Cleveland really does have a very diverse food scene. Looking at the best restaurants in town, according to Yelp rankings, certainly confirms it. In these 25 restaurants alone, there’s fine dining, pizza, pupusas, Chinese soup dumplings, a Cuban cafe, Japanese, Middle Eastern food, soul/comfort food, barbecue, a brewery, a sandwich shop, upscale bar food, a Brazilian joint, empanadas, a vegetarian restaurant, a Greek, French and Italian restaurant, and Korean food. It appears from Yelp reviews that regardless of the cuisine you serve in this town, if the food is good, locals will appreciate it.

Zhug 12413 Cedar Rd., Cleveland Heights “The only way to describe Zhug is “exceptional.” A friend & I finally went in-person a week ago, & it was the magical sort of meal – & dining experience – that transported us back to those more carefree pre-pandemic times, when nice dinners were a frequent & fun experience. To my surprise, my favorite dish was the muhammara, a chunky, slightly sweet dip of roasted red peppers with local goat cheese, walnuts, & mint. The puffy laffa bread was perfect for both it & the hummus, allowing the dips to shine while providing a low-key delicious base. The falafel, too, was a work of art, a small, composed dish topped with ribboned carrots, cucumbers, golden tahini, cilantro, & sesame seed. They were crispy on the outside & perfectly soft inside, not dry like falafel sometimes is. Can you tell I liked this restaurant? My God, I loved this restaurant. I can’t wait to go back, & I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!” Kate K. on Yelp Photo by Emanuel Wallace
Mizu Japanese Sushi Restaurant 10219 Brookpark Rd., Parma “We are back at our favorite sushi place, Mizu Japanese Sushi, for some much-needed home favorites. We ordered the simple but delicious spicy tuna rolls, a Mexican roll and the incredible mustard rolls. We are never disappointed when we come here. The staff is attentive and very knowledgeable and will help point you in the right direction if you’re new to sushi or want to try something new. Mizu proves that the restaurant doesn’t have to be in a fancy location to be incredible! ,” Nathan B. on Yelp. Photo via Mizu Japanese Sushi Restaurant/Facebook Credit: Scene Archives
Sabor Miami Cafe and Gallery 4848 Broadview Rd., Cleveland “My boyfriend and I decided to grab breakfast here since we were both craving an el típico and, wow, are we glad that we that we did! We both got a Chorizo Honduran Breakfast and a Cuban Colado. It was a ton of food and ended up being two meals for me (admittedly only one for the boyfriend). Everything was amazingly delicious, but the handmade tortillas and beans were the best. We will definitely be back!” Alycia G. on Yelp Photo via Sabor Miami Cafe and Gallery/Facebook Credit: Scene Archives
Il Rione 1303 West 65th St., Cleveland “I have lived in Cleveland for about 25 years now and this is the best pizza I have found here. The crust is light and chewy and the ratio of topping to crust is perfect. It’s really nice to finally find pizza this good on the West Side,” Jodi B. on Yelp Photo by Emanuel Wallace
Earth Bistro Cafe 11100 Clifton Ave., Cleveland “This is one of my new favorite restaurants in CLE! For the price you get so much tasty food. Pictured is the fried tofu sandwich and my friend got the marinated tofu wrap which was also to die for. If you’re looking for a great restaurant with quick service this is the place. Perfect for meat eaters and vegetarians, plus anything can be made vegan! Go support this local business, I can’t wait to come back,” Kylie S. on Yelp. Photo via Earth Bistro Cafe/Facebook
Boney Fingers BBQ 1800 Euclid Ave., Cleveland ”Delicious BBQ! We tried the pulled pork and brisket sandwiches for lunch and they were so tasty! My fiancé has been hyping up his favorite BBQ spot for over a year and I was finally able to try and it did not disappoint! The brisket was our favorite and it was juicy and tender. Their two types of sauce were great additions to the sandwich and the cornbread was awesome as well! Reasonably priced, good food! Definitely worth a visit!!” Courtney S. on Yelp Photo via Scene Archives
Rowley Inn 1104 Rowley Ave., Cleveland “Wow what a great find in Tremont area of Cleveland. We were looking for a place to enjoy some pierogi. This bar showed up in our search and they had quite a unique menu. It’s located in a neighborhood and not on the main drag so it is worth searching out. They serve a variety of local beers on draft and in bottles. The menu had quite a variety to choose from. We had the kielbasa and pierogi plate which was filling and delicious. When you leave you can also visit the Christmas Story house that is located directly across the street,” Eric S. on Yelp Photo via Scene Archives
