Cleveland has said goodbye to plenty of restaurants during the pandemic years, but it’s also said hello to bunch of new ones. 2022 has been a bumper year on that front, with more openings than we can remember in a long time. How many have you tried?
Indie
2038 East 4th St., Cleveland
Owners Gabriel Zeller and Julie Mesenburg have reshaped the former Greenhouse Tavern space on East 4th into a shrine to independent music thanks to 100s of framed concert and tour posters. Diners can look forward to Southern-styled foods, many shareable, along with music-themed brunches. Credit: Scene ArchivesFilter
740 W. Superior Ave., Cleveland
Since opening his first Sauce Boiling Seafood Express restaurant in 2019, Kyler Smith has gone on to open four more locations in Ohio, with more on the way. In February, Smith opened Filter in the former Take 5 Rhthym and Jazz space in the Perry–Payne Building and the changes are dramatic, to say the least. Sporting a lounge-like atmosphere, with shimmering fabric panels, a DJ booth and lengthy bar, the 120-seat restaurant and bar is already attracting a ton of attention.
The menu is under the control of chef Jarrett Mines, whose client roster as a private chef includes top players from the Cleveland Browns. Diners can look forward to American fare like pasta, fish, lamb chops and steak. Credit: Scene ArchivesBoss ChicknBeer
120 Front St., Seven Hills
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 , which they opened in 2018, also in Berea. Recently, they sold both Boca Loca ventures to focus on Boss, a brand bound for bigger things. Seven Hills will be their third location in addition to Berea and a Bay Village location that opened in 2021. Credit: Scene ArchivesBright Side
1948 West 25th St., Cleveland
It’s been 17 and 15 years, respectively, since McNulty and co-founder Mark Priemer opened Bier Markt and Bar Cento in Ohio City. This past October, the partners announced that they were closing both venues to make way for something new. This June, they introduced the neighborhood to Bright Side, a bar forward concept. In the kitchen will be the powerhouse tag team of chef-partners Andrew Bower and Steve Schimoler, who marks his return to Ohio City. Together, the chefs have crafted an entirely new menu of creative comfort food made with healthy, local ingredients. To drink there are 16 craft beers (12 from Market Garden, four rotating locals), cocktails and a Champagne-heavy wine list with other global gems. Credit: Scene ArchivesEdda Coffee Roasters
2011 West 25th St., Cleveland
Add Edda Coffee Roasters to the offerings that are now open at Intro in Ohio City. Edda is a bright and blissful all-day café that anchors one end of the tree-lined plaza. Charlie Eisenstat, formerly of Pour Cleveland, is roasting “Nordic-style” coffee beans in house for the café. Those beverages are paired with an all-day menu of light, fresh and wholesome foods. A display case is stocked with grab-and-go pastries like power balls, gluten-free cookies, banana bread, triple-berry scones and fruit-filled beignets. Credit: Scene ArchivesAmba
1430 West 28th St., Cleveland
Walk into Amba and it’s clear you have the makings of another one-of-a-kind experience from chef Doug Katz. The building is divided into two connected but distinct spaces, the main Amba dining room and the smaller Bar Amba. As at Zhug in Cleveland Heights, the aim is to foster an energetic, lively and informal atmosphere where diners can feel comfortable standing, talking and visiting with nearby tables. Also reminiscent of Zhug, the menu at Amba is loaded with small plates built for sharing. There are two dozen items that range from small, zesty condiments to composed meat and fish dishes. Many of these “Indian-inspired” street foods have a clear through line all the way back to the tandoor oven at Fire. There are options for vegans, gluten-free diners, seafood- and meat-eaters. Credit: Scene ArchivesJade
1048 Old River Rd., Cleveland
Zdenko Zovkic closed his Warehouse District mainstay XO Prime Steaks, but recently opened a new establishment down in the Flats, where he’ll be presiding over Jade. This ambitious Asian-fusion concept offers guests three different experiences on three different levels. Moving up from the ground floor, diners will progress from street food and sushi to upscale dining and finally a stylish rooftop club with awesome views. The main floor is a no-reservation dining room with a lengthy sushi bar, separate cocktail bar and plenty of seating. On the menu will be sushi, steamed buns, noodles and other “street food” style items. The second floor, reached either by an elevator or grand staircase, has its own small bar and lounge plus a dining room with amazing views of the lake. There, diners will enjoy sashimi, whole fish, steak and Asian-inspired items. Credit: Scene ArchivesJuneberry
3900 Lorain Ave., Cleveland
There is a silver lining to the 2019 closure of Jack Flaps, a popular breakfast diner in Ohio City. Chef Karen Small took the space over and finally opened a diner of her own after much anticipation. The bustling cafe serves breakfast-all-day and lunch items until the early afternoon. Small, who is also in the process of a new concept at the recently closed Flying Fig (2523 Market Ave.,) in the same neighborhood was motivated to grab the space because of what she believes is a gap in the marketplace. Juneberry features an all-day breakfast and lunch menu largely inspired by the chef’s decade spent living outside of Athens, Ohio. Credit: Scene ArchivesOriginal Steaks and Hoagies
7894 Broadview Rd., Parma
