30 Essential Suburban Cleveland Restaurants You Should Have Visited By Now

White House Chicken

180 Wooster Rd. N., Barberton

Famous for its unique style of fried chicken, one rooted in Serbian recipes, the town of Barberton once had as many as half a dozen places all preparing similar versions of the dish. Many are long gone, but White House is still here and doing it right. The bird is never frozen and always fried in lard, producing a glistening copper crust.

Photo via Scene Archives

Zoma

2240 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights

Despite what that one guy on Yelp said about the "bread," we're slightly obsessed with Zoma. We love the communal atmosphere of the experience, where diners sit around a platter of colorful, savory stews, pinching off bites with stretchy injera. Rare is the place that hungry vegetarians and omnivores can so peaceably coexist thanks to items starring chopped greens, chickpeas, lentils, beef and chicken. The housemade Ethiopian hot sauce, fueled by an exotic berbere spice blend, is righteous.

Photo via Zoma/Facebook

Thyme2

113 West Smith St., Medina

The successor to chef-owner John Kolar's Thyme, Thyme2 offers two distinct environments: fine dining upstairs and a pub below. On the first menu you'll find contemporary, upscale preparations of fish, seafood, and meats. On the second, there's wood-fired pizzas, burgers, and wings. No matter which you choose, count on Kolar to deliver the goods.

Photo via Scene Archives

Taki’s Greek Kitchen

377 Lear Rd., Avon Lake

You'll have to drive out to Avon Lake to chase down the best contemporary Greek food in the region. That's where chef Peter "Taki" Diamantis works his magic, at a sharp little bistro called Taki's Greek Kitchen. From dips to dessert, Diamantis treats his ingredients with the care and attention they deserve, resulting in dishes that are bright, clean, fresh and bursting with life.

Photo via Taki’s/Facebook

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

Salt

17625 Detroit Ave., Lakewood

"Nobody orders small plates in Cleveland." Since the birth of the turnip, that has been the conventional wisdom in these parts. Of course, at her whip-smart Lakewood bistro Salt, chef Jill Vedaa continues to upend that old saw by composing exceptional dishes that focus on a single theme. In place of a meat-and-three, diners zero in on carrots three ways, or earthy beets blasted with sparkle, or a savory lamb ragu over a few supple gnocchi. Mix and match your way to the perfect meal; variety, after all, is the spice of life.

Photo via @LBoeNeedham/Instagram

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.

Photo via Scene Archives

Osso

9145 Old State Rd., Hambden

Osso is a restaurant on a 40-acre farm outside of Chardon. It’s a one-of-a-kind dining experience. Nose-to-tail cooking means that once the prime steaks, chops and loins have been extracted, the real fun begins. Hams are hung to cure into prosciutto, jowls into guanciale and shoulder muscles become coppa.

Photo via Osso/Facebook

Michael’s Genuine

3427 Tuttle Rd., Shaker Heights

While Van Aken waits for a few new places to open, Michael’s Genuine stands alone as the only full service restaurant in the new shopping district. It’s definitely good enough to be the flagship restaurant of the area. From Miami Chef Michael Schwartz, winner of a James Beard Award, Michael’s is one of the best new restaurants in town. Get there if you haven’t.

Photo via Michael’s Genuine/Facebook

Lox, Stock and Brisket

13892 Cedar Rd., University Heights

After 12 years of working for celebrity chef Tom Coliccho, including recently being the “top chef” at the $10 million dollar Vegas restaurant Heritage Steak, chef Anthony Zappola quietly returned home to open a Jewish deli in a strip mall. Zappola liked the space because of the smoker, and we’re very happy he found it. Lox, Stock and Brisket is modeled after the great Jewish delicatessens that once thrived in this University Heights neighborhood, but it's geared to today's fast-paced lifestyle, with ordering sandwiches at the counter, a few other items like Matzo ball soup, and not much else except delicious food.

Photo by Emanuel Wallace