19 Essential Lakewood Restaurants You Should Have Tried By Now

Salt

17625 Detroit Ave., Lakewood

Salt in Lakewood is proof that in the right hands, small plate dining is social, exciting and creatively refreshing compared to ho-hum steak and potatoes.

Photo via @LBoeNeedham/Instagram

Cleveland Vegan

17112 Detroit Ave., Lakewood

Cleveland Vegan has one of, if not the most extensive vegan menu in town. ‘S’more French Toast’, ‘Creamy Shiitake Benedict’ and the ‘Buffalo Cauliflower Dip’ are three items that really make our mouths water. The baked goods are really delicious, too.

Photo via @ClevelandVeganCateringAndCafe/Instagram

El Carnicero

16918 Detroit Rd., Lakewood

Chef Eric Williams, of Momocho and Happy Dog, opened this Mexican joint back in 2013 to expand on the Mexican taste that he mastered at Momocho. El Carnicero is a step-down in price from Momocho, but not in quality. Tamales and taquitos are the staples of the menu here.

Photo via @Memowery/Instagram

Sarita a Restaurant

14523 Madison Ave., Lakewood

The goal of Sarita, according to their website, is to serve healthy, new American cuisine from all backgrounds and cultures to an atmosphere of good friends and family and one trip to the restaurant shows that they certainly accomplish this goal. The food is great - the cast-iron cornbread and Navajo fry bread are both must-orders - but we also really love the relaxed yet hip atmosphere of this spot.

Photo via Sarita/Facebook

Pepper’s

12401 Detroit Ave., Lakewood

A lot of restaurants in Lakewood fit into the more trendy/foodie revolution that’s happened around the country. Pepper’s Italian Restaurant is more of a no frills, traditional Italian that focuses more on the food. It’s traditional, and it’s delicious. Their signature lasagna, and eggplant and veal parmesans are some of our favorites.

Photo via @NJohn216/Instagram

India Garden

18405 Detroit Ave., Lakewood

India Garden is simply traditional Indian food with all the staples and it’s all delicious. We love the sauce heavy dishes like tikka masala and vindaloo with whatever meat you prefer but they’re all delicious. They also have a lunch buffet every afternoon, be careful though,we’re not sure you’ll be able to get back to work afterward.

Photo via @BrownieBatter/Instagram

Angelo’s

13715 Madison Ave., Lakewood

For the best pizza in Lakewood, and arguably all of Northeast Ohio, Angelo’s on Madison is the spot. Whether you stay traditional and stick to the normal pepperoni or cheese or get crazy with a Philly cheese steak or baked potato pizza, you really can’t go wrong.

Photo via @E.ScruggsJR/Instagram

Georgetown

18515 Detroit Ave., Lakewood

Formerly Three Birds, Georgetown not only has a great menu but also boasts one of the most beautiful patios in Cleveland. The food is pretty great too - we highly recommend the sausage-stuffed banana peppers, any of the pizza appetizers and the charred beef tenderloin.

Photo via Georgetown Restaurant Lakewood/Facebook

Buckeye Beer Engine

15315 Madison Ave., Lakewood

The beer flows at this joint, where they usually have a variety of Buckeye Brewing Company beers on tap along with a wide variety of other breweries. The menu may sound like bar food, but it’s very high end bar food, done right. The ‘Beer Cheesy Cheesesteak’ and ‘World’s Best Fried Bologna’ sandwich are two of our favorites - the burgers are great too.

Photo via @BuckeyeBrewingComapny/Instagram

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