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20 Delicious Restaurants in Cleveland, OH

Travel Lens

Nov 18, 2023 • 11 min read

Cleveland, a city rich in culinary delights, offers an array of restaurants serving dishes to satisfy any palate.

From gourmet experiences to hearty meals, the city's gastronomic scene presents a diverse range of flavors.

This journey through the heart of the Buckeye State will highlight some of the finest establishments.

After all, in Cleveland, the universal language of food is spoken with eloquence.

Boney Fingers BBQ

Boney Fingers BBQ is a nearby eatery that offers a taste of the South, serving up hearty, homemade BBQ plates.

Their brisket is exceptionally tender and well-seasoned, and the baked beans have a smoky flavor that adds just the right amount of kick.

Their cornbread is a standout, being fluffy and moist. The brisket burger, topped with cheddar, is a must-try item on their menu.

Additionally, their pork belly sandwich combines crispy pork belly with slaw and fries for a symphony of flavors.

Osteria Italian

Osteria Italian is a posh, upscale restaurant in Cleveland known for its refined Italian cuisine.

The restaurant provides a glamorous atmosphere reminiscent of classic Hollywood, complete with luxurious Italian art and romantic mood lighting.

Osteria Italian offers live entertainment weekly, adding to the overall dining experience. The menu features dishes like creamy risotto balls, grilled rack of lamb, and Mushroom Marsala with brown butter pasta, all of which receive high praise.

Despite its upscale ambiance, Osteria Italian maintains a lively and welcoming atmosphere, making it a popular choice for couples and groups.

Danny's Deli & Restaurant

Danny's Deli & Restaurant, located in the heart of Cleveland, is renowned for its exceptional sandwiches and old-world charm.

The jumbo club sandwiches at Danny's are not only enormous but bursting with homemade flavors.

Their corned beef is a true showstopper, incredibly juicy and tender, served generously with coleslaw and perfectly toasted bread.

Classic options like the reuben sandwich are also top-notch, featuring the finest quality meat.

Whether it's breakfast or dinner, Danny's Deli & Restaurant offers an unforgettable culinary experience that beckons you to return.

Slyman's

Slyman's Restaurant and Deli, nestled in the heart of the city, exudes a palpable retro vibe and is celebrated for its substantial corned beef sandwiches and deli classics.

Despite being consistently packed with patrons, Slyman's maintains a lively atmosphere with adequate parking.

The real gem of Slyman's is its delectable food, including legendary sandwiches like the corned beef, known for its tenderness and generous portions.

The Reuben sandwich and fried mushrooms are particularly impressive, leaving a lasting impression on diners.

Main Gate Restaurant

Main Gate Restaurant, a hidden gem in Cleveland, is a favorite breakfast spot known for its oversized Reuben and corned beef sandwiches.

Their fries are fresh, crispy, and remarkably non-greasy, setting a high bar for tastiness.

Despite its unassuming exterior, the restaurant boasts old-world charm, with the building being over 120 years old, making it the city's oldest.

The biscuits and gravy special is a heavenly breakfast plate, featuring eggs, hash browns, and gravy that meld together beautifully.

Main Gate Restaurant impresses with its spotless cleanliness, including meticulous condiment shelf wiping and pristine bathrooms.

Zaytoon Lebanese Kitchen

Zaytoon Lebanese Kitchen, located in Playhouse Square, offers a diverse culinary experience for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Their breakfast sandwiches are a delight, with warm sourdough bread and a delectable cheese mix.

The chicken shawarma bar is a popular choice for office meetings, featuring tender chicken, warm bread, fresh veggies, and delightful sauces.

Evenings at Zaytoon's provide a relaxing ambiance and a menu filled with authentic Lebanese and Middle Eastern dishes.

From creamy hummus to crispy falafel and juicy grilled meats, every dish showcases the culinary skills of the talented chefs.

EDWINS Leadership & Restaurant Institute

EDWINS, a local treasure, offers high-end French cuisine in an opulent setting, providing a delightful culinary journey from traditional French plates to exotic seafood options.

The tastefully decorated, plush interior adds to the charm and intimacy of the restaurant, despite slightly dim lighting.

The food at EDWINS is a symphony of flavors, with standout creations like seafood sausage and a fresh salad.

Beyond the food and drinks, EDWINS stands for a noble cause, reflecting the spirit of the community.

Soho Chicken + Whiskey

Soho Chicken + Whiskey, tucked away in the heart of the city, offers a warm and inviting atmosphere with a modern yet rustic feel.

Their drinks menu boasts crafted masterpieces that are perfectly balanced and deliciously refreshing.

The Southern cuisine at Soho is high-end without pretentiousness, featuring crispy fried chicken and mouthwatering shrimp and grits.

The service at Soho is commendable, making it a special gem in the neighborhood.

Bon Appétit Downtown

Bon Appétit Downtown, located in downtown, offers a charming, rustic-chic atmosphere with a Mediterranean bistro vibe.

Their menu features mouthwatering Mediterranean-style café eats, and their customizable bowls, like the falafel-loaded bowl, are a hit.

Bon Appétit also boasts locally roasted coffee for connoisseurs, refreshing smoothies like the banana strawberry, and the best-tasting fries in the downtown area.

L'Albatros

L'Albatros, a contemporary upscale restaurant in the city, provides an elegant ambiance and exquisite French cuisine.

Their seven-cheese plate comes with expert guidance for selection and pairs perfectly with wines from their refined selection.

The menu includes culinary masterpieces like braised lamb shoulder, pork in two ways, chicken breast, and steak frites.

