So here's the deal. You don't know it yet, but...Cleveland is the sh*t.
In The Land, things are very inexpensive (compared to most major cities) and it's very easy to get from one place to another. There's tons of really cute neighborhoods surrounding downtown that are full of great food, an insane amount of breweries, trendy scenes and really nice, hardworking people. (Don't let the airport views fool you because it's pretty much in the middle of nowhere.)
In The Land, things are very inexpensive (compared to most major cities) and it's very easy to get from one place to another. There's tons of really cute neighborhoods surrounding downtown that are full of great food, an insane amount of breweries, trendy scenes and really nice, hardworking people. (Don't let the airport views fool you because it's pretty much in the middle of nowhere.)
Downtown
I spent a lot of time exploring downtown CLE when I worked full time at Destination Cleveland, the convention and visitor's bureau. I've been to tons of places for lunch, coffee..etc. You can get everywhere you need to go by foot within minutes.
I spent a lot of time exploring downtown CLE when I worked full time at Destination Cleveland, the convention and visitor's bureau. I've been to tons of places for lunch, coffee..etc. You can get everywhere you need to go by foot within minutes.
Urban Farmer
This spot is like, really really cool. Upscale, modern, local, organic and very much farm to table which is awesome and then one of my favorite things about the menu is the steak sampling where you can try 4 different kinds of 6oz pieces of steak! I absolutely love the atmosphere and space which includes several walls that are lined with colorful jars of ingredients they use every day.
Mabel's BBQ
Another one of Michael Symon's East 4th Street restaurants - if you're a meat eater, this is a must. General opinion is that it's pricey but I think it's worth it for sure. Don't expect macaroni and cheese - it's super unique BBQ theme is inspired by Eastern European flavors. He calls it "Cleveland style BBQ" - the sauce is yellow and mustard based!
REBoL
Whenever I want to eat something healthy that doesn't suck - I go here. It's in CLE's Public Square and they have noodles with 0 carbs that AREN'T zuchinni or whatever. You can build your own "bol" kind of like chipotle, but it's all super organic and non-GMO.
Barrio
The menu here is scantron-style which I think is very cool and simple. SUCH. GOOD. TACOS. The stoner queso is also a fave of mine, it's sticky white rice mixed in with queso and it just might make you cry.
Heinen's
Heinen's is a local grocery store that could pass as as art museum. You can shop and then there's fresh food all around for eating. I always go for lunch and take soup or a salad up to the second floor to people watch from above.
Your's Truly Restaurant
I feel like YTR has everything on their menu. You name it, you can find it on there. I especially love their very thick and creamy macaroni and cheese and the "notso" fries which are little potato wedges covered in cheese and bacon. (I'm so healthy.)
Vincenza's Pizza & Pasta
This place has shotty hours (like mostly lunch hours during the week I think) but if you can make it, they serve really good thin slices of pizza and have a ton of different flavors like buffalo chicken pizza or bacon and sausage.
Society Lounge
I love drinking here. It's a swanky, speakeasy cocktail bar where attention to detail while crafting drinks is key. I ordered the "chargarita" which came out looking like a super cool smokey science experiment. (And it was really good.)
Masthead Brewing Co
Masthead is like a giant beer hall with really large communal style tables and REALLY awesome wood-fired pizza. They have everything from classic flavors to pizza with pickles and pulled pork on it. It's all delish.
Great Taste Chinese Restaurant
So this is a Chinese buffet that is like 7 dollars -- all you can eat. I would not describe it as gourmet but I LOVE going here every once in a while.
This spot is like, really really cool. Upscale, modern, local, organic and very much farm to table which is awesome and then one of my favorite things about the menu is the steak sampling where you can try 4 different kinds of 6oz pieces of steak! I absolutely love the atmosphere and space which includes several walls that are lined with colorful jars of ingredients they use every day.
Mabel's BBQ
Another one of Michael Symon's East 4th Street restaurants - if you're a meat eater, this is a must. General opinion is that it's pricey but I think it's worth it for sure. Don't expect macaroni and cheese - it's super unique BBQ theme is inspired by Eastern European flavors. He calls it "Cleveland style BBQ" - the sauce is yellow and mustard based!
