Once a year, we turn over the entire issue to you, the readers, to tell us what the very best things in Cleveland are.
It’s a chance to celebrate the certified best the city has to offer, the plum perfect shops, restaurants, people, businesses and more that define this great city.
After tens of thousands of votes, the winners have been decided.
These are the best restaurants of Cleveland for 2021.
Best Local Snack: Terranean Herbs Za’atar Chips
Za’atar is a variety of wild thyme that is used in Middle Eastern Cuisine to spice up the food native to their region. Tina Chamoun took her knowledge when she was marketing director for Aladdin’s Eatery and the website and Instagram account Your Lebanon and opened Terranean in 2019, with their awesome pita chips, which come regular and spicy, being the star of the show. Their products are used locally at establishments like Aladdin’s, Boaz Cafe, Taza, Sittoo’s, Cocky’s Bagels and more and are sold at Heinen’s, The Olive Scene, Happy Cow Group Share and Chuppa’s Market.
Photo via Terranean HerbsBest Seafood Market: Kate’s Fish
1979 West 25th St., Cleveland
For 20 years, one of the biggest draws to the West Side Market has been Kate’s Fish, the seafood stand with some of the best quality fish in town. Whether you’re looking for their house smoked salmon, sushi grade fish, whole fish, homemade crab cakes or whatever’s fresh that day, you’re sure to find something delicious to take home and throw on the grill or stove.
Photo via Scene ArchivesThe Marble Room
623 Euclid Ave., Cleveland
Since Marble Room opened in the old National City Bank building, it’s been hard to find a more beautiful restaurant in town then the swanky Marble Room. The name says it all – the beautiful marble columns and intricately designed molding is absolutely stunning. And the steak and seafood are up there for the best in town. Get the ribeye and thank us later.
Photo via Scene ArchivesBest New Restaurant: Cloak and Dagger
2399 West 11th St., Cleveland
This bookish cocktail lounge has nicely settled in at the revolving-door space in Tremont that has been home to many short-lived restaurants. Billed as a neighborhood craft cocktail bar, the library-themed salon boasts a book-like menu filled with libations described with tasting notes like herbal, floral, smoky and spicy. The beverages are buoyed by an all-vegan roster of bar bites like fries, “pork” rinds, BBQ “chicken” skewers and banh mi sammies.
Photo via Scene ArchivesBest Coffee: Rising Star
Multiple Locations
Coffee connoisseurs sing the praises of Rising Star baristas, who are as knowledgeable as their keenly sourced coffee is potent. Each cup is meticulously brewed to order using beans straight from the onsite roaster. The results are nothing short of the perfect pour over imbued with nuanced, undiluted flavor. We’re not surprised that after just eight years in business, the successful shop already has expanded to seven different locations.
Photo via Scene ArchivesBest Teahouse: Cleveland Tea Revival
1434 West 29th St., Cleveland
This pretty-as-a-picture Hingetown shop caters equally to the casual tea drinker and the fine tea connoisseur. Knowledgeable staffers can guide one through an extensive menu of organic varieties, from herbal to oolong, plus custom blended specialty teas with names like Church Avenue Lavender. Take some home to steep on your own time or enjoy it on-premises in sweet little tea kettles. A lovely, relaxing hideaway with vintage style, this Ohio City nook feels made for unwinding with a good book or good friend. Pair sips with snacks like avocado toast (of course!) for the full experience.
Photo via Scene ArchivesBest Chef: Dante Boccuzzi
Multiple Locaitons
After earning a Michelin Star and multiple James Beard nominations in New York City , Boccuzzi moved home to Cleveland and opened his namesake restaurant Dante in Tremont in 2010. Since then, the chef has quietly built up a mini-restaurant empire. Located below Dante is Ginko, possibly the best sushi joint in the state. Next door to Dante you’ll find the aptly named Next Door, a breakfast and brunch spot with Coda in the basement, Dante’s music venue and bar. Outside of Dante’s block in Tremont, he has DBA and Northside Speakeasy in Akron, the newly opened Japanese restaurant Goma on East Fourth, a great pizza spot Inferno in the Flats plus Pasta al Dante at Progressive Field and Air Dante, a craft cocktail lounge out of an old Airstream Trailer, coming soon. And he’s just getting started.
