We all love some hearty Italian food from time to time. Or, well, all the time. And lucky for us in Cleveland, there’s an abundance of great options. These are the 25 best options, at least according to Yelp reviewers. We excluded Italian restaurants that are more known as pizza places.

Molto Bene Italian Eatery 18401 Detroit Ave., Lakewood “If you’re on the hunt for authentic Italian cuisine, but don’t want to head over to Little Italy on the East Side, Molto Bene is your place. The pasta is fresh and delicate as if it were just made by your Nonna, and the sauces are flavorful and delicious. The gnocchi is my favorite, and I am lucky that they allow me to slightly alter the dish and serve it with vodka cream sauce, delizioso! My taste buds are in heaven!,” Dana W. on Yelp. Photo via Molto Bene Italian Eatery/Facebook
The Palazzo 10031 Detroit Ave., Cleveland “I can’t get over what a wonderful place this is! If you are a fan of classic Italian food, this is absolutely a place to check out…The food is wonderful…The pastas are rich and flavorful, the calamari sauteed to perfection, the herbs are just picked fresh, everything is expertly crafted by someone who clearly knows what they are doing. The menu covers all the bases with pastas, pizzas, fresh fish, desserts, steaks, you name it. I will definitely be back for more!” Jared W. on Yelp Photo by Doug Trattner
Aldo’s 8459 Memphis Ave., Cleveland “If you are an Italian food fan and haven’t been here yet, you are missing something special. The fact Aldo put a little Italian restaurant in a tiny shopping strip mall in a nondescript suburb and it has not only succeeded but THRIVED for 30+ years speaks volumes as to just how special it is. Last night’s dinner was a study in seafood/pasta perfection. It’s our favorite Italian restaurant in the area, period. There are many that do a fine job but there’s just one Aldo’s. If you haven’t been, GO,” Alan S. on Yelp Photo via Aldo’s Restaurant/Facebook
Lockkeepers 8001 Rockside Rd., Valley View “Lockkeepers has been a gem in Cleveland for a long time, and has managed to stay on top and stay popular with great food and great service in a beautiful setting. Their entrees are all reasonably priced, and from the time you are greeted at the hosting stand and throughout your entire experience you feel welcome. Service is prompt without feeling rushed, and attentive without feeling overbearing. It is a great place for a business lunch or a night out. Thank you Lockkeepers for another great experience!” Alex H. on Yelp Photo via Lockkeepers/Facebook
‘Stino da Napoli 19070 Old Detroit Rd., Rocky River “This is one of our favorite places to go for a great Italian meal. The food is always good and the service is the best. I am particularly fond of the gnocchi. It melts in your mouth. My husband likes the veal and seafood dishes. I also love the basil martini. Tasty! The ambience of the restaurant is wonderful. This is a date night must,” Judi S. on Yelp Photo via Stino Da Napoli/Facebook
Lago East Bank 1091 West 10th St., Cleveland “We loved it all. Environment. Service. Food. Price. This place is amazing. You have got to order the meatballs. Heavenly like being in Italy. I had the shorts ribs. They were cooked to perfection. Mouthwatering. Thanks to Mittens, our server, her suggestions were perfect. The menu has a wide variety of options and portions. Can’t wait to go back,” Tom S. on Yelp Photo via Scene Archives
Flour 34205 Chagrin Blvd., Moreland Hills “Flour is one of the best Italian restaurants in town, without a doubt. This gem in Moreland Hills serves up delicious Italian cuisine in a chic and trendy atmosphere. The mussels and stuffed peppers are wonderful appetizers. The bolognese is one of the best I’ve ever had. The pizzas are great too and so are the eggplant meatballs. You really can’t go wrong with whatever you get here. It’s phenomenal,” Mitch T. on Yelp Photo via Scene Archives
Johnny’s Bar 3164 Fulton Rd., Cleveland “Now, look–this is the most special restaurant in Cleveland. The portions were huge and absolutely delicious. This is hands down the best restaurant in my opinion. I have been eating here for 33 years and it is always special,” David C. on Yelp Photo via Johnny’s Bar on Fulton/Facebook