REBoL
Whenever I want to eat something healthy that doesn't suck - I go here. It's in CLE's Public Square and they have noodles with 0 carbs that AREN'T zuchinni or whatever. You can build your own "bol" kind of like chipotle, but it's all super organic and non-GMO.
Barrio
The menu here is scantron-style which I think is very cool and simple. SUCH. GOOD. TACOS. The stoner queso is also a fave of mine, it's sticky white rice mixed in with queso and it just might make you cry.
Heinen's
Heinen's is a local grocery store that could pass as as art museum. You can shop and then there's fresh food all around for eating. I always go for lunch and take soup or a salad up to the second floor to people watch from above.
Your's Truly Restaurant
I feel like YTR has everything on their menu. You name it, you can find it on there. I especially love their very thick and creamy macaroni and cheese and the "notso" fries which are little potato wedges covered in cheese and bacon. (I'm so healthy.)
Vincenza's Pizza & Pasta
This place has shotty hours (like mostly lunch hours during the week I think) but if you can make it, they serve really good thin slices of pizza and have a ton of different flavors like buffalo chicken pizza or bacon and sausage.
Society Lounge
I love drinking here. It's a swanky, speakeasy cocktail bar where attention to detail while crafting drinks is key. I ordered the "chargarita" which came out looking like a super cool smokey science experiment. (And it was really good.)
Masthead Brewing Co
Masthead is like a giant beer hall with really large communal style tables and REALLY awesome wood-fired pizza. They have everything from classic flavors to pizza with pickles and pulled pork on it. It's all delish.
Great Taste Chinese Restaurant
So this is a Chinese buffet that is like 7 dollars -- all you can eat. I would not describe it as gourmet but I LOVE going here every once in a while.
Ohio City
Ohio City is home to W. 25th Street where you'll find the West Side Market and tons of fun bars and restaurants. There's also tons of public art in OHC, including a giant mural of a slice of pizza that's definitely bigger than you and your three best friends.
Ohio City is home to W. 25th Street where you'll find the West Side Market and tons of fun bars and restaurants. There's also tons of public art in OHC, including a giant mural of a slice of pizza that's definitely bigger than you and your three best friends.
Luca Italian Cuisine
I get so excited, too excited when I think about the sacchetti that's served here. Sacchetti is a type of noodle that resembles little money bag pouches and each one is filled with truffle and ricotta cheese....and then there's this divine white sauce with a fig glaze. I could cry. It's definitely a fancier spot, and expensive but totally worth it.
Westside Market Cafe
I love eating here. It's noisy and busy most of the time and has some of the best "diner-esq" food ever since it sources everything right from the Westside Market!
Le Petit Triangle Cafe
I love this little French cafe. I've only been for brunch but the crepes are really good and I LOVE the croquet madame.
Citizen Pie
Wood-fired pizza is where it's at. Wood-fired, cacio e pepe pizza is where God himself is at. I looooooooove it.
Porco Tiki Lounge
Tiki drinks so strong, you're only allowed to have two. No seriously, they cut you off with certain drinks because they're that potent. They also have food, and each night's menu changes
Herb n' Twine
Handcrafted sandwiches are taken to a whole new level at Herb n' Twine - the bread is baked fresh every morning! The sandwiches are huge and each one is made with love. You really can't go wrong, but I love the hot chicken and the turkey.
Phoenix Coffee
Coffee shop goals. Also, they've been roasting coffee since the year I was born. That's all.
Townhall
Townhall is everybody's favorite. It's usually really packed but it's a fun place to brunch or stop in for a drink during the day. Their patio is dog friendly (basically looks like a dog party on summer afternoons) and they even have a menu specifically created for your little furry bud which is SO FUN.
ABC Tavern
This is where Basil had his first bite of people food...it was bacon...and he was so small at this point that I remember he took a nap in my purse. The beers are super cheap, it's divey as hell and all of the food is as greasy as it is good. (Really good!!)
Mason's Creamery
Mason's Creamery is always up to something. They serve really good specialty ice creams (plenty of vegan options) like french toast, black sesame or captain crunch. The owners might be the nicest people I've ever met and they're super into brining the community together by hosting movie nights in their parking lot and collabing with other fun businesses like Thai Thai or Brewnuts.
