We all deserve a break from cooking from time to time. And these local restaurants deserve our business. So, what are you waiting for? We’re highlighting 25 restaurants every week until this pandemic is over because not only will you get a delicious meal out of it and try something that isn’t in your usual rotation, but these places could really use your business.

Yemen Gate 11901 Lorain Ave., Cleveland Yemeni food has been a very welcome arrival to the Cleveland food scene. The fahsah, saltah and rashoush are all wonderful dishes but you really can’t go wrong with what you order here. Photo by Douglas Trattner
In Forno Pizza 35840 Chester Rd., Avon You’d be hard pressed to find a better slice of Neapolitan-style pie than Avon’s In Forno Pizza. Yes, you can load up a pie with toppings here, and it’s all very tasty, but if you stick to the traditionals – the margherita, the classic or the marinara, that’s really all you need to taste the perfection of these pies. Photo by Emanuel Wallace
Cilantro Taqueria 2783 Euclid Heights Blvd., Cleveland Heights and 20090 Van Aken Blvd., Shaker Heights Fans of authentic Mexican and Cal-Mex food like tacos, tortas, burritos and bowls got a nice treat when this place opened in Cleveland Heights in early 2019, replacing a Chipotle. They also opened a location in Shaker Heights recently. It’s rare to find real tacos al pastor in these parts, slabs of achiote and pineapple marinated pork layered onto a vertical spit, or trompo, that cooks as it twirls. In Salinas and elsewhere in California, the items often go by the name tacos de adobada. You can find them here, and they’re delicious. Photo courtesy of Cilantro Taqueria
Annapurna Indian Restaurant 7464 Ridge Rd., Parma Annapurna is all-vegetarian, but nonetheless has an incredibly extensive menu. The dishes are from all over India, including traditional Northern and Southern Indian options and street food style plates. They have a great Gujarati Thali, sampler plate of food from the state of Gujarat. Photo via @krobins50/Instagram
Black Box Fix 25359 Cedar Rd., Lyndhurst Boasting some of the best, most creative sandwiches in town, this Legacy Village spot from Chef Eric Rogers has built up a very loyal following. Here’s a description of one of their sandwiches, so you know we’re not joking around: cajun Fried catfish and shrimp, smoked cheddar, bacon, arugula, tomato, red onion, pickles, creole remoulade. It’s as delicious and overstuffed as it sounds. Rogers also owns the bakery The Sweet Fix and health-conscious restaurant The Fresh Fix. Photo via Black Box Fix/Facebook
Greek Village Grille 14019 Madison Ave., Lakewood For crying out loud, it’s pronounced YEE-roh! Regardless, the Greek creation at this location has all the components of a typical sandwich: bread, meat, veggies and sauce. Photo via @LkwdCitizen/Instagram
A Slice Above 8788 Pearl Rd., Strongsville If you’re looking for a slice in Strongsville, this is your spot. They have their own style along with New York and Chicago so you really can’t go wrong. Photo via @ASliceAbove/Instagram
Open Pitt Barbeque 12335 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland This hidden gem is one of the best barbecue spots around. Ask for extra sauce on everything and you won’t be disappointed. We recommend calling ahead with your order at this take-out spot. Photo via Open Pitt/Barbeque/Facebook
Ty Fun 815 Jefferson Ave., Cleveland This cozy Tremont restaurant is closing in on a decade in the business of providing Thai food, and it shows no signs of slowing down. From a sprawling list of colorful vegetarian options to meat-filled curry dishes packed with heat, Ty Fun doesn’t skimp when it comes to offering something for everyone. Boneless crispy roasted duck on noodles and deep-fried red snapper are only a few of the favorites here. But the real secrets to this shop’s success lie in the complex homemade sauces, which elevate every dish. Photo via Ty Fun/Facebook