Since purchasing Original Steaks & Hoagies, Jeff Wiseman has been on a mission to expand the brand throughout the region. For the first seven years of the company’s existence, Twinsburg was the only place a steak lover could sink his or her teeth into an authentic Philly cheesesteak. Then, seemingly overnight, Original Steaks & Hoagies shops began opening in places like Fairlawn, Canton, Lorain and Medina, not to mention an ever-expanding fleet of food trucks. The next pin on the map is Parma, where franchisee Keith Keger recently opened the newest Original Steaks & Hoagies location.Under Wiseman, the menu at Original Steaks has grown from just a handful of cheesesteaks and hoagies to more than two dozen sandwiches starring steak, chicken and deli meats. Credit: Scene ArchivesPins Mechanical Co. and 16-Bit Bar + Arcade
1880 West 25th St., Cleveland
A project that was first announced in 2019 finally reached the finish line in March. Pins Mechanical Co. and 16-Bit Bar + Arcade, which opened in Ohio City, was previously home to Daniels Furniture. The sprawling entertainment complex spans 27,000 square feet spread across two floors. While the all-ages social destination is one cohesive attraction, it is comprised of two separate venues. Cleveland gamers likely will be familiar with 16-Bit, the classic arcade game emporium that for six years lured nerds to Lakewood. Joining that concept is Pins Mechanical, Rise’s duckpin bowling brand. Credit: Scene ArchivesPonyBoys
506 E. Washington St., Chagrin Falls
PonyBoys opened in early 2022, bringing modern Mexican fare to Chagrin Falls.The 60-seat restaurant from industry vets Ryan Scanlon and Christian Kalinyak, both of whom are veterans of the Chef Art Pour Restaurant Group (Burntwood Tavern, M Italian). offers “elevated Mexican street food.” A quick glance at the menu reveals a lineup of dishes that clearly attempts to differentiate itself from the typical “mod Mex” taco factory. Credit: Scene ArchivesBlue Agave
2071 East 4th St., Cleveland
Since taking over the former Zocalo spot on East 4th Street, Alex Martinez and his team have been busy transforming the 14-year-old, two-level restaurant into something a bit more current. Martinez and his partnership group operate numerous Northeast Ohio restaurants, including Tres Potrillos, Jalapenos, El Palenque, Fiesta Habaneros, Tito’s Mexican Grill, Tacologist and Blue Habanero. In the entrée department, there are traditional platters like fajitas, burritos and chimichangas mixed with house specialties such as seafood-stuffed chile rellenos and carne asada. To drink, there are cocktails like Palomas, Mojitos and Mexican Mules, signature margaritas made with fresh-squeezed fruit juices, and an all-Mexican draft beer list. Credit: Scene ArchivesAnna In The Raw
1300 East 9th St., Cleveland
It’s been six long months since Anna Harouvis shuttered her 20-year-old Good to Go Café at the IMG building downtown — and as she likes to say, she hasn’t been lying on a beach in Greece all winter. Instead, she been putting her heart and soul into her new café, which is located in the lobby of the AECOM building across the street. At 2,000 square feet, the new Anna in the Raw location is more than twice the size of the original café. Like the original café, this new shop will be a boon for “clean food” lovers thanks to the chef’s roster of raw, vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and wholesome foods. In addition to Harouvis’ signature line of cold-pressed juices, there will be soups, salads, sandwiches and heartier dishes. Coolers will be stocked with fresh juices and grab-and-go items. Credit: Scene ArchivesBuild the Pho
11440 Euclid Ave.., Cleveland
Before the close of March, a new lunch and dinner option opened at Uptown in University Circle. Build the Pho, as the name suggests, is a build-your-own-bowl-style Vietnamese noodle shop. The restaurant is in the former Bamboo Garden space on Euclid. The new eatery is owned by Sheng Long Yu, who also operates Shinto, Kenko Sushi, Dagu Rice Noodle, Hell’s Fried Chicken, and recently announced an ambitious Asiatown food hall. Credit: Scene ArchivesMango Mango
3133 Payne Ave., Cleveland
Back in February we shared the news that New York-based sweets shop Mango Mango would open its first Ohio location in Asiatown. Local franchisee Bin Zheng has just announced that opening day will be Thursday, April 14th. Hong Kong-style dessert shop, opened in New York City’s Chinatown neighborhood in 2013. Since then, the colorful confectionery has expanded to include approximately 30 locations in 12 states. The expansive menu includes familiar items like smoothies, milks, bubble teas and mango mochi, alongside house-churned ice cream starring green tea, red bean and mango. There are also many-layered mille crepe cakes, coconut crepe rolls and fresh fruit waffles. Credit: Scene ArchivesGarden of Eden
2017 East Ninth St., Cleveland
Azure Sun Lounge was put to bed to make way for the Garden of Eden, a splashy new rooftop oasis at the Metropolitan at the 9. The 12th-floor height immerses guests in the surrounding skyline as opposed to hovering above it. Easygoing happy hours and early dinners will give way to a DJ-fueled lounge vibe in the evenings. Credit: Scene ArchivesHouse of Creole
668 Euclid Ave., Cleveland
Jeffrey Miskiri, owner of a Washington D.C.-based restaurant group with multiple concepts with names like Po Boy Jim, Creole on 14th, Suga & Spice and Miss Toya’s Creole House, recently opened House of Creole in the former Sixth City Sailor’s Club and Hodge’s space downtown. Since opening, House of Creole has been dishing up Big Easy-style starters like fried green tomatoes, crab cakes and deviled eggs with shrimp. For the main event there will be fried fish po’ boys, seafood etouffee, Cajun shrimp and grits and jambalaya loaded with shrimp, chicken, sausage and rice. Credit: Scene ArchivesLet’s Talk
1300 East 9th St.., Cleveland
In the wake of new investments and improvements to the AECOM building in downtown Cleveland, a handful of new food tenants have begun preparations to move into the property. Those who will do so in the coming weeks and months include Winking Lizard, Colossal Cupcakes, Anna in the Raw and Let’s Talk.
