The top end restaurants in Cleveland tend to take up a lot of the press around town, and for good reason. They’re damn good. But if you search a little further, you’ll find great restaurants wherever you look, in all different parts of town and serving all different cuisines. You just have to know where to look. Well, we’re here to help. So instead of hitting up the same spots as usual, try these more under-the-radar gems. You’ll be thanking us later.
Etna
11919 Mayfield Rd., Cleveland
This romantic, tightly packed Little Italy spot is one of the best Italian restaurants in town. A great wine list, authentic menu items and a dark ambience recalls the Old Country that created this remarkable cuisine.
Photo via Etna Ristorante/Facebook Credit: Scene ArchivesHabesha Ethiopian and Eritrean Restaurant
16860 Lorain Rd., Cleveland
When Habesha opened in early December of 2020, the number of Ethiopian restaurants in Cleveland increased to three and will be the only such eatery on the West Side. Habesha joins the long-standing Empress Taytu on St. Clair and Zoma in Cleveland Heights. Sadly, Lucy Ethiopian restaurant on Broadview Road has closed. Fans of Ethiopian cuisine will discover a tempting assortment of combination plates that offer various pairings of vegetarian and/or meat-based items. Credit: Scene ArchivesSarita 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. Credit: Scene ArchivesCredit: Scene ArchivesThyme 2
113 West Smith St., Medina
Chef-owner John Kolar’s Thyme2 offers two distinct environments in Medina, one a relaxed gastropub with an upscale bar menu and a fine dining area with a more elevated menu but one consistent aspect applies to both restaurants – delicious food. On menus you’ll find contemporary, upscale preparations of fish, seafood, and meats and there’s also wood-fired pizzas, burgers, and wings. No matter which you choose, count on Kolar to deliver the goods. Credit: Scene ArchivesTapatias Taqueria
12501 Lorain Ave., Cleveland
The great thing about this relatively new West Side taqueria is the amount of different offerings available for your taco or burrito. Choose from chicken, steak, chorizo, carnitas, tripa, lengua, barbacoa or pastor. They also have a dozen delicious big plates built around items like grilled steak, whole fried fish and grilled shrimp all come with Spanish rice, refried beans and a short stack of warm tortillas.
Photo via Tapatias Taqueria/Facebook Credit: Scene ArchivesNubeigel
2254 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights
Last fall, it got easier to score a bag of fresh-baked bagels on Cleveland’s east side. Nubeigel, Cleveland Heights’ new bakery/café is owned by Josh Admon, a chef who relocated from Jerusalem to University Heights. Admon’s plain, sesame, poppy, everything and everything spicy bagels are hand-rolled, boiled and baked, giving them that characteristic sheen and chew. Bagels can be purchased individually ($2), by the dozen ($21), or as sandwiches filled with cream cheese schmears of various flavors. In addition to plain cream cheese, Nubeigel sells versions with kalamata olives; capers and red onion; Sriracha; and horseradish dill (all $4). Add-ons like smoked salmon, kimchi, capers, tomato and cucumber can be tacked on for a fee. This place rocks. Credit: Scene archivesBalaton
8564 Washington St., Chesterland
Talk about underappreciated. When Balaton opened a half-century ago on Buckeye Road, the primary language spoken in the dining room was Hungarian. But word of the modest restaurant’s remarkable goulash, Wiener schnitzel, and paprikash wriggled out, at first to the immediate neighborhood, and later to the city and region as a whole. Balaton was in Shaker Square for over 20 years and moved to Chesterland in early 2023. Credit: Scene archivesCredit:Scene ArchivesMars Bar
15314 Madison Ave., Lakewood
Oh man, the gyro at Mars Bar in Lakewood is worth getting this place on its own. It’s one of the best versions in town: Warm, thick and plush pita is piled high with flavorful shaved lamb-and-beef meat, crisp red onion, thick-sliced tomato and creamy tzatziki sauce made by the owner’s mother. (Kitchen open until 2:30 a.m.)
