We know, the Cleveland restaurants scene is just blowing up at the moment. So how does one choose where to eat? Well, don’t worry, we decided to put together a list of the hottest spots. These places have either just opened, expanded to a new location, changed ownership or menus, or are just having a moment right now. So check them out.

The Standard 779 E. 185th St., Cleveland The beloved Colinwood neighborhood gem recently changed ownership, but don’t worry, they’ve kept some longitme favorite dishes of the diehard customer base. In addition to the Standard’s aromatic, elaborate constructions like Valencian paella, Provençal bouillabaisse and North African tagine reflect the owner’s childhood in Casablanca, where the foods of France, Spain, Italy and North Africa regularly graced his kitchen table. Here, they largely succeed. Photo by Emanuel Wallace
Thai Thai 13735 Madison Ave., Lakewood It’s no secret that Thai Thai restaurant in Lakewood has captured the hearts and stomachs of Thai food fans pretty much from the day it opened its doors three and a half years ago. The one downside to Thai Thai? Its size, a puny 15 seats, most of which are gobbled up by eager diners before you arrive. All that changes come December, when Thai Thai 2.0 opens two blocks east on Madison. Photo by Emanuel Wallace
Salt 17625 Detroit Ave., Lakewood “Nobody orders small plates in Cleveland.” Since the birth of the turnip, that has been the conventional wisdom in these parts. Of course, at her whip-smart Lakewood bistro Salt, chef Jill Vedaa continues to upend that old saw by composing exceptional dishes that focus on a single theme. In place of a meat-and-three, diners zero in on carrots three ways, or earthy beets blasted with sparkle, or a savory lamb ragu over a few supple gnocchi. Mix and match your way to the perfect meal; variety, after all, is the spice of life. Photo via @LBoeNeedham/Instagram
Ohio City Burrito Multiple Locations In the Cleveland area, the burrito is rightly held in high esteem. So the news that Ohio City Burrito — which has churned out affordable and satisfying missiles of goodness on West 25th for nearly a decade, as well as at a new downtown location since last year and at Progressive Field — is expanding to Lakewood shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone. Photo via Scene Archives
Michael’s Genuine 3427 Tuttle Rd., Shaker Heights While Van Aken waits for a few new places to open, Michael’s Genuine stands alone as the only full service restaurant in the new shopping district. It’s definitely good enough to be the flagship restaurant of the area. From Miami Chef Michael Schwartz, winner of a James Beard Award, Michael’s is one of the best new restaurants in town. Get there if you haven’t. Photo via Michael’s Genuine/Facebook
Luxe Kitchen & Lounge 6605 Detroit Ave., Cleveland Before there was Toast, Brewnuts, Spice, Astoria, XYZ Tavern and sweet, Sweet Moses there was Luxe Kitchen, an early speculator in the then up-and-coming neighborhood of Detroit Shoreway. When it opened a little over a decade ago, the oh-so-haute bistro joined area mainstays like Rincon Criollo, Happy Dog, Latitude 41 and Gypsy Beans, which perhaps was the first piece on the chessboard of this so-called urban renaissance. Since opening day there have been ups and downs, chefs shifts and menu re-dos – even ownership tweaks – but throughout it all, the restaurant has managed to remain an anchor in this dynamic arts-fueled district. Photo by Emanuel Wallace
Lindey’s Lake House Multiple Locations After turning Brio and Bravo into large, successful franchises, local restaurateur Rick Doody turned his sights on Cleveland by opening Cedar Creek Grille and Coastal Taco. He then decided to expand next to Cedar Creek in Beachwood by opening the first Lindey’s Lake House, a modern eatery with an appealing menu with the feel of a northern Michigan lake house. Then, Coastal Taco in the Flats turned into a second Lindey’s and a third opened recently in Lakewood. Photo via Lindey’s Lake House/Facebook
Indian Flame 11623 Euclid Ave., Cleveland A decade in business is a mark of distinction for a restaurant located anywhere on a map, but it feels especially noteworthy on the unpredictable restaurant row that has formed along Euclid Avenue. There are few dining experiences more immediately gratifying, roundly satisfying and value-conscious than a well-prepared Indian buffet. The one dished up at Indian Flame ($10.99) is among the best in town, fueled by a fresh and bottomless selection of vegetarian and non-vegetarian Northern Indian dishes. Photo by Douglas Trattner