Mitchell's Ice Cream
Mitchell's is that good good. I always get the caramel fudge brownie ice cream or the Cleveland Brownie Sundae because the fresh brownies that they make there are insanely good. There's also a ton of other cool flavors (obviously!)
Bruno's Ristorante
MMMM, old school Italian food. This place is pretty tiny so having a reservation is key. I always get the linguine and clams and we like to sit up at the bar. This is a good cozy little date night spot.
I get so excited, too excited when I think about the sacchetti that's served here. Sacchetti is a type of noodle that resembles little money bag pouches and each one is filled with truffle and ricotta cheese....and then there's this divine white sauce with a fig glaze. I could cry. It's definitely a fancier spot, and expensive but totally worth it.
Westside Market Cafe
I love eating here. It's noisy and busy most of the time and has some of the best "diner-esq" food ever since it sources everything right from the Westside Market!
Le Petit Triangle Cafe
I love this little French cafe. I've only been for brunch but the crepes are really good and I LOVE the croquet madame.
Citizen Pie
Wood-fired pizza is where it's at. Wood-fired, cacio e pepe pizza is where God himself is at. I looooooooove it.
Porco Tiki Lounge
Tiki drinks so strong, you're only allowed to have two. No seriously, they cut you off with certain drinks because they're that potent. They also have food, and each night's menu changes
Herb n' Twine
Handcrafted sandwiches are taken to a whole new level at Herb n' Twine - the bread is baked fresh every morning! The sandwiches are huge and each one is made with love. You really can't go wrong, but I love the hot chicken and the turkey.
Phoenix Coffee
Coffee shop goals. Also, they've been roasting coffee since the year I was born. That's all.
Townhall
Townhall is everybody's favorite. It's usually really packed but it's a fun place to brunch or stop in for a drink during the day. Their patio is dog friendly (basically looks like a dog party on summer afternoons) and they even have a menu specifically created for your little furry bud which is SO FUN.
ABC Tavern
This is where Basil had his first bite of people food...it was bacon...and he was so small at this point that I remember he took a nap in my purse. The beers are super cheap, it's divey as hell and all of the food is as greasy as it is good. (Really good!!)
Mason's Creamery
Mason's Creamery is always up to something. They serve really good specialty ice creams (plenty of vegan options) like french toast, black sesame or captain crunch. The owners might be the nicest people I've ever met and they're super into brining the community together by hosting movie nights in their parking lot and collabing with other fun businesses like Thai Thai or Brewnuts.
Mitchell's Ice Cream
Mitchell's is that good good. I always get the caramel fudge brownie ice cream or the Cleveland Brownie Sundae because the fresh brownies that they make there are insanely good. There's also a ton of other cool flavors (obviously!)
Bruno's Ristorante
MMMM, old school Italian food. This place is pretty tiny so having a reservation is key. I always get the linguine and clams and we like to sit up at the bar. This is a good cozy little date night spot.
Tremont
Tremont is my favorite. It's so cute and there's SO many good places to eat. It also feels like there's always people walking their cute dogs on the sidewalks here so that's always a plus. Every summer there's a festival called Taste of Tremont that's food focused, if you're able..I recommend checking it out!
Tremont is my favorite. It's so cute and there's SO many good places to eat. It also feels like there's always people walking their cute dogs on the sidewalks here so that's always a plus. Every summer there's a festival called Taste of Tremont that's food focused, if you're able..I recommend checking it out!
Fat Cats
The name of this place is very appropriate because you'll feel like a lazy fat cat after indulging. Side note: they have amazing happy hour deals. I love their calamari and the view of downtown Cleveland from this spot is really pretty.
Prosperity Social Club
This is just a fun place with really good comfort food and the walls are completely filled with interesting photos and decor. If you're looking for a very homey spot to have some brews and smash some carbs...this'll do.
Edison's Pub/Pizza Kitchen
Dude. This pizza, is absurd. The amount of pepperonis on just one slice of pizza is enough to feed a city. JK, but there's a lot. It's very thick and fluffy, they coat the crust in parmesan cheese and then it's served with a side of honey for dipping. I love going to the divey pub and getting a slice or two while I'm having a few beers.
