Pizza, brisket, or seafood? Good luck picking out where to eat with some of these best restaurants in Cleveland!
Are you going to be in the beautiful city of Cleveland? Cleveland is known for their chill vibes, but did you know their food scene is just as awesome? Well, today we have got a treat for you. We have saved you the hassle of searching and have rounded up some of the best restaurants in Cleveland for you to dine in at. Whether you are in the mood for pizza, brisket, or seafood, we have got you covered! Let's get started.
1. Harlow's Pizza, Lakewood
Credit: Harlow's Pizza
One of the best pizza spots in Cleaveland is definitely Harlow’s Pizza shop. If you are looking for authentic wood oven baked pizza, then Harlow's Pizza in Lakewood is one of the best places to go to. Harlow’s Pizza uses top-notch ingredients to make some of the tastiest pizza slices you have ever tasted. Did we mention that their pizzas are absolutely gorgeous too? What makes their pizza so delicious is the fact that it is made in their iconic wood oven. This oven and their attention to detail are what makes this pizza speak for itself. Couple that with their hand-tossed dough that is made in-house and you have got yourself a recipe for the best pizza your taste buds have ever met.
We love that the menu is so simple, yet diverse. Their main pizzas are currently their Leonardo, the Salami, the Blanca, the Marinara, and their ever-popular Margherita. You can even pair your pizza with the perfect wine as well here.
Place your order and dine outside in their retro patio that is perfect during the warmer months. If you are looking for fine dining when it comes to the world of pizza, then Harlow’s Pizza is one of the best restaurants in Cleveland to dine in at.
2. Brewnuts, Gordon Square
Credit: Brewnuts / Facebook
What makes Brewnuts one of the best restaurants in Cleaveland is the fact that they take one of the worlds best treats, dress it up for you perfectly, and serve it up with all the care and hospitality you would expect out of a grade A dining establishment. Donut lovers, this one is for you.
Brewnuts is the perfect blend of brewed beer and donuts. The owners, Shelly and John Pippin put together their two favorite things to create what is arguably one of the best restaurants in Cleaveland. The secret to Brewnuts is the fact that all of their donuts are made in-house with only the finest ingredients. There are a range of donuts that you can choose from including the house donuts and the seasonal donuts. Their house donuts are their best sellers that you can find year round. However, their seasonal donuts change about every two weeks. Their rotating menu is one of the top reasons that keeps customers coming in. Can you blame them? Why not stop in to see what is going on in the shop.
Finally, if you are having a big event, or are looking to spice up a celebration with donuts, then Brewnuts is where you should go. Their custom-made catered donuts are some of the best arrangements we have seen in a while. If you are looking for a place to get your sweet tooth fix, then Brewnuts is by far one of the best resturant in Cleveland to go to.
3. Superior Pho
Credit: Superior Pho / Facebook
If you are looking for some great tasting Vietnamese food, then check out this next award-winning Vietnamese restaurant. Superior Pho is easily one of the best restaurants in Cleveland. Pho, in general, can be a difficult meal to fall in love with, but Superior Pho has made that easy. Come out and indulge in a family recipe that has been passed down from generation to generation. We are sure you will love it just as much as we do.
When it comes to the broth, Superior Pho has perfected it. The broth that is used in the pho here is one that undergoes a timely process. The broth simmers over the cooktop for an entire day before it is ready to be served. When you do finally get a bowl in front of you, the flavors at Superior Pho are just perfect.
If you are not much of a pho person, then try out the Vietnamese sandwich that is served here. This Vietnamese sandwich is a classic that includes succulent roast pork, creamy mayonnaise, and a rich pate. It is also served with slices of cucumber, pickled carrots, and daikons. This Vietnamese sandwich also known as Banh Mi is the perfect alternative to Pho. Although if you ask us, we say that you can't go wrong with ordering both. If you are looking for some great tasting Vietnamese food, then Superior Pho is easily one of the best restaurants in Cleveland.