Photo via Scene ArchivesBest Ramen: Otani Noodle
234 Euclid Ave., and 11472 Euclid Ave., Cleveland
Otani Noodle, from the same owners of long-standing Mayfield Heights hibachi restaurant Otani, recently opened their second location, this time in the heart of Downtown in addition to their University Circle home, and if you haven’t been yet, you’re missing out. The tonkotsu broth they make for some of their ramen is delectable.
Photo via Scene ArchivesBest French Fries: Tommy’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 divine and their milkshakes, especially black cherry, is a must try.
Photo via Tommy’s Restaurant/FacebookBest Mexican Restaurant: La Plaza Supermarket
13609 Lakewood Heights Blvd., Lakewood
All it takes to get your hands on what many deem the best Mexican in Cleveland is venturing to this Lakewood supermarket. This grocery store cooks up tacos with barbacoa, carnitas, chorizo and al pastor tacos in front of your eyes. They’re served up as-is, but load up on diced onion, cilantro, guac and salsas to your heart’s desire. In addition to their infamous tacos, you’ll find burritos, quesadillas, tortas and all the Mexican sides you desire.
Photo via Scene ArchivesLe Petit Triangle
1881 Fulton Ave., Cleveland
A little cramped, occasionally noisy, and quite possibly the city’s smallest restaurant, this tiny French bistro still manages to provide a romantic atmosphere while turning out superlative crepes, earthy pâtés, and one of the best Croque Monsieur sandwiches this side of the Seine. You’ll be transported to Paris for a couple hours here.
Photo via @Lindsey_Salchi/InstagramBest Korean Restaurant: Rising Grill
3709 Payne Ave., Cleveland
It was right around the time our server wheeled a cart up to the table that we regretted not inviting more friends to dinner. Our combination platter had enough beef short rib, ribeye, pork and chicken to feed half the dining room. But we persevered, cooking up tasty bits of Korean BBQ on Rising Grill’s trusty new gas-powered grill tables. Hot off the grate, we bundled up the charred, garlicky pieces of meat into cold lettuce wraps, dragged them through sauce, popped them in our mouths, and washed them down with ice-cold OB beer. We never stood a chance, but at least we went out with a smile.
Photo by Doug TrattnerBest Sushi: Ginko
2247 Professor Ave., Cleveland
“Keep it simple” is a mantra that is valued but often ignored. Not at Ginko, the Tremont eatery from Chef Dante Boccuzzi that has a monastic focus on raw fish. Here, almost all of the admittedly small subterranean space is dedicated to the sushi bar, where obsessively fresh fish is draped over lumps of steamed rice. Diehard sushi fanatics travel distances long and short to belly up to this bar for the city’s best tuna, yellowtail, uni, mackerel, eel and octopus, all of which is served up in a boldly designed setting.
Photo via @GinkoTremont/InstagramBest Japanese Restaurant: Bar Oni
2173 Professor Ave., Cleveland
Last summer, chef Matt Spinner announced that he was closing Ushabu, his shabu-shabu restaurant in Tremont. But he also announced its replacement, Bar Oni, which opened last fall. The hip, casual izakaya specializes in yakitori items like grilled chicken, sausage, pork belly and assorted vegetables. The skewers are joined by tempura, dumplings and pork katsu. To drink, there’s beer, sake and draft cocktails.
Photo via Scene ArchivesLi Wah
2999 Payne Ave., Cleveland
“I’ve only ever done take out from Li Wah, so I can’t speak to the quality of the restaurant interior. However, this is the greatest Chinese food in Cleveland! Authentic, delicious, and their dim sum survives the ride home. Highly recommend, especially for those accustomed to Chinese from NYC,” Sarah S. on Yelp
Photo via Li Wah/FacebookBest Vietnamese Restaurant: Minh Anh
5482 Detroit Rd., Cleveland
For many diners in Cleveland, Minh Anh Restaurant was where we first learned to love pho, the Vietnamese beef noodle soup. While pho is now available all across the region, this modest restaurant on Cleveland’s near-west side was a pioneer in the field. Unfortunately, after 37 years in business, Minh Anh closed this September. We’ll sure miss it.
Photo via Scene ArchivesBest Pho: Superior Pho
3030 Superior Ave., Cleveland
The Asia Town mainstay — an absolute favorite for quick lunches, group meals, and dates — also dishes up a great banh mi, bubble tea, and other Vietnamese appetizers and entrees. Try them, but do yourself a favor and get the pho first.
Photo via Superior Pho/FacebookBest Desserts (Restaurant): Rood 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.
