The ‘burbs. Yeah, the suburbs are more than just cookie-cutter shopping developments with Cheesecake Factories and Paneras. In fact, the Cleveland suburbs have some of the best restaurants around and they hit almost every type of cuisine you could want. Where should you be dining? These places.
Flour
34205 Chagrin Blvd., Moreland Hills
Is it just us or does Flour get better and buzzier over time? We’ve been fans of the Italian restaurant since the start, lured out to suburbia by the four skilled hands belonging to Paul Minnillo and Matt Mytro. This tag team of tagliatelle put the panache back in pasta, elevating the genre from dependable gut-buster to captivating, elegant cuisine. The perfect pairings of noodles and sauce, like rigatoni with lamb neck gravy, are memorable to the very last bite. 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 ArchivesAldo’s
8459 Memphis Ave., Cleveland
This place is so old school, they don’t even have a website. But it doesn’t matter, because the food is so good. This hidden gem, that only contains about 12 tables total, is located in Old Brooklyn. Start with the hot peppers and calamari and finish up with the linguini. Credit: Scene ArchivesSigara Böre?i at Anatolia Cafe
2270 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights
A little bit Greek, a little bit Middle Eastern and perhaps even slightly northern Indian, the names, ingredients and flavor notes of Anatolia’s authentic Turkish cuisine will strike familiar chords for veteran tabletop travelers. Sigara Boregi is a light pastry dough filled with a blend of feta cheese and fresh herbs and one of a number of awesome dishes on Anatolia’s menu.
Photo via Anatolia Cafe/Facebook Credit: Scene ArchivesEdwin’s
13101 Shaker Square, Cleveland
Edwin’s is an upscale restaurant with fancy French cuisine, so it’s definitely a great way to spend a few hours, but the best part of Edwin’s is its mission. The employees are almost exclusively formerly incarcerated, and the restaurant now has a companion butcher shop with the same mission. Grab a reservation before you go, and know you’re helping a great cause. Credit: Scene ArchivesDeagan’s Kitchen and Bar
14810 Detroit Ave., Lakewood
Deagan’s has some of the best burgers in town, their fries are on point and almost everything on the menu is shareable. So if you’re one of those people that can never decide what to order, head to Deagan’s with some friends, order all the appetizers and small plates, and you get to sample most of the menu. The corn fritters and buttermilk fried chicken skins are some of our favorites. Credit: Scene ArchivesGiovanni’s Ristorante
25550 Chagrin Blvd., Beachwood
One of the last remaining grande dames of the region’s formal dining scene, this elegant Italian restaurant offers impeccable appointments, attentive service and a luxurious menu of steaks, veal chops, seafood and pasta. Yes, it is expensive. But the chance to put on a suit and feel like a grown-up and have pasta prepared table-side? Priceless. The bolognese is a must have. Credit: Scene ArchivesIndia 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 after! Credit: Scene ArchivesChez Francois
555 Main St., Vermilion
Nestled on the banks of the Vermilion River, this quaint French restaurant reminds us of why we might never need to visit France. Or, why we need to. `While it’s a bit of a hike out to Vermilion, this is dining and views at its finest and well worth the trip. Credit: Scene ArchivesGeraci’s Restaurant
2266 Warrensville Center Rd., University Heights, 29425 Chagrin Blvd., Pepper Pike and 6687 Wilson Mills Blvd., Mayfield Village
The thick-cut pepperoni (we recommend ordering double-pepperoni) on their pizzas are the stars of the show at this mom and pop Italian restaurant that’s been a family business for over 60 years, opening in 1956.. Don’t let that stop you from exploring the rest of the traditional Italian menu, with other staples like spaghetti and homemade meat sauce and eggplant parmesan. Now, you can try their delicious offerings at three locations, one in Pepper Pike and one in Mayfield Heights in addition to their original home in University Heights. Credit: Scene ArchivesBarroco Grill
12906 Madison Ave., Lakewood
If you’ve never had an arepa before, you need to head to Barocco ASAP. Arepas, which hail from Colombia and Venezuela, are grilled white tortilla’s stuffed with a variety of ingredients. The ‘La Gringa’, stuffed with braised beef, feta cheese, avocado, chimichurri, greens and mozzarella, and the ‘Buffalo Chicken’ arepa are two of our absolute favorites. Barrocco also has fantastic live Latin music three nights a week. Credit: Scene ArchivesBangkok Thai
5359 Mayfield Rd., Lyndhurst
A strip mall in Lyndhurst isn’t where you’d expect to find some of the best Thai food in town, but prepare to have your expectations blown by this place. They really do everything well, but we especially enjoy the crazy noodles. And if you like some spice, we highly recommend spicing up your food here. Credit: Scene ArchivesIrie Jamaican Kitchen
621 East 185th St., and 4162 Pearl Rd., Cleveland and 837 W. Market St., Akron
Since opening his first Irie Jamaican Kitchen, the chef from Trelawny Parish has been keen on expansion. Owner Omar McKay built upon the success of that first location by adding a second shop near the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and followed it up with a location in Akron’s Highland Square neighborhood. Next up is an expansion to Shaker Heights on Chagrin Boulevard, specifically across the street from Heinen’s in the strip mall at Chagrin and Lee. The space will be next door to Upper Crust. Credit: Scene ArchivesJoJo’s Bar