Geraci’s Restaurant Multiple Locations The thick-cut pepperoni (we recommend ordering double-pepperoni) on their pizzas are the stars of the show at this mom and pop Italian restaurant that’s been a family business for over 60 years, opening in 1956.. Don’t let that stop you from exploring the rest of the traditional Italian menu, with other staples like spaghetti and homemade meat sauce and eggplant parmesan. Now, you can try their delicious offerings at three locations, one in Pepper Pike and one in Mayfield Heights in addition to their original home in University Heights. Photo via Geraci’s Restaurant/Facebook
Dagu Rice Noodle 3710 Payne Ave., Cleveland We’re always happy for more additions to our growing Asia Town. Dagu Rice Noodle has hundreds of locations throughout China, where the Shanghai-based restaurant began, a handful in Canada, and only one or two in the States. The house specialty is “crossing the bridge noodles,” a noodle soup-based meal that is similar, but not identical, to hot pot, and it’s quite delicious. Photo via Scene Archives Credit: Doug Trattner
Chutney B 3441 Tuttle Rd., Shaker Heights Two weeks in and chef Doug Katz’ fast-casual Indian/Thai rice bowl concept at Van Aken District already is drawing crowds. Chutney B offers dishes like Indian Tomato Masala, Thai Yellow Curry and Moroccan Harira, each served over a bed of jasmine rice and topped with a unique chutney. The above dishes can be supplemented with protein toppers like grass-fed beef meatballs, curried chicken and miso-glazed tofu. Photo via The Van Aken District/Facebook
Boaz Cafe Multiple Locations Aladdin’s fast-casual spinoff, Boaz Cafe, will open its second location in the former Sweet Melissa space at Fairmount Circle. Boaz is a contemporary bowl-based café that focuses on light, bright, fresh and vividly flavored Middle Eastern fare. The fully customizable bowls begin with greens or lentils, which are then topped with beef shawarma or grilled chicken, followed by hummus or baba, and then a selection of a dozen different garnishes such as radishes, pickled turnips and salata, the classic chopped salad of cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers and herbs. Photo via Scene Archives
Ball Ball Waffle 2999 Payne Ave., Cleveland Aldous Lau says that egg waffles (also known as bubble waffles) are one of the most popular street foods in Hong Kong, his hometown. Around since the 1950s, the trend has slowly been spreading across the globe, where the picturesque, honeycomb-shaped snacks are consumed throughout the day. Up until now, Cleveland has been surprisingly lacking in the treats. After noticing that dearth, Lau and his wife Alice opened Ball Ball Waffle inside Asia Plaza. Both sweet and savory ($5-$6) options are available, with some coming naked while others feature cheese, chocolate or matcha and mochi. Photo by Douglas Trattner
Aurelia 16 North Main St., Chagrin Falls Chef-owner James Balchak spent nearly six months converting the North Main Diner, formerly Dink’s, from a dowdy luncheonette to a smart little supper club. Energy from the buzzy bar scene boosts the mood and spirit of the entire space, ensuring that the atmosphere never dips to melancholy. This farm-to-table restaurant has recently found its footing after testing some things out and figuring out what worked and what didn’t. Photo via Scene Archives Credit: Scene Archives
Angie’s Soul Cafe Multiple Locations If you’re looking for authentic soul food, with the emphasis on the food, check out one of the locations of Angie’s Soul Cafe around Cleveland. They have four locations around town and will open a fifth soon, taking over the former Hot Sauce Williams on Carnegie. When it opens this fall, the new location of Angie’s Soul Café will offer soul food classics like crispy fried chicken, freshly fried fish, daily specials like meatloaf, Salisbury steak and liver and onions, and those irresistible sides like black-eyed peas, collards greens and macaroni and cheese. Photo via Angie’s Soul Food Cafe/Facebook
Thyme Table 583 Dover Center Rd., Bay Village Since opening at the tail end of April, the modestly proportioned bistro has been at the top of the dance card for many residents of this placid lakeside suburb. Chef-owner Michael Smith appears to have captured the curiosity and support of the community with his spiffed-up tavern concept, where the menu trades ambitious for approachable at nearly every turn. Photo via Thyme X Table/Facebook

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