Ready to make the most of your summer — and looking for a list of the places you need to eat? We have you covered.

From the hottest new restaurants to open in Greater Cleveland recently to classic summer-season standbys, from places with cool treats to the area’s buzziest patios, there’s plenty of great options for dining out, from Kelleys Island to Grand River and everywhere in between.

Here are the local restaurants that belong  on your summer dining bucket list.

Soho Chicken + Whiskey 1889 W. 25th Street, Cleveland If you’re looking for something different along West 25th Street in Ohio City, step into Soho Chicken + Whiskey. As the name implies, Soho offers fried chicken – some of the crispiest, juiciest fried chicken around, actually – but it does so in a sharp little cosmopolitan bistro. To go with the fried chicken platters and sammies, Soho prepares Southern comfort classics like biscuits and jam, deviled eggs, pimento cheese, gumbo and shrimp and grits. Top-flight cocktails and stellar service add to the experience. Credit: DOUG TRATTNER
Daisy’s 5614 Fleet Ave., Cleveland A legend in Slavic Village for four decades, Daisy’s in Slavic Village recently reopened after a five-year hiatus. Partners Brittany Bissell and Chris Hoke offer a combination of hard pack and soft serve ice creams, brownie sundaes, banana splits, milkshakes and floats. They serve Toft’s ice cream from Sandusky (“Ohio’s oldest dairy”), as well as a small selection of hot foods starring hot dogs and traditional Polish boys, with kielbasa, fries, coleslaw and barbecue sauce. Credit: Provided
The Van Aken District 3401 Tuttle Rd., Shaker Heights The Van Aken District has converted a portion of the area’s main thoroughfare, Tuttle Road, into a turf-lined pedestrian-only seating area. The sun-soaked outdoor space functions as the patio for Market Hall eateries like Banter, On the Rise, Ninja City, Scorpacciata and Lox, Stock and Brisket. And because the lane is a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area, diners can stroll with alcoholic beverages purchased at Craft Collective. Throughout the season, the site also plays host to farmers’ markets, makers’ markets and live entertainment. Credit: Scene Archives
Flight Cleveland 5712 Detroit Ave., Cleveland It’s officially rose season, and when it comes to exploring the fresh crop of summer sippers, there are few better places than Flight. Located in buzzy Gordon Square, this generously proportioned patio is a welcoming perch to sip varietals from around the globe. Order a flight, find a new favorite, and buy a bottle to go. Credit: Scene Archives
Mendel’s Kansas City BBQ 20314 Chagrin Blvd, Shaker Heights Like his Miami restaurant, Mendel’s Backyard BBQ, Mendel Segal is proving that kosher and barbecue can indeed coexist. This January Mendel’s Kansas City BBQ opened its doors in Shaker Heights, across Chagrin Boulevard from Van Aken District. The 80-seat restaurant is full-service, but family-friendly. And with items like brisket, smoked pastrami, giant beef ribs, beef back ribs, smoked veal brisket, lamb ribs, smoked turkey, burnt ends and smoked chicken, few diners will miss the pork. Credit: Doug Trattner
The Judith 5222 Lorain Ave., Cleveland Jennie Doran and Andrew Worm, owners of Room Service, have opened the Judith, a French-inspired café. The 125-year-old building in Ohio City, formerly home to Guide to Kulchur bookstore, has been transformed into a charming 28-seat European-style café. In the morning, coffee and tea is served alongside breakfast pastries and open-face sandwiches. Lunches usher in fresh salads, shareable small plates, baguette sandwiches and desserts. When wine, beer and cocktails are added in the coming months, the café will roll through happy hour and into the evening. Credit: Daniel Lozada
The 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 — is the rotating roster of food trucks. But equally compelling is the Geraci’s Slice Shop, which was the first outpost for the beloved pizzeria. The shop is a year-round operation that serves both The Yard guests but also take-out and delivery for Willoughby and the surrounding area. Credit: Scene Archives