Photo by Emanuel Wallace Credit: Scene ArchivesTaste
2317 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights
Taste’s sophisticated atmosphere, distinctive and tasty food, and noteworthy wine list all help the bistro standout in the crowded Lee Road scene. With a menu described as “American Eclectic,” the ‘eclectic’ refers to a little bit of Italian, French and Spanish influences. Credit: Scene ArchivesLulo Kitchen
1273 West 9th St., Cleveland
Lulo Kitchen has the unmistakable feel of a boho-chic juice bar on Tulum’s famous beach road, a breezy sun-drenched space where art and culture and food collide. With a name like Lulo, which is borrowed from the tropical fruit, one would expect to find wholesome juices, smoothies and limonadas starring a cornucopia of fruits and vegetables. As morning gives way to midday, pan-Latin salads, sandwiches, bowls and plates take center stage. It is here that Chef/Owner Stefhanie Montoya’s creativity, technique and respect for ingredients begin to emerge. The flavors of Colombia, Peru, Argentina and Brazil make appearances in the form of empanadas, tostones, Cubanos, carne asada and other satisfying items. The husband and wife team also opened Lulo Cafe in 2022, a more fast casual version of Lulo Kitchen. Credit: Scene ArchivesOsteria
1801 East 9th Street ., Cleveland
Previously called Osteria Di Valerio & Al and located in the Warehouse district, they moved to the Gateway district in 2020. They were at their previous location for close to 20 years and for good reason. The high end, freshly made Italian food has a devoted clientele and if you haven’t been, you’ve been missing out on one of the most consistent Italian spots in town. Credit:Osteria/FacebookThe Reserve
42 North Main St., Chagrin Falls
At long last, The Reserve Chagrin Falls opened its doors in August of 2022. The restaurant replaced Umami, which closed this past winter after 14 years. Owners Mike Mendlovic and Nikki Williams changed the concept and added a handsome bar constructed of black walnut that spans the length of the left side of the room. The biggest changes were “reserved” for the menu, which is under the control of chef Gregg Gale. This time around, the chef focuses almost entirely on small plates, many of which will be familiar to regular diners. Most of the large plates and entrees have been jettisoned or converted to small-plate form. Seafood still plays a starring role on the menu. Credit: Mike MendlovicMomo’s Kebab
2199 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights
When Momo’s opened in 2015, it was the perfect addition for the eclectic Lee Road dining scene that features Turkish, Mexican, Ethiopian, Thai and Italian cuisines. If you haven’t had Moroccan food before, get to Momo’s now for the colorful and wide-ranging tastes offered here. Credit: Scene ArchivesTonkotsu Ramen at Issho Ni
34302 Euclid Ave., Willoughby
Thanks to social media, I was persuaded to travel to Willoughby in search of ramen. What I encountered when I landed was some of the best bowls in Northeast Ohio. The Japanese eatery offers a wide array of sushi, hibachi and stir-fries, but the ramen options are exemplary. Choices include a classic pork tonkotsu, kuro ramen with squid ink, Hokkaido-style yellow ramen, soy-based shoyu ramen and broth-less mazemen ramen. The tonkotsu arrives characteristically milky, with a rich, savory broth made from long-simmering bones. In the bowl are bouncy noodles, thick wheels of chashu, tender braised pork belly and a soft-cooked egg. Order it as spicy as you dare.
Photo by Emanuel Wallace Credit: Scene ArchivesSasa
13120 Shaker Square., Cleveland
This sushi and tapas restaurant introduced the concept of Izayaka to Cleveland close to 15 years ago. Izayaka is a cross between a sit-down dinner and a night at the pub and this spot is the perfect place to share sushi and small plates, like their award-winning tempura fries and their Kobe beef meatballs. Their Sasa Fire roll is filled with lobster, crawfish, masago salad and Chinese broccoli, then topped with shrimp, spicy mayo and unagi sauce and then is brought out and lit on fire to make for one of the more fun dishes in town. Credit: Scene ArchivesParis Room
7 North Franklin St., Chagrin Falls
If you’re a tiny French brasserie in Chagrin Falls, you almost have to be romantic, no? That’s certainly the case with this gem of a spot, located in the heart of downtown Chagrin Falls. And the food is damn good too. Credit: Scene ArchivesCoppia
8623 Mayfield Rd., Chesterland
Out in Chesterland, this fine dining restaurant opened in late 2021. Chefs Talia Trovato and Hedy Pastran turn comfort foods into a high end dining experience and knock it out of the park. Everything is made from scratch and the menu changes seasonally. Definitely visit this place before it really blows up. Credit: Scene ArchivesPupuseria La Bendicion
3685 West 105th St., Cleveland
”These are easily the best Pupusas and Tamales I’ve ever had. Ladies, Gentlemen, and Household Pets, I give you Pupuseria La Bendicion. When I was a Pup, I discovered Pupusas. I have been in love with them ever since. I can scarf them down like there’s no Tamale. I’ve had Pupusas – the Salvadoran staple dish – in several countries, many states, and countless cities. I have to say that the best Pupusas I’ve ever eaten are hidden away in suburban Cleveland, and at under $3 each, they’re so cheap, you can gorge yourself on them and stuff your face and still not even spend $10. If you live in Cleveland and you haven’t been here yet, you’ve been missing out. If you love Salvadoran food and are within a few hours of Cleveland, it’s worth a detour,” Fox E. on Yelp
Photo via Pupuseria La Benidicion/Facebook Credit: Scene ArchivesSeoul Garden
5270 Pearl Rd., Parma