Bombay Chaat 2044 Euclid Ave., Cleveland ”This is one of my favorite Indian places in Cleveland! They have a wide variety of food on their menu from South Indian to chaat to North Indian foods. Their lunch buffet is particularly good (although only available on weekdays) with a decent variety of options. My husband and I have been here 10+ times in the past year. The menu is extensive so there is something for everyone. And as a plus the decor is really well done inside too! The attention to detail on the decor is impressive- there’s clocks with Cleveland time and Mumbai time and they have a mini skyline on them that matches the theme of the restaurant!” Supi S. on Yelp Photo via Scene Archives
Gourmet Guy Cafe 20253 Lake Rd., Rocky River “We ordered 2 dinners for Easter. What a great idea to keep the business going. The online ordering was quick and easy, the delivery the day before was smooth and quick. The meals were delicious. In the time of crisis, my wife and I are strongly trying to help local businesses and we are more than glad we helped support the gourmet guy. What a delicious meal my family and my parents enjoyed for Easter. Thank you!” Andrew M. on Yelp Photo Provided by Restaurant
Old Angle Tavern 1848 West 25th St., Cleveland “I don’t care what anyone says this place has THE best burgers in the entire city! They are flame grilled and fabulous very good fries as well. We generally get the regular burger but have them add blue cheese. This place is also one of the few places that knows how to properly how to pour a Guinness (there really is a secret which we learned in Dublin) and the bartenders at The Old Angle Tavern definitely pour it the right way,” Laura F. on Yelp Photo via Scene Archives
Judd’s City Tavern 10323 Madison Ave., Cleveland Judd’s is everything and nothing like the typical corner bar. Step inside the interior and you’re immersed in what appears to be a perfectly preserved relic from another era. The out-of-the-way locale makes this a spot for people from all walks of life, just how the owner David Hridel wants it. Photo via Judd’s City Tavern/Facebook
Bangkok Thai 5359 Mayfield Rd., Lyndhurst A strip mall in Lyndhurst isn’t where you’d expect to find some of the best Thai food in town, but prepare to have your expectations blown by this place. They really do everything well, but we especially enjoy the crazy noodles. And if you like some spice, we highly recommend spicing up your food here. Photo via Bangkok Thai/Facebook
Ferris Shwarma 13507 Lakewood Heights Blvd., Lakewood Their website says they have “the most awesome shwarma in Cleveland.” Who are we to argue? This menu is very straightforward with only a few options but when you do something so well, no need to mess with what is working. Photo via @Arabs_In_Cleveland/Instagram
Stella Mia Ristorante 28751 Center Ridge Rd., Westlake “Just got take out here and we absolutely loved our meals! We ordered the eggplant rollatini and fettuccine Alfredo with mushrooms. Gave a bite of my eggplant to someone who “isn’t the biggest eggplant fan” and he thought it was delicious too. I’m a big fan of a sweeter sauces and Stella Mia’s reminded me of my grandma’s. If you’re looking for good Italian, eat here!” Rachel T. on Yelp Photo via Stella Mia/Facebook
Emperor’s Palace 2136 Rockwell Ave., Cleveland Another spot in Cleveland’s bustling Asia Town, Emperor’s Palace contains a multitude of delicious offerings. Serving up Cantonese food and Dim Sum, there’s great dishes for everyone here. Photo via Emperor’s Palace/Facebook
Bistro 83 36033 Westminster Ave., North Ridgeville “Bistro 83 is a complete hidden gem, or at least hidden to me. Tucked away, nondescriptly, in North Ridgeville, you have no idea what you are walking into from the outside. Bistro 83 has prepared some of the all time best meals I’ve had in my entire life. The pork volcano is what dreams are made of. Literally, just thinking about it makes my stomach grumble. I can’t wait to come back. Everything we’ve had on the menu has been able to contend in the finest food arenas — from raw bar items to the prime rib. I’m so happy we found this place and have continued to come back oft,” Claire G.on Yelp Photo via Google

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