According to Yelp, these are the 25 most popular restaurants in Cleveland right now. From Thai and fried chicken to sandwich shops and Middle Eastern cuisine, this list shows the diversity of the Cleveland culinary scene. It also shows that there are great restaurants outside of the downtown/Ohio City/Tremont area and if you venture out, you’ll be sure to find gems all over town.

Half Moon Bakery 3460 West 25th St., Cleveland “I’ve never tried an empanada before until I came to half moon, and I will only ever eat them from Half Moon for here on out! As a vegetarian, I wasn’t sure what my options I’d be getting but there were two wildly different ones on the menu that were absolutely AMAZING. You enter Half Moon, you are greeted so kindly, you order, and like 5 bakers pop out of nowhere and start absolutely slinging empanadas at lightning speed. Never seen a phenomenon like it, it was amazing. I waited maybe 10 minutes max for them to be completely made, and they are made from scratch! There are also baked goods, salad options, and coffee options as well. Half moon will now become a staple in my quick but local diet, and for that I’m thankful,” Hope S. on Yelp. Credit: Emanuel Wallace
Rowley Inn 1104 Rowley Ave., Cleveland “Would recommend Rowley Inn in Tremont and Riverwood Cafe in Lakewood,” BigProfesionalGuy, “Rowley Inn has a ghost pepper wing that will rival a bunch of the hotter wings you’ve had in your life,” MileXend Credit: @TheRowleyInn/Instagram
Mizu Japanese Sushi Restaurant 10219 Brookpark Rd., Parma “We are back at our favorite sushi place, Mizu Japanese Sushi, for some much-needed home favorites. We ordered the simple but delicious spicy tuna rolls, a Mexican roll and the incredible mustard rolls. We are never disappointed when we come here. The staff is attentive and very knowledgeable and will help point you in the right direction if you’re new to sushi or want to try something new. Mizu proves that the restaurant doesn’t have to be in a fancy location to be incredible! ,” Nathan B. on Yelp. Photo via Mizu Japanese Sushi Restaurant/Facebook Credit: Scene Archives
Gourmand’s Deli 5345 Canal Rd., Valley View “Service was absolutely amazing. If you get a chance to stop by, you should. We had the Hawaii 5.0 and the not your regular baloney. Talk about amazing. The Hawaii gets a 4.5/5 but the baloney, talk about out of this world. Made by an artisan nearby, the flavor was unbelievable. The flavor was natural and juicy with just the right amount of cheesiness. To be honest this place is on point with Katz’s Deli in NY city. Amazing, and tons of options to choose from.” Aleksander P. on Yelp Credit: Scene Archives
Zhug 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 Archives
Il Rione 1303 West 65th St., Cleveland It’s safe to say that there are no other pizza joints in town quite like Il Rione. The warm lighting, stylishly weathered interior and upbeat soundtrack spinning out tracks combine to create more of a pizza lounge than pizza shop. But here’s the kicker: the New York/Jersey style pizza is phenomenal so if you can snag a reservation, do it. Credit: Scene Archives
Slyman’s 3106 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland “This is a 7 star experience…I can only compare this sandwich to Kaufman’s New Jersey Bypass. This sandwich at Slyman’s is taller, juicier and tastier. I loved every bite and they grill the rye bread over butter on the flat top – that’s what makes you say, “Shut the front door!” You get a healthy amount of sauerkraut and a snappy pickle with it…The coleslaw was great too. I’ll be back for the big Reuben, at 11:00 a.m.,one day!! Their sandwiches are the biggest, no doubt,” Gerry T. on Yelp Credit: Photo via Scene Archives
Corner 11 2391 West 11th St., Cleveland “I love this place, I really thought that an authentic and fresh poke place would be hard to find in Cleveland, but this place really. hits the spot. The ingredients are so fresh that the poke bowls really pop at you as they should. So many options for toppings and variety to spice things up. At 12.50 for a medium bowl, it’s all pretty affordable for quality poke and I was very full after finishing, a large might be good for two people to share. I’m a sucker for tuna and salmon, so that’s what I ordered this time around, but will definitely come back to mix things up a little and try the rest of the menu!” Lloyd C. on Yelp Credit: Scene Archives
Ferris Shwarma 13507 Lakewood Heights Blvd., Lakewood Their website says they have “the most awesome shwarma in Cleveland.” Who are we to argue? This menu is very straightforward with only a few options but when you do something so well, no need to mess with what is working. Credit: Scene Archives
La Plaza Supermarket 13609 Lakewood Heights Blvd., Lakewood “Today, I had the best Mexican food of my life at La Plaza Supermarket! La Plaza Taqueria, located in the front of La Plaza Supermarket, is amazing!!! The small restaurant was crowded with locals. The restaurant offers tacos, burritos, nachos, quesadillas; just to name a few items. While they have many protein choices, I chose carne asada which was absolute perfection! I also had homemade chips and guacamole which was also amazing! I definitely plan on making myself a regular here and coming back to introduce friends to the best Mexican food of my life!” Melanie N. on Yelp Credit: La Plaza Supermarket/Facebook