Jolly Roger Seafood House 1737 East Perry St., Port Clinton Arriving at Jolly Roger you’ll see plenty of out-of-town license plates in the parking lot and what seems like an endless line. People come from all over the U.S. for the seafood house’s yellow perch sandwiches. They’re caught in Lake Erie, which is within eyesight of the establishment. Order with a side of fries or onion rings to complete the delicious lunch. Credit: Scene Archives
Duke’s ‘n Boots 4027 Erie St., Willoughby Dukes `n Boots, chef Dante Boccuzzi’s first foray to the east side, welcomed its first guests in the heart of Willoughby on Erie Street in May. The Southern-styled saloon elevates the honky-tonk vibe thanks to warm wood, exposed brick and a menu designed by a Michelin-starred chef. Heading up the kitchen is chef Emily Campion, who has been working at Ginko and Dante for the past year. She takes the reins with an eye on quality, consistency and creativity. Don’t miss the 60-seat outdoor patio, perfect for summer dining and drinking. Credit: Doug Trattner
Gray House Pizza 14201 Madison Ave, Lakewood Gray House Pies owner Joe Schlott has been passionate about Detroit-style pizza for years. As soon as it became available, he snagged the Lakewood spot formerly home to Chow Chow and Smokin’ Thyme Kitchen. His technique starts with a 2-day cold proof. He uses high-fat brick cheese, making sure to pile it into the corners and edges. Naturally, they are baked in square steel pans and sauced after they exit the oven to keep the tomato flavors bright and fresh. Credit: Doug Trattner
Wolf Pack Chorus 2175 Cornell Rd., Cleveland This modern brasserie opened in Little Italy in the former Club Isabella space in early 2023. After signing the lease, owners Chris and Katie Wolf got busy making the contemporary property their own. Nearly every surface received attention, from the bartop to the bathrooms. The patio opened for the first time this spring, and with live music most nights of the week, it’s sure to be a happening spot with the weather warming up. Credit: Provided
Geraci’s Slice Shop 603 Prospect Ave., Cleveland Last summer, downtown Cleveland lost a 40-year-old legend when Vincenza’s Pizza & Pasta abruptly closed its shop. In May, another local legend took up the mantle to provide hot slices for all. Geraci’s Slice Shop, a fast-casual extension of the 60-year-old brand, features classic Geraci’s pizzas – either by the slice or whole – plus appetizers, salads, subs and desserts like Italian ice and tiramisu. Guests can look forward to a fun, funky décor modeled after an `80s pizzeria, complete with full bar and game room. In the off season, Geraci’s Slice Shop acquired “Manager of the Year” Terry “Tito” Francona as an investor. The prominent Vincenza’s space has been artfully redesigned into an `80s-themed pizzeria where fun, nostalgia and efficiency are the names of the game. A 25-seat sidewalk patio features a turf base and lawn chairs. Credit: Doug Trattner
Pearl Street Wine Market and Cafe 2523 Market Ave., Cleveland In March 2022, Karen Small shuttered the Flying Fig, her 23-year-old Ohio City bistro. But when she did, she announced that she would be partnering up with Jill Davis, owner of Toast Wine Bar, on a new project in the same space. Inspired by European bistros, Pearl Street Wine Market & Café combines the retail aspect of the former Market at the Fig with a casual small-plates, farm-to-table café. In addition to small and shared plates starring local charcuterie and cheeses, there are larger entrees featuring proteins, pasta, grains and seasonal produce. A rotating selection of wines by the glass, beer and classic cocktails are available. Credit: Joe Szabo
Poppy 12502 Larchmere Blvd, Cleveland Fifteen years ago, Felice opened in a warm and woodsy Craftsman-style home on Larchmere Boulevard. In March, Poppy opened in that same turn-of-the-century property. Now in the hands of Jill Vedaa and Jessica Parkison of Salt, the attractive restaurant seats 75 in the main and second floor dining rooms. The menu is divided into categories for vegetables, fish and meat, with plates growing in size within those categories as well as across the page. Credit: Poppy