Mia Bella 12200 Mayfield Rd., Cleveland “Mia Bella has become one of my favorite restaurants. I have visited this restaurant many times since moving here and brought newcomers too. Till this day, the only way I can get my Northeast friends and family to visit is by promising to bring them to Mia Bella. I have tried many dishes here but my favorites have been pasta verde, cheese tortellini, shrimp saganaki, and of course, their complimentary pipin’ hot bread and herbed butter. I am dreaming about my next visit,” Connie C. on Yelp Photo via Mia Bella/Facebook
Bruno’s Ristorante 2644 West 41st St., Cleveland “The best Italian spot in Cleveland! The food, service, and atmosphere are amazing. We celebrated our 6 year anniversary here and our server was exceptional. We got fried calamari, scallops, and chicken Marsala. They were also so kind to include a complimentary dessert, which was delicious. Definitely recommend Bruno’s for any special event!” Rachel R. on Yelp Photo via Bruno’s Ristorante/Facebook
La Campagna 27337 Detroit Rd., Westlake “A real gem.Carmella the chef and owner is awesome in her attention to detail and creativity. She works her magic from a scratch kitchen , everything is fresh and wonderous.Wine selection is very nice. Menu goes beyond traditional favorites in an authentic manner. If you don’t see something on the menu board that intrigues your taste buds, simply ask by saying ‘please ‘ and if it can be done it will delight you. We enjoyed the conversation with Carmella and staff after dinner as much as we enjoyed the great food “Family” the old school way,” Ken C. on Yelp Photo via La Campagna/Facebook
Osteria Di Valerio & Al 1801 East Ninth St., Cleveland “What an incredible evening! I cannot say enough good things about our dinner and experience here this week. I took a group of customers here and everyone had a great time. The owner is fantastic and absolutely took care of us. Thank you! I don’t live here but will make a point to visit again!” Nicole S. on Yelp Photo via Osteria Di Valerio & Al/Facebook
Il Venetian 100 St. Clair Ave. NE., Cleveland “Oh my! Il Venetian! Where do I even begin with this beautiful place! Not only is the atmosphere beautiful & elegant, the staff is absolutely amazing, and the food is to die for! I am so, so happy I found this place! (Sister restaurant) Marble Room & Il Venetian are by far the best restaurants in town, I’d rate them five stars a million times! (Can you tell I’m obsessed you guys?!), Michaella H. on Yelp Photo via Il Venetian/Facebook
Etna 11919 Mayfield Rd., Cleveland “Excellent in all areas. We ate at the bar and service was great. I had the swordfish special and it was excellent. . We shared a side of pasta pomodoro which was very good.Maybe the best Italian in Cleveland,” John G. on Yelp Photo via Etna Ristorante/Facebook
Bistro on 130 7778 West 130th St., Middleburg Heights “This place is by far the BEST Italian restaurant around. Everything is homemade and so delicious. Every meal I’ve had there has been great, and the service is excellent as well. I have to say my go-to meal is the eggplant lasagna! WOW it is amazing!” Tony P. on Yelp Photo via Bistro on 130/Facebook
Maxi’s 12113 Mayfield Rd., Cleveland “If you haven’t been to this Little Italy spot with a cult following, you’re truly missing out. Family style is the way to go here. Order tons of appetizers (especially fried mozzarella, the tomato/mozzarella salad, escarole, calamari, stuffed peppers and escargot), get a couple of pastas for the table – the cavatelli bolognese is the best pasta dish in Cleveland and maybe the country, the flavia and farfalle are great too – and prepared to be wowed,” Louis Z. on Yelp Photo via Maxi’s In Little Italy/Facebook
Corleone’s 5669 Broadview Rd., Cleveland “Amazing atmosphere down to every detail of the beautiful stone wall to decor. Service was on point! Food portions huge. Can’t say enough about the food – it was above and beyond what I expected will be back again and again!” Jennifer H. on Yelp Photo via Corleone’s Ristorante & Bar/Facebook
Luca 2100 Superior Viaduct., Cleveland “Overall the best Italian restaurant in Cleveland. It has a home cooked vibes, authentic taste, and best of all, the most accommodating restaurant I have ever experienced here in Cleveland. They have such a vibrant menu that changes frequently. I would hands down recommend this as a popular spot for a casual date, dinner with friends, or simply a venue to treat yourself to excellent tasting food,” Herb Q. on Yelp Photo via Luca Italian Cuisine/Facebook

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