Adventure is the name of the game at Seoul Garden, the region’s best Korean restaurant (despite less-than-glamorous digs) for nearly a decade. At this Parma institution, small groups huddle around bubbling pots of “jungol,” hearty stews that run the gamut from spicy seafood to “Army Base,” so named for the inclusion of American Spam. Other tables feature tabletop griddles for cooking up Korean barbecue items like thin-sliced pork belly and beef brisket, which are wrapped in lettuce leaves, topped with red chili pepper paste and kimchi, and eaten out of hand. For the uninitiated, bibimbop is a great place to start. Served in a hot stone bowl, this mix of steamed rice, shredded veggies, ground beef and egg is Korean comfort food. Credit: Scene ArchivesBlack Box Fix
25359 Cedar Rd., Lyndhurst
Boasting some of the best, most creative sandwiches in town, this Legacy Village spot from Chef Eric Rogers has built up a very loyal following. Here’s a description of one of their sandwiches, so you know we’re not joking around: cajun Fried catfish and shrimp, smoked cheddar, bacon, arugula, tomato, red onion, pickles, creole remoulade. It’s as delicious and overstuffed as it sounds. Credit: Scene ArchivesAnnapurna Indian Restaurant
7464 Ridge Rd., Parma
Annapurna is arguably the best Indian restaurant in Greater Cleveland but most have never heard of it. Whether you want North Indian or South or anything in between, this super authentic spot is perfect. Each dish is cooked to perfection. Credit: Scene ArchivesPupuseria Katarina
1409 Brookpark Rd., Cleveland
Authentic El Salvadoran cuisine in Cleveland? Sign us up. Naturally, Pupuseria Katarina excels at El Salvadoran pupusas, thick corn pancakes stuffed with various fillings and fried on a griddle. They offer a full slate of options, from simple cheese to “Pupusa Loca”, which is kind of like the kitchen sink version stuffed with every filling on the menu. Simpler is better, in my opinion, with cheese or maybe cheese, beans and pork rising to the top. Fried to order, the pupusas arrive hot, crisp and corny. Credit: Scene ArchivesEl Rinconcito Chapin
3330 Broadview Rd., Cleveland
The Guatemalan eatery, owned by Engel Godinez, had briefly wowed diners at its original spot a couple of miles away on Pearl Road before rolling down the shutters in advance of the big move. Attracted by the promise of soul-satisfying pupusas, adventurous customers who expanded their comfort zones left as newly minted fans of a much broader, compelling cuisine. And if they happened to land on the garnachas, they likely became Rinconcito groupies for life. Credit: Scene ArchivesCleaveLand Grill
17024 Pearl Rd.
On October 19 of last year, Cleveland lost one of its best resources for Halal ingredients when a fire broke out at CleaveLand Grocers in Brook Park. But it wasn’t just those who follow that strict dietary law that suffered a blow, the mourners also included fans of great burgers, chicken sandwiches and cheesesteaks. While owners continue to focus on getting the grocery and grill in Brook Park back up and running, they decided to branch out with a second location in Strongsville offering many of the same tasty meals dished up at the original. Credit: Douglas TrattnerSabor Miami Cafe and Gallery
4848 Broadview Rd., Cleveland
This adorable little cafe and art gallery is reminiscent of the Cuban joints you’ll find all over south Florida. You can’t go wrong with a Cuban sandwich here, but the empanadas are just as good. And the drinks like horchata and café con leche are a perfect complement to your meal. Credit: Scene ArchivesSachsenheim Hall
7001 Denison Ave., Cleveland
If you’re looking for a place brimming with two important qualities – lots of character and lots of tacos – you’ve met your match. The German pub has been going strong for nearly a century. Its legendary Taco Tuesday serves up varieties like green chili, chicken paprikash and mesquite chipotle pork all by a man known solely as “Grumpy.” Wash it all down with a beer-filled boot. Credit: Scene ArchivesSangria Y Tapas
27200 Detroit Rd., Westlake
On Detroit in Westlake you’ll find Sangria Y Tapas, one of the only true tapas restaurants in Cleveland. You’ll feel like you stepped off Las Ramblas in Barcelona when you enter this spot. They have all the traditional tapas offerings like grilled octopus, patatas bravas (fried potatoes) sauteed shrimp, breaded artichokes, jamon cerrano ham with melon and a bunch of other fantastic small plates. They also have main courses like paella, seafood stew, stuffed scallops and more. Credit: Scene ArchivesSichuan Hot Pot
2162 Rockwell Ave., Cleveland
Just when you think that Cleveland’s Chinese restaurant scene can’t possibly get any better, when stalwarts like Siam Cafe, Li Wah and Szechuan Gourmet are joined by thrilling additions such as Han Chinese and LJ Shanghai, along came Sichuan Hot Pot to gobble up some of the attention. And deservedly so, as die-hard fans of tongue-tingling Szechuan cuisine can’t seem to stay away from the relative newcomer. Credit: Scene ArchivesRincón Criollo
Multiple Locations
Offerings of Puerto Rican cuisine here reflect African, Indian and American influences. Fritters are popular, and Rincón’s appetizer list features two kinds: relleno de papas (potato balls) and alcapurria (banana balls). Specials include mondongo (tripe stew), chuletas fritas o en salsa (pork chops fried or in red sauce), and mofongo con chicharrones (mashed seasoned plantain ball with fried pork). Credit: Scene ArchivesPho Thang Cafe
815 Superior Ave. East, Cleveland
Pho Thang’s pho is delicious, with 10 different varieties ranging from lean to a combination bowl with round steak, brisket, tripe and meatballs. Chicken varieties are there, too. Soups come in only one size and are served with usual accompaniments of bean sprouts, cilantro, jalapeno and lime.