Photo via Rood Food & Pie/FacebookBest Irish Restaurant: Stone Mad Pub
1306 West 65th St, Cleveland
Everyone who talks about this Detroit Shoreway neighborhood spot mentions two things; the bocce ball court and the beautiful patio. St. Patrick’s Day is next level at this Irish pub, which knocks their menu out of the park when it comes to food and drinks.
Photo via @Joey_Bowling67/InstagramBest Pizza: 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. The diavolo and the clam are our favorites.
Photo by Emanuel WallaceBest Brunch: Astoria
5417 Detroit Ave., Cleveland
Astoria manages to put a smile on our faces morning, day or night. While we enjoy their market, their dinners and whatever else they offer, their brunch is also top notch. The Mediterranean dishes that you can’t really find anywhere else like the saganaki and eggs, the lamb and shrimp eggs benedict and the duck and waffles are what we’d highly recommend.
Photo via Astoria Cafe and Market/FacebookBest Vegan Restaurant: Cleveland Vegan
17112 Detroit Ave., Lakewood
Cleveland Vegan has one of, if not the most extensive vegan menu in town. ‘S’more French Toast’, ‘Creamy Shiitake Benedict’ and the ‘Buffalo Cauliflower Dip’ are three items that really make our mouths water. The baked goods are really delicious too.
Photo via @ClevelandVeganCateringAndCafe/InstagramBest Late Night Eats: Edison’s
2373 Professor Ave., Cleveland
When it comes to late night pizza and a beer, you can’t go wrong with Edison’s. It’s the quintessential Tremont bar, the quintessential Cleveland bar — a real bar’s bar, you dig? But they also have great pizza, so you should definitely hit this place up.
Photo via Scene ArchivesBest Burger: Heck’s Cafe
2927 Bridge Ave., Cleveland and 35514 Detroit Rd., Avon
If you’re on a search for the best burgers in town, Heck’s is surely not to be overlooked, as they’ve been serving up burgers since 1974. If you can handle the spice, the Hot Fire Burger is the way to go. Don’t forget an order of Heck’s Fries, topped with salt and pepper and a side of malt vinegar aioli. In addition to their original Ohio City location, they’ve expanded to Avon.
Photo via Scene ArchivesBest Latin Restaurant: Barroco Grill
Multiple Locations
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.
Photo via @BarroccoGrill/InstagramBest Butcher Shop: Ohio City Provisions
3208 Lorain Ave., Cleveland
Reports of the death of the small neighborhood butcher shop have been greatly exaggerated. At West 32nd and Lorain, you’ll find Ohio City Provisions, which happens to be the neighborhood grocer to a very hip and food-obsessed neighborhood. This meticulously run shop stocks meats that tick off all of the health-conscious requirements: locally reared animals raised without the use of hormones, antibiotics and GMO-laden feed. Which means, of course, that the meat is some of the finest protein in all the Land. You can order a whole smoked ham or a Frenched rack of lamb for the holidays, or just walk in any day and purchase grass-fed ground beef, three finger-thick Porterhouse, or bacon sliced as thick as you’d like.
Photo via Scene ArchivesBest Barbecue (Tie) – Woodstock BBQ
13362 Madison Ave., Lakewood
If you love barbecue, this is a spot that is definitely worth checking out. The smell of smoke wafts into your nose as you enter this place. They really have all the staples of barbecue, including delicious ribs, wings, pulled pork, brisket, cornbread and much more.
Photo via @FabulousKevin/InstagramBest Barbecue (Tie) – Ohio City BBQ
3829 Lorain Ave., Cleveland
The brisket, the star of Texas barbecue, which is what this Ohio City spot is going for, is tender and delicious with a mild smoke flavor here. Ohio City BBQ also sells a delightfully old-school Polish Boy, a no-frills Cleveland pileup of smoked sausage, fries, chip-chopped slaw and sauce.
Photo by Emanuel WallaceBest Polish Restaurant – Pierogi Palace
36495 Vine St., Willoughby and 1979 West 25th St., Cleveland
Not necessarily a Polish restaurant but more of a stand and bakery that sells pierogies and other tasty Polish dishes, this is certainly the spot when it comes to the Polish dumpling. The variety of pierogies sold here is second to none, with up to 20 flavors at once including chicken pot pie, taco, Italian meatball, buffalo chicken, apricot cheese and much, much more. In addition to the pierogies, the Pierogi Palace also has an awesome Polish Boy, stuffed cabbage, cabbage and noodles and more.
