Cleveland is a little obsessed with food, and rightly so. From burgers to barbecue, vegetarian to sushi and everything in between, everyone has their opinions on what’s best.
In this year’s Best of Cleveland poll, you weren’t shy about sharing them either, with tens of thousands of votes pouring in across dozens of categories.
The results? Some breakthrough winners, some surprises, and all deliciousness.
Here are your picks for the best food and drink spots in Cleveland for 2022.
Marble Room
623 Euclid Ave., Cleveland
Marble Room Steaks and Raw Bar is unbelievably fancy in a great downtown location. They do take reservations, and you’re likely going to need to book in advance if you want to sweep someone off their feet at this romantic spot on a weekend. Credit: Scene ArchivesKoko Bakery
3710 Payne Ave., Cleveland and 1767 Coventry Rd., Cleveland Heights
For more than 15 years, Koko Bakery has lured Asian food fans to its downtown store for fresh-baked buns, colorful fruit tarts, cakes and pastries, hot lunches and the best bubble tea around. In 2021, they opened their second shop in Coventry Village in the former Piccadilly Artisan Yogurt space next door to Pacific East. Credit: Scene ArchivesBest Seafood Market: Kate’s Fish
1979 West 25th St., Cleveland
For over 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. Credit: Scene ArchivesCent’s Pizza
5010 Lorain Ave., Cleveland
For nearly two and half years, we have been following the progress of Vincent Morelli as he has endeavored to open Cent’s Pizza on the western edge of Ohio City. The ambitious project required a total renovation of the former PM Security building on Lorain (5010 Lorain Ave.) by the landlord. Like many projects, this one was stalled by the events of last year. Now, one year into the opening of Cent’s, Morelli has quickly established Cent’s as one of the best pizza joints in town with a loyal following. Credit: Scene ArchivesRising Star
Multiple Locations
With seven locations around town, Rising Star has taken over the local coffee game in recent years. 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. Credit: 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. Credit: Scene ArchivesOtani Noodle
11472 and 234 Euclid Ave., Cleveland
Otani Noodle, from the same owners of long-standing Mayfield Heights hibachi restaurant Otani, recently took over this Euclid space. If you haven’t been yet, you’re missing out. The tonkatsu broth used for their ramen is delectable. Credit:Scene ArchivesBest French Fries and Best Vegetarian Restaurant: 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. Credit: Scene ArchivesBest German Restaurant: Das Schnitzel Haus
5728 Pearl Rd., Parma,
Hearty German food might not be what first comes to mind when it comes to comfort food. But the type of German food they serve at this Parma restaurant definitely is comforting. A heaping plate of schnitzel, pierogies or stuffed veal is perfect for a rainy day. Credit: Scene ArchivesZhug
12413 Cedar Rd., Cleveland Heights
With the unveiling of this new venture in 2020, Doug Katz has created a new gravitational center for this side of town, attracting diners with such force that many get turned away. If your idea of Middle Eastern food consists largely of tightly wrapped falafel sandwiches, shawarma carved from a twirling spit and grilled beef shish-kabob on a bed of rice, Zhug will expand your culinary horizons in a million little ways. With its dazzling small plates, meticulously crafted cocktails and ripped-from-Tel Aviv-vibe, this cosmopolitan eatery upends every Cleveland dining convention. Credit: Scene archivesBest 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. 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 ArchivesLe Petit Triangle
1881 Fulton Ave., Cleveland
A little cramped, occasionally noisy, and quite possibly the city’s smallest restaurant, this quaint French bistro still manages to turn 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. Over the years, owners Tom and Joy Harlor have made incremental improvements to the space, food and vibe, but the Triangle has always stayed true to its original mission to serve the neighborhood. Credit: Scene ArchivesBest 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. Credit: Scene ArchivesBest Japanese Restaurant: Shinto
1707 Pearl Rd., Strongsville
This Strongsville Japanese steakhouse and sushi spot was featured on Ginormous Food because of their Godzilla Roll, a monstrous five pound sushi roll. Shrimp tempura, avocado, cream cheese, eel, topped with tempura flakes, eel sauce and spicy mayo make up this giant roll. Credit: Scene ArchivesBest Chinese Restaurant: Li Wah
2999 Payne Ave., Cleveland
Located in the Asian Plaza — a three-floor complex of professional offices, gift shops, herb stores, and Asian food markets — Li Wah offers an assortment of traditional dim sum as well as a large menu of fresh seafood and authentic Hong Kong-style cuisine. If you’re going for their delicious dim sum, go on a Sunday afternoon, when the variety of dishes being pushed around on carts is at its maximum. Credit: Scene ArchivesThai Thai
13735 Madison Ave., Lakewood