Opening soon will be Let’s Talk, which is taking over a space formerly home to Al’s Deli (not to be confused with the Al’s Deli down the block). The “food side” will cater to the employees in the building with coffee service, grab-and-go breakfast and lunch items and heat-and-eat meals for those people to take home. There will be soups, salads and sandwiches available throughout the day. The “bar side” will open for lunch and happy hour, offering wine, cocktails and live entertainment on a vintage piano. A menu of creative small plates will be prepared by chef Amy Jones. Credit: Scene ArchivesLulo Cafe
1360 East 9th St., Cleveland
Late last year, Anna Harouvis closed her Good To Go Café after a 20-year run in the IMG building. The move allowed the chef to focus on her next location, which will open soon at the AECOM building Lucky for the workers in the IMG Center, the space was quickly claimed by Stefhanie and Mario Montoya, who operate the lovely Lulo Kitchen (1273 W. Ninth St.,) in the Warehouse District. Last month, the husband-and-wife team opened Lulo Café, a spin-off, of sorts, from their original Pan-Latin eatery. Walk-in customers can expect a similar line-up of coffees, teas, juices, smoothies, salads, soups, sandwiches, bowls and plates. There will be a heightened emphasis on breakfast items like overnight oatmeal, acai bowls with tropical fruit and grab-and-go Latin pastries like pan de queso, buñuelos and empanadas. Credit: Scene ArchivesThe Yard on 3rd
18042 3rd St., Willoughby
For years, Lure Bistro was home to one of the best patios in Downtown Willoughby. That made way for The Yard on 3rd, the town’s first food truck yard. The casual dog-friendly spot features an outdoor bar, plenty of seating, televisions and family-friendly games. The main attraction — apart from the bar — will be the rotating roster of food trucks. But equally compelling is the Geraci’s Slice Shop, a first for the beloved pizzeria. The shop will be a year-round operation that serves both The Yard guests but also take-out and delivery for Willoughby and the surrounding area. Credit: Scene ArchivesCredit: Scene ArchivesJibaro
6152 Broadview Rd., Parma
It’s been more than a year in the making, but Héctor Rodriguez has opened the doors to his Latin restaurant, Jibaro. The Parma eatery serves breakfast, lunch and dinner dishes with decidedly Puerto Rican flavors. Until recently, diners could have found Rodriguez crafting Latin sandwiches at El Sabor de Ponce. In the morning, Jibaro serves hearty breakfast platters of eggs, ham and tortillas, ham and Nutella pancakes, or breakfast sandwiches of ham, egg and cheese on domplines (Puerto Rican fried dough). For lunch, there is a roster of overstuffed sandwiches on Italian bread, including a classic Cubano and Tripleta. Larger plates are available during lunch and dinner hours. Seafood mofongo or trifongo can be ordered with shrimp, octopus or conch. There are versions topped with pork, fried chicken and fried pork chops as well. Credit: Scene ArchivesMabel’s BBQ
28699 Chagrin Blvd., Woodmere
B Spot, Michael Symon’s gourmet burger bar at Eton, was approaching middle age when the pandemic struck. In 2021, Symon and his business partner Doug Petkovic made the decision to close the restaurant after nearly 12 years in operation and reopen it as Mabel’s BBQ, which opened in March. Credit: Scene ArchivesMartha on The Fly
2173 Professor Ave, Cleveland, OH 44113
This breakfast concept took their pop-up concept and turned it into a brick and mortar spot that opened in Tremont in 2022. At this micro-diner, patrons can look forward to breakfast sandwiches perfected during the pop-up run, items like the Betty, Shirley and Doris egg sandwiches and their phenomenal cornmeal fries. But this place is usually packed so plan in advance. Credit: Scene ArchivesThe Village Butcher
818 SOM Center Rd., Mayfield
As Giovanni’s restaurant in Beachwood cruises to its 46th year in business, and weeks before Paloma debuts at Van Aken District, owners Carl Quagliata and Zack Ladner opened the doors to The Village Butcher in Mayfield. Located a stone’s throw from Smokin’ Q’s, the team’s barbecue restaurant, The Village Butcher aims to be your friendly neighborhood butcher shop, deli and marketplace. Credit: Scene ArchivesPins and Needles
13200 Madison Ave., Lakewood
Pins and Needles is a 70’s style lounge located inside Mahall’s. It’s an intimate bar and lounge that looks ripped from 1970s suburbia, right down to the wood paneling, cushy furniture, and even the glassware. There’s room for about 35 guests in the retro-chic lounge and bar. When it comes to the beverages, those, too, were worm-holed straight from another era. But unlike most of the versions whipped up 50 years ago, these cocktails are made with fresh-squeezed juices, handmade mixers and other top-quality ingredients. While there, guests can also order food from the restaurant. Credit: Scene ArchivesPioneer
