Cleveland is quite a culinary destination. Downtown delis proclaim world-famous corned beef. Slavic Village and Chinatown offer excellent ethnic restaurants, while Little Italy, Ohio City, and Tremont mix old-world cuisine with contemporary cooking. The Warehouse District and Lower Euclid Avenue District have trendy restaurants with valet parking and sidewalk seating. The diners along W. 117th make greasy-spoon dining an art and are open 24 hours. Casual riverfront dining is popular in the Flats during summer. There are relatively few chain restaurants in the city itself, though the suburbs have plenty.
Sushi Rock
One of Cleveland's finest sushi houses, with a contemporary interpretation of Japanese food in a fresh, cosmopolitan setting. There is a separate sushi bar area for enthusiasts. Located in the Warehouse District, it has been going strong for many years.
1276 W. 6th St. Tel: (216) 623-1212
Sans Souci
One of Cleveland's finest restaurants, specializing in European and particularly French cuisine. The warm, elegant French country interior makes for a romantic meal or special occasion. Located in the Renaissance Hotel with nice views of Public Square. Pricey, but worth it.
24 Public Sq. Tel: (216) 696-5600
Empress Taytu Ethiopian Restaurant
Thoroughly authentic Ethiopian food with traditional seating and eating arrangements as an option. The scent of African incense and Ethiopian trinkets creates an atmosphere of mystique. Great for vegetarians with a variety of hummus, baba ghanoush, and falafel dishes. Try the Ethiopian honey wine.
6125 St. Clair Ave. Tel: (216) 391-9400
Metropolitan Cafe
A swanky Warehouse District restaurant on Cleveland's trendiest intersection at W. 6th and St. Clair. The food has a reputation for being consistent and not too overpriced. Art Deco revival interior and one of the best sidewalk patios in the district.
1352 West 6th Street. Tel: (216) 241-6760
Yours Truly
A small Northeast Ohio restaurant group known for good American food and cheap eats. The friendly atmosphere and smoke-free environment make it great for families. The Shaker Square location is convenient for visitors, as you can take the Rapid directly there from Tower City.
13328 Shaker Square. Tel: (216) 751-8646
Tommy's
A Coventry Village institution. A casual place with tall ceilings, leafy plants, and white walls. Known for its large, eclectic menu at extremely reasonable prices. Excellent for vegetarians, though plenty of meat dishes are available. During peak hours you may wait 40 minutes for a table, but you will understand why.
1824 Coventry Rd. Tel: (216) 321-7757
Johnny's Downtown
One of Cleveland's finest restaurants, in the Warehouse District. Italian-inspired menu and ambiance, but also an excellent example of a particularly fine American restaurant. Pricey, but the place for special occasions and being seen.
1406 W. 6th St. Tel: (216) 623-0055
Academy Tavern
Open for nearly 70 years, this may be the epitome of true Cleveland dining. Its casual 1940s-era atmosphere, eclectic menu combining ethnic Cleveland dishes with classic American, and cheap prices attract people from across the region. Located on Larchmere Boulevard, one block off Shaker Square.
12800 Larchmere Blvd. Tel: (216) 229-1171
Kan Zaman
One of Cleveland's finest authentic Middle Eastern restaurants, in Ohio City on W. 25th Street. Great for vegetarians with hummus, baba ghanoush, and falafel. The hookah and belly dancer performances on Friday and Saturday nights draw large, eclectic crowds. Call ahead for reservations. Prices are very reasonable.
1917 W. 25th St. Tel: (216) 685-1500
My Friends Deli and Restaurant
A west side institution and the perfect late-night spot. Open 24 hours, it attracts a diverse crowd of young people, police officers, musicians, cab drivers, and neighborhood locals into the early morning. Excellent deli sandwiches, dinner entrees, homemade desserts, and breakfast at all hours. Comfortable booth seating with red brick walls and brass light fixtures.
11616 Detroit Ave. Tel: (216) 221-2575
Winking Lizard Tavern
A small Cleveland-area restaurant group with good bar food, casual atmosphere, and plenty of televisions for sports. The downtown location is a popular spot before and after games. Also locations in Lakewood and Coventry Village.
811 Huron Road E. Tel: (216) 589-0313
Jake's
A typical downtown deli on Public Square with sandwiches, soups, bagels, gyros, and coffee. Mostly a to-go place, with a few stools along the window. Perfect for grabbing something quick and cheap to eat in the square.
140 Public Square. Tel: (216) 241-8099
West Side Market Cafe
A bit of a Cleveland secret: a nice sit-down restaurant inside the West Side Market. Fresh ingredients from the market daily, cheap prices, and a bustling atmosphere. There is even a bar for a pint of Great Lakes brew or a glass of wine.
1979 W. 25th St. Tel: (216) 579-6800