completed with inventive cocktails and a well-curated global wine selection.

Vero stands out as one of the premier Neapolitan pizzerias in the area, often bustling with patrons and experiencing long wait times. In late 2023, when a neighboring space became available, owner and pizzaiolo Marc-Aurele Buholzer seized the opportunity. Following a meticulous renovation, Vero now boasts a new bar, doubled seating capacity, and a refreshed ambiance. The wood-fired pizzas are exceptional, featuring the signature puffy, chewy, and leopard-spotted crust. The Margherita pizza is topped with San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and extra-virgin olive oil, while the Diavola is spiced up with Calabrian chiles.

In 2023, Cleveland's dining scene faced a significant loss with the closure of Corky & Lenny’s Delicatessen after 67 years. Fortunately, Jack’s Deli & Restaurant continues to thrive. Established in 1980 by Jack Markowitz, this beloved Mytoury offers traditional Eastern European fare. Classics such as matzo ball soup, chopped liver, crispy potato pancakes, cheese blintzes, corned beef hash, pastrami sandwiches, and house-roasted turkey with mashed potatoes are all made from scratch, preserving the essence of old-fashioned comfort food.

Doug Petkovic, leveraging his 40 years in hospitality and experience as Michael Symon’s longtime business partner, meticulously transformed the former Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse on Eton Chagrin Boulevard into a sophisticated yet cozy steakhouse. Heritage Steak & Whiskey features a menu with aggressively charred filets, center-cut rib-eyes, rib-eye caps, and wagyu hangar steaks cooked over a wood-fired grill. Indulgent options also include scallops, Dover sole, duck confit, and substantial double pork chops. The lively lounge at the front of the restaurant is perfect for unwinding after work or a hearty meal, offering one of the best whiskey selections in town.