2407 Lorain Ave., Cleveland
Pioneer, the new wood-fired sports bar at Intro in Ohio City opened in June. As the name implies, Pioneer captures the spirit of the great outdoors and camping culture, but filters those activities through a new-school lens. Owner Dan Whalen describes the menu as “American food with hints of Latin and South American flavors.” Most sports bar follow a typical format that includes cheap domestic beer, sticky floors and deep-fried everything. Whalen surveyed the landscape and saw the potential for a more elegant version of the sports bar destination. Credit: Scene ArchivesRoasted
2275 Professor Ave., Cleveland
Roasted, a community-minded coffee shop, opened in Tremont earlier this year. The café serves coffee, smoothies and bakery items like brioche breakfast cups, bagels, scones, vegan brownies and grab-and-go healthy snacks. But the goal of the cafe isn’t just about the food and drinks, it’s more about being a communal space for people to work, hang out and gather. Credit: Scene ArchivesRum Runners
1085 Old River Rd., Cleveland
Thirsty Dog Brewing in the Flats closed over winter and was taken over by Rum Runners, a name that doubtless conjures memories. Rum Runners, along with places like River’s Edge, Fagan’s, D’Poo’s on the River and Peabody’s Down Under, was a staple attraction during the Flats’ halcyon days in the 1980s and 1990s. After a beach-themed makeover, the 7,000-square-foot space opened Memorial Day weekend. There will be live music on weekends on the indoor “Endless Summer” stage, plus live music on the front patio down the road. To drink, there are plenty of rum-fueled drinks, mojitos, margaritas, frozen pina coladas and 20-ounce tiki “fishbowls.” There’s also a full menu which includes burgers, flatbreads, sandwiches and more. Credit: Scene ArchivesNorthstar Cafe
3380 Warrensville Center Rd., Shaker Heights
Beginning in June, Northstar Cafe joined its sister establishment Brassica at Van Aken District in Shaker Heights. Van Aken will be location number six for Northstar Café, which opened in the Short North neighborhood of Columbus in 2004 and quickly became one of the more popular restaurants in Columbus. Northstar serves breakfast, lunch and dinner every day plus weekend brunches. A large, open kitchen turns out an American menu of familiar foods made with exceptional ingredients and expert technique. Credit: Scene ArchivesSauce The City
14480 Cedar Rd., University Heights
Victor Searcy Jr. once again is making moves. The enthusiastic entrepreneur made a name for himself by selling one of the city’s best hot chicken sandwiches at the original Sauce the City stand in the former Ohio City Galley space (now closed), at First Energy Stadium and Rocket Mortgage Field House. Next up is a fast-casual restaurant in University Heights. Searcy has taken over the former Fishstix space in the Cedar Green shopping plaza. Credit: Scene ArchivesSophie La Gourmande
2275 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights
For three long years, Bob Sferra, the longtime chef, caterer and culinary instructor has been quietly working behind the scenes to open his dream business, a patisserie cafe, which opened in April in the Heights. The café offers sweet and savory breakfast and lunch items alongside high-end French-style pastries. Up front, a mini marketplace is stocked with prepackaged pastries like biscotti, hand-tempered chocolate bars, seasonal shortbread cookies, and Florentines. A lengthy counter is stocked with baked goods like croissants, pain au chocolat, macarons, palmiers, coffee cake, financiers and heartier items like breakfast danishes and ham-and-cheese buns. At lunch, cheese-topped focaccia, croque monsieur and seasonal quiches join a roster of pressed sandwiches filled with tuna, egg and tapenade or roasted eggplant, tahini and fig jam. A selection of healthy vegetable-based salads that can be enjoyed hot or cold are also available. Credit: Scene ArchivesCredit: Scene ArchivesKelsey Elizabeth Cakes
69 North Main St., Chagrin Falls
Since launching in Avon Lake in 2014, Kelsey Elizabeth Cakes has added shops in Rocky River and Avon and outputs at Crocker Park and Cedar Point. Next up for the popular confectionary is a storefront across town in Chagrin Falls, the first location on the east side. KEC brings their signature gorgeous and delicious sweets like macarons, cookies, cupcakes and much more to the Chagrin Valley. Credit: Scene ArchivesNubeigel
2254 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights
It just 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 recently 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. Credit: Scene ArchivesBartleby
1430 West 28th St., Cleveland