L'Albatros offers a blend of comfort and charm, whether dining inside by the fireplace or on the inviting patio.

Their French onion soup is a standout, making L'Albatros a slice of France at home.

Marble Room Steaks and Raw Bar

Marble Room Steaks and Raw Bar, situated in Cleveland's heart, provides an opulent dining experience amidst historic architecture.

The menu includes succulent steaks, fresh seafood, and innovative cocktails, with standout dishes like the tomahawk steak and Japanese Wagyu.

Commencing with appetizers such as crab cakes and French onion soup, diners can end with a notable cheesecake dessert.

The establishment, renowned for its coffee martini, is a preferred choice for special occasions owing to its stunning architecture, delectable cuisine, and warm ambiance.

Blue Point Grille

Blue Point Grille is a must-visit for gourmet seafood lovers, offering a consistently satisfying dining experience with rich flavors and perfect portions.

Their lobster bisque is a must-try dish, and the restaurant is known for its impeccable service and inviting ambiance.

Phở Lee's Vietnamese Restaurant

Phở Lee's Vietnamese Restaurant, conveniently located near the bustling Asia Town market, offers an authentic Vietnamese dining experience.

The food at Phở Lee's is a burst of true Vietnamese taste, from fresh summer rolls to the must-try Pho, a soul-soothing comfort bowl.

Adjacent to an Asian Supermarket, you can easily browse through the market for Asian supplies after a meal.

What sets Phở Lee's apart is their commitment to freshness and authenticity, including making their own bread for sandwiches.

Their homemade corn milk and Vietnamese coffee are perfect accompaniments to any meal and are available to-go.

Fine Dining at Pickwick & Frolic

Fine Dining at Pickwick & Frolic Restaurant and Club is a memorable experience in the heart of Cleveland's bustling entertainment district.

As the moon rises, the restaurant comes alive with laughter and cheers, making it the perfect destination for a fun night out.

The atmosphere at Pickwick & Frolic is intoxicating, with soft lights, good music, and the joyful sound of laughter filling the establishment.

But it's not just about the ambiance; the menu is a culinary delight, ensuring that your evening at Pickwick & Frolic is not just a meal but a complete experience.

Landmark Smokehouse

Landmark Smokehouse is a BBQ joint in Cleveland that truly stands out.

When I first walked into Landmark Smokehouse, I was greeted by the mouthwatering aroma of smoked meats.

Their St. Louis ribs, glazed with a sweet and tangy sauce, were a delightful lunch choice.

While the meat could have been a bit more tender, it was still delicious.

Their coleslaw was good, and the generous portion of fries was a plus. However, the real gem was their mac and cheese, with a delightful smoky cheese flavor and creamy texture.

Landmark Smokehouse also offers a fantastic brunch menu. The Early Bird Chicken Sandwich is exceptionally large and perfectly breaded, with bacon aioli adding a unique twist.

The smoked meat latkes were tasty, although the brisket was slightly overdone. To wash it all down, their Bloody Mary is a standout, considered one of the best in town.

Superior Phở

Superior Phở, located in Cleveland, specializes in phở noodle soups and traditional Vietnamese dishes. Despite its modest exterior, it's known for its superior phở.

Upon entering Superior Phở, the comforting aroma of simmering phở broth envelops you.

The grilled marinated pork with noodles, known as pork bùn, is a standout dish.

The meat is tender, succulent, and perfectly marinated, offering a sweet and smoky aftertaste.

While the dish could use more veggies, adding bean sprouts and Thai basil from the phở balances it out.

Superior Phở doesn't stop at phở and noodles; they also offer a variety of traditional Vietnamese dishes.

To complement your meal, their bubble tea exceeds expectations, making it a must-try.

Ha Ahn Restaurant

Ha Ahn Restaurant is a hidden gem in a narrow strip mall, offering a warm and homey ambiance that sets it apart from typical restaurants.

The authenticity of their Japanese and Korean food is striking, with robust flavors and spices.

The gochuchang sauce adds a fiery depth to the dishes, and the side dishes reflect their commitment to authenticity.

What truly distinguishes Ha Ahn is the passion evident in every aspect of their service, making it a must-visit for those seeking exceptional food and warm service.

The Standard

For those seeking a complete Cleveland experience, The Standard offers a cozy bistro and bar with modern American comfort food and a craft cocktail menu.

The establishment emanates a special ambiance.

On any given evening, patrons can expect an electric atmosphere on the patio, with music and the promise of a delightful meal.

The menu features exquisite dishes reminiscent of high-end French cuisine in Paris, all at affordable prices.

Exceptional service is a hallmark of The Standard.

Marie's Restaurant

Marie's Restaurant, located in the city center, is a charming European-style eatery known for its fusion of Eastern European and American dishes.

The schnitzel is a standout choice, paired perfectly with apple sauce.

The restaurant also offers a tempting selection of imported beers and wines.

Saigon Restaurant & Bar

Saigon Restaurant & Bar, situated in Downtown Cleveland's E 4th St, is a top choice for those seeking authentic Vietnamese cuisine.

The restaurant's bamboo-accented interior and welcoming ambiance create an immersive dining experience.

The menu features classic Vietnamese dishes, including pho, stir-fries, rice dishes, and exceptional noodle dishes.

Notable items include crispy pork spring rolls and fragrant pho.

The bar offers a diverse selection of innovative and refreshing cocktails to complement the meal.

Final Thoughts

Exploring Cleveland's culinary landscape has uncovered some of the city's finest dining opportunities.

The restaurant scene reflects the city's cultural heritage and hospitable atmosphere.

When visiting Cleveland, be sure to sample these exceptional establishments.

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