The Rowley Inn
I did menu photography at Rowley and it's was by far my favorite freelance job I've taken on. They have buffalo pierogis, a really freaking good grilled cheese, brunch burgers with potatoes and pierogi on them...are you picking up what I'm putting down?
Fahrenheit
This place is cool. Mostly because they serve complimentary slices of bacon at the bar during happy hour, but also because all of the food is delicious.
The name of this place is very appropriate because you'll feel like a lazy fat cat after indulging. Side note: they have amazing happy hour deals. I love their calamari and the view of downtown Cleveland from this spot is really pretty.
Prosperity Social Club
This is just a fun place with really good comfort food and the walls are completely filled with interesting photos and decor. If you're looking for a very homey spot to have some brews and smash some carbs...this'll do.
Edison's Pub/Pizza Kitchen
Dude. This pizza, is absurd. The amount of pepperonis on just one slice of pizza is enough to feed a city. JK, but there's a lot. It's very thick and fluffy, they coat the crust in parmesan cheese and then it's served with a side of honey for dipping. I love going to the divey pub and getting a slice or two while I'm having a few beers.
The Rowley Inn
I did menu photography at Rowley and it's was by far my favorite freelance job I've taken on. They have buffalo pierogis, a really freaking good grilled cheese, brunch burgers with potatoes and pierogi on them...are you picking up what I'm putting down?
Fahrenheit
This place is cool. Mostly because they serve complimentary slices of bacon at the bar during happy hour, but also because all of the food is delicious.
Detroit Shoreway/Gordon Square
This part of town runs along Lake Erie and Edgewater Beach, just west of downtown CLE. It's home to some newer businesses - very trendy and artsy and lots of cute shops as well. Love it.
This part of town runs along Lake Erie and Edgewater Beach, just west of downtown CLE. It's home to some newer businesses - very trendy and artsy and lots of cute shops as well. Love it.
Il Rione Pizzeria
This is one of my favorite places in all of Cleveland. The pizza is amazing, the wine selection is great and it's always such a good time. I love the pepperoni pizza and the clam pizza too! It's usually pretty busy but you can put your name in and go across the street to Stonemad Pub for a drink while you're waiting!
Blue Habanero
I absolutely love everything about this Mexican restaurant. It's got a more clean, modern feel but still has traditional Mexican artwork everywhere. Love the chips and salsa, the queso is fire. I usually get a jalapeno marg and then the tacos al pastor or the baja mex salad. YES, A SALAD that is delicious. (Definitely don't sleep on the side of Mexican rice either, its soooo good.)
Happy Dog
That feeling when you find yourself at a hot dog bar trying to pick what you want to put on your hot dog from a list of over 50 items. Dress your wieners with anything and everything from fruit loops to macaroni and cheese. It's sort of grungy but in Cleveland, we're just fine with that.
Good Company
Not sure if this is still a thing, but last time I was here I had a white claw slushy and it was really f*cking good. The chicken wings are amazing, so are the burgers/sandwiches and their brunch also looks bomb.
Edgewater Beach House
Putting this on here because it's one of my favorite places in CLE even though it's not technically a restaurant. The Edgewater Beach House serves drinks and you can get ice cream on the lower level of the beach house from Honey Hut during the summertime. Side note: on Thursdays, there's live music and tons of food trucks for the Cleveland Metropark's summer event, Edgewater Live.
Astoria Cafe & Market
I'm a sucker for places that you can eat/drink at, and also grocery shop at. Dining-wise, the Mediterranean pita fries are the bomb, the cheese/charcuterie is fire and I really like the pizza too. Grocery shopping-wise, you'll be shocked at how low the prices are!!
Parkview Nite Club
Think classic dive bar with all walks of life, checkered tablecloths and really good tacos. I used to go here after work with my coworkers because it's very chill and nobody gives an F about anything, in a good way.
Brewnuts
What more does a gal need in life besides beautiful fluffy donuts made with craft beer? Oh. Really really cute instagram worthy backgrounds to take pictures of all of that? GO HERE.
