Cleveland's culinary landscape is buzzing, a vibrant testament to its rich resources and a passionate community of chefs. From the fertile bounty of the Cuyahoga Valley to a thriving network of farmers markets, the city offers a diverse palette of flavors that local food expert Douglas Trattner has chronicled for a quarter-century. As the architect of Eater restaurant maps for over a decade, Trattner understands the pulse of Cleveland's dining scene like few others.
This Super Pillar hub is your definitive guide to the best restaurants in Cleveland, curated with the insights of a true local connoisseur. Whether you're craving trendy listening bars, venerable Jewish delis, stellar pho, or tongue-tingling Sichuan food, Cleveland has a table waiting for you. The city's growth is undeniable, with the century-old West Side Market now under local non-profit management, and its talent recognized by the James Beard Foundation, listing local stars like Doug Katz (Kiln, Amba, Zhug), Jeremy Umansky and Allie La Valle (Larder), and Vinnie Cimino (Cordelia) as semifinalists for 2025.
Ready to explore? We've grouped Cleveland's culinary gems to help you navigate your next meal.
The Latest Dish: Cleveland's Newest Restaurant Openings (March 2025)
Cleveland's food scene is constantly evolving, with exciting new establishments popping up across the city. March 2025 brought a fresh wave of must-try spots, offering everything from sophisticated dining to quick, delicious bites.
Chic Bistros and Culinary Artistry
On the west side, Westsiders ($$$) opens its doors as a gorgeous suburban bistro, designed for weekly regulars with its affordable cocktails and seasonal small plates like honey-drizzled ricotta and braised pork belly. It's a fantastic spot for brunch with small groups, featuring larger plates like house-made tagliatelle Bolognese. For a more buzzy, glam experience, Artis Restaurant ($$$$) in Lakewood, helmed by chef Andrew Mansour, masterfully weaves globetrotting flavors into dishes like kimchi fried rice and lobster bisque soup dumplings. Don't miss their expertly grilled chops – it's secretly an amazing steakhouse experience.
Lakewood also welcomes the revived Rood ($$$$), now under Vessel Hospitality with new culinary talents Annabella Andricks and Josh Erickson. This jewel offers seasonal Midwestern fare, emphasizing vegetables and eclectic small plates like za’atar-rubbed roasted carrots, perfect for happy hour deals.
Unique Concepts and Everyday Delights
For those seeking a distinct sensory experience, Bad Medicine ($$$) is a listening bar where the vintage hi-fi system creates an immersive soundscape. Enjoy fine classic and original concoctions alongside well-executed gastropub fare like smash burgers, all in a chill, unpretentious Midwest atmosphere. If you're looking for fun and food, Birdietown Mini Golf and Lounge ($$) combines a restaurant, two bars, and 18 custom indoor mini-golf holes, featuring an approachable yet elevated gastropub menu overseen by James Beard semifinalist chef Jill Vedaa—ideal for a date night.
In Ohio City, Tripi Italian Specialties ($) by Chef-owner Anthony Zappola delivers high-quality Italian foods in a quick-serve setting, from chicken Parm sandwiches to thick slices of sheet-pan pepperoni pizza, making it one of the quickest and best lunch options around. And for those with a sweet tooth, Mason’s Creamery ($) offers unique small-batch ice cream flavors like ube and olive oil cake, served in eggy bubble waffles. In winter, they famously swap ice cream for exceptional tonkotsu ramen – a truly unique culinary experience you can Discover Unique Culinary Experiences through.
Downtown also sees an expansion of The Whiskey Bar ($$$) for late-night drinks and a novel new concept called Steak ($$$$), which offers an affordable, high-quality, and fun all-inclusive steak experience with unique cocktail vessels. For seafood lovers, Acqua di Dea ($$$) is a special-occasion downtown spot offering dramatic warehouse dining with everything from seafood platters to grilled whole branzino. Meanwhile, Pho Lee’s Vietnamese Restaurant ($$) in AsiaTown delivers piping hot pho and deeply flavorful bun bo hue, served with strong, sweet Vietnamese coffee. And rounding out the new list, Davis Bakery & Deli and Kiln (another Doug Katz venture) are also exciting additions to Cleveland’s culinary map.
Cleveland's Star Power: Fine Dining and Upscale Experiences
Cleveland's culinary landscape is adorned with establishments that elevate dining to an art form, helmed by celebrated chefs and offering exquisite atmospheres. If you're looking to indulge in Cleveland's most exquisite dining experiences, our guide to Fine Dining & Upscale Experiences is your next stop.
James Beard semifinalists are leading the charge in defining Cleveland's refined tastes. Cordelia ($$), under chef-owner Vinnie Cimino, offers "Midwest Nice" hospitality with a daring, delicious, and playful menu featuring shareable relish trays and daily fish selections. Snag seats at the kitchen counter for an unforgettable ringside view. Chef Doug Katz’s Amba ($$$$) in Ohio City provides a beautifully designed space with low lighting and a lively soundtrack, serving a menu built for sharing, featuring ghee-basted shrimp and venison keema. His other notable restaurant, Zhug ($$), offers a tempting menu of small plates like cold-smoked octopus and curried lamb-topped hummus, all served with warm pita and fiery zhug.