Few restaurants have made as big of a splash as Thai Thai, the tiny Lakewood eatery beloved for its flavorful, fiery Bangkok-style street foods. From the day it opened in 2016, this pared-down eatery excelled by focusing on a handful of Thai classics and knocking each and every one of them out of the park. Credit: Scene ArchivesSaigon
2061 East Fourth St., Cleveland
Nestled into a relatively small storefront on downtown’s bustling East Fourth Street, the room is cozy, comfy, and contemporary. The best bets here are the meal-sized phos — fragrant beef-broth soups featuring rice noodles and several different styles of beef. On the side, an array of condiments — Asian basil, fresh lime wedges and bean sprouts, sliced jalapeños, earthy hoisin sauce, and peppery sriracha — allows diners to customize the dish to their preference. Credit: Scene ArchivesSuperior Pho
3030 Superior Ave., Cleveland
Because pho is an essential (and reasonably priced) part of a balanced diet, not to mention one’s sanity, noodle shops like this one hold a very important place in our lives. Winter or summer, a bowl of pho is more than food; it’s a restorative elixir that sets us on a brighter path. Their phos are mostly $11.95 for a small, $12.95 for a large and $14.95 for an extra large. You can also get a bahn mi for 6.95 and it’s very delicious. Credit: Scene ArchivesAcqua Di Luca
500 West St. Clair Ave., Cleveland
For those looking for a restaurant to celebrate life’s big moments, thankfully, there’s Acqua di Luca, the latest restaurant from the husband-and-wife team behind Luca Italian Cuisine and Luca West. In true “special-occasion restaurant” form, the menu is unabashedly extravagant. The walk-in coolers are filled to the brim with shellfish, fin fish, veal, filet mignon, Kobe beef and menacing tomahawk chops. Those luxe foodstuffs are gilded with saffron, brown butter, Nebbiolo wine reductions and freshly shaved truffles. 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 ArchivesStone 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.
Photo via @Joey_Bowling67/Instagram Credit: Scene ArchivesProsperity 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. The kitchen stays open nightly until midnight and brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. 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 ArchivesBest 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. Credit: Scene ArchivesRowley 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/InstagramIl 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 ArchivesBest Burger: Gunselman’s Tavern
21490 Lorain Road, Fairview Park, OH 44126
Locally sourced and served on a cast-iron skillet, these burgers were recently voted the best in town. Gunselman’s is an old-school joint that has been around since 1936. But they keep up with the times. For something special, try the Cleveland Handshake – a burger topped with Ohio City Pasta pierogi, Cleveland Kraut, Bertman’s Dortmunder mustard and Cleveland Pickle’s onion jam, a smorgasbord of ingredients from local businesses. Credit: Scene ArchivesBest 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. Credit: Scene ArchivesOhio City Provisions
3208 Lorain Ave., Cleveland,
The meat at this Ohio City butcher shop is some of the finest protein in all the Land. Its preparation is great too, with display cases overflowing with cuts that are hand-carved the Old World way. 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. While you’re there, grab some staples like farm-fresh milk, eggs and butter. Credit: Scene ArchivesBest Barbecue – 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. Credit: Woodstock BBQThe 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. 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/FacebookZhug
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 ArchivesBest 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. 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 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 ArchivesLarder
1455 West 29th St., Cleveland
In late April, the James Beard Foundation announced the nominees for its Media Awards, which includes Book, Broadcast Media and Journalism. Chef Jeremy Umansky of Larder was on the list. His book, “Koji Alchemy: Rediscovering the Magic of Mold-Based Fermentation,” co-authored with Rich Shih, is up for an award in the Reference, History, and Scholarship category. In 2019, Umansky, along with partners Allie La Valle-Umansky and Kenny Scott, earned a semi-finalist spot in the Best New Restaurant category for Larder. Credit: Scene archivesBest Food Truck: Fired Up Tacos
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. Credit: 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 Credit: Tim HarrisonAll Saints Public House
1261 West 76th St., Cleveland
All Saints inherited one of Cleveland’s most celebrated patios and managed to improve almost every aspect of it. Beneath a canopy of mature trees lies a picturesque landscape with an outdoor bar, water features and comfortable furniture. The menu is loaded with well-built items like Cubanos, beer-battered fish and chips and double-bone pork chops. 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 ArchivesBrewnuts
6501 Detroit Ave., Cleveland