Photo via Scene Archives Credit: Scene ArchivesQuisqueya
2317 Denison Ave, Cleveland
Taking over for the popular Moncho’s in Brooklyn, Quisqueya expanded from their Clark-Fulton spot. The restaurant specializes in Puerto Rican and Dominican dishes like sancocho, mondongo, empanadillas, alcapurrias, fried pork with plantains, camarones con mofongo, and beef stew with rice and beans.
Photo via Quisqueya Latin Cuisine/Facebook Credit: Scene ArchivesMarie’s
4502 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland
Poke your head into one of the quiet, low-lit bars on St. Clair Avenue sometime and ask one of the regulars where to find good Eastern European food in the neighborhood. If you’re lucky, they’ll clue you into Marie’s Restaurant. For more than 40 years, it has been a stalwart of Croatian dining in the historically Slavic St. Clair-Superior neighborhood. It’s no mystery to Vucica how the restaurant has survived the city’s ups and downs: “Good food.” The menu at Marie’s is a bold throwback to the kitchens of mid-century America. Dishes rarely seen outside the most staunchly Old-World kitchens (beef goulash, liver and onions) are on proud display here. Credit: Scene ArchivesHarlow’s
14319 Madison Ave., Lakewood
Lakewood’s lesser known pizza joint should not be slept on. The 12-inch Neapolitan pies come in just five choices – Marinara, Margherita, Bianca, Salami and Leonardo, but they perfect every offering and so nothing else is needed. Credit: Scene ArchivesThe Sleepy Rooster
5120 Chillicothe Rd., Chagrin Falls
This Chagrin Falls breakfast and lunch diner just opened in 2021 but it’s made quite an impression. Biscuit fans will appreciate the fresh-baked ones served here. They land in dishes like breakfast biscuits, biscuits and gravy, and eggs Benedict. The Sleepy Rooster is one of the only Northeast Ohio restaurants to make and serve goetta, the German breakfast meat made with pork, beef, steel-cut oats, onions and spices. Some breakfast items, like a section of toasts topped with arrangements like avocado and sea salt, chorizo and goat cheese, and smoked salmon, dill cream cheese and onion, are available all day. This place is certainly elevating the breakfast game in town. Credit: Scene ArchivesGar and Mar
10 Seminary St., Berea
When the Campus Grille in Berea closed, Garry and Nadette Lawson swooped in to open a place of their own. Born and raised in Jamaica, “Gar” and “Mar” set about making the foods of their native home, going so far as to build a traditional Jamaican-style drumpan behind the restaurant on which to cook foods. Emanating from that grill is exceptional jerk chicken. Marinated, spice-rubbed and grilled to a chestnut brown, the meat is firm, slightly smokey from the flames and intensely flavored. Credit: Scene ArchivesThe Spot on Lakeshore
7272 Lakeshore Blvd., Mentor
Veteran chef Zachary Bond opened this spot in Mentor in 2021 and quickly turned it into one of the better breakfast and lunch spots in town. You might call The Spot a “gastro-diner,” a place that melds the come-as-you-are comforts of the neighborhood hash house with a gently elevated menu grounded by local ingredients and solid technique. In addition to all the classics, The Spot serves up items like breakfast sandwiches, eggs Benedict, biscuits and gravy, three-egg omelets and platters containing eggs, meat, home fries and toast – Bond also whips up avocado toast, eggs in purgatory and a half dozen skillets starring redskin potatoes with various toppings. Those are joined by specialties like steak and eggs and country-fried chicken and waffles with black pepper gravy, creme brulee french toast and tiramisu pancakes. Credit: Douglas Trattner