Photo via Pierogi Palace/FacebookBest Bagels: The Cleveland Bagel Co.
4201 Detroit Ave. and 7501 Carnegie Ave., Cleveland
Despite opening less than five years ago, The Cleveland Bagel Co. has already established itself as one of the most iconic food spots in town. Their homemade, creative bagels make for an awesome breakfast, especially when you add their homemade schmears and try their lox or bacon, egg and cheese sandwich.
Photo via Scene ArchivesBest Vegetarian Restaurant: Johnny Mango World Cafe
3120 Bridge Ave., Cleveland
You’ve got to love a place that makes Ohio City feel like a beach shack in Cozumel, and Johnny Mango — a “world café” and juice bar — does just that, with a blend of Asian, Mexican, and Caribbean flavors, and items that range from burritos to pad Thai to Jamaican jerk chicken. Service is speedy, portions are hearty, and there are plenty of choices for vegetarians.
Photo via @Johnny_Mango_World_Cafe/Instagram Credit: Scene ArchivesBest Steakhouse: Strip 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 an 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.
Photo via @Stripsteakhouse/InstagramBest Middle Eastern Restaurant: Aladdin’s
Multiple Locations
When you think about it, it was quite the coup for founders Fady and Sally Chamoun to convince a townful of Midwesterners to put down the corned beef sandwiches and pick up pitas stuffed with falafel, shish tawook and shawarma in their place. That sort of Lebanese voodoo has lead to an explosion of locations, with two dozen sites in multiple cities and states. You accomplish that feat, of course, by serving up a steady diet of fresh, healthy, delicious and affordable cuisine. And as more and more people adopt vegan and vegetarian diets, Aladdin’s stands to benefit even more thanks to numerous meat-free options.
Photo via Scene ArchivesBest Sandwich: Slyman’s
3106 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland
16 tons and what do you get? The best corned beef sandwich in Cleveland. They still slice every sandwich to order, and every sandwich still towers above much of the competition. Amaze your friends by ordering in Slymaneze: a “natural” means plain; “original” comes with mustard; and “Smurf” buys you one with Swiss and mustard (which ain’t kosher, by the way).
Photo via Scene ArchivesBest Food Truck: Fired Up Taco’s
If nothing gets your engine revved up quite like tacos, then Fired Up Taco Truck is your kind of rig. In just about five years’ time, this Latin-themed lorry has expanded from one to three trucks, spreading its taco feelers all across the Land. More than just your run of the mill tacos, these well-designed handhelds feature an array of zippy sauces, garnishes and meats. We’re fond of the original Fired Up, a twistup of beef (or chicken or pork), cheddar, slaw, corn and green chili salsa and chipotle aioli. But tacos aren’t the only foods that chef Brian Finks excels at. Consider the crispy chorizo-filled empanadas, taco salads, and seasoned fries topped with chipotle aioli and scallions.
Photo via Scene ArchivesBest Patio Dining: Georgetown
18515 Detroit Ave., Lakewood
Formerly Three Birds, Georgetown not only has a great menu but also boasts one of the most beautiful patios in Cleveland. The food is pretty great too – we highly recommend the sausage-stuffed banana peppers, any of the pizza appetizers and the charred beef tenderloin.
Photo via Georgetown Restaurant Lakewood/FacebookBest African Restaurant” Zoma
2240 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights
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.
Photo via Zoma/FacebookBest Chicken Wings: Dina’s Pizza and Pub
5701 Memphis Ave., Cleveland
Many Clevelanders say that Dina’s in Old Brooklyn has their favorite wings in town and who are we to argue? Their ‘Buffalo Ranch’ and ‘House Hot’ are two of the standout flavors when it comes to these crispy, bold wings.
Photo via Dina’s Pizza/FacebookBest Italian Restaurant: Luca
2100 Superior Viaduct., Cleveland
One of the best Italian restaurants in town also contains one of the best views of the city. The sacchetti, which contains white truffles over ricotta stuffed pasta shells, may sound heavy for the summer but you have to get it while sitting on the patio at this Superior Viaduct located spot. The husband and wife team behind Luca recently opened a more fish forward output called Acqua Di Luca which is one of the hottest new restaurants in town.
Photo via Luca Italian Cuisine/FacebookBest Indian Restaurant: India 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!
