30 Cleveland-Based Restaurant Chains That Are Actually Good

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

Luca

Multiple Locations

This Italian spot is known for one of the best dishes in town; the Sacchetti al Tartufo Bianco which consists of fresh pasta purses stuffed with white truffle, 24-month aged pecorino Romano, 20-month aged Parmigiano Reggiano and ricotta cheeses, finished with white truffle cream sauce and aged fig balsamic. While that dish is a must-eat, the rest of the menu is just as good, so visit this restaurant in the Superior Viaduct or Westlake.

Photo via Scene Archives

Melt

Multiple Locations

Known for their grilled cheese sandwiches as big as your head, Melt has made waves across Northeast Ohio (and now Columbus) since opening in Lakewood in 2006. They’ve been featured on “Man vs. Food”, “Diners, Dives and Drive-Ins” and been praised widely as one of the best sandwiches around.

Photo via @MeltBarGrilled/Instagram

Noce

Multiple Locations

What started off as a mom-and-pop pizza shop out in Chardon has expanded into three locations, with the original full-service restaurant, plus to-go spots in Tremont and Beachwood. The New York style slices boast some of the best ingredients and quality of any pizza spot around.

Photo via Scene Archives

On The Rise

Multiple Locations

Known mostly for their artisan breads and mouth-watering pastries, we had to include this spot because it’s casual and local atmosphere is quintessential Cleveland. The sandwiches may be simple, but the freshly baked bread they come on takes them to another level. The prosciutto sandwich with honey butter and arugula is our favorite. In addition to their original location in the Heights, they’ve expanded to the recently opened Van Aken Food Hall in Shaker Heights.

Photo via Scene Archives

Otani Noodle

Multiple Locations

Otani Noodle, from the same owners of long-standing Mayfield Heights hibachi restaurant Otani, opened their second location the heart of Downtown in addition to their University Circle home, and if you haven’t been yet, you’re missing out. The tonkotsu broth they use for their ramen is delectable.

Photo via Scene Archives

Red, the Steakhouse

Multiple Locations

Luscious slabs of beef and creative, indulgent salads, sides and desserts make this modern American steakhouse a prime location for well-heeled meat-eaters. A well-organized wine list, gracious service and contemporary rustic decor with a Napa-like sophistication complete one of the best steakhouses in the midwest. Don't forget the donut holes.

Photo via Scene Archives

The Rush Inn

Multiple Locations

The Rush Inn, with locations in Lakewood and Avon, is as no frills as they come. While we usually prefer wings drenched in sauce, dry rub is the way to go here, with the ‘Lemon Pepper Dry Rub’ being our favorite.

Photo via The Rush Inn/Facebook

Flip Side

Multiple Locations

From the owners of One Red Door in Hudson, Flip Side recently expanded to Colorado, but all its beef is from Ohio (and grass-fed). This chain offers almost 20 burgers, including ones made with lamb, turkey and bison. All of them pair well with its impressive, optionally spiked milkshake menu.

Photo via @FlipSideCF/Instagram

Winking Lizard

Multiple Locations

No restaurant is more synonymous with chicken wings in Northeast Ohio then Winking Lizard. With 15 locations in the area, it’d be hard to throw a stone without hitting the nearest Lizard. Our favorite wing sauce is spicy barbeque, but try the 911 if you’re feeling adventurous.

Photo via @WinkingLizardTavern/Instagram