This is one of my favorite places in all of Cleveland. The pizza is amazing, the wine selection is great and it's always such a good time. I love the pepperoni pizza and the clam pizza too! It's usually pretty busy but you can put your name in and go across the street to Stonemad Pub for a drink while you're waiting!
Blue Habanero
I absolutely love everything about this Mexican restaurant. It's got a more clean, modern feel but still has traditional Mexican artwork everywhere. Love the chips and salsa, the queso is fire. I usually get a jalapeno marg and then the tacos al pastor or the baja mex salad. YES, A SALAD that is delicious. (Definitely don't sleep on the side of Mexican rice either, its soooo good.)
Happy Dog
That feeling when you find yourself at a hot dog bar trying to pick what you want to put on your hot dog from a list of over 50 items. Dress your wieners with anything and everything from fruit loops to macaroni and cheese. It's sort of grungy but in Cleveland, we're just fine with that.
Good Company
Not sure if this is still a thing, but last time I was here I had a white claw slushy and it was really f*cking good. The chicken wings are amazing, so are the burgers/sandwiches and their brunch also looks bomb.
Edgewater Beach House
Putting this on here because it's one of my favorite places in CLE even though it's not technically a restaurant. The Edgewater Beach House serves drinks and you can get ice cream on the lower level of the beach house from Honey Hut during the summertime. Side note: on Thursdays, there's live music and tons of food trucks for the Cleveland Metropark's summer event, Edgewater Live.
Astoria Cafe & Market
I'm a sucker for places that you can eat/drink at, and also grocery shop at. Dining-wise, the Mediterranean pita fries are the bomb, the cheese/charcuterie is fire and I really like the pizza too. Grocery shopping-wise, you'll be shocked at how low the prices are!!
Parkview Nite Club
Think classic dive bar with all walks of life, checkered tablecloths and really good tacos. I used to go here after work with my coworkers because it's very chill and nobody gives an F about anything, in a good way.
Brewnuts
What more does a gal need in life besides beautiful fluffy donuts made with craft beer? Oh. Really really cute instagram worthy backgrounds to take pictures of all of that? GO HERE.
The Flats
If you're looking for waterside dining and great views - here's where you should go. The flats is where I like to go when I'm getting together with friends for a special occasion.
If you're looking for waterside dining and great views - here's where you should go. The flats is where I like to go when I'm getting together with friends for a special occasion.
Alley Cat Oyster Bar
You're probably wondering why I put this one on here since I'm allergic to seafood but I've had to go on a couple different occasions with family/friends and I LOVE the bread that they bring out to the table upon arrival. It's bread with like random pieces of corn baked into it and you dip it in this super rich olive oil...so good. I also love their margaritas and the view is really clutch.
Lago
The meatballs, omg. The calamari, OMG. It's sort of darker inside and more of a fancy sit down place, FYI. I love eating here it's probably my #1 recommendation if you're trying to find a nice dinner spot in The Flats.
Johnny's Little Bar
So this is the exact opposite of the other two places that I just listed because it's less near the water (technically the Warehouse District which borders The Flats) and a total greasy dive bar...in a good way. The cheeseburgers are HUGE and amazing. I would send anyone here who is in the mood for a good ass burger and a beer.
Lindey's Lake House
I was skeptical because the last restaurant that was in this space was horrible - food and service. I went a couple of times over the summer and absolutely loved the margaritas and the calamari. The pizza was okay - but it's an awesome spot to have drinks/munch on food by the water in the flats.
You're probably wondering why I put this one on here since I'm allergic to seafood but I've had to go on a couple different occasions with family/friends and I LOVE the bread that they bring out to the table upon arrival. It's bread with like random pieces of corn baked into it and you dip it in this super rich olive oil...so good. I also love their margaritas and the view is really clutch.
Lago
The meatballs, omg. The calamari, OMG. It's sort of darker inside and more of a fancy sit down place, FYI. I love eating here it's probably my #1 recommendation if you're trying to find a nice dinner spot in The Flats.
Johnny's Little Bar
So this is the exact opposite of the other two places that I just listed because it's less near the water (technically the Warehouse District which borders The Flats) and a total greasy dive bar...in a good way. The cheeseburgers are HUGE and amazing. I would send anyone here who is in the mood for a good ass burger and a beer.