For an opulent experience, Marble Room ($$$$) stands as the grandest dining room in Cleveland, an opulent prime steak and seafood restaurant nestled in a turn-of-the-century bank lobby. Expect caviar, seafood towers, and a wide selection of steaks amidst stunning Beaux Arts interiors. Another top choice for seafood and steak, Tutto Carne ($$$$) in Little Italy, offers a stylish Italian-themed steakhouse experience, presenting large-format steaks and luxurious pastas. If sushi is your passion, Ginko ($$$$), beneath Dante Boccuzzi's namesake bistro, offers unforgettable omakase experiences with the finest, freshest fish, complemented by an exceptional sake list.
Local Gems and Casual Comforts
Sometimes the best meals are found in the everyday, the beloved neighborhood spots that truly capture the heart of Cleveland. To dive deeper into these cherished spots, Explore Casual & Local Favorites.
Pizza reigns supreme in Cleveland, with several standouts. Il Rione ($) in Detroit Shoreway is a popular pizzeria known for dazzling New York-style pies like margherita and white clam. Be prepared for a wait, but it's well worth it! In Ohio City, Cent’s Pizza ($) by Vincent Morelli bakes exceptional Neapolitan-ish pies in a wood-burning oven, offering clever combos and a must-try "wonder bread" with house-made stracciatella. For another top-tier Neapolitan experience, Vero Pizza Napoletana ($) is celebrated for its wood-fired pies with characteristically puffy, chewy, tender, leopard-spotted crust, now with expanded seating and a new bar.
For a taste of Americana with a local twist, Juneberry Table ($) by chef Karen Small brings Appalachian influences to breakfast and lunch with biscuits, chicken and cornmeal waffles, and bourbon-apple pancakes. For a quick and savory meal, Mabel's BBQ ($$) by Michael Symon offers exceptional smoked meats cooked low and slow over Ohio fruitwoods, paired with an excellent bourbon selection.
Cleveland's delis and markets also shine. Larder ($$), a modern-day Jewish delicatessen by James Beard semifinalist Jeremy Umansky, serves heavenly breads and pastries, famous koji-cured pastrami sandwiches, and epic fried chicken sandwiches from an 1850s-era firehouse. For a Mediterranean escape, Astoria Cafe & Market ($$) functions as an invaluable neighborhood asset, combining a bar, restaurant, and gourmet marketplace with a massive menu of snacks, salads, and one of the best brunches in town. You can find more specific recommendations for each part of the city in our Cleveland Neighborhood Dining Guides.
Beyond the Plate: Bars, Brews, and Immersive Experiences
Cleveland’s dining scene isn't just about the food; it's about the entire experience. Whether you're seeking a unique ambiance, craft beverages, or a memorable night out, the city delivers.
For a truly unique escape, Porco Lounge & Tiki Room ($$) is a world-class tiki bar hideaway with an enchanting interior filled with collector-quality mugs and art, serving boozy but balanced mai tais and zombies. In Old Brooklyn, Never Say Dive ($) offers a meticulously curated dive bar experience with neon pink flamingos, $3 beers, and creative mixed drinks, including a Kobe-beef frank with caviar and potato chips! For a more refined, literary-themed experience, Cloak & Dagger ($$$) offers a cozy study-like atmosphere and an all-vegan roster of bar snacks and full plates alongside seasonal original cocktails.
Brewery culture thrives here too. Noble Beast Brewing Co. ($$) offers a comfortable industrial warehouse setting, crafting classics like Belgian strong ales and IPAs, paired perfectly with their corndogs and nachos. Another excellent option, Masthead Brewing Co. ($$) in a handsome downtown warehouse, boasts a 20-barrel brewhouse behind the bar and serves excellent Neapolitan-style pizzas from a wood-burning oven.
A Global Feast: Best Cleveland Restaurants by Cuisine
Cleveland’s diverse population has cultivated an incredible range of international flavors, ensuring there’s something for every craving. To truly explore the global palate available, our guide to the Best Cleveland Restaurants by Cuisine is indispensable.
AsiaTown is a hub for authentic Asian fare. LJ Shanghai ($$) is a popular spot attracting diners for its exquisite xiao long bao (drippy soup dumplings) and other Shanghai-style dishes like spicy wontons and noodle bowls. As mentioned, the newly opened Pho Lee’s Vietnamese Restaurant ($$) offers stellar pho and bun bo hue. For high-quality Japanese, Ginko ($$$$) provides an unforgettable sushi experience. Chef Doug Katz's Amba and Zhug bring vibrant Indian and Middle Eastern flavors to Ohio City, with dishes like ghee-basted shrimp and curried lamb-topped hummus.
Beyond AsiaTown, Tita Floras ($$) in Independence offers a warm welcome and traditional Filipino dishes like crispy lumpia, pork sisig, and comforting pancit, finishing with a delightful halo-halo dessert. For Italian, in addition to the acclaimed pizza spots like Il Rione, Cent's, Vero, and Tripi Italian Specialties, you can indulge in sophisticated Italian dining at Tutto Carne ($$$$). Leavened ($) in Tremont provides European-style artisan bakery goods, from rustic sourdoughs to plum-filled Danishes, with Neapolitan-style pizzas on Fridays. For a taste of Spain, Patron Saint ($) in Ohio City brings an Italian-inspired vibe, offering early-morning coffee to early-evening aperitivo hour with a lean menu of composed plates and curated Italian wines.
Embark on Your Cleveland Culinary Adventure
Cleveland's food scene is a dynamic tapestry woven with innovation, tradition, and global influences. From the casual charm of neighborhood favorites to the sophistication of James Beard-recognized establishments, there's always something new and delicious to discover. We encourage you to use this hub as your starting point, delving into the specialized pillar guides to find exactly what your palate desires. Bon appétit!