4. Lola Bistro, Downtown
Credit: Lola Bistro / Facebook
When it comes to traditional American food, Lola Bistro is one of the best restaurants in Cleveland to go to. Many consider Lola Bistro to be the crown jewel of the vibrant culinary scene that Cleveland is known for. The innovative and creative menu reflects that. Chef Michael Symon gives diners the chance to experience a modern spin on some of the nations most iconic dishes.
Some of their menu favorites include the Braised Lamb Shank. This delectable meal is served with brussel sprouts, carrots, chilies, cilantro, and apple. If you are more of steak lover, then the Strip Steak is another fan favorite. When it comes to the dessert menu, diners will be just as pleased. Take a bite out of the ever popular “Cheat Day” dessert. The Cheat Day is a delicious chocolate cake with dark chocolate ganache, crispy chocolate mousse, milk chocolate caramel, and Ovaline ice cream. Can you say yum?
If you are looking for an award-winning restaurant that has been recognized by so many platforms, then Lola Bistro is one of the best restaurants in Cleveland to visit. Just make sure that before you head out, you call ahead or go online to place a reservation. Unsurprisingly, this place is a hot location that is usually booked!
5. Flying Fig, Ohio City
Credit: Flying Fig / Facebook
If you are staying in the outskirts of downtown Cleveland and are looking for a great place to dine, then the Flying Fig is one of the best restaurants in Cleveland to go to. There is so much about Flying Fig to love. For starters, Their food is made with only top-notch ingredients that are locally sourced. Along with that, they have a fantastic menu that includes a brunch, lunch, and dinner menu. Founder, owner, and executive chef Karen Small has created a menu that offers a great selection of some of some of the nation's favorite classics. Karens Small’s attention to detail and dedication to the community is what makes this restaurant such a successful one. She is a proud proponent of sustainable agriculture and her restaurant is one of the best ways she has managed to reflect this passion.
While the menu can certainly speak for itself, one of the best aspects of the Flying Fig is their atmosphere. Diners will be greeted with a warm and hospitable environment that will allow their experience to be a memorable one. One of the primary goals of the Flying Fig is to have diners feel right at home when they sit down for their meal. This appreciation for diners is something that goes a long way.
Unsurprisingly, Karen Small’s dedication to everything that happens behind the scenes has bled into the community. The Flying Fig is well known for organizing and participating in non-profit events. Not only that, but the Flying Fig also offers plenty of cooking classes to the public. Children, parents, and financially challenged members of the community can participate in cooking classes that promote healthier eating habits. All around, if you are looking for one of the best restaurants in Cleveland, then the Flying Fig is a great place for you to check out.
6. TownHall
Credit: TownHall / Facebook
If you are looking for alternative dining options that include vegan and GMO free-options as well as an overall clean and healthy eating option, then TownHall is one of the best restaurants in Cleveland to consider. From start to finish, there is so much to love about TownHall.
For starters, this wonderful restaurant has a food ethos that we can stand behind. TownHall believes that while developing clean eating habits is not a perfect science yet, there is enough research that gives the floor plan of what to and what not to indulge in. Ever since their conception, it has been TownHall’s mission to create a menu that is free of GMO's. Along with that, it is important to them to provide clean eating options such as vegan meals to their diners. Finally, focusing on organic only products has been a big theme that you will notice on their menu.
Some of the delectable treats you can expect to enjoy here are their organic cold-pressed juices that are made in-house. Along with that, you can get a great pick me up with their zero-toxin coffee that is not only good for you but simply delicious. We love that their brunch menu is packed with the perfect mixture of breakfast and lunch foods. One of their most popular dishes is the Wakey Wakey. This dish includes two organic eggs and any style bacon or in-house sausage. It is also served with a delicious buttermilk biscuit as well as fresh Ohio preserves. Their late night menu is also impressive. Some tasty eats you can find include their Chicken Nachos, their Grass-Fed Cheeseburgers, and their tasty Food Truck Tacos 2.0.
