It hasn’t been all bad news on the Cleveland dining scene this year, though we did lose some beloved institutions. All around town, great new restaurants have opened across a range of cuisines and styles. Here are our favorite new joints around Northeast Ohio, with some late entries from 2022 that we’re still raving about too.

Abundance Cafe 1975 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights For the past year, chef Liu Fang and Carl Setzer have made themselves known around town. What began as occasional pop-ups selling buns, dumplings and noodles under the name Abundance Culinary advanced to weekly two-day residencies at Larder in Ohio City. At those events, and others across town at Rising Star in Cleveland Heights, the pair cultivated a passionate, dedicated following for Fang’s elevated Chinese cooking. The chef leans into our region’s bounty to craft modern interpretations of classic Chinese dishes. Diners on both sides of town have grown fond of items like Chinese sausage-filled dumplings, dry-fried green beans, Shanghai scallion noodles, honey ma wings and Huainan brisket ramen.The pair opened their own permanent space at the old diners on Lee Road this August and hopefully will be there for a long time to come. Credit: Provided
Fahrenheit 55 Public Square., Cleveland Rocco Whalen relocated his 20-year-old Tremont hotspot Fahrenheit to the long-dormant John Q’s Steakhouse spot on Public Square. Apart from the name, some key players and a handful of menu items, Fahrenheit Downtown shares few similarities with the original bistro that helped keep Tremont’s dining scene aloft since 2002. The dishes that did make the move seem spiffier, prepared and plated at a higher level. In many ways, Fahrenheit feels like the proverbial pot of gold at the end of the rainbow for Whalen: a tribute for a job well done for nearly 30 years. Not many local chefs have the star power required to lure diners to an expensive restaurant in the heart of downtown. But Whalen has always drawn big crowds thanks to his outsized personality, eclectic and approachable foods, and knack for treating everybody like a VIP. Credit: Scene Archives
Boom’s Pizza, Shaker Heights Last fall, Ben Bebenroth announced that he and his team had signed a lease for the former Michael’s Genuine space at Van Aken District. When it opens this summer, Boom’s Pizza in Shaker will join the original shop in Lakewood, which opened in early 2023. Once again, Bebenroth is working with Richardson Design to rework the space to better align it with their service approach, which blends the efficiency of a fast-casual operation with the comfort of a sit-down eatery. Guests order, pay and grab beverages from coolers filled with beer, wine by the can, split and bottle and soft drinks. For this location, they plan to dial back the self-serve beverage options in favor of a streamlined bar program featuring draft beers and draft cocktails. Credit: Agape Photography
Midnight Owl 20312 Shaker Rd., Shaker Heights It’s been a couple years since Joel Warger and Rosemary Mudry set out on their journey to open a craft brewery. In October, the couple opened the first traditional brewery in Shaker Heights. The team has reshaped the former Lucy’s Sweet Surrender space across the street from the Van Aken District into a bright, colorful and welcoming brewpub. A large section of the main floor was removed to provide sightlines to the 10-barrel brewhouse and row of fermenters, which ascend from the lower lever. Midnight Owl will launch with six house beers and grow to a steady roster of eight, with a few guest pours added into the mix. Warger, who cut his chops at Great Lakes Brewing for 14 years before moving over to Goldhorn Brewery, is starting with an assortment of quicker-brewing ales, but will be rolling out lagers down the road. A fully equipped kitchen offesr guests an approachable selection of pub classics like warm soft pretzels served with beer cheese and mustard, beer-battered onion rings, soups and salads, and a trio of smash burgers. Credit: Doug Trattner