Lindey's Lake House
I was skeptical because the last restaurant that was in this space was horrible - food and service. I went a couple of times over the summer and absolutely loved the margaritas and the calamari. The pizza was okay - but it's an awesome spot to have drinks/munch on food by the water in the flats.
Asia Town
If you know me, you know I'm obsessed with Asian food. I love shopping at the Asian grocery stores in this area. Asia Town a little east of downtown and is home to the (summer) Cleveland Flea and Night Market Cleveland. If you're in town while either of these are happening, GO!!
If you know me, you know I'm obsessed with Asian food. I love shopping at the Asian grocery stores in this area. Asia Town a little east of downtown and is home to the (summer) Cleveland Flea and Night Market Cleveland. If you're in town while either of these are happening, GO!!
Szechuan Gourmet
I definitely owe this place rent, I spend so much time here. At one point I went every Friday for lunch, six weeks in a row!! Not kidding! I order the "wontons in spicy sauce" and the dan dan noodles. The steamed dumplings are good too! It's right next store to a huge Asian market called Tink Holl Market and I love to shop there for authentic Asian ingredients. I buy all of my dumpling wrappers and Asian noodles at Tink Holl.
Li Wah
Dim sum. This is the only place I know of that you can get steamed rice rolls and they're not THE BEST I've ever had- but they're not the worst. I've got some more exploring to do but for now, this works.
LJ Shanghai
Everything here is made with sesame oil or has sesame seeds on it (which I'm allergic to.) Except for the soup dumplings!! They were really good and I've heard from many other people that they are the most authentic kind you can find it the area.
Siam Cafe
I've only been once but I ordered the beef ho fun (wide rice noodles) and it was real yummy. The beef was super tender and not dry or chewy which made me really happy because chewy dry meat is no bueno. I've heard from several people to try the chicken wings!
Emperor's Palace
The inside of this place will blow your mind. The prettiest chandeliers and Chinese decor ever - probably why the word palace is in the name of the restaurant, lol. I love their steamed beef rolls! The dumplings have a thicker, more doughy wrapper which I don't really prefer. They also have zhaliang which is Chinese fried dough wrapped in a rice noodle, SO good.
I definitely owe this place rent, I spend so much time here. At one point I went every Friday for lunch, six weeks in a row!! Not kidding! I order the "wontons in spicy sauce" and the dan dan noodles. The steamed dumplings are good too! It's right next store to a huge Asian market called Tink Holl Market and I love to shop there for authentic Asian ingredients. I buy all of my dumpling wrappers and Asian noodles at Tink Holl.
Li Wah
Dim sum. This is the only place I know of that you can get steamed rice rolls and they're not THE BEST I've ever had- but they're not the worst. I've got some more exploring to do but for now, this works.
LJ Shanghai
Everything here is made with sesame oil or has sesame seeds on it (which I'm allergic to.) Except for the soup dumplings!! They were really good and I've heard from many other people that they are the most authentic kind you can find it the area.
Siam Cafe
I've only been once but I ordered the beef ho fun (wide rice noodles) and it was real yummy. The beef was super tender and not dry or chewy which made me really happy because chewy dry meat is no bueno. I've heard from several people to try the chicken wings!
Emperor's Palace
The inside of this place will blow your mind. The prettiest chandeliers and Chinese decor ever - probably why the word palace is in the name of the restaurant, lol. I love their steamed beef rolls! The dumplings have a thicker, more doughy wrapper which I don't really prefer. They also have zhaliang which is Chinese fried dough wrapped in a rice noodle, SO good.
Lakewood
Ahhh, Lakewood. Lakewood is more west-side but I grew up even more west than this so I'm really familiar with the area. There's SO much to do and SO many good restaurants and bars.
Ahhh, Lakewood. Lakewood is more west-side but I grew up even more west than this so I'm really familiar with the area. There's SO much to do and SO many good restaurants and bars.
Harlow's Pizza
This is hands down the best wood fired pizza I've had in the Cleveland area. The menu is super simple, I think there's only like 4 or 5 different pizzas on it and then a few wine/beer options. I've tried three of the pizzas and every single one was perfect in it's own way. My favorite is actually the marinara...without cheese! Oh also, the decor and style of this place, from the plants on the shelves to the fork and knife on your plate, is EVERYTHING.