If you are looking to take the first steps to clean and healthy eating, then this is the place to start. The creative dishes offered at TownHall are ones that will not only keep you feeling full, but will have you coming back for more.
7. Der Braumeister
Credit: Der Braumeister / Facebook
There is more to Cleveland restaurants than just good old American Cooking. Visit Der Braumeister if you want your taste buds to experience some of the best German cooking Cleveland has to offer. Der Braumeister features several menus including a great “old world” brunch menu. Their old world brunch menu offers classic comfort food favorites such as home fries, fresh fruit cups and muffins.
The menu at Der Braumeister has a little bit of everything. This means that you can bring along the whole travel gang and no one will be disappointed. Some other popular appetizers include the popular sauerkraut balls. These balls come with smoked ham and sauerkraut that are hand rolled and deep-fried. For seafood lovers, get a serving of the deep fried oysters that are served with a creamy jalapeno dipping sauce.
There are plenty of lunch salads and soups for you to choose from as well. One of their more popular soups is the daily German potato soup. This soup comes with a generous helping of onion, bacon, potatoes, and their infamous house-made chicken stock. You can always come in and ask about the soup of the day as well. The soup of the day is sure to be tasty because it is always homemade.
For dessert, top off your evening with some great German specialties. Take your pick of an apple or cherry strudel or the torte of the day. And of course, there are always freshly baked “cookies of the day” for you to choose from as well. If you are looking for some yummy tasting comfort food, then Der Braumeister is easily one of the best restaurants in Cleveland for you to visit.
8. Heck's Cafe, Ohio City
Credit: Heck's Cafe / Facebook
This next restaurant is one of the best restaurants in Cleveland. Heck's Cafe is conveniently located in the heart of Ohio City. Heck's Cafe is not just a restaurant. It is an experience that is perfect for catching up with friends and dining in style.
For starters, the atmosphere at Heck's Cafe is simply stunning. It is a laid-back open floor plan that offers a welcoming atmosphere. What makes Heck's Cafe one of the best restaurants in Cleveland is the fact that they locally source their ingredients. Their cuisine is expertly prepared and you will be able to taste the different Inspirations from all around the globe in each meal. Take your pick of light and savory meals to more hearty and rich meals. Some of our favorite meals that customers cannot stop raving about include their Mushroom Ravioli and their Orange and Beet Salad.
When it comes to drinks, Heck's Cafe delivers. There is a wide range of crafted cocktails for you to choose from. They are prepared by some of the best beverage experts in all of Cleveland. There is also a great wine selection for you to choose from as well.
Another facet that makes Heck's Cafe a great location is their Heck's Express. This process is a faster way for you to get the same flavors that you love without the wait time. Whether you are traveling solo or going out with friends, Heck's Cafe is one of the best restaurants in Cleveland to pay a visit to.
9. Pier W, Lakewood
Credit: Pier W / Facebook
If you are a seafood lover, then Pier W is one of the best restaurants in Cleveland, Ohio. Pier W has something for everyone, especially if you are a seafood lover. They offer a brunch, lunch, cocktails, and dinner menu for you to choose from.
What makes this one of the best restaurants in Cleveland is the fact that this place has so much to offer. For starters, the location of Pier W is absolutely stunning. It is perched on a high cliff that overlooks Lake Erie. This setting makes it the perfect romantic getaway if you are traveling to Cleveland on a honeymoon. Soak in the beautiful views of the city while you dine on some of the best seafood that this iconic location has to offer.
Not only is the view incredible but the food is absolutely perfect too. Take your selection of fresh catches that range from mussels, fish, lobsters, and clams. What makes Pier W one of the best restaurants in Cleveland is the fact that all of their Seafood is responsibly sourced. The relationship with their suppliers is one that cuts out the middleman. Pier W gets all of their caches directly from the fisherman to ensure top quality.