Photo via @BrownieBatter/InstagramBest Donuts: Brewnuts
6501 Detroit Ave., Cleveland
Yeah, Brewnuts makes some awesome, unique donuts. If you’re a Clevelander and still unaware of this fact, you may be living under a rock. The ever-changing menu always incorporates the time of year, whether it’s special dones for Browns’ games, holidays and many more themed days. But it really doesn’t matter what the theme is, you’ll get a killer donut whenever you visit (unless they’re sold out for the day).
Photo via Scene ArchivesBest Breakfast: Grumpy’s Cafe
2621 West 14th St., Cleveland
Grumpy’s Cafe has been a Tremont staple since 1976. Current owner and longtime employee Kathy Owad took over ownership in 2004 and after a fire, turned the new space into a laid-back, comfortable eatery that embraced the local art scene. Grumpy’s is known for having one of the best brunches and breakfasts in town, featuring local and fresh ingredients. The corned-beef hash and smothered french toast are just two of our many favorites.
Photo via @Grumpys.Cafe/InstagramBest Diner: Dinerbar on Clifton
11801 Clifton Blvd., Lakewood
Loyal fans of the original Diner on Clifton, which operated for 17 years just 160 meters away from the new Dinerbar on Clifton, will quickly observe how much has changed. But they will also appreciate how much has stayed the same. They’re packing them in on weekends for brunch, thanks to full bar service and reliable breakfast fare served all day. In addition to their all day breakfast and brunch, Dinerbar serves up traditional diner fare like a tasty hot roast turkey dinner and macaroni and cheese. But it’s the breakfast and tasty dishes like their french toast and corned beef hash that keep us coming back for more.
Photo via Scene ArchivesBest Bakery: On The Rise
3471 Fairmount Blvd., Cleveland Heights
Known for their artisan breads and mouth-watering pastries, On The Rise’s casual and local atmosphere is quintessential Cleveland Heights. The sandwiches may be simple, but the freshly baked bread they come on takes them to another level. On The Rise has expanded to the Van Aken District’s Market Hall and was named one of Food & Wine’s 100 Best Bakeries in America in 2020.
Photo via Scene ArchivesBest Cakes: Kelsey Elizabeth Cakes
Multiple Locations
If you want to see some of the most beautifully designed cakes and pastries in town, check out one of Kelsey Elizabeth’s cake shops. In addition to their first two locations in Avon Lake and Rocky River, Kelsey Elizabeth has opened a flagship shop in Avon, a stand at Crocker Park and a shop at Cedar Point. The cakes really do taste as good as they look. In just seven short years, this bakery has become a mini-empire with a cult following that is only growing.
Photo via @KelseyElizabethCakes/InstagramBlackbird Baking Company
1391 Sloane Ave., Lakewood
At this hip Lakewood shop, each rustic loaf is a one-of-a-kind creation, with loaves and loaves of focaccia, ciabatta, baguettes, challah and soda breads inhabiting the shelves. In the sweets department are airy delights like fruit tarts, sticky buns, cranberry scones, peanut butter cookies and coconut macaroons. Credit: Scene ArchivesBest Greek Restaurant: Astoria
5417 Detroit Ave., Cleveland
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.
Photo via Scene ArchivesBest Soul Food: Zanzibar Soul Fusion
13225 Shaker Square and 627 Prospect Ave., Cleveland
This Shaker Square eatery, which expanded to downtown in 2018, is a must-visit soul food spot. This place does their own take on southern comfort and the catfish po’boys and fried chicken are staples on the menu. Owner Akin Affrica, a third-generation restaurateur whose family runs Angie’s Soul Café, has not only spiffed up the notion of a soul food restaurant; he has spiffed up the soul food itself.
Photo via Scene ArchivesBest Fried Chicken: SOHO Chicken + Whiskey
1889 W. 25th St., Cleveland
Put “chicken” in your name and you better do it right, and SoHo does. While SoHo temporarily changed their concept to a takeout spot called Chicken Run for the pandemic, they’re still serving perfectly fried thighs and breasts. They also have a bunch of different, super flavorful chicken sandwiches and yummy chicken and waffles too.