Goldie’s Donuts 4010 Lorain Ave., Cleveland After six successful years in Lyndhurst (5211 Mayfield Rd.), Dustin and Paloma Goldberg decided to expand their popular donut shop to Ohio City. Goldie’s is a family-owned business that makes its donuts, fillings, frostings and glazes from scratch daily using premium ingredients. They are known for their selection of old-fashioned classics like sour cream donuts, maple-glazed cake donuts, honey-glazed crullers and other tasty treats. Down the road, the owners hope to add breakfast and lunch items to the mix. Credit: Doug Trattner
Heritage Steak and Whiskey 28869 Chagrin Blvd., Woodmere Yes, it took Michael Symon’s partner Doug Petkovic approximately two years to get to this point, but the wait was more than worth it. Heritage Steak & Whiskey opened in late November, taking the former Fleming’s spot at the ritzy Eton Collection, and the restaurant quickly earned a spot amongst Northeast Ohio’s most highly regarded steakhouses. A bustling open kitchen prepares elevated steakhouse fare, the star of which are the wood-grilled steaks and chops. Guests can look forward to a mix of cuts, grades and purveyors, with a starting lineup that includes a filet, hangar, strip, bone-in ribeye, center-cut ribeye and spinalis, aka the ribeye cap, aka the best part of the best steak.Executive chef Jeff Gable has created a menu that doesn’t skimp on the non-steak items. There is a double-bone heritage-breed pork chop, duck confit, Dover sole, salmon roulade, linguini with clams, and a burger topped with pork belly. Same goes for the sides, which are close to a classic steakhouse, but the preparations will be chef-driven and creative. Credit: Richardson Design
Paloma 20041 Walker Rd., Shaker Heights One of the last remaining marquee restaurant spaces at Van Aken District was snagged by the team behind Giovanni’s and Smokin’ Q’s BBQ. The 4,400-square-foot property, which is next door to the plant store Stump and the new burger concept Shake It, recently opened as Paloma, a taco-focused Mexican restaurant. From partners Zachary Ladner and Carl Quagliata of Giovanni’s and the Village Butcher, Paloma is a taco-focused modern-Mexican restaurant that is a bit more elevated than what’s typically offered. Credit: Scene Archives
La Playa 6410 Detroit Ave., Cleveland Since 2018, Rafael Ayala has welcomed Mexican food fans into his popular Gordon Square restaurant Blue Habanero (6416 Detroit Ave.). His new concept, La Playa, opened next door this summer. Ayala spent 6 months converting the former Boiler 65 space into a colorful marisquería ripped from the beaches of sunny Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Ayala, who is from Jalisco and spends a lot of time in the surf towns of that state, says that he has been kicking around the idea of importing his favorite cuisine. The seafood-heavy menu offers Mexican beach staples like ceviche, seafood cocktails, aguachile, steamed shrimp, grilled fish, fried fish and seafood molcajetes. There’s also plenty of beer, vibrantly hued drinks, fun tiki-style beverages and mezcal-fueled cocktails. A DJ inspires a chill vibe that makes the fun extend out to the large patio. Credit: Doug Trattner
Lao Sze Chuan Pinecrest, Orange Village Lao Sze Chuan opened in Chicago’s Chinatown in 1998, where it made a big splash thanks to its stellar Sichuan cuisine. A graduate of the Culinary Institute of Sichuan, chef and owner Tony Hu went on to open a dozen other Chicago locations of Lao Sze Chuan as well as other popular places such as Lao Beijing, Lao Shanghai, Lao You Ju and Lao Hunan. There are only four out-of-state locations of the iconic brand. This summer, that number climbed to five thanks to local operator Sheng Long Yu, who opened a location at Pinecrest. Diners familiar with the Chicago-based restaurant can expect a similar menu featuring traditional and elevated Szechuan food and a stylish interior. Yu is behind many local establishments including Shinto Japanese Steakhouse in Strongsville and Westlake, Kenko Sushi in University Circle and Kent, Dagu Rice Noodle in Asiatown, Ipoke near the Cleveland Clinic and Hell’s Fried Chicken in University Circle. He is also the force behind a new Asian food hall taking shape in Asiatown. Credit: Scene Archives