Patron Saint 2915 Detroit Ave., Cleveland Maria Artale’s lifelong dream was to open a restaurant and she fulfilled that goal when she opened Patron Saint in June, when the long-planned all-day cafe and aperitivo bar opened to the public. As an all-day café, Patron Saint transitions from early morning coffee service through early evening aperitivo hour. The 50-seat café boasts a window counter with lake views, comfortable banquettes, a standing rail, and bar seating. Although there is a full bar, Artale has her sights focused on low-alcohol beverages like amaro-based spritzes, which will go well beyond the ubiquitous Aperol and Campari. Additionally, there will Italian beer and wine on hand. Chef David Kocab has created a farm-to-table Italian-inspired menu that leans light, wholesome, seasonal and creative. Credit: Patron Saint/Facebook
Balaton 8564 E. Washington St., Bainbridge In March, Balaton opened in Bainbridge — the fourth location for the acclaimed Hungarian spot. Therezia Olah first launched Balaton as a small takeout spot on Buckeye Road in the early 1960s. A few years later she graduated to a larger full-service restaurant farther up Buckeye Road. That restaurant thrived there from the mid-1960s until 1998, when the family relocated to Shaker Square. The addresses may have changed, but the dynamite comfort food has not. Stop by for the schnitzel and don’t miss the veal crepe. Credit: Emanuel Wallace
Boom’s Pizza 14370 Detroit Ave., Lakewood Ben Bebenroth and Jonathan Bennett, both of Spice Hospitality Group, have opened Boom’s Pizza in Lakewood. The snazzy corner shop is a pleasant merger between a casual sit-down and pick-up operation, with a comfortable dining room that rewards dine-in customers. Guests order, pay and grab their beverages from self-serve coolers filled with beer, wine by the can, split and bottle and soft drinks. Credit: Agape Photography
Chez Francois 555 Main St., Vermilion This rightly famous bistro has been a summer must-visit for Clevelanders for decades. The Vermilion River serves as an elegant backdrop for a stellar meal starring the same fine French food as indoors, but in a more casual and informal environment. Leave the jacket and tie at home and savor the good life. Credit: Scene Archives
Tutto Carne 2181 Murray Hill Road, Cleveland The red-brick corner property in Little Italy that has been home to a handful of restaurants over the years including Salvatore’s, Tutto Giorno, Il Bacio and Nora welcomed a new operation in May with Tutto Carne. The Italian-themed steakhouse is operated by Zachary Ladner and Carl Quagliata, the chef-owners behind Giovanni’s, Smokin’ Q’s BBQ, Paloma and The Village Butcher. At the 45-seat bistro, guests are encouraged to linger thanks to posh and plush velvet-wrapped chairs to dine on steaks, chops, seafood and classic pasta dishes. Credit: Doug Trattner
Paloma 20041 Walker Rd., 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 the plant store Stump and the new burger concept Shake It, opened last fall as Paloma, a taco-focused Mexican restaurant. From partners Zachary Ladner and Carl Quagliata of Giovanni’s and the Village Butcher, Paloma is a taco-focused modern-Mexican restaurant that is a bit more elevated than what’s typically offered. The restaurant first unveiled the patio this spring. Credit: Scene Archives
Centro 2017 East 9th St., Cleveland When Adega at Metropolitan at the 9 closed in October 2022, the Centro took 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 just one month later. The all new menu features hand-cut steaks, fresh seafood, house-made pastas, and sourdough brick-oven pizzas. The patio remains similar to Adega just with an updated look. Credit: The Centro/Facebook
Fiyah Korean BBQ 1253 E. 55th St, Cleveland For nearly three years, diners eagerly awaited the arrival of Fiyah, the contemporary Korean barbecue restaurant that opened in the St. Clair Superior neighborhood last March. Fiyah offers both Korean BBQ and Asian hot pot experiences in a spacious, attractive setting. There are more than two dozen booths featuring built-in gas grills, allowing groups to enjoy the interactive art of tabletop grilling. Fiyah is going with two different all-you-can-eat models that offer different selections of meats and seafoods. There’s also a massive wraparound porch and rooftop patio. Credit: Scene Archives