Molto Bene
Molto Bene is a great Italian option for the Lakewood area...it's BYOB which is so fun! The pricing is fine, but it will feel super cheap since you're not paying almost 10 dollars for multiple glasses of wine like you would at most places! The waitresses are super nice and they are very accommodating when it comes to food allergies. They will take good care of you. :)
Humble Wine Bar
This is a great spot to have some wine and share a pizza or apps with your friends. It's really cute inside and they have a great patio.
Deagan's Kitchen + Bar
Bryant and I go here all the time for drink and the house fries. They're truffle fries topped with parmesan and scallions and then there's this spicy aioli that it comes with which always makes everything better. The bar is huge so there's almost always a spot for two and there's also Cleveland trivia cards set out which makes for a fun drinking game.
Thai Thai
The real question is, are you going to oder the pad kee mao or the pad see ew? I say both. Side note: the owner, Kiwi, makes an awesome homemade hot sauce and sometimes she sells it!
Barraco Arepa Bar
Tostones, aprepas and...pasta. Lol, I would order the pasta at a Cuban restaurant but anyways..this place is really cool. I love the ecclectic vibes - colored string lights and fun South American looking decorations.
Sarita
I've been here a few times and it's always outstanding. Last time, I remember drunkenly eating the cornbread that came with the hot chicken and just repeatedly saying, "Omggg why is this so good." Lol.
Barrio
I already talked about Barrio above but putting it on here again because I really love the Lakewood location. It's the first one I ever went to and holds a special place in my heart. <3
This is hands down the best wood fired pizza I've had in the Cleveland area. The menu is super simple, I think there's only like 4 or 5 different pizzas on it and then a few wine/beer options. I've tried three of the pizzas and every single one was perfect in it's own way. My favorite is actually the marinara...without cheese! Oh also, the decor and style of this place, from the plants on the shelves to the fork and knife on your plate, is EVERYTHING.
Molto Bene
Molto Bene is a great Italian option for the Lakewood area...it's BYOB which is so fun! The pricing is fine, but it will feel super cheap since you're not paying almost 10 dollars for multiple glasses of wine like you would at most places! The waitresses are super nice and they are very accommodating when it comes to food allergies. They will take good care of you. :)
Humble Wine Bar
This is a great spot to have some wine and share a pizza or apps with your friends. It's really cute inside and they have a great patio.
Deagan's Kitchen + Bar
Bryant and I go here all the time for drink and the house fries. They're truffle fries topped with parmesan and scallions and then there's this spicy aioli that it comes with which always makes everything better. The bar is huge so there's almost always a spot for two and there's also Cleveland trivia cards set out which makes for a fun drinking game.
Thai Thai
The real question is, are you going to oder the pad kee mao or the pad see ew? I say both. Side note: the owner, Kiwi, makes an awesome homemade hot sauce and sometimes she sells it!
Barraco Arepa Bar
Tostones, aprepas and...pasta. Lol, I would order the pasta at a Cuban restaurant but anyways..this place is really cool. I love the ecclectic vibes - colored string lights and fun South American looking decorations.
Sarita
I've been here a few times and it's always outstanding. Last time, I remember drunkenly eating the cornbread that came with the hot chicken and just repeatedly saying, "Omggg why is this so good." Lol.
Barrio
I already talked about Barrio above but putting it on here again because I really love the Lakewood location. It's the first one I ever went to and holds a special place in my heart. <3
Little Italy & University Circle
Little Italy is east of downtown and it's packed with tons of authentic Italian restaurants that all have great wine and play the classic romantic Italian tunes. Most of the restaurants are on Mayfeild Road, which is near University Circle...which is home to the Cleveland Museum of Art, Museum of Natural History, The Botanical Gardens and plenty of other awesome arts and culture attractions.
Mia Bella
So, Mia Bella is home to one of probably my top three favorite dishes in Cleveland. It's a tortellini dish that comes in a blush sauce and every time I've been, I order it and I make whoever I'm with order it too. I also take home the leftover sauce (because there's never any leftover tortellini) and then I put it over more pasta. Bryant and I had our rehearsal dinner here. <3
Mamma Santa's
This is homestyle Italian. Everybody seems to be in love with the pizza!