Brewnuts might not technically “serve brunch,” but they do sell donuts and coffee, which is about as close to the ideal breakfast as one can get. This Detroit Shoreway donut bar serves up delicious drip and espresso-based coffees from local legend Phoenix Coffee. You can also tuck into a hot cocoa or a soothing hot toddy to pair with your mocha-glazed fry cake, salted caramel donut with pecans, or rum-soaked pina colada confection. Ah, who are we kidding? Skip the java and knock back a few pints of a local IPA and call it a morning. Credit:Scene ArchivesSOHO Chicken + Whiskey
1889 W. 25th St., Cleveland
“This place has consistently been great. Out of my four or five experiences here, I have never been disappointed. To start, the biscuits with rosemary butter and apple jam are delicious, and I could eat several servings as a main dish if I really wanted to. Outside of this, all of their chicken dishes center on juicy fried chicken, that I have had cooked perfectly every time. Along with this, they provide their own house made hot sauce that is one of my favorites. Really give this place a try ASAP, I’m sure you won’t regret it!” Andrew M. on Yelp Credit: SOHOMartha on The Fly
2173 Professor Ave, Cleveland
This weekend-only breakfast concept took their pop-up concept and turned it into a brick and mortar spot that opened in Tremont in April. 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, Martha on the Fly will showcase new menu items like their potato crispies as well. Credit: Scene ArchivesBest Diner: 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. Credit: Scene archivesBest Bakery/Pastries: Luna Bakery and Cafe
2482 Fairmount Blvd., Cleveland Heights and 34105 Chagrin Blvd., Moreland Hills
This European-style bakery has become one of the most beloved in town. With locations in Cleveland Heights and Moreland Hills, Luna bakes up delicious macarons, stunning cakes, delectable and fun cookies and the best sticky buns in town. Credit: 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, another location in Chagrin Falls, 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. Credit: Scene ArchivesOn The Rise
3471 Fairmount Blvd., Cleveland Heights and 3407 Tuttle Rd., Shaker Heights
Known mostly for their artisan breads and mouth-watering pastries, we had to include this spot because we love their baguette sandwiches. They may be simple, but the freshly baked bread they come on takes them to another level. The prosciutto sandwich with honey butter and arugula and the banh mi are our favorites but you really can’t go wrong. Credit: Scene ArchivesBest Greek Restaurant: Greek Village Grille
14019 Madison Ave., Lakewood
For crying out loud, it’s pronounced YEE-roh! Regardless, the Greek creation at this location has all the components of a typical sandwich: bread, meat, veggies and sauce. And it’s very tasty, along with the rest of their lineup of Greek offerings. Credit: Scene ArchivesBourbon Street Barrel Room
2393 Professor Ave., Cleveland
“I went for brunch and got the fried chicken and french toast. So I can really speak to how well they are doing when it comes to the New Orleans cuisine. What I can say is that the drinks are AMAZING. We had Amira and Patrick at the bar. Both were super accommodating and attentive. Amira made this great mocktail for my friend that is expecting called a health tonic. If she is there I recommend ordering it. It is so refreshing…..and you can add gin or tequila,” Willainaa S. on Yelp Credit: Scene ArchivesMason’s Creamery
4401 Bridge Ave., Cleveland
Season 35, Episode 10
Mason’s Creamery makes small batches of ice cream and rotates through flavors, so the more you visit, the more you can try. And no matter the specific flavors in stock, they always make sure to have vegan options. And don’t forget to check out their ramen during the winter months. Credit: Scene ArchivesBest Deli: Joe’s Deli
11750 Madison Ave., Lakewood
Joe’s is a comfortable, tidy restaurant with a large menu of homey standards, including excellent corned-beef sandwiches, homemade soups, and freshly made Middle Eastern specialties.The breakfast goes until 10:30 a.m. so get there early and try the potato pancakes. Credit: Scene ArchivesBuckeye Beer Engine
15315 Madison Ave., Lakewood
“Buckeye Beer Engine has great wings and the engine hot was always a great blend to me of very spicy sauce that still had great flavor. Plus you can get a basket of tots which is a big plus,” Valan_Luca Credit:Scene ArchivesBest 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. Credit:Beet Jar/FacebookPier 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. Credit: Scene ArchivesBest Tacos: 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. 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 ArchivesHappy 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. And their hot dogs, that come with basically any topping you want, are a Cleveland staple. Credit: Scene ArchivesLittle Polish Diner
5772 Ridge Rd., Parma, 440-842-8212
This tiny Parma staple is a classic place to grab some great Polish food. The perogies in particular are worth the trip, but they also have killer homemade chicken noodle soup.
Photo via littlebeeman/Instagram Credit: Scene ArchivesBest Local Chain: 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. Credit: Scene Archives
