Eight Can’t-Miss Restaurants in Cleveland, Ohio

Hungry in Cleveland? Today I'm sharing a roundup of some of the city's best restaurants

When you think about Cleveland cuisine, what dishes spring to mind?

If you’re anything like I was just several weeks ago, you might be drawing a blank right now. Or if you’re a little more familiar with the region, you might see visions of pierogi, corned beef, and Polish Boys (the food, not the people).

And you can indeed find all of these things in The Land – but Cleveland’s food scene is so much more vibrant than these hearty plates of comfort (and pinky promise I’m not knocking those dishes! I’d gladly share any one of those with you any time). But over the past decade, a swath of wonderful restaurants have hit the dining scene in Cleveland, holding their own against similar spots in more expected places like New York or Chicago.

After a recent visit, I’m sharing a roundup of some of my favorite spots in Cleveland – ones you simply have no choice but to add to your list (those are the rules!).

In no particular order:

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Cent’s Pizza + Goods

Cent's Pizza + Goods | 5010 Lorain Ave, Cleveland, OH 44102

Just a kind word of warning: Don’t visit the website for Lorain Avenue’s Cent’s Pizza + Goods while hungry. Or while you’re full, for that matter. The scenes of bubbly, charred-in-the-best-way Neapolitan crust are enough to make a hungry person hangry, and a full person hungry again.

The menu is small, but best approached with a group of friends so you can all try a little bit of everything (Michael and I were full after sharing a Sunday Gravy pie and a Kale Caesar, yet looked longingly at our neighbors’ Wonder Bread and charcuterie). On a nice night, sitting at a picnic table on the back patio is non-negotiable.

As for the interior, we stayed so late that we missed getting to browse all of the “Goods” in Cent’s Pizza + Goods – but thankfully they are going to launch an online store soon. Dinner only, no reservations.

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Juneberry Table

Juneberry Table | 3900 Lorain Ave, Cleveland, OH 44113

At first, daytime darling Juneberry Table appears to have a menu of standard breakfast and lunch fare that makes you wonder if it’s worth seeking out. Wonder no longer – it definitely needs to be on your list.

The restaurant sources many of its ingredients from local farmers and purveyors, as you’ll note from the many names listed throughout its menu. And really, what’s more local to a destination than a place that uses local ingredients?

You’ll have to be the one to decide if you’re in the mood for breakfast (the Juneberry Breakfast comes with all my personal faves) or lunch (Michael says this is one of the best burgers he’s had recently) – but let me let you in on a little secret: anyone can order a kid’s portion of their Ohio Spelt Pancake. This baby is topped with sorghum butter, whipped cream, rhubarb jam, candied orange, and pure Ohio maple syrup. It sounds like a dessert, but I’d simply call it a balanced breakfast. No reservations, closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

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Cordelia

Cordelia | 2058 E 4th St, Cleveland, OH 44115

Get ready to see the name of one Cleveland restaurant appear on national “best restaurants” lists very soon: Cordelia. This East 4th restaurant opened in July 2022 and its kitchen sends out shareable plates from a limited, rotating menu for the evening meal and Sunday brunch. Brunch looks phenomenal, but their Supper service makes for the perfect date night.

Vegetables, meat, and fish are all treated with the same high regard, and admittedly choosing what to order makes for a fun puzzle. Our server helpfully offered advice on which dishes might be too small or too large for just two people, but if you’re really not sure what you’d like to eat, you can order the Bellie Up ($85 per person) and leave the decision making to the kitchen staff. Reservations essential.

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Bright Side

Bright Side | 1948 W 25th St, Cleveland, OH 44113

Bright Side is a chic and trendy New American restaurant in Cleveland’s Ohio City neighborhood, and it’s an essential spot for Sunday brunch (much like spots in NYC, brunch at Bright Side is served until the late hour of 5 p.m., so sleepyheads can keep on resting).

Fair, the menu does read a bit like a list of TikTok trends and Millennial stereotypes, with espresso martinis, avocado toast, and bagel boards all making an appearance (but those things are popular for a reason!). Lean into the trends, at least just this once – you’ll be rewarded with a tasty meal, promise. Reservations recommended.

