Top 20 Foodie Spots in Cleveland: Where to Eat Like a Local

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Cleveland’s food scene is a standout when it comes to things to do in Ohio, blending Midwest comfort with big-city culinary creativity. Known for pierogis, corned beef, and fresh Great Lakes seafood, this city is packed with trendy eateries and old-school gems. Picture yourself sipping craft beer at a historic market, savoring wood-fired pizza in a cozy bistro, or dining with views of Lake Erie. From bustling food halls to globally inspired menus, Cleveland’s restaurants celebrate its diverse roots and modern flair. These 20 foodie spots offer flavors and experiences that show you how locals eat in style. If you’re exploring Ohio, this is your guide to Cleveland’s best bites!

👉 Pro Tip: Discover the flavors of Cleveland’s Little Italy with the Neighborhood Food Tour! This 3-hour guided walk takes you to iconic spots for fresh pasta, cannoli, and more. Along the way, your guide shares stories of the neighborhood’s rich history and culinary traditions. Perfect for Italian food lovers, this tour is a delicious dive into one of Cleveland’s most charming areas. Come hungry and enjoy!

Unique Restaurants in Cleveland: 20 Incredible Cleveland Eateries

You’ll find Cleveland’s unique restaurants offering everything from hearty Polish pierogis to contemporary farm-to-table dishes. Exploring these eateries takes you on a journey through Cleveland’s rich culinary landscape, where tradition meets innovation at every turn.

1. Agave and Rye

• 📍 Location: Multiple (e.g., Downtown, Liberty Center)
• 💲 Price range: $15 – $30 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: “Epic” Tacos / Tequila & Bourbon Bar
• 🔥 Standout Features: Over-the-top taco creations, huge tequila/bourbon list, funky decor, lively atmosphere.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Creative taco lovers, tequila/bourbon drinkers, lively group dinners

Get ready for tacos turned up to eleven at Agave and Rye! This place serves “epic” tacos overflowing with unexpected, delicious fillings, alongside a massive tequila and bourbon selection. Forget tidy tacos, embrace the glorious mess!

Dive into wild creations. The Crown Jewel, featuring mac ‘n cheese, lobster, and truffle, is a standout. The ironically named Plain Jane (which is anything but, with seasoned ground beef and all the fixings) or The Sensei with crispy wonton and soy-marinated steak are also fantastic.

2. Citizen Pie

If you love Neapolitan-style pizza, this is the move. Citizen Pie bakes its pies in a wood-fired oven, which gets shockingly hot – we’re talking that perfect chewy-charred crust with bubbly edges, just how it should be. Their Spicy Pepperoni and the Calabrese punch way above their weight, and if you’re splurging, the white-sauced Carbonara is wild in the best way. The space itself is bright and upbeat, with an open kitchen that makes the whole joint smell like yeasty heaven. There aren’t a ton of seats, but you’ll get to know your fellow pizza fans (and see your pie come out piping hot). Captain America mural staring you down while you devour the best slice in Cleveland? Yes please. Don’t miss the quick stroll to Waterloo Arts District if you want to walk it off after.

3. Forest City Shuffleboard

• 📍 Location: Ohio City / Duck Island Area
• 💲 Price range: $10 – $25 per person (Drinks/Snacks); Court rental extra.
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Bar / Snacks
• 🔥 Standout Features: Indoor shuffleboard courts, retro vibe, cocktails/craft beer
• 🎯 Perfect For: Activity-based outings, shuffleboard players, casual drinks/bites.

Slide into some retro fun at Forest City Shuffleboard! This unique spot combines the classic game of shuffleboard with a cool bar atmosphere, making for an awesome interactive outing. Ready, set, shuffle! They offer tasty snacks and casual bites to fuel your game.

Grab a puck and order a craft cocktail like their “Shuffleboard Sling”. Local craft beers are also a great choice. For snacks, their soft pretzels with beer cheese or a simple hot dog hit the spot between games.

4. The Last Page

The Last Page feels like a hidden chapter in Cleveland’s food scene. It’s mid-century glam with retro-cool lighting, velvet chairs, and a buzzing bar—think Mad Men vibes but chill. The menu jumps from craveable Korean fried chicken bites to a truffle gnocchi that’s worth a double take. Their inventive cocktails are as photogenic as they are bold—try the Oops! I Spritzed Again, it’s a citrus blast. Brunch is a big deal here, so book ahead if you want the ricotta pancakes. Glenwillow is a little bit of a trip, but nearby Pinecrest has shopping to wander through. I left wishing I could copy-paste their living room setup into my own apartment.