It’s been more than a year since Morgan Yagi announced his plans to convert the former Crop Bistro space in Ohio City to Bartleby, but it finally opened in August. Yagi spent much of the past 15 months gently reshaping the interior of the historic United Bank Building, a 1920s-era property with soaring ceilings, bronze light fixtures and a run of arched windows that flood the space with natural light. While Crop Bistro leaned more to fine dining, Bartleby aims to be more approachable and accessible in its offerings. Chef Matt DePante, most recently from The Dutch in Miami, has worked alongside consulting chef Dante Boccuzzi to develop a menu that offers a broad mix of tastes. Diners can look forward to items like burgers, pizzas and bowls of pasta, but also a great grilled ribeye, all dished up in a supper club-style environment. Credit: Scene ArchivesDamas Eatery
3650 West 117th St., Cleveland
Kifaya’s Kitchen was a dream come true for Kifaya Mohamed. After fleeing Somalia as a refugee, Mohamed made her way through Yemen, eventually settling in Cleveland where she was able to open a restaurant that showcased the foods of her homeland. After eight years, Mohamed was ready to move on from the restaurant grind, but in a symbolic passing of the torch, she placed the restaurant into the hands of another passionate immigrant. Yaseen Allaham, who fled war-torn Syria, has taken over the westside restaurant and in July opened Damas Eatery. The offerings at the Syrian/Mediterranean eatery are mostly similar to Lebanese food with their own kick. Credit: Scene ArchivesJack Frost at the West Side Market
1979 West 25th St., B4-B5, Cleveland
For the better part of 85 years, Jack Frost has been luring people to Old Brooklyn for some of Cleveland’s best donuts. The shop (4960 Pearl Rd.), largely rebuilt from scratch five years ago, offers more than 200 flavors of donuts throughout the year. But good luck finding those donuts anywhere but there. Now, many of those signature flavors and styles are available at Jack Frost’s new satellite shop at the West Side Market. Donut lovers can find the goods at stand B-4, B-5, in the former home of Pinzone’s Meats, which left the market in 2020 after 44 years. Credit: Scene ArchivesChoolah
1903 W. 25th St., Cleveland
First announced in 2019, Choolah opened the doors to its beautiful new Ohio City restaurant in late July. Located on W. 25th Street, just steps from the West Side Market, the fast-casual Indian eatery is the second location in the area, in addition to the original location in Beachwood (27100 Chagrin Blvd.,), which they opened 8 years ago. Since then, the company has gone on to open shops in Pittsburgh, King of Prussia, Sterling, Virginia, and Boardman, Ohio. Ohio City is number seven for the fast-growing company. Formerly home to Howard Hanna, the 3,000-square-foot space has been transformed into a colorful, art-filled space with indoor and outdoor dining. Next up for Choolaah is a location in Westlake, which currently is under construction. Credit: Scene ArchivesAgave and Rye
1352 W. 6th St., Cleveland
When guests enter Agave & Rye, they will be immersed in a colorful, whimsical environment jam packed with fine art, sculpture, graffiti-style paintings and blown-glass chandeliers. Agave & Rye is billed as a modern tequila and bourbon hall that serves “epic tacos.” The restaurant is known for its double-shelled tacos, which feature crunchy corn and soft flour shells sandwiched together by beans, queso, pimento or guacamole. Fillings and combinations range from the Plain Jane, stuffed with ground beef, shredded lettuce, white cheddar and diced tomato on up to the Crown Jewel starring butter-and-garlic lobster, shiitake mushrooms and truffle mac and cheese. Credit: Scene ArchivesCity Slice Pizzeria
12021 Lorain Ave., Cleveland
City Slice Pizzeria might be the closest thing Cleveland has to a neighborhood slice shop in Brooklyn, Staten Island or any of the five boroughs for that matter. This sliver of a storefront is loud, bustling and filled with the unmistakable sights and sounds of an old-world pizzeria. Heck, they even have a pizzamaker named Mikey. Open since February, City Slice has attracted an enthusiastic fanbase of New York-style pizza lovers. Cleveland has no shortage of pizza places, but we’re sorely lacking in slice shops, the kind of places where a hungry shopper can be in and out in a few minutes with zero advance planning. And if we’re counting slice shops that traffic in real-deal New York-style pie, the number drops to almost zero – especially now that we’ve lost Vincenza’s. Credit: Scene ArchivesCordelia
2058 East 4th St., Cleveland
