October 9, 2024
Cleveland is quickly becoming a culinary hotspot in the Midwest, showcasing a diverse range of dining options from charming local cafes to high-end restaurants. The city’s vibrant food scene offers a variety of flavors that appeal to all tastes.
Here’s a list of the 12 Best Restaurants in Cleveland:
Alea is a Mediterranean restaurant located in Ohio City's Hingetown, known for its small plates and live-fire cooking. Chef-owner Athan Zarnas emphasizes Mediterranean flavors, offering unique dishes like lamb ssam and pork chop milanese. The menu changes seasonally, featuring fresh ingredients and delightful desserts.
Amba, opened in 2022, is a vibrant Indian-inspired restaurant in Cleveland's Ohio City. Set in a stylishly renovated industrial space, it offers a unique dining experience featuring:
Astoria Cafe & Market, opened in 2016, is a Greek-inspired Mediterranean gem in Cleveland's Gordon Square. This cozy spot offers indoor and outdoor dining, famous for its cheese and charcuterie boards and authentic Greek cuisine. Chef Cory Kobrinski's innovative menu keeps diners coming back for more.
Opened in 2015, Batuqui serves authentic Brazilian cuisine in Cleveland. Originally in a Victorian house, this popular restaurant is now moving to a larger, converted church building, expanding its capacity to welcome more diners.
Cordelia, awarded Cleveland's Best New Restaurant in 2022, offers Midwest comfort cuisine with a creative twist by James Beard nominee Chef Vinnie Cimino. Signature dishes like carrot muhammara, corned lamb, and the burger box, inspired by White Castle sliders, blend nostalgia and innovation. Enjoy a lively atmosphere perfect for savoring every bite.
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Cent's Pizza & Goods, a stylish wood-fired pizzeria in Ohio City, was created by chef Vincent Morelli, who honed his skills in LA and New York. This hidden gem offers a modern twist on classic wood-fired pizza.
Try the Sunday gravy pizza ($18), inspired by Morelli's grandmother's meatball recipe. Its nostalgic flavors and comforting aroma make it a must-try.
Edwin's Leadership & Restaurant Institute in Shaker Square, founded by Brandon Chrostowski, trains formerly incarcerated Clevelanders in culinary arts.
Highlights include garlicky escargots ($14), mushroomy le burger ($36) with crispy goose-fat fries, and paupiettes de merou ($35)—grouper in a buttery potato wrap.
Their mission, "Eat Well, Do Good," offers a meaningful dining experience beyond great food.
Fahrenheit, a restaurant by Chef Rocco Whalen, has recently moved to Downtown Cleveland, re-establishing itself as a premier dining destination. The venue offers an upscale American cuisine experience and features a vibrant atmosphere, perfect for various occasions.
In Tremont, Ginko is a beloved sushi bar known for its consistency and quality fish from Japan. Chef-owner Dante Boccuzzi’s menu features standout dishes like the Eye of the Tiger ($14), a flavorful mix of pickled shiitake mushrooms, oysters, spicy mayo, and eel sauce. With Boccuzzi’s blend of tradition and creativity, Ginko is a must-visit for sushi lovers.
Issho Ni Ramen is a Japanese restaurant that opened in 2019 in Willoughby, Ohio. It offers exceptional ramen and sushi in a casual dining atmosphere with about 30 seats. The restaurant is owned by Johanes Jonathan, and the executive chef is Ryan Endrian.
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JoJo's Bar, created by Rick Doody and Joe Saccone, has transformed the old Gamekeeper's Taverne space. The cozy decor blends Italian and equestrian themes, perfectly matching the Italian menu.
Try the Saffron Shrimp Garganelli ($17/$29) with its authentic saffron cream sauce. The standout is the spicy vodka rigatoni ($14/$26) with Calabrian peppers and a rich sauce you'll love.
At Juneberry Table in Ohio City, chef-owner Karen Small offers a delicious farm-to-table brunch with locally sourced ingredients. Highlights include Ohio spelt pancakes ($13) and seasonal specials.
Now serving dinner, Juneberry Table continues to impress with high-quality, regional ingredients for a memorable dining experience.