Photo via Scene ArchivesBest Ice Cream: Mitchell’s
Multiple Locations
Pete and Mike Mitchell’s handmade ice cream is annually voted the best in the region, and their colorful, contemporary ice cream parlor couldn’t be more inviting. Campfire S’more and Mint Cookies and Cream are our current passions among the 30 or so ice cream and sorbet flavors, but we’ve never found anything that wasn’t great. The brothers from University Heights opened their first shop in Westlake in 1999 and have become a regional phenomenon in just over 20 years in business with a flagship store and production facility on West 25th in Ohio City, nine other locations around town and their product in basically every grocery store in Northeast Ohio.
Photo via Scene ArchivesBest Deli: Larder
1455 West 29th St., Cleveland
At its heart, Larder is a Jewish deli, with matzo ball soup, thick pastrami sandwiches, out of this world fried chicken sandwiches and awesome baked goods. But there’s so much more going on here than that. Chef-owner Jeremy Umansky utilizes techniques like koji (a Japanese mold) curing, foraging for wild edibles, cold and hot smoking, and fermentation and pickling to produce an ever-shifting roster of seasonal plates. Umansky, along with wife/co-owner/pastry chef Allie La Valle-Umansky and co-owner/chef Kenny Scott were nominated in the Best Chef: Great Lakes category in 2020.
Photo via @LarderB/InstagramBest Bar Food: Prosperity Social Club
1109 Starkweather Ave., Cleveland
Cozy and retro, this former workingman’s watering hole serves up food, booze, and a bowling machine along with the live music. You’ll find locals laying down everything from lounge and jazz to folk and bluegrass. They also have a kitchen that stays open nightly until midnight and brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. Our favorites are their old school Cleveland bar dishes like their kielbasa, cabbage and noodles, their haddock fish fry and of course their pierogi.
Photo via @ProsperitySocialClub/InstagramBest Juice Bar: Beet Jar
1432 West 29th St., Cleveland
It took a lot of hard work, sacrifice and home-cooked meals as payment to get Beet Jar open in 2014. Once in business, the juice makers quickly established themselves as purveyors of some aggressively healthy and delicious plant-based foods and juices. It’s not just dreamy concoctions like Cashew Mylk or the pun-titled smoothies like Cayenne West that have brought these produce wranglers righteous acclaim. It’s the Bravocado sandwich, a vegan take on the BLT that has won the shop rabid fans (food celeb Alton Brown among them). If you happen to find yourself in Hingetown come happy hour, duck into neighboring bar Jukebox to enjoy Beet Jar juices featured in cocktails that are tasty and almost —almost —good for you.
Photo via Beet Jar/FacebookBest Romantic Restaurant: Pier 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.
Photo via Scene ArchivesHerb’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
Photo by Tim Harrison Credit: Scene archivesBest Small Plates/Tapas: Salt
17625 Detroit Ave., Lakewood
“Nobody orders small plates in Cleveland.” Since the birth of the turnip, that has been the conventional wisdom in these parts. Of course, at her whip-smart Lakewood bistro Salt, chef Jill Vedaa continues to upend that old saw by composing exceptional dishes that focus on a single theme. In place of a meat-and-three, diners zero in on carrots three ways, or earthy beets blasted with sparkle, or a savory lamb ragu over a few supple gnocchi. Mix and match your way to the perfect meal; variety, after all, is the spice of life.
Photo via Scene ArchivesBest Hot Dog: Happy Dog
5801 Detroit Rd., Cleveland
Happy Dog is the perfect Cleveland bar – the food is reasonable and good and most weekend nights there’s live music and shows are usually free or cost just five bucks to get in. If you haven’t been to this institution, go next time you have a chance. There are more than 60 toppings for their hot dogs and while we won’t stop you from going all out, restraint is key to really enjoying a dog to its full potential.
Photo via Scene ArchivesBest Polish Boy: Banter
3441 Tuttle Rd., Shaker Heights
The polish boy is a Cleveland staple, and Banter has moved itself to the top of the list in town. In early 2020, the Food Network let loose their list of the “Best Sandwiches in America.” Banter, which has locations in Detroit-Shoreway and Shaker Heights’ Van Aken District, was included on the list, with its Polish Boy being one of 99 sandwiches across the nation that were featured.
Photo via Burklehagen PhotographyBest Local Chain: Barrio
Multiple Locations
Yeah, Barrio has blown up in recent years with locations all over town. But their expansion has just made them more beloved in the eyes of Clevelanders, because now wherever you live, you’re a stone’s throw away from some delicious and inexpensive tacos. In addition to their seven Cleveland locations they now have four locations out of town including two as far as Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
Photo via @Barrio_Cleveland/Instagram
