Cleveland

Ohio, United States

Chef Doug Katz’s new (former ghost kitchen) beauty will add excitement to your camera roll and joy to your taste buds with perfectly prepared Indian-inspired dishes and dark, stylish decor. The Hingetown hotspot has quickly become a top Cleveland contender. (Look for the famed tiger mural outside.)

2537 Lorain Ave
Cleveland, OH

Owners Morgan Yagi and Ryan Britton recently debuted Bartleby, a modern-day American supper club helmed by chef Matt DePante that is more than worthy of its breathtaking venue in the historic United Bank Building near the iconic West Side Market.Grab a selfie with a cute indoor tree or the adorable quirky wallpaper.

1948 W 25th St
Cleveland, OH

Sam McNulty and friends gave new life to the former Bier Markt/Bar Cento Ohio City space with a posh refresh that includes the new downstairs club, Bird of Paradise. The menu features New American comfort food sourced from Northeast Ohio farms. Don’t worry: they kept their famous Sunnyside Pizza and Pommes Frites.

5010 Lorain Ave
Cleveland, OH

This wood-fired pizza joint serves up unique, retro-inspired décor and a rustic patio in Detroit Shoreway. Try the fresh-baked Wonder Bread with house butter, and don’t miss the DJ, special events and quirky goods for sale.

2058 E 4th St
Cleveland, OH

After recently taking over the iconic Lola’s Bistro former spot on East 4th Street, Cordelia brings us “modern grandma” vibes. Try the Pimento Cheese and Crackers and the Fried Chicken—you’ll thank us later. Chef Vinnie Cimino leads the team on recipes inspired by local farmers’ bounty and heritage-rich recipes reimaged.

13101 Shaker Square
Cleveland, OH

This acclaimed restaurant is known for providing formerly incarcerated people a second chance by training them for culinary career pathways, but just as inspiring are its French plates and wine list. Insiders also love the bakery, butcher shop and second outpost, Edwin’s Too.

3900 Lorain Ave
Cleveland, OH

Juneberry Table is Karen Small’s answer to the modern breakfast joint. Charming, fresh and inviting, the former Flying Fig owner’s newish venture showcases a menu including delicious Bourbon Apple Pancakes with candied walnuts and the Juneberry Breakfast (eggs and cheesy bacon potatoes) at this small, sunny Ohio City breakfast and lunch spot.

17625 Detroit Ave
Lakewood, OH

Sophisticated small plates are the jam at Salt+, an intimate neighborhood spot in Lakewood. Chef Jill Vedaa’s thoughtfully composed small plates are wildly grand in flavor and texture, while Jessica Parkison’s cocktail menu is playful and ever-evolving. Seasonality and local flavors are respected, and these hands-on owners support small farms and producers.

12413 Cedar Rd
Cleveland Heights, OH

Fun to say; even more fun to eat! Zhug was named one of Esquire’s best new restaurants in 2020. (No big deal.) Chef Douglas Katz (also of Amba from this list) artfully embellishes the area’s Middle Eastern food offerings. Specialties like labneh, lutenitsa, muhamara and moussaka roll off the tongue and also make for a memorable dining experience.