SOHO Chicken + Whiskey 1889 W. 25th St., Cleveland “Oh my goodness, this is probably my favorite restaurant in Cleveland right now. I love chicken and waffles. This takes chicken and waffles to another level. I thought rosemary waffles would be nasty, but they were absolutely delicious with the chicken. The chicken portions are huge; I got 2 pieces but was stuffed after one,” Lydia D. on Yelp Credit: Scene Archives
Herb’n Twine 4309 Lorain Ave., Cleveland “One of my favorite sandwich shops in North America! Yeah I said it…The portions are huge, flavor combinations are complementary, and the bread is homemade/fresh. The homemade/fresh bread is such a game changer. My favorite is the Cubano…the perfect sandwich really. If there was a location in Chicago I would frequent weekly,” Daniel W. on Yelp Credit: Tim Harrison
Express Deli 5185 Smith Rd., Cleveland “One of the best customer experiences I’ve ever had. And when I say experience, I’m not joking. They make you feel so welcome here, and obviously take so much pride in everything they do. I love the first time customer sample platter. What an awesome touch. The corned beef Mac and cheese and Reuben wrap were to die for. I’d come out if my way to eat here, even though it’s just a little convenience store deli,” Adam R. on Yelp Credit: Douglas Trattner
Ohio Kabob Grill 3359 West 117th St., Cleveland This is a hidden gem with great food, made fresh and right to order. The owners were so nice and accommodating. As was the kind gentleman that greets you at the entrance. Check it out and treat yourself to some wonderful Afghan cuisine,” Robert T. on Yelp Credit: Scene Archives
The Palazzo 10031 Detroit Ave., Cleveland “I can’t get over what a wonderful place this is! If you are a fan of classic Italian food, this is absolutely a place to check out…The food is wonderful…The pastas are rich and flavorful, the calamari sauteed to perfection, the herbs are just picked fresh, everything is expertly crafted by someone who clearly knows what they are doing. The menu covers all the bases with pastas, pizzas, fresh fish, desserts, steaks, you name it. I will definitely be back for more!” Jared W. on Yelp Photo by Doug Trattner Credit: Doug Trainer
Lox, 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 Archives
El Arepazo Y Pupuseria 22799 Lorain Rd., Fairview Park ”This place was so yummy! I went with some friends who wanted pupusas and they were so tasty! Lots of flavor options were available, both with meat and vegetarian. They also come with some slaw and sauce to put on top which were a nice addition. I also got some guacamole and tostones which were super tasty. I will be coming back to try other things on the menu, because it all looked delicious!” Jill K. on Yelp. Credit: Scene Archives
Sabor Miami Cafe and Gallery 4848 Broadview Rd., Cleveland “My boyfriend and I decided to grab breakfast here since we were both craving an el típico and, wow, are we glad that we that we did! We both got a Chorizo Honduran Breakfast and a Cuban Colado. It was a ton of food and ended up being two meals for me (admittedly only one for the boyfriend). Everything was amazingly delicious, but the handmade tortillas and beans were the best. We will definitely be back!” Alycia G. on Yelp Photo via Sabor Miami Cafe and Gallery/Facebook Credit: Scene Archives
Boney Fingers BBQ 1800 Euclid Ave., Cleveland ”Delicious BBQ! We tried the pulled pork and brisket sandwiches for lunch and they were so tasty! My fiancé has been hyping up his favorite BBQ spot for over a year and I was finally able to try and it did not disappoint! The brisket was our favorite and it was juicy and tender. Their two types of sauce were great additions to the sandwich and the cornbread was awesome as well! Reasonably priced, good food! Definitely worth a visit!!” Courtney S. on Yelp Credit: Scene Archives
Astoria 5417 Detroit Ave., Cleveland Season 35, Episode 7 Astoria manages to put a smile on our faces morning, day or night. The retail market keeps our pantry flush with gourmet foods like imported cheeses, cured meats, olives and wine. The large bar is an ideal place to meet up with a friend over cocktails, glasses of wine and a fully loaded meat and cheese platter. The animated dining room is where we land for full meals of tender wine-poached octopus, veal and ricotta meatballs, pizzas, and grilled lamb chops. Credit: Scene archives
Edwin’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 Archives
Munch 28500 Miles Rd., Solon “I love Munch! They’re right next to my gym so it’s always easy to pop in. The food is healthy and the daily soups are great! They offer both vegan and non vegan choices and the ingredients they use taste fresh and are always delicious!” John P. on Yelp. Photo via Munch/Facebook Credit: Scene Archives
Momo’s Kebab 2199 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights “This is the best hidden gem in Cleveland. The food is deliciously fragrant and takes you traveling through an aromatic journey. The kindness and hospitality that Momo shows his guests is unparalleled. This is my top choice for dinner any night of the week, especially since the couscous special is now a daily occurrence and not just Fridays anymore!” Sophia Z. on Yelp Credit: Scene Archives
Bangkok 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 Archives
Harlow’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 Archives