When speaking of hotly anticipated openings, nothing topped Cordelia taking over the former Lola space. Owner Andrew Watts calls East 4th Street “the best address in the city,” and in July, he and executive chef Vinnie Cimino officially became that street’s newest operators with an approach they call “Midwest Nice”. To complement that “Midwest Nice” hospitality, Cimino has devised a style of cuisine that he calls “Modern Grandma,” which reimagines familiar Midwest classics that many of us grew up enjoying around the family dinner table. Cimino, the former chef de cuisine of Greenhouse Tavern, will put his local farmer connections to good use in dishes like “Pantry Snacks and Relish Trays,” which includes farmer’s cheese with honey and fermented garlic alongside jammy eggs with harissa. Other menu sections are titled “Breads & Things,” “Eat Your Veggies” and “From Our Butchers.” Some dishes that guests can look forward to are pork belly with sarsaparilla beurre blanc, popcorn chicken livers with ballpark maple mustard, and Steak Cordelia, a large-format cut. Credit: Scene ArchivesKitchen Social
211 Park Ave., Ste. 115, Orange Village
Kitchen Social, a Columbus-based restaurant group with two locations, opened its third location at Pinecrest in July. The former Next Door space at Pinecrest has been reshaped into a contemporary eatery with plenty of indoor and outdoor dining. Owner Brian O’Malley, along with partners Brian Harvey, Phil Yandolino and Justin Stratford, opened the first Kitchen Social in late 2019 at Polaris shopping center in Columbus. Two years later they capitalized on the success of the first spot by adding a second location in Dublin. “If you look at the menu, we’ve got Indian, Asian, Mexican, Italian and Southern,” said O’Malley. “We have fresh seafood and steaks, but then we’ve got great burgers and pizza. The menu works for everybody and that was an important part for us.” Credit: Scene ArchivesGingham Market
17000 Madison Ave., Lakewood
Ever since opening Gatherings Kitchen in Lakewood, Ruth Kostadinov has had her eye on the next-door space, which finally opened this July after 13 years of wanting to acquire the space. Shoppers will find a bright and inviting space filled with prepared foods, local pantry items, beer and wine, and more than a few surprises. Rounding out the offerings are more than 90 local products that range from hot sauces and mustards to fermented foods and small-batch cheeses. Cold beer, wine, cocktail mixers and cooking utensils also are in supply. Credit: Scene ArchivesThe Reserve
42 North Main St., Chagrin Falls
The Reserve finally opened at the end of August. The restaurant replaces Umami, which closed this past winter after 14 years. When guests return after the months-long hiatus they will find 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 ArchivesBeachwood Truck Park
24619 Chagrin Blvd., Beachwood
Even before he welcomed his first guest at his Lakewood Truck Park, Dan Deagan already was on the hunt for a second location for his Truck Park concept – that’s how confident he was that it would be a hit. And hit it has been since opening two years ago, despite the fact that year one was pretty much peak pandemic. Deagan found his next site in Beachwood, specifically a decommissioned fire station on Chagrin Boulevard, about a half mile west from Richmond Road. The sprawling corner property is now wrapped by six-foot wood fencing and furnished with dozens and dozens of picnic tables. There are both indoor and outdoor bars, a mezzanine with soft seating, gas-powered firepits and plenty of sun-shielding umbrellas. There are usually 2 or 3 trucks at lunch and dinner times daily, check the website for the rotating schedule. Credit: Scene ArchivesTerra Bistro
2537 Lorain Ave., Cleveland
Owners Ralph Sgro and Ryan Bennett have been working on the project of adding a restaurant to Terrestrial Brewing’s taproom since last fall, when they announced that they were taking over the next-door space, which had been vacant since 2017. The restaurant, which Sgro likes to describe as “40-percent fancier than the taproom,” is headed up by executive chef Michael Lovano, formerly of One Red Door in Hudson, Lola Bistro downtown, and Summer House in Lakewood, where he was chef de cuisine. Obviously, beer makes its presence felt throughout the menu, popping up in dishes like pretzel bites with beer cheese, beer-braised duck poutine, beer-battered walleye sandwich, and the stout pot du creme. Other items include vegan mushroom wings, wagyu corn dogs, gnocchi with mint pea pesto, smash burger, and a half chicken. Credit: Scene ArchivesAu Jus
5875 Broadview Rd., Parma
Thanks to this summer’s smash hit “The Bear” on FX, interest in authentic Chicago-style Italian beef sandwiches has never been higher. That yearning appears to have translated into a promising launch for Au Jus, which specializes in that drippy Italian classic. The owners of Au Jus are striving to do things by the book. They slow-roast top round beef for more than five hours before chilling and thinly slicing it. The drippings are turned into flavorful au jus sauce. The sliced roast beef is warmed in hot au jus, piled into long French rolls and topped with sweet or spicy giardiniera. Additional au jus is served on the side for dipping, but sandwiches can be dunked by request. In Chicagoland, the sandwiches are typically enjoyed without cheese, but a layer of provolone is certainly acceptable. Credit: Jacob KellyWyne Tasting Bar
