Restaurant Reviews Archives

Food & Drink

At Sofia’s Kitchen, Subtle Nods to World Cuisines Elevate a Menu Built to Satisfy Just About Anyone

Andrew Revy aptly describes it as “corner bar meets American bistro,” and the marriage is anything but pedestrian

by Douglas Trattner June 18, 2025July 12, 2025

Food & Drink

Review: At Birdietown in Lakewood, Mini-Golf, Cocktails, and Food Collide for Fun

Birdietown blends a sense of nostalgia with modern amenities and a menu devised by Jill Vedaa

by Douglas Trattner June 6, 2025July 12, 2025

Food & Drink

Review: La Playa Brings the Colorful Marisqueria From the Beaches of Mexico to the Shores of Lake Erie

“I’m from Jalisco and we have a really large, diverse cooking style for seafood,” says owner Rafael Ayala. “I love the food down there.”

by Douglas Trattner May 7, 2025June 12, 2025

Food & Drink

At the Village Butcher and Smokehouse 91, Chefs Zach Ladner and Carl Quagliata Are Doing BBQ and Sandwiches Right

The butcher shop and BBQ restaurant next door in Mayfield Village turn up the quality on ingredients and preparation

by Douglas Trattner April 24, 2025July 13, 2025

Food & Drink

Cleveland Classics: Blue Point Grille’s Bountiful Seafood Splendors Still Shine

After more than two decades in business, the Warehouse District mainstay remains a destination thanks to quality service and a stellar menu

by Douglas Trattner April 9, 2025July 14, 2025

Food & Drink

Review: CentroVilla25 Showcases the Varied and Delicious Flavors of Latin-America

The bustling Hispanic food hall includes vendors serving up Puerto-Rican, Salvadoran, Cuban, Venezuelan and Mexican fare

by Douglas Trattner March 26, 2025July 11, 2025

Food & Drink

Charter House Grille Delivers Familiar Comforts as East 185th Continues its Resurgence

Charter House might not be a destination restaurant, but it does feel rooted in and aligned with the community outside its door

by Douglas Trattner March 12, 2025July 4, 2025

Food & Drink

Aroma Cafe is One of Cleveland’s Best-Kept Culinary Secrets

Inside Chef Mario Marotta’s one-man Rocky River experience

by Zachary Schwartz February 26, 2025July 12, 2025

Food & Drink

Review: Anthony Zappola Has Gone Back to the Basics With Tony’s Burger Shop, and That’s Enough for the Chef Right Now

“I’m at a point in my life where I’m content knowing that I work really hard to give people really good food at a really good deal and with good customer service”

by Douglas Trattner February 12, 2025July 11, 2025

Food & Drink

Review: Bad Medicine Delivers Exceptional Cocktails, Sonic Atmosphere, and Dynamite Bar Food

“We wanted to offer more, we wanted to do it bigger, and we wanted to keep pushing our boundaries,” says Bryan Tetorakis

by Douglas Trattner January 29, 2025July 14, 2025

Food & Drink

Review: At Kiln in Shaker Heights, a Doug Katz Bistro Built for All

Katz’s newest and highly anticipated restaurant is a cozy but adventurous cure for those still pining for Fire Food & Drink

by Douglas Trattner January 15, 2025July 15, 2025

Food & Drink

Cleveland Classics: A New Owner is Guiding Stevenson’s Bar Back to the Glory Days and Beyond

The famous burger is now better than ever and Stevenson’s is 86-ing low-value menu items for more scratch-made fare

by Douglas Trattner December 30, 2024July 11, 2025