87 West St., Chagrin Falls
With Jojo’s Bar, Chagrin Falls finally gets the restaurant it deserves and restaurateur Rick Doody can take that well-earned vacation.For his latest opus, Doody appears to have plucked all the best nuggets from his portfolio of restaurants, which includes 17 River Grille, Cedar Creek Grille and Bar Italia. Those pearls are polished for a more critical audience and presented with New York swagger in a drama-filled space. Rather than go one route or the other, the serial restaurateur opted to marry the timeless appeal of an elevated Italian trattoria with the flair of a classic American chophouse. Once again, Doody has partnered with designer (and wife) Wendy Berry to create a cohesive interior dripping with good taste. Credit: Scene ArchivesLa Campagna
27337 Detroit Rd., Westlake
It’s hard to recommend just one dish on this ever-changing menu of Italian cuisine because the menu changes so often on the whim of chef/owner Carmella Fragassi and what she finds fresh at the market. Seasonal and local is the theme here at this authentic Westlake restaurant that is so authentic, you might think you’re in Italy if you didn’t know any better. Credit: Scene ArchivesMoxie, Chagrin Falls
Just as he recently did with Lopez, Brad Friedlander is dusting off an old brand and bringing it out of retirement. Moxie closed in 2019 after a laudable 22 years. Since opening in the late-1990s, the Beachwood bistro produced many of the region’s top chefs, including Doug Katz, Karen Small, Tim Bando, Eric Williams, Jonathan Bennett, John Kolar and others. Friedlander and partner Michael DuBois purchased Aurelia in Chagrin Falls, which closed after six years. Following a refresh of the property, Moxie will open in June, with Aurelia chef James Balchak staying on. The through lines connecting Moxie past and present, says management, will be the seasonal menus, from-scratch cooking, high-quality ingredients and elevated guest experience. Credit: Scene ArchivesLox, Stock and Brisket
3441 Tuttle Rd., Shaker 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. Lox, Stock and Brisket is modeled after the great Jewish delicatessens that once thrived in this area 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. Credit: Scene ArchivesBoss ChicknBeer
120 Front St., Berea, 7305 Broadview Rd., Seven Hills and 27321 Wolf Rd., Bay Village
Heather Doeberling and Emily Moes made such a splash with their popular food truck Boca Loca that they opened a Berea-based brick-and-mortar operation of the same name a couple years later. They parlayed those early successes into Boss ChicknBeer, a fried chicken and beer joint which they opened in 2018, also in Berea. Just four years later, they already have three locations, adding Seven Hills and Bay Village to their repertoire and don’t be surprised to see more open in the coming years. It’s that good. Credit:Scene ArchivesCru Uncorked
34300 Chagrin Blvd., Moreland Hills
Maybe the fanciest joint in town, this Moreland Hills French fine dining restaurant is truly one of a kind in the region. If it wasn’t for the table settings, it would be easy to forget that you were touring a public restaurant and not the private home of the wealthiest family on the street — a street that also happened to be located in the ritziest zip code in town. The actual building looks like it was plucked from the Normandy countryside.
Photo via Scene Archives Credit: Scene ArchivesD’Agnese’s
1100 West Royalton Rd., Broadview Heights
Head out to Broadview Heights and you won’t be disappointed. Italian food lovers swear by this place and it’s easy to see why. The Shrimp D’Agnese’s and the eggplant parmesan are real standouts here. Credit: Scene ArchivesOhio Pie Co.
1315 1/2 Pearl Rd., Brunswick and 19565 Detroit Rd., Rocky River
Qualities like a thin-but-not-too-thin crust, subtly sweet sauce, edge-to-edge cheese, and square-cut round pie combine to form Ohio-style pie, christened and now being dished up by the Ohio Pie Co. in Brunswick. Leftover pizza for breakfast is a trusty weekend remedy, but why settle for day-old when you can nab fresh pie early Saturday and Sunday mornings designed specifically for the occasion. Weekend mornings usher in a roster of brunch pies starring toppings like bacon, egg and potato on an everything-bagel-seasoning-style crust with a cream cheese white sauce. Credit: Scene ArchivesLockkeepers
8001 Rockside Rd., Valley View
Owned by Milennia Hospitality Group, the same owners of the beloved Marble Room and Il Venetian, the recently redesigned Lockkeepers is one of the best Italian spots in town. Located in a beautiful setting on the historic Erie Canal and Cuyahoga River, the picturesque setting is hardly the only star of the show here. The veal chop parmigiano, sausage-stuffed peppers and seafood fra diavolo pasta are all to die for. Credit: Scene ArchivesML Tavern
34105 Chagrin Blvd., Moreland Hills
With Hyde Park being around so long, it’s almost an afterthought in the Cleveland steakhouse scene, but that shouldn’t be the case with ML Tavern from the Hyde Park Restaurant Group. Thick-cut steaks, a healthy portion of chicken milanese, lobster mashed potatoes and the roasted corn are highlights at this beautifully decorated Moreland Hills joint that will make you feel like you’re sitting in a Ralph Lauren advertisement and are dining after you’ve finished riding your horse. Credit: Scene ArchivesScorpacciata Pasta Co.