Guarino's Restaurant
AH. Some of the best fried calamari I've ever had - same with the linguine and clams. This is my favorite patio to eat on in the summertime because there are pretty trees with string lights everywhere and then live Italian music on Saturday nights.
La Dolce Vita Bistro
The cacio e pepe in bowtie pasta form is my favorite item on the menu - it's kind of hard to find cacio e pepe in Little Italy believe it or not! Also, they sometimes have Italian opera performances during dinner which is amazing.
Corbo's Bakery
I never save enough room for dessert after a meal but if you're looking for a great cannoli or slice of chocolate cake, this is your spot.
So, Mia Bella is home to one of probably my top three favorite dishes in Cleveland. It's a tortellini dish that comes in a blush sauce and every time I've been, I order it and I make whoever I'm with order it too. I also take home the leftover sauce (because there's never any leftover tortellini) and then I put it over more pasta. Bryant and I had our rehearsal dinner here. <3
Mamma Santa's
This is homestyle Italian. Everybody seems to be in love with the pizza!
Guarino's Restaurant
AH. Some of the best fried calamari I've ever had - same with the linguine and clams. This is my favorite patio to eat on in the summertime because there are pretty trees with string lights everywhere and then live Italian music on Saturday nights.
La Dolce Vita Bistro
The cacio e pepe in bowtie pasta form is my favorite item on the menu - it's kind of hard to find cacio e pepe in Little Italy believe it or not! Also, they sometimes have Italian opera performances during dinner which is amazing.
Corbo's Bakery
I never save enough room for dessert after a meal but if you're looking for a great cannoli or slice of chocolate cake, this is your spot.
Cleveland Heights
I'm not too familiar with this part of town since it's more east - but I've dined in the area and on Lee Road a couple of times. You'll notice that the restaurants options here are super diverse so it's really fun to experience all of the authentic cuisines. Definitely worth checking out if you're going to be traveling to the east side of CLE.
Batuqui
I've been going here for a couple of years now with my boyfriend's family and he swears it's the best steak he's ever had. (It is really good, I've tried a bite of it.) It comes out sizzling on a hot skillet and you slice it up and continue to cook the insides of it on the hot surface. I really love the calamari here it comes out as more of like a soup. We also always order a bunch of the Brazilian cheese bread (pao de queijo.)
Zoma
I've never been to a restaurant without silverware before eating at Zoma. The food is traditional Ethiopian cuisine and it comes out on a big tray of organized plates and bowls full of colorful items. Definitely an awesome and unique experience. There's a tree nestled in the corner of the restaurant with white lights wrapped around it and on Saturdays, they have traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremonies - it was really cool to watch and the coffee was definitely nothing like Starbucks, lol.
Michael's Genuine
Chef Michael Schwartz brought a restaurant to Cleveland and we're so glad he did! It's located in the heart of the Van Aken District sort of shopping center. They had me in the make pasta with the head chef and the whole team is just an awesome group of humans. Definitely try the pig ears and the pizza!
I've been going here for a couple of years now with my boyfriend's family and he swears it's the best steak he's ever had. (It is really good, I've tried a bite of it.) It comes out sizzling on a hot skillet and you slice it up and continue to cook the insides of it on the hot surface. I really love the calamari here it comes out as more of like a soup. We also always order a bunch of the Brazilian cheese bread (pao de queijo.)
Zoma
I've never been to a restaurant without silverware before eating at Zoma. The food is traditional Ethiopian cuisine and it comes out on a big tray of organized plates and bowls full of colorful items. Definitely an awesome and unique experience. There's a tree nestled in the corner of the restaurant with white lights wrapped around it and on Saturdays, they have traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremonies - it was really cool to watch and the coffee was definitely nothing like Starbucks, lol.
Michael's Genuine
Chef Michael Schwartz brought a restaurant to Cleveland and we're so glad he did! It's located in the heart of the Van Aken District sort of shopping center. They had me in the make pasta with the head chef and the whole team is just an awesome group of humans. Definitely try the pig ears and the pizza!