Tita Flora’s 6531 Brecksville Rd., Independence When it comes to cuisines that are sorely lacking in Cleveland, Filipino is at the very top of the list. The melting-pot cuisine of the Philippines continues to climb in popularity around the nation, but locally the options are limited to a couple carry-out-only places such as Mely’s Kainan and Nipa Hut Oriental Market. Thanks to Flora Grk, Greater Cleveland diners can now enjoy Filipino foods in a full-service, dine-in setting. For newbies, Tita Flora’s is a great place to go to explore Filipino food. For Filipino-Americans, Tito Flora’s is a great place to go to get out of cooking dinner, with the classics all being done to perfection here. Credit: Scene Archives
Geraci’s Slice Shop 603 Prospect Ave., Cleveland Last summer, downtown Cleveland lost a 40-year-old legend when Vincenza’s Pizza & Pasta abruptly closed its shop. But recently, another local legend took up the mantle to provide hot slices for all. Geraci’s Slice Shop, an extension of the 60-year-old brand, launched last summer in Willoughby as part of The Yard on 3rd. The expanded downtown spot offers more in terms of food, beverage and setting. The fast-casual operation features classic Geraci’s pizzas – either by the slice or whole – plus appetizers, salads, subs and desserts like Italian ice and tiramisu. Guests can look forward to a fun, funky décor modeled after an `80s pizzeria, complete with full bar and game room. Credit: Scene Archives
Tripi 3928 Lorain Ave., Cleveland In June, chef Anthony Zappola opened the doors to Tripi, an Italian American deli and market in Ohio City. chef Anthony Zappola will open the doors to Tripi, an Italian American deli and market in Ohio City. Customers can expect high-quality chef-driven foods delivered in a swift, efficient manner, just as Zappola does at Lox, Stock and Brisket, the Rice Shop and Le Stand, all at the Van Aken District Market Hall. In addition to a retail space, there’s a deli counter where the core menu consists of salads, hot and cold sandwiches, and ready-to-serve hot entrees, all prepared throughout the day with quality ingredients. Sandwiches like the sausage and peppers, chicken parm with mozzarella and tomato sauce, meatball sub, and hoagie packed with salami, soppressata, capicola, provolone and tomato arrive on fresh-baked Italian rolls. Other options include rigatoni and sauce topped with a choice of meatballs, sausage or chicken cutlet, pepperoni rolls and sauce, and square-cut Sicilian pizza available by the slice, half sheet or full sheet. Credit: Doug Trattner
Mendel’s Kansas City BBQ 20314 Chagrin Blvd., Shaker Heights Mendel Segal, who is known to his many fans as the “rabbi pitmaster,” at his barbecue restaurant in Miami, opened an output of his delicious kosher barbecue in Shaker Heihgts in January. The 80-seat restaurant is full-service, but family-friendly. And with items like brisket, smoked pastrami, giant beef ribs, beef back ribs, smoked veal brisket, lamb ribs, smoked turkey, burnt ends and smoked chicken, few diners will miss the pork. In addition to the foods coming out of the pit, the restaurant offers non-BBQ foods like soups, salads, wings, burgers, fish and steak. To drink, there’s plenty of craft beer and a full liquor license. Credit: Doug Trattner
Restaurante Guanquitas 5107 Detroit Ave., Cleveland The former Big Egg spot is vacant no longer as Blanca Hernandez, owner of the four-year-old Pupuseria y Antojitos Guanaquitas restaurant in Clark-Fulton, opened Guanaquitas in April. Unlike Pupuseria y Antojitos Guanaquitas, which serves strictly Salvadoran foods like tortas, tacos, pupusas and carne asada, this latest restaurant — called simply Guanaquitas — offers a blend of traditional Salvadoran and Spanish items alongside American diner-style foods. Also new to this location is a liquor license, which will permit diners to pair a cold beer or margarita with their food. Credit: Scene Archives
