The Top Restaurants in Cleveland, OH
When you think of Cleveland Ohio, what comes to mind? Is it the sports? The rock and roll music scene? If the food scene doesn’t already come to mind, it will soon! This city, situated right on Lake Erie, has a growing food scene like you wouldn’t believe!
Come along as we explore the many wonderful restaurants located in different neighborhoods of Cleveland, near Progressive field or just steps away from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport to grab a drink after a flight.
Cleveland might be known for its Polish heritage and therefore food like corned beef sandwiches and Polish Boys (which we love, don’t worry), however there are so many more cuisines to explore here! We’ll help guide you to some of the best Chinese, restaurants, BBQ joints, sports bars and more in Cleveland. If you’re in Cleveland, Ohio and in need of something good to eat, be sure to check out this list with some of our favorite restaurants in the city listed below!
1. Osteria Italian
1801 East 9th Street, Cleveland, Ohio, 44114
(216) 685-9490
Featuring a sophisticated and intimate atmosphere, Osteria is a posh Italian restaurant that serves a blend of modern and refined traditional Italian cuisine. The Ravioli con Ricotta is phenomenal, and the Ossobuco Alla Fiorentina is one of their best-known entrees. Osteria also has an impressive Captain’s List of fine wines and top-shelf spirits that will elevate an already impressive experience to a new level. Parking can be a bit of a pain, given the restaurant’s location, so plan ahead. Osteria is only a 10-minute walk from Playhouse Square, which makes it a perfect place to go before your trip to the theatre.
2. Cordelia
2058 East 4th Street, Cleveland, OH 44115
(216) 230-2355
Cordelia is a must-eat. Named one of the 22 best new restaurants in the United States by Tasting Table when it opened, it serves up delicious Midwestern-inspired dishes that captivate your tastebuds immediately. Cordelia is one of those places where you can’t go wrong with whatever you order. The jammy eggs, fried chicken, and burger box are hard to beat.
3. Twist Social Club
11633 Clifton Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44012
216-221-2333
From Trivia Tuesdays to Karaoke to themed parties every single month, Twist Social Club is a neighborhood bar and night club thats focuses on serving and providing the LGBTQ community of the greater Cleveland area a place to eat great food, meet exceptional people, and have a fun time. As far as the food goes, you don’t get much better than here. That’s because Twist Social Club’s kitchen is run out of Landmark Smokehouse next door! If you didn’t know, Landmark has some of the best BBQ in all of Cleveland. What’s not to love about Twist?
4. Gunselman’s Tavern
21490 Lorain Road, Fairview Park, OH 44126
440-331-5719
Opened in 1936, Gunselman’s has witnessed its fair share of history and has been serving happy customers the whole time. It is just outside of Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, so if you’re just getting home and need a bite to eat or if you’re about to take off and don’t want to splurge on airport food, Gunselman’s has quite a few options when it comes to burgers. From The Big G Burger with its two ½lb patties and delightful brioche bun to The Beast Burger with its wagyu beef, bison, wild boar, New Zealand elk, Ito, and house-made “beast sauce,” Gunselman’s has a burger for everyone.
5. Woodstock BBQ
13362 Madison Avenue, Lakewood, OH 44107
216-226-8828
Woodstock BBQ is a bit eclectic, and that’s exactly how owner Robert Togliatti likes it. The menu is only one page, and every time a menu item is added, one must be removed. You can find a mixture of Nashville and Memphis BBQ as well as Texas brisket. We recommend trying the jalapeno appetizers with whatever meal or plate you order. They come stuffed with smoked sausage and cheddar cream cheese and are topped with bacon.
6. Cent’s Pizza + Goods
5010 Lorain Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44102
216-862-6427
Owner Vincent Morelli was inspired to create Cent’s after spending time working at New York City’s, Roberta’s. At Cent’s, you get the best wood-fired American-style pizzas you could ever want. House specialties like the meatball and pecorino Sunday Gravy or that Gorfunkel with hot soppressata are excellent options to give you a taste of what Cent’s is all about. The whole restaurant is low-key and relaxed, with a cozy outdoor eating space behind the restaurant. You can also buy all sorts of eclectic house items inside. The wonder bread is a must order here no matter what you’re getting.
7. LJ Shanghai
3142 Superior Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44114
(216) 400-6936
LJ Shanghai is a must-try if you’re looking for some of the best handmade dumplings, classic soups, and delicious noodles. The pricing is incredibly reasonable for the quality that you get. The staff is attentive and you can often find the owner (LJ) moving about the space and chatting to customers. She’s passionate about the food that’s served and makes sure that you always leave happy and full.
8. Johnny’s Little Bar
614 Frankfort Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44113
216-861-2166
Johnny’s Little Bar is a casual and easygoing sports bar and tavern that will satisfy your tastebuds and your stomach no matter what time of day it is. Johnny’s ‘World Famous “Little Bar” Burger’ starts at only $8.75. Toppings are $1 each, and you can add cheese of your choice, caramelized onions, and sauteed mushrooms too. With over 40 beers available, a late-night menu, and a burger that’s celebrated throughout town, Johnny’s Little Bar is an example of everything you want from a small sports bar.
9. Ginko Restaurant
2247 Professor Ave B, Cleveland, OH 44113
(216) 274-1202
Ginko Sushi has had a lot of praise heaped on it, and all it takes is one bite to see what all the hype is about. This is what high-end sushi is supposed to look, feel, and taste like. With a wide variety of rolls, nigiri, and shabu shabu you will have every possible flavor profile covered. Ginko also offers exclusive omakase tastings. Add to that the wonderful collection of cocktails and Asian beers, and Ginko Restaurant is an absolute must-try.
10. Barrio Gateway
503 Prospect Avenue East, Cleveland, OH 44114
(216) 862-4652
Barrio has consistently been voted one of the top ten best taco stands in the United States since it first started serving happy customers in 2012. It is located downtown so there’s all kinds of things you can walk to from here! At Barrio, you can fill up on delicious customizable tacos. Add as many or as few ingredients as you want to make the taco you truly desire. If you don’t want the hassle of making your own, you can always check out El Jefe’s famoso taco suggestions. Barrio also has a vast selection of tequila, whiskey, and beer that’ll help get your night started off right.