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Mabel’s BBQ

Mabel's BBQ | 2050 E 4th St, Cleveland, OH 44115

Coming from one of the great barbecue states, I confess I didn’t have high hopes for Ohio barbecue – but I’m glad to challenge my instincts now and then. Mabel’s BBQ is owned by Cleveland native and chef Michael Symon (fun fact – we met him approximately eight million years ago at a taping of the ABC show The Chew), who sources local flavors for this very meat-heavy establishment: Ballpark Mustard from Bertman, Eastern European spices, and local fruitwood for the smoker.

At Mabel’s, you’ll find a unique twist on the Polish Boy sandwich (kielbasa, french fries, coleslaw, and barbecue sauce on a bun) – the Polish Girl. This version ditches the fries and adds in pulled pork, and to steal the words from our server, “It’s a meal by itself.” It’s a must-try, though, and combined with a side is more than enough food for two people. We went with the loaded fried potatoes, and I’m not convinced it was the right decision, but we were too full to eat much of them anyway. No reservations, beware that items may sell out.

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Wolf Pack Chorus

Wolf Pack Chorus | 2175 Cornell Rd, Cleveland, OH 44106

As you might expect, Cleveland’s Little Italy neighborhood is chock-full of wonderful-looking Italian restaurants. But if you’re in the neighborhood and looking to switch it up a bit, Wolf Pack Chorus offers globally-inspired cuisine in a unique setting.

A hip-looking bar and white tablecloths make for quite the riddle when you walk in. What kind of place is this? Am I dressed well enough? Should I have maybe budgeted a little extra for this meal? But after sinking into a booth and giving the menu a quick glance over offers all the reassurance you need. The food at Wolf Pack Chorus is friendly and approachable, and at lunch, the prices are, too. Reservations recommended; note the menu times here.

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The Judith

The Judith | 5222 Lorain Ave, Cleveland, OH 44102

I wavered about adding The Judith to this list because it is not just a restaurant, it is many things: a coffee shop, a small market, a cafe, and a place you might just want to call your living room.

I confess the only “meal” I enjoyed here was a tempting dessert (which, honestly, doesn’t need to be in quotes. Dessert is a meal. We’re all grown-ups), however, the menu is tiny but perfect. Think jambon beurre, tinned fish, and salad Niçoise.

From my impeccable espresso hazelnut mousse au chocolat I am happy to place a bet that everything else is just as wonderful. And soon, The Judith will be a place where you can enjoy a glass of beer or wine, too, making it even better (edit: the time is now, friends!). No reservations.

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Green Goat Cafe Bar

Green Goat Cafe Bar | 2125 Superior Ave, Cleveland, OH 44114

I frequented Green Goat Cafe Bar during my Cleveland trip mostly because it was downstairs in our short-term rental, but it’s worth seeking out regardless of where you’re staying.

Green Goat bills itself as “the healthiest cafe bar in the country” but I can only attest to their serving delicious, wholesome, and allergy-friendly foods. And the menu is available all day, meaning two people (hey, like us!) can enjoy a meal pairing of a breakfast sandwich and steak tacos (whoa, that’s what we ordered!) at 8 a.m. or 4 p.m. There are also all-day beverages on the menu, so you can choose whether you’re in the mood for a coffee or a glass of wine. Online ordering available.

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Looking for more Cleveland restaurants?

If you’re new here, I only ever write about what I have personally experienced – and there are only so many meals I can eat over the course of a weekend. But, I always like to set myself up for success in the future. These restaurants are on my shortlist for a return trip to Cleveland (and hey, maybe you’ll see them further up this list one day!):

Asia Town Favorites | Siam Cafe, Superior Phở, LJ Shanghai, and Li Wah all seem to be the go-tos for Clevelanders.

Hearty Cleveland Classics | The menus at Slyman’s Restaurant and Deli, Prosperity Social Club, Der Braumeister Restaurant, and Cleveland Bagel Co. look like the kind of places you might need a nap after but are so worth it.

The Coolest Spots | Il Rione, Larder, Martha on the Fly, Zhug, Sophie La Gourmande just might actually impress your too-cool niece. And for their commitment to social justice, I’m adding Edwins to this list, too.

Great Places for a Date | Go ahead and book that reservation now for Alea, Amba, Dante, and Marble Room (well, maybe that should say or instead of and, for my friends minding the budget)

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Questions for you

For my readers in Cleveland – what would you add to this list? Make the case for your favorite spot in the comments below.

And for my food-loving travelers, is there a certain cuisine you seek out when you visit a new place?

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