L’Albatros 11401 Bellflower Rd., Cleveland If we had to pick one restaurant patio on which to pitch a tent all summer long, it would be this one. Zack Bruell’s timeless French brasserie has anchored University Circle’s dining scene for 15 years thanks to a combination of exceptional food and top-flight service. Transplant those key features into an impeccable garden setting and you create a regional destination like L’Albatros. You can find us at the small but well-stocked outdoor bar knocking back glasses of chilly Sancerre while we decide between the mussels frites and roasted cod. Credit: Scene Archives
17 River Grille 17 River St., Chagrin Falls Located overlooking the waterfalls of the Chagrin River in quaint downtown Chagrin Falls, Jekyll’s Kitchen turned into 17 River in 2020. Owned by veteran restaurateur Rick Doody, 17 River not only has beautiful views but also the food to match. It’s a gorgeously designed restaurant. Credit: Scene Archives
Lindey’s Lake House 1146 Old River Rd., Cleveland Few Flats East Bank restaurants are as close to the water as Lindey’s Lake House, which offers patio guests engaging views of all the pleasure and commercial activity up and down the Cuyahoga. To go with that stylish setting is a menu of slightly elevated American staples that offers everything from tacos and lobster rolls to cedar-plank salmon and grilled chops. Credit: Scene Archives
Acqua Di Luca 500 West St. Clair Ave., Cleveland One of Cleveland’s most compelling seafood-focused restaurants also happens to boast one of downtown’s best patios. After a complete transformation of the former XO Steaks interior, the owners moved on to the outdoors. Less of a sidewalk patio than a tasteful extension of the dining room, this stylish wraparound porch in the heart of the Warehouse District is alfresco dining at its finest. Credit: Scene Archives
All 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 Archives
Rocky River Wine Bar 1313 Linda St., Rocky River Like a fine wine, this Rocky River hideaway continues to improve with age. In warm weather or cold, crowds descend upon this seasoned wine bar – and for good reason. The small plates and wine pours transform a simple happy hour meetup into a festive occasion. Better still, take that party outdoors to the rambling patio that boasts genuine wine-country appeal. Credit: Scene Archives
Saucy Brew Works Vibe Garden 2885 Detroit Ave., Cleveland A big empty lot isn’t usually great, but during the pandemic, having one around the corner from your brewpub turned out to be a great thing that continues to bear fruit for Cleveland even today. Saucy Brew Works transformed the plot into the Vibe Garden, with plenty of picnic tables and an upcoming schedule of volleyball and cornhole leagues. All food and drink is available to order from your table. Credit: Scene Archives
Scooter’s Dawg House 9600 Blackbrook Rd., Mentor Scooter’s World Famous Dawg House has fed hungry Lake County beachgoers for over two decades. The seasonal shop is only open from the middle of March to the middle of September, but they manage to squeeze a full year of business into half a year’s time. The top-selling Chicago Dawg is dragged through the garden and topped with mustard, tomato, dill pickle, relish, onion and celery salt. Credit: Scene Archives
Village Pump 103 West Lakeshore Dr., Kelleys Island Kelley’s Island is the perfect spot to hit up for a quick weekend getaway, and Village Pump is the place to eat there. Famous for their Lake Erie Perch and lobster chowder, both dishes are must-orders at this seafood restaurant. And don’t forget to try the Brandy Alexander, a mixture of nutmeg, brandy, creme de cocoa and vanilla ice cream. Credit: Scene Archives
Eddie’s Grill 5377 Lake Rd. E., Geneva Who needs the franchised burgers of In-N-Out on the West Coast when you have Eddie’s? There’s no need to travel a great distance to get a great tasting fresh burger served with a nostalgic 1950s vibe. Footlong hot dogs, fresh crispy fries, and mouthwatering coleslaw are served in addition to their famous burgers. Take advantage while you can because this burger joint is only open during the summer. Credit: Scene Archives
Brennan’s Fish House 102 River St., Grand River This fish house used to be a hotel called the Richmond Inn, built in 1865 at the end of the Civil War. There’s a lot of history in the building, and artifacts are proudly displayed on the restaurant walls. The joint is currently serving up tasty fried and fresh fish. including perch and walleye caught in Lake Erie. Credit: Scene Archives