5. Strip Steakhouse

• 📍 Location: Avon (Suburban West)
• 💲 Price range: $50 – $90+ per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern American Steakhouse
• 🔥 Standout Features: Upscale steakhouse dining, prime cuts, extensive wine list, modern setting.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Steak connoisseurs, special occasions, fine dining, and impressing clients/dates.

Experience steakhouse sophistication at Strip Steakhouse in Avon. This spot delivers a modern, upscale take on the classic steakhouse, focusing on high-quality prime cuts, seafood, and an impressive wine selection. Get ready for prime time deliciousness!

Indulging in perfectly cooked prime steaks, like a dry-aged ribeye or a tender filet mignon, is a must. Their lobster mac and cheese or classic shrimp cocktail are also excellent accompaniments. Strip offers a polished fine dining experience.

6. Zhug

Zhug serves up a total explosion of flavor and color, and there’s nothing else like it in Cleveland. This Mediterranean mezze spot is chic and cozy but doesn’t take itself too seriously. Plates are ideal for sharing—one minute you’re scooping their smoky whipped feta, next minute you’re all in on zippy harissa carrots or the pillowy pita. Order the lamb tagine, and DO NOT skip the black garlic hummus. The wine list leans eclectic, and they’ll happily help you match the vibe. Inside, it’s candle-lit and bustling with energy, especially when the open kitchen is cranking. Cleveland Heights’ little cluster of bars and shops is steps away, so perfect for a night out. I legit dream about their combo platters.

7. Marble Room Steaks and Raw Bar

• 📍 Location: Downtown (Inside historic bank building)
• 💲 Price range: $70 – $150+ per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: High-End Steakhouse / Raw Bar
• 🔥 Standout Features: Historic bank building setting, grand decor, extensive raw bar/steaks, high-end experience.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Luxury splurges, architectural fans, special celebrations, raw bar lovers.

Dine like royalty inside a breathtaking former bank lobby at the Marble Room! This downtown gem is arguably Cleveland’s most visually stunning restaurant, offering high-end steaks and seafood amidst jaw-droppingly opulent, historic architecture. Your jaw will drop!

Feast your eyes on the grand columns while indulging in luxurious fare. Start with an impressive seafood tower from the raw bar. Perfectly prepared dry-aged steaks, like a bone-in tomahawk, or their rich lobster bisque, are also highly recommended.

8. Guarino’s Restaurant

Step into Guarino’s and you’re basically getting a slice of Cleveland history—this is the city’s oldest Italian restaurant, serving Little Italy since 1918. Red-checkered tablecloths, twinkling patio lights, a piano player some nights, and the kind of old-school romance movies wish they had. The lasagna is a must, stacked high and cheesy, but the eggplant parmesan steals the show for vegetarians. Try a glass from their classic Italian wine list. In warm months, their garden patio is the move (perfect for date night). After your meal, stroll down Mayfield Road for gelato or hit up the nearby art galleries. No joke, I sat next to a couple celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary—Guarino’s is that kind of place.

9. Vault

• 📍 Location: Downtown (Basement of The Schofield Hotel)
• 💲 Price range: $15 – $25 per drink
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Craft Cocktail Speakeasy
• 🔥 Standout Features: Speakeasy inside historic bank vaults, craft cocktails, historic setting
• 🎯 Perfect For: Craft cocktail drinkers, speakeasy hunters, and intimate dates

Unlock Cleveland’s cocktail secrets at Vault, deep beneath The Schofield Hotel. This intimate speakeasy is housed within the building’s original 1900s bank vaults, offering a unique, clandestine atmosphere for enjoying expertly crafted drinks. History meets high-proof spirits!

Settle into the cozy, dimly lit space. Let the skilled bartenders mix you a perfect classic cocktail like a Negroni or an Old Fashioned. Trust them to create something bespoke based on your tastes, perhaps a seasonal gin fizz or a smoky mezcal creation.