Tutto Carne 2181 Murray Hill Rd., Cleveland This Italian-themed steakhouse, which opened in late spring of 2023, is operated by Ladner and Carl Quagliata, the chef-owners behind Giovanni’s, Smokin’ Q’s BBQ, Paloma and The Village Butcher. In the former Nora spot in Little Italy, the space has been completely transformed into a stylish and sophisticated 45-seat bistro. Chef de cuisine Ryan O’Driscoll oversees a steakhouse-style menu that benefits greatly from the owners’ sister establishment, The Village Butcher. A selection of other steaks and chops is joined by items like seared halibut with littleneck clams in horseradish broth, pan-seared scallops with bacon, potato and spring pea pesto, and a dry-aged beef burger topped with taleggio, short rib onions, bacon and special sauce. For pasta fans, Ladner and his team have assembled a roster of classic dishes. Credit: Scene Archives
Amazonia 1640 Hopkins Ave., Lakewood From the team behind the successful Barroco and Hola Tacos, Amazonia is a cocktail bar right next to the Lakewood location of Hola Tacos. As the name suggests, the bar takes some design, food and beverage cues from the Vergaras’ native South America. The main level features a 12-seat bar with an elegant sweep and some seating. The second level is split into two distinct spaces, the Sun Room and the Moon Room, one bright and cherry, the other dim and mysterious with comfortable soft seating nooks. All told, the property seats about 60. Expect creative craft cocktails that’ll keep you coming back for more and a small menu reminiscent of the flavors we’re used to from their other establishments, albeit in a more cocktail bar setting. Credit: Provided
Patron Saint 2915 Detroit Ave., Cleveland Open only since early June, Patron Saint feels like it’s been an essential part of this community for years. Owner Marie Artale tapped chef David Kocab to craft a farm-to-table regional Italian menu that leans light, wholesome, seasonal and satisfying. Patron Saint is the kind of place where “a quick glass of wine” can cascade into a tipsy two-hour feast. As an all-day café, Patron Saint transitions from early morning coffee service through early evening aperitivo hour. The 50-seat café boasts a window counter with lake views, comfortable banquettes, a standing rail, and bar seating. While not a traditional restaurant, Patron Saint’s all-day menu offers enough variety and heft to cobble together a lovely meal. Credit: Tiffany Joy Photography
Nighttown 12383 Cedar Rd., Cleveland Heights After four long years, Cleveland Heights staple Nighttown finally reopened in late 2023. New operator Gregg Levy of Red Restaurant Group was eager to show off the fruits of a very difficult and protracted construction process. On the surface, the nearly 60-year-old restaurant looks pretty much the same, but everything has been rebuilt, refurbished and/or replaced. From a completely new kitchen, executive chef Rowan Murray presents a menu that blends some Nighttown classics with modern-American dishes. Gone is the multi-page tome that greeted former diners, replaced by a trimmed down menu that focuses on seasonality and freshness. A smaller bar menu keeps patrons fed late into the night, a nod to Nighttown’s dedication to after-hours dining. A key to Nighttown’s original success, live music will be welcomed back in the near future. Credit: Doug Trattner
Wolf Pack Chorus 2175 Cornell Rd., Cleveland This modern brasserie opened in Little Italy in the former Club Isabella space in early 2023. After signing the lease, owners Chris and Katie Wolf got busy making the contemporary property their own. Nearly every surface received attention, from the bartop to the bathrooms. Wolf Pack Chorus is the rare white-tablecloth restaurant that doesn’t take itself too seriously. The compelling chefy menu benefits from not sticking to the typical Little Italy fare of veal parmesan and chicken picatta. Credit: Doug Trattner
The Judith 1384 Hird Rd., Lakewood Owners Jennie Doran and Andrew Worm earlier this year opened The Judith, a French-inspired café on Lorain. The 30-seat space is rich with warmth and texture, one that conjures images of an Old World Parisienne café. In the morning, Onyx Coffee and Tea is served alongside breakfast pastries and open-face sandwiches, or tartines. Lunches usher in fresh salads, shareable small plates, baguette sandwiches and desserts. And recently, The Judith launched evening service, so happy hour and small plates can keep you entertained and fed later into the day, which, judging by the crowds, is welcome news. Credit: Daniel Lozada