3441 Tuttle Rd., Shaker Heights
In addition to all of their fabulous homemade pastas, this stand located at the Van Aken Food Hall is offering pizzas and family style lasagna pans. You can get a cheese lasagna pan for $35 or meat for $45.
Photo via Scorpacciata Pasta Co./Facebook Credit: Scene ArchivesTaki’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. Credit: Scene ArchivesThe Last Page
100 Park Ave. Ste. 128, Orange Village
Within a tsunami of fast-casual monotony, The Last Page at Pinecrest is a welcome detour. This modern-day supper club offers an immersive, upscale experience, from the luxuriously appointed waiting area to the grand bar in the rear of the drama-filled dining room. A lengthy menu avoids categorization of any kind, presenting instead a blitz of 25 appealing items that lean on various cultures and cuisines. Credit: Scene ArchivesThe Reserve
42 North Main St., Chagrin Falls
At long last, The Reserve Chagrin Falls opened its doors in August. 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: Scene ArchivesTommy’s Restaurant
1824 Coventry Rd., Cleveland Heights
Known for their vegetarian and healthy options, this Coventry Road staple has been serving up Clevelanders since 1972. While they had vegetarian and vegan options before those became popular, they have more than just healthy options. The thick-cut french fries are some of the best in town and their milkshakes, especially black cherry, is a must try. 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: Scene ArchivesZhug
12413 Cedar Rd., Cleveland Heights
“My favorite restaurant in Cleveland, hands down!! Where do I even start? First, Chef Doug and his staff are unbelievably well trained and welcoming. Second, the food. Wow. Just wow. Delicious. Interesting (in the best way). Fresh. Presented like art. My favorite dishes are the Curry Fried Chicken, Smoked Octopus, Duck Fat Potato Tostones, and Harissa Peanut Hummus…but you can’t go wrong with any of them. Trust me.Third, the ambiance is *chefs kiss*. It’s exactly what this area needs – a hip, dimly lit, beautifully decorated hot spot. Well done, Zhug!!!” Samantha M. on Yelp Credit: Scene ArchivesPier W
12700 Lake Ave., Lakewood
This Lakewood seafood restaurant has won Scene’s best of ‘most romantic restaurant’ multiple times, and for good reason. Since 1965, these views of Lake Erie and the city are unmatched, the atmosphere is sophisticated and elegant and the seafood is delicious. Oh, and the brunch is perfection and the seafood is the best in town. Credit: Scene ArchivesRed, the Steakhouse
200 Park Ave., Orange
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. Credit: Scene ArchivesZoma
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. Credit:Zoma/FacebookThyme 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 ArchivesRood Food and Pie
17001 Madison Ave., Lakewood
The only way this concept rises above the level of novelty is by offering not just delicious food, but by presenting it in a way that transforms it into a convivial, communal experience, much like Korean barbecue without all the splatter. A restaurant based on pies? Well, when you have the quality of pies that Rood Food has, it just works. Credit: Scene ArchivesSalt
17625 Detroit Ave., Lakewood
Chef-owner Jill Vedaa spent 20 years perfecting her craft at restaurants over town, with stints at Bohemia, KeKa, Lola, Flying Fig, Rockefeller’s and the Black Pig before opening her own place in 2016. At Salt in Lakewood, Vedaa, along with co-owenr Jessica Parkison, are showing that in the right hands, small plate dining is social, exciting and creatively refreshing compared to ho-hum steak and potatoes. Credit: Scene ArchivesVero Pizza
12421 Cedar Rd., Cleveland Heights
It might just be pizza to us, but to owner Marc-Aurele Buholzer, it’s a way of life. First you make the dough, then you stoke the fire, and finally you feed the neighborhood. There’s only so much of that naturally leavened dough to go around, so admiring diners know to get here early to secure one or three of those fly pies. They exit the wood-burner with a textbook puffy, chewy, tender crust spotted like a leopard with slightly bitter bits of char. 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 ArchivesStrip Steakhouse
36840 Detroit Rd., Avon
Housed in a 160-year-old Pennsylvania Dutch barn, this steak house is anything but old-fashioned. Owner Ron Larson spiffed up the interior in ways that will pleasantly surprise diners expecting doilies and drapes. The two-story barn features a first-floor lounge with open kitchen and a spacious loft dining room. First-rate steaks and chops share the menu with less conventional steakhouse fare, like smoked chicken, pasta Bolognese and horseradish-crusted grouper. Credit: Scene ArchivesTartine Bistro
19110 Detroit Rd., Rocky River
Tartine Bistro boasts a masterful arrangement of setting, mood, food and drink to recreate the unfeigned quintessence of a charming french bistro. Plus, there’s really good pizza! A small kitchen puts out not only small plates, but also sandwiches (tartines), right-sized entrées, and classic desserts. Credit: Scene Archives