To complement your romantic evening out, this restaurant allows you to pair each meal with the perfect wine too. Their wine director Kliment Steveoff will help direct you in picking the perfect bottle to pair with your meal. Along with that, the staff will give you an experience that is more than memorable. For a warm, relaxing, and hospitable environment, Pier W delivers. For all these reasons, Pier W is easily one of the best restaurants in Cleveland to go to if you are looking for a way to celebrate a significant event in your life.
10. Lucky's Cafe, Cleveland
Credit: Lucky's Cafe / Facebook
One of the most popular places to dine at in Cleveland is easily Lucky's Cafe. Lucky's Cafe is a perfect combination of everything any adventure would want in a great brunch menu. Not only do they have a great menu with an assortment of selections, but they also offer pastries and loaves of bread that are to die for. What we love is that Lucky's Cafe only uses quality ingredients that are locally sourced. Lucky's Cafe prides itself in supporting Ohio farmers by highlighting the ingredients they get from them in many of their dishes. There is a craft that goes into making food that diners will love. Lucky's has perfected this craft and patrons both locally and abroad appreciate this.
Lucky's menu is great because there are a variety of options to choose from. Some of their popular dishes include the baked mac and cheese. This dish is a mixture of some of the best cheeses including cheddar, brie, parmesan, and mozzarella. It is cooked with brioche bread crumbs and served with house-made applesauce. The flavors are simply the melt-in-your-mouth kind of wonderful. Other popular favorite dishes include the gingerbread waffles. These gingerbread waffles are topped with warm maple roasted apples as well as honeyed whipped cream. The waffles are drizzled with a house-made caramel sauce and topped with a dash of cinnamon sugar.
If you are looking for some great country food to nibble on during brunch, Lucky's Cafe is one of the best places you can go to. Do not take our word for it. Lucky's Cafe has garnished so many accolades. Most notably, they were featured in the popular Diners Drive-Ins and Dives. Customers love Lucky's Cafe and we are sure you will too. If you are looking for a great place to dine at then Lucky's Cafe is easily one of the best restaurants in Cleveland.
11. Mabel’s BBQ, Downtown
Credit: Mabel's BBQ / Facebook
Some of the best BBQ that Cleveland has to offer is right here at Mabel's BBQ. If you are looking for some great tasting briskets and ribs, then this is easily one of the best restaurants in Cleveland. This Cleveland style BBQ restaurant is located right in the heart of downtown Cleveland and is a perfect one-stop-shop for good eating.
Mabel's BBQ incorporates Bertman’s Ballpark Mustard into their barbecue sauce. Along with Eastern European spices, their barbecue has one of the best tastes that you can ask for. Part of the magic is also smoking their barbecue over local fruitwood. These not so secret ingredients are what have been keeping customers coming back for more. Not only is the food good, but the atmosphere is also great too. The building features a very rural vibe with arched ceilings, industrial lighting, and exposed brick. When you dine in here you get an authentic feeling of a rustic smokehouse that has an equally chill vibe.
While many diners come here for the brisket, there are also some popular favorites like Cleveland kraut and pickles to nibble on too. Not only that, but the pork ribs and pig parts that are seasoned with European flavors are just as tasty.
If you don't mind getting a little messy and grubbing on good food, then Mabel's BBQ is where you want to be. Come in during lunch or dinner and enjoy fine dining the way the locals do. If you are traveling with friends and are looking for one of the best restaurants in Cleveland, this is to place to be. Kickback on the many picnic tables that litter the dining area and enjoy good food with good people.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, we have saved you the hassle of searching so that you can have more time to spend on grubbing. This roundup of some of the best restaurants in Cleveland is one that you cannot miss out on. Whether you are traveling with friends or exploring solo, be sure to take some time to enjoy some of these great restaurants the next time you find yourself in Cleveland.
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