Poppy 12502 Larchmere Blvd., Cleveland For the past 14 years, Felice earned a place as one of the east side’s most endearing restaurants. It closed in late 2022 and Jill Vedaa and Jessica Parkison of beloved Lakewood tapas spot Salt+ opened. Poppy is in a 115-year old building that was turned from a house into a restaurant, giving it a very homey vibe. Vedaa’s menu takes its cues from around the globe. For this restaurant, the chef prefers to not pigeonhole herself into any specific cuisine. The menu is divided into categories for vegetables, fish and meat, with plates growing in size within those categories as well as across the page. Salt fans might catch one or two crossover dishes, but otherwise this is an all new collection. Credit: Lizzie Schlafer
Sushi 86 and Bites 1050 E. 9th St., Cleveland Sushi 86, which operated in the 5th Street Arcades for over a decade, moved to its new location at the Harbor Verandas this fall with an expanded menu. Sushi 86 and Bites joins Nuevo Modern Mexican in serving a tourist-heavy clientele on the way to or from places like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Great Lakes Science Center and Voinovich Bicentennial Park. At breakfast and lunch, Bites will offer StoneFruit coffee, pastries, quiche, frittata, breakfast sandwiches, salads, Cubanos, grilled chicken sandwiches and ice cream. Next door, at Sushi 86, guests can look forward to a newly expanded menu of sushi, sashimi, rolls and poke bowls. For the first time, items off the Bites menu will be available to diners at Sushi 86 during lunch. Credit: Doug Trattner
Sweet Pork Wilson’s 11634 Madison Ave., Cleveland After graduating from St. Ignatius, Jason Brooks went on to play college football at University of Michigan and West Virginia University, where tailgating is a way of life. When he wasn’t on the gridiron, he was cooking for large crowds and honing his skills. Brooks took his lifelong obsession with food and cooking and turned it into a vocation. His barbecue restaurant, Sweet Pork Wilson’s, opened recently on the border of Lakewood and Cleveland, where his team gutted and rebuilt the former Highland Tavern at the corner of Madison and 117th, which is located across the street from the RTA station. “I have 26 feet of cooking space outside,” says Brooks. “When you come here, you’re going to smell me before you see me.” Coming off his wood-fueled pits are barbecue staples like beef brisket, pulled pork, ribs and chicken wings. In addition to the classic BBQ platters, Brooks offers Polish Boys, Polish Girls and chicken cheesesteaks made with smoked chicken thighs, peppers and onions. Credit: Scene Archives
Doinks Burger Bar 15519 Waterloo Rd., Cleveland Three and a half years after the first Doinks smash burger landed on the griddle in owner Bonn Rassavong’s garage, the restaurant opened on Waterloo this summer. For the past seven months, Rassavong and Brown have been converting a long-vacant storefront a few spots down from Six Shooter Coffee, also owned by Brown, into a burger bar with a modern diner feel. The menu is a straightforward mix of burgers, sides, drinks and one dessert. The original Doinks burger is a double smash cheeseburger with shredded lettuce, pickles, sauteed onions and special sauce on a Stone Oven brioche bun. Other burgers include a kimchi burger and a banh mi burger topped with pickled veggies, jalapenos, fresh herbs and spicy sauce. Credit: Bonn Rassavong
Pearl Street Wine Market and Cafe 2523 Market Ave., Cleveland Back in March, Karen Small shuttered the Flying Fig, her 23-year-old Ohio City bistro. But when she did, she announced that she would be partnering up with Jill Davis, owner of Toast Wine Bar, on a new project in the same space. Inspired by European bistros, Pearl Street Wine Market & Café combines the retail aspect of the former Market at the Fig with a casual small-plates, farm-to-table café. In addition to small and shared plates starring local charcuterie and cheeses, there are larger entrees featuring proteins, pasta, grains and seasonal produce. A rotating selection of wines by the glass, beer and classic cocktails are available. Credit: Photo by Joe Szabo

Scene's award-winning newsroom oftentimes collaborates on articles and projects. Stories under this byline are group efforts.