6800 Detroit Ave., Cleveland
Owners Belinda and Jay Klien transformed the former Sweet Moses space in Gordon Square into a chic but casual wine lounge designed to promote a relaxed wine-tasting experience. The beautiful space is built for self-exploration. When guests walk in and open a tab, they’re handed a card that allows them to operate the state-of-the-art wine preservation and pouring machines. On offer are 32 different bottles of red and white wines. The self-pour system allows guests to dispense 1-ounce tastes, 2.5-ounce half glasses or 5-ounce full glasses. The wines will cover a broad mix of varietals, regions and producers, with the goal of offering guests something new to sample every time they visit. Credit: Scene ArchivesJaja
2050 Gehring Ave., Cleveland
Before opening Jaja, Intro, the new nine-story apartment complex across the street from the West Side Market, already had unveiled Edda Coffee Roasters, the all-day café, Pioneer, the wood-fired sports bar, and Truss, the rooftop event space. They then opened Jaja in October, which is described by president of hospitality Dan Whalen as a sexy shared-plate steakhouse with Latin American and Mediterranean influences. When guests exit the elevator on the second level, they will be immersed in a drama-filled space that was designed to foster a fun, casual, free-spirited vibe. Executive chef Brian Whalen has devised a wide-ranging menu that is divided into categories for vegetables, meat, fish and seafood. A large majority of the foods will be coming off the massive live-fire cooking suite at Pioneer. The 20-foot wood-fired grill was designed to be large enough to support both restaurants. Credit: Scene archivesSushi En
1507 Euclid Ave., Cleveland
This past summer, Sung’s House in Playhouse Square announced that it was closing after a decade of operation by the Ohio Theatre on Euclid Avenue. But it didn’t take long for another Japanese restaurant to take its place.
For 15 years, Sushi En has been a popular destination for sushi in Columbus, where the restaurant consistently earns “Best Sushi” nods from local diners. The family owned eatery recently opened a second location in Twinsburg, which has also been received warmly. For location number three, Sushi En chose downtown Cleveland. While Sushi En is best known for its wide-ranging sushi options, which includes sashimi, nigiri and raw, cooked and vegetarian rolls, the restaurant has a full kitchen. The menu offers a blend of traditional Japanese dishes along with some Korean entrees, as well as some more creative fusion-style dishes. Noodle lovers can choose between ramen, udon and soba bowls. Credit: Scene ArchivesPearl Street Wine Market and Cafe
2523 Market Ave., Cleveland
Pearl Street Wine Market & Café in Ohio City closed at the end of March because of an unexpected rent increase that will make it impossible to continue operating. Chef/owner Karen Small opened the wine bar with partner Jill Davis in the former Flying Fig space about a year and a half ago. “Our landlords tried to raise our rent by $7,000 a month, which takes us up to about $25 a square foot, so we refused to renew our lease with them,” Small explains. Small has been in that space for 25 years, ever since opening Flying Fig in 1999. She says that her current monthly rent of $4,300 will climb to nearly $11,000. The pair hope to find a new home for Pearl Street somewhere down the line in Ohio City. Credit: Douglas TrattnerCocky’s Bagels
1127 Old River Rd., Cleveland
Since launching Cocky’s Bagels as a food-trailer concept about five years ago, partners Keene Cockburn and fiancé Natalie Bata have since added two brick-and-mortar locations. The first, in North Olmsted (26703 Brookpark Ext.), opened in 2019. The second, located in the heart of the Flats East Bank neighborhood opened in October. With each new location, the concept and offerings seem to expand in various ways. This latest shop in the Flats is a far cry from the modest food trailer that launched the venture. The spacious new restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating and a bar. Guests can find classic bagel sandwiches like the Wake ‘N Bacon, starring bacon, egg, cheese and garlic herb cream cheese, the Lox, with smoked salmon, cream cheese, tomato and onion, and the signature Cocky’s, stacked with grilled turkey, salami, egg, cheese, lettuce and tomato. Sandwiches are joined by sides like fresh-cut fries, deep-fried macaroni and cheese bites, and Buffalo chicken dip served with bagel chips. Credit: Scene ArchivesPaloma
Van Aken District, 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 Kindred Spirit, will become Paloma, a polished taco-focused Mexican restaurant. Credit: Scene ArchivesPulpo Beer Co.