Urban Kitchen and Deli 9751 Chester Ave., Cleveland “Absolutely awesome place with a unique concept. It’s breakfast meets traditional east coast deli meets authentic Egyptian fare right on the Cleveland Clinic’s campus. I had the hummus (which was uber fresh and could immediately tell it was made in house) to start, then followed things with the “Rocky Balboa” sandwich. Mr. Balboa offered a blend of corned beef and pastrami that was super reminiscent of a deli that you’ll catch in NYC,” Rodger B. on Yelp. Photo via Urban Kitchen and Deli/Facebook
Herb’n Twine 4309 Lorain Ave., Cleveland “One of my favorite sandwich shops in North America! Yeah I said it…The portions are huge, flavor combinations are complementary, and the bread is homemade/fresh. The homemade/fresh bread is such a game changer. My favorite is the Cubano…the perfect sandwich really. If there was a location in Chicago I would frequent weekly,” Daniel W. on Yelp Photo by Tim Harrison
LJ Shanghai 3142 Superior Ave., Cleveland “Omg this is a must go in Asia town!!!!!! I legit could eat there once a week – I love it so much! The soup dumplings are everything!!! You gotta get the pan fried noodles with beef, they are cooked to perfection! The spicy wontons are a must but warning they are spicy so avoid them if you don’t like the heat!! 10/10 for me!” Kelly J. on Yelp Photo via Scene Archives
Southern Cafe 11817 Detroit Rd., Lakewood “This place is so friggin good! If you’re looking for a good home cooked soul food meal look no further! I ordered both the fried catfish and blackened catfish dinners and they both tasted so good along with the most flavorful potatoes. I could eat like three bowls. The cornbread was so moist it tasted like cake. Amazing restaurant!” Maritza M. on Yelp Photo via Southern Cafe/Facebook
Pupuseria La Bendicion 3685 West 105th St., Cleveland Of course pupusas are the main attraction at this Salvadoran restaurant, but their beef tongue, chicken and carne tacos have also attracted their own fans. If you haven’t had a pupusa though, this is the place to try them. Photo via Pupuseria La Benidicion/Facebook Credit: Scene Archives
Seoul Garden 5270 Pearl Rd., Parma “Yumm!!! Seoul Garden is by far my favorite place in Cleveland for Korean food — the portions are large, the dishes are flavorful, and the banchan are unlimited! Some of the typical banchan dishes include kimchi, pickled seaweed, jalapeno peppers with spice, bean sprouts, and steamed egg (you are limited to only one of these though). My go to dishes include the galbi (my ultimate favorite! tangy, grilled korean short ribs), seafood pancake (is a massive dish, we always use it as an appetizer), dubboki (spicy rice cakes), and jap chae (stir fried glass noodles with veggies & meat). However, every dish I have tried/ ordered at this place has always come out pretty good in my opinion. I think this restaurant is best to go to with a group so that everyone can do family style to try the different entrees,” Anna W. on Yelp Photo via Scene Archives
L’Albatros 11401 Bellflower Rd., Cleveland “I lived in Cleveland for years during college and would come to L’Albatros nearly every week to eat at the bar. Came back into town years later for a friend’s wedding and it was even better than I remember. The wine selection is great, even by the glass. We got the Onion Soup, which is the best I’ve ever had. The mussels were delicious, topped with crispy fries and remoulade sauce. The cassoulet was so rich and flavorful, with perfectly cooked duck, sausage, lamb, and pork belly. I would make a special trip to Cleveland from Seattle just to come eat here again!” Jamie O. on Yelp Photo via Scene Archives
SOHO Chicken + Whiskey/Chicken Run 1889 W. 25th St., Cleveland “Oh my goodness, this is probably my favorite restaurant in Cleveland right now. I love chicken and waffles. This takes chicken and waffles to another level. I thought rosemary waffles would be nasty, but they were absolutely delicious with the chicken. The chicken portions are huge; I got 2 pieces but was stuffed after one,” Lydia D. on Yelp Photo via Scene Archives
Astoria 5417 Detroit Ave., Cleveland “Astoria is a CLE must-go. You get a traditional European style. The cheese boards and wine are by far my fav. Their cocktail list looked pretty amazing, I’d love to give them a try. They have indoor and outdoor seating. They also have a small market area if you need to pick up a bottle of wine for the home. Can’t wait to go back and try a new board,” Kaylyn G. on Yelp Photo via Astoria Cafe and Market/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
