Hidden Food Gems in Cleveland

HIdden gems in cleveland

These are the kinds of places that you wish someone would tell you about. (Ahem, you’re welcome!!) Since I’ve lived in Cleveland my whole life, I just so happen to have a handful of spots that I consider to be under the radar and v low-key but also insanely unique and cool.

| molto bene

I'm not sure what I love more. The authentic Italian food, the cozy atmosphere, or the family that runs the restaurant. Every time I go, I have such a hard time choosing between the tortellini, linguine vongole or the penne alla carbonara. Take it from someone who loves pasta, you seriously cannot go wrong here! Don't sleep on the gelato either, it's freaking amazing.

| banter beer & wine

I honestly feel like lots of people in Cleveland don't even know what poutine is and it make me sad, so I tell everyone I know about this place. Not only do they have a huge wine selection, but these trays of fat french fries with cheese curds and gravy are so good that it's almost inappropriate. They have flavors like sloppy joe poutine or chicken paprikash poutine...like what?!

| HARLOW'S PIZZA

There's tons of good pizza places in Cleveland, but the atmosphere and amazing wood fired pizza at this place doesn't get talked about enough, which is why it's gotta be a hidden gem.

| Rocky River Wine Bar

This wine bar is hidden AF, it's tucked away behind a bridal shop off a main road. It's truly one of my favorite places to drink wine and eat cheese in Cleveland.

| HERB N' TWINE SANDWICH

Less of a hidden gem than most on this list, but I still feel like not enough people know about it for how good it is. Every time we go, someone has to get the Smoked Turkey!

| Szechuan Gourmet

Every single time I take someone here they have the exact same reaction. A little bit weirded out by the smell and randomness of the location, but then absolutely amazed by the food.

| Porco Tiki Lounge

Pretty sure when I think of the term “hidden gem", this is exactly what comes to mind. Porco sits alone near the end of W 25th - it honestly looks like it’s a vacant building during the day because the windows are boarded up and it doesn't look like much. I typically just go for drinks but they have a small food menu too!

| Guarinos Restaurant

Guarino’s might be a little more well known since it's the oldest restaurant in Cleveland, but I’m pretty sure that since I had no idea how awesome their patio is, most people within my network don’t know either. It’s basically an Italian garden with string lights, greenery everywhere, and live music.

| Johnny's Little Bar

There's Johnny's Restaurant and then there's Johnny's Little Bar around the back. This dive bar is home to one of the best damn cheeseburgers I've ever had in my entire life - you just gotta go.

| boney fingers bbq

One of my favorite little spots in downtown Cleveland. It's a totally hidden BBQ joint that's tucked away on the bottom floor of the Old Arcade - which is also a hidden gem in itself, that building is so beautiful. All of the BBQ sauces are sooooo good and they are open for breakfast too!

| Batuqui

I love restaurants that are in antique-like houses, it makes the dining experience so much more comfortable and fun. Batuqui's Brazilian food is crazy good. We normally switch it up every time we go, but we always find ourselves having to order at least the Pao De Queijo (cheeeeese bread) for an appetizer and the Churrasco de Picanha, which is their best steak dish!

I'm always looking to find those cozy hidden places. If you have a favorite hidden gem in CLE, let me know so I can go check it out!

Post Tags: FOJ Food Blogs, Cleveland Restaurants, Hidden Gems in Cleveland