20 Main St., Westlake
In 2020, Juan Vergara and his team took over the former Brim Kitchen and Brewery space in Willoughby, where they created a unique dual-concept eatery with a first-floor Hola Tacos and a second-level Barroco Arepa Bar. Not long after, he partnered with some family members to launch Pulpo Beer Co., Ohio’s first Latin-owned brewery, in the same 10,000-square-foot building. In September, Vergara and those partners will open the doors to Pulpo’s brand new taproom and kitchen at Crocker Park. Located in the former B Spot, the 4,000-square-foot property has been completely reimagined as a space distinct from both Barroco and Hola. The taproom is the main draw while the menu offers an eclectic selection of starters, salads, sandwiches and mains. Credit: Scene ArchivesShake It
3396 Tuttle Rd., Shaker Heights
After two bites at the upscale-casual apple, Michael Schwartz went in a completely different direction with his space at Van Aken District in Shaker Heights. After closing Kindred Spirit late last year, which replaced the short-lived Sawyer’s restaurant, Schwartz of Forward Hospitality is opening a burger concept. Shake It is a family-friendly eatery with roots in a Chicago project of the same name, which has been in the works since 2017. Shake It features a menu of single, double and, triple Ohio grass-fed beef burgers (not smashed, Schwartz is quick to point out) with Shake It sauce and various condiments. The burgers are joined on the menu by hot and non-spicy fried chicken sandwiches, fried chicken tenders, kobe beef hot dogs, crinkle-cut fries, salad and sides. Given the name, customers can count on classic and creative milkshakes. Credit: Scene ArchivesShawrma Bro’s
5722 Mayfield Rd., Lyndhurst
Busy Mayfield Road through Lyndhurst is home to countless restaurants but we can’t come up with a single Middle Eastern spot. That changed in early October when Shawrma Bro’s opened up in the former home of Las Americas, immediately next door to Sharpy’s Subs. As the name implies, this streamlined operation focuses almost exclusively on shawarma. The twin rotating spits are stocked with beef and chicken, which get thinly sliced and rolled into various sandwiches. Basic wraps include beef ($8.99) or chicken ($7.99), garlic or tahini sauce, and pickles. Everything we tried was well-seasoned, hearty and delicious. Credit: Scene ArchivesSmokin’ Mary’s BBQ Pit and Saloon
34173 Center Ridge Rd., North Ridgeville
In August, Will and Julie Novak opened Salty Mary’s Oyster Bar in Westlake. A couple months later they opened Smokin’ Mary’s BBQ Pit and Saloon a little farther down Center Ridge in North Ridgeville. Smokin’ Mary’s is a “Tex Mex-style” barbecue joint starring house-smoked brisket, pork shoulder and pork belly. The menu offers a great mix of Texas roadhouse hits like pimento dip and chips, fried pickle spears, steak chili, chicken-fried beef ribs and burnt ends. That smoked brisket, pork shoulder and pork belly lands atop nachos, inside tortillas, on buns as meaty sandwiches and by the pound with a choice of sauces like House Texas, Alabama White, Carolina, Bada Bing Cherry and Fire-Roasted Peach. Credit: Scene ArchivesThe Centro
2017 East 9th St., Cleveland
After eight years, Adega at Metropolitan at the 9 ceased to exist this October. The Centro will take its place. “It just needed a refresh,” said General Manager Kenny Didier. “I think it was time to change it up a bit.” Centro, a “rustic Italian-inspired steakhouse with an emphasis on fresh, clean ingredients,” opened on November 4th. The all new menu features hand-cut steaks, fresh seafood, house-made pastas, and sourdough brick-oven pizzas. Credit: Scene ArchivesEat Me Pizza
1384 Hird Rd., Lakewood
First announced in 2019, Studio West 117 finally opened this fall. The Lakewood-based development is modeled after LGBT-focused neighborhoods like the Castro in San Francisco and the Short North in Columbus. Phase one, which is called the Fieldhouse, features two restaurants and a rooftop bar. One of those restaurants is Eat Me Pizza, a quick-serve, wood-fired pizza operation that is open for lunch, dinner and late-night, with a walk-up window for increased accessibility. The pizza is Neapolitan style. Michael Kittle, who has worked for Doug Katz, Jonathon Sawyer and Marigold Catering, oversees all of the food and beverage spaces. Guests can enjoy creatively topped pies called the Hussy, the Flirt and Top Energy. There will be no dine-in service at Eat Me, but customers at both Muze Gastropub and Trellis Rooftop Bar can order the pizzas while dining there. Credit: Scene ArchivesMuze Gastropub
1384 Hird Rd., Lakewood
First announced in 2019, Studio West 117 finally opened this fall. The Lakewood-based development is modeled after LGBT-focused neighborhoods like the Castro in San Francisco and the Short North in Columbus. Phase one, which is called the Fieldhouse, features two restaurants and a rooftop bar. One of those restaurants is Muze, a 130-seat “industrial chic” gastropub. In addition to the pizzas from Eat Me, Muze will turn out a menu of wood-grilled small plates, skewers and burgers, featuring approachable yet worldly flavors. Credit: Scene ArchivesTrellis Rooftop Bar
1384 Hird Rd., Lakewood
First announced in 2019, Studio West 117 finally opened this fall. The Lakewood-based development is modeled after LGBT-focused neighborhoods like the Castro in San Francisco and the Short North in Columbus. Phase one, which is called the Fieldhouse, features two restaurants, Muze Gastropub and Eat Me Pizza and Trellis Rooftop Bar. Billed as “Lakewood’s first and only rooftop patio”, the bar features 4,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space for guests to drink, dine and dance. The “bougie rum jungle vibe” is more upscale compared to Muze, with custom booths, cabanas, drop chandeliers and lots of greenery. A menu of wood-fired tapas, Eat Me pizzas and other foods are available. Credit: Scene Archives