Edwin’s Leadership and Restaurant Institute 13101 Shaker Square., Cleveland “Finally! This is the fine dining experience I’d been seeking but had never gotten from other restaurants: Multiple people will greet you coming into and leaving the restaurant; Attentive service ( your bread plate won’t be empty for even a nanosecond); every course bountiful and seasoned to perfection; your mixed drink will be the best mixed drink; your dessert will be wonderful. If you alert them that you are there as a special occasion celebration they will note that too. Thank you EDWINS for a flawless experience,” Diane W. on Yelp Photo via Scene Archives
Batuqui 12706 Larchmere Blvd., Cleveland and 17 East Orange St., Chagrin Falls “We had a wonderful experience! The restaurant is inside a beautiful old house in Shaker Heights. It’s a lovely and cozy spot! Our meals were delicious and we were impressed by the extensive wine list. We had a delicious red from Uruguay. Try the yucca if you get a chance. The churros and coconut cake are super yummy! My meal came screaming hot, still bubbling, and the portion sizes were satisfying. I loved the dishes in which the meals were served…charming little ceramic covered pots and bowls. I’d love to come back the next time we’re in Cleveland, and I will certainly tell my friends about Batuqui!” Kelly D. on Yelp Photo via Scene Archives
Noble Beast 1470 Lakeside Ave. East, Cleveland “Let me tell you, Noble Beast Brewing was excellent. Moderately priced and high quality. Corn Dog is one of their most recommended menu items, I love it, and I think you have to try it as well. The staff is very courteous. I really valued that. Noble Beast Brewing – I’ll be back,” Abbi P. on Yelp Photo via Noble Beast Brewing Co./Facebook
Landmark 11633 Clifton Blvd., Cleveland Taking over for the Clifton Diner, Landmark completely renovated the physical space and the menu. Chef Thomas Parker left Adega to run this scratch kitchen of “fine-casual” dining that serves some of the best breakfast and lunch in town. Photo via Scene Archives Credit: Scene Archives
Barabicu Smokehouse 5767 Ridge Rd., Parma “Incredible experience here today which lasted only ten min or so but made a huge impression. This is hands down the best barbecue in the Cleveland area (let alone Parma) and I say that having tried every barbecue joint I’ve heard of in the area. Seriously. The beef brisket was ungodly juicy. It had the ideal rare combination of super tender flavorful smoky meat with a lightly crisp caramelized blackened cap. The smoked meatloaf somehow was incredibly juicy yet had a lightly crispy caramelized crust too! The double smoked bacon was unbelievably flavorful- somewhat sweet yet smoky and both malleable yet lightly crunchy. The pulled pork was juicy even without sauce! A half pound is like 8 bucks which is a steal!” Amy J. on Yelp Photo via Barabicu Smokehouse/Facebook
Half Moon Bakery 3460 West 25th St., Cleveland “I’ve never tried an empanada before until I came to half moon, and I will only ever eat them from Half Moon for here on out! As a vegetarian, I wasn’t sure what my options I’d be getting but there were two wildly different ones on the menu that were absolutely AMAZING. You enter Half Moon, you are greeted so kindly, you order, and like 5 bakers pop out of nowhere and start absolutely slinging empanadas at lightning speed. Never seen a phenomenon like it, it was amazing. I waited maybe 10 minutes max for them to be completely made, and they are made from scratch! There are also baked goods, salad options, and coffee options as well. Half moon will now become a staple in my quick but local diet, and for that I’m thankful,” Hope S. on Yelp. Photo by Emanuel Wallace Credit: Emanuel Wallace
Ferris Shwarma 13507 Lakewood Heights Blvd., Lakewood “Hands down the best shawarma I’ve ever had. My favorite is the chicken shawarma plate that comes with a sliced chicken shawarma wrap, fries, and garlic sauce, but it honestly looks like you can’t go wrong here. They have a relatively simple menu, but shawarma doesn’t need to be complicated. You get a lot of great tasting food for a super reasonable price. I haven’t tried their hummus or desserts yet, but those are next on my list,” Maeve P. on Yelp Photo via @Arabs_In_Cleveland/Instagram
Pupuseria Katarina 1409 Brookpark Rd., Cleveland “Soooo good!! I love love love this place and am definitely going to come back for more. The place serves food from El Salvador and is delicious. My friends and I ordered a bunch of orders of pupusas of different kinds to go along with a large order of plantains. We ordered pork, mixed, spinach, cheese, and loroco and honestly, all of them were so good. Pupusas also come with pickled cabbage and a big serving of tomato sauce. The cabbage was a great side to have with the pupusas, adding something fresh and light to the dish. The plantains were also great and came with sour cream/refried beans. Everything was so yummy,” Leah L. on Yelp Photo via Scene Archives

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