10. Il Rione

An instant classic on Detroit Shoreway, Il Rione has nailed the “understated cool” vibe—dim lighting, exposed brick, reclaimed wood, and a no-reservations, get-in-where-you-fit-in attitude. The pizzas are NY-inspired but with a Cleveland spin—the White Pie with ricotta, lemon, and hot honey is outrageously good, and their Sausage and Peppers hits like nostalgia. Beer, cocktails, and a short but mighty wine list round things out. Dine in for the full effect: Frank Sinatra on the speakers and a steady parade of regulars. Pro tip: Go early, lines get wild but it’s always worth it. After, grab a drink at one of the Gordon Square bars (all just a few steps away). I crave their crust for days.

11. LBM

• 📍 Location: Lakewood
• 💲 Price range: $20 – $40 per person (Cocktail/Small Plates focus)
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Viking-Themed Cocktail Bar / Nordic-Inspired Small Plates
• 🔥 Standout Features: Viking/Norse mythology theme, dark/moody atmosphere, creative craft cocktails, unique Nordic-inspired small plates.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Cocktail adventurers, themed bar lovers, fans of unique flavor profiles, intimate date nights, and Viking enthusiasts.

Unleash your inner Viking at LBM (Lakewood Beer & Mead, but so much more!) in Lakewood. This unique spot isn’t just a bar; it’s a full-on Nordic-inspired experience with a dark, moody atmosphere, Viking-esque decor, and a menu of incredibly creative cocktails and small plates.

Sipping on one of their inventive craft cocktails, often with house-made infusions and Nordic spirit influences, is essential. For food, try their unique small plates like smoked fish rillettes, pickled vegetables, or hearty sausage boards. LBM offers a transportive and flavorful journey.

12. Momocho

Momocho doesn’t mess around—this mod-Mex stalwart is a legend for a reason. The inside rocks bright artwork, luchador masks, and a straight-up party atmosphere that matches their creative margarita flights. Chef Eric Williams upgrades classic tacos (the Machaca Brisket is wild), and the guacamole sampler is non-negotiable. Tequila nerds, this bar is a playground, and happy hour gets properly rowdy. Patio season is especially fun, but inside is always buzzing. Hingetown spots like Rising Star coffee and Saucy Brew Works are close, so stick around. I swear the smoked trout guac changed my life. Wear a loose shirt—you’ll need room.

13. White Oaks

• 📍 Location: Westlake (Suburban West)
• 💲 Price range: $40 – $70+ per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Classic American Supper Club
• 🔥 Standout Features: Classic supper club, retro decor/vibe, prime rib/steaks, nostalgic dining.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Supper club seekers, retro dining lovers, classic cocktails/comfort food.

Step back in time at White Oaks. This classic Westlake supper club offers a nostalgic journey with its retro decor, cozy booths, and a menu focused on timeless American steakhouse and comfort food favorites. Where martinis are mandatory!

Settle in for a leisurely meal starting with a classic relish tray. Their renowned slow-roasted prime rib or a perfectly cooked filet mignon are excellent choices. Enjoy classic cocktails like a Manhattan or an Old Fashioned in the warm, inviting atmosphere.

14. Noble Beast Brewing Co.

This warehouse-chic brewery nailed it with a space that’s part beer science lab, part chill hang. High ceilings, art murals, and long communal tables make it feel unpretentious and social. Their beer flights let you taste their wild, seasonal experiments—try the Evil Motives IPA or a tart Berliner Weisse. For food, the burger is legit and fans rave about the house-made soft pretzels with beer cheese. Great for starting off a night or capping one; play board games with strangers or just people-watch at the bar. A few blocks from The Rock Hall and Progressive Field, so you’re steps from the action. I always leave with a new favorite beer and some photos I shouldn’t post online.

15. The Corner Alley

• 📍 Location: Downtown (East 4th Street)
• 💲 Price range: $15 – $30 per person (Food/Drinks); Bowling extra.
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Upscale American Pub Fare
• 🔥 Standout Features: Boutique bowling lanes, upscale bar/restaurant setting, arcade games, prime downtown location.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Group entertainment outings, bowling enthusiasts, bar food/drinks, active date nights.

Strike up some fun on East 4th at The Corner Alley! This isn’t your average bowling alley; it’s a stylish entertainment complex featuring boutique lanes, an upscale restaurant and bar, and arcade games, all in downtown’s entertainment district.

Grab a lane and order delicious elevated pub grub. Gourmet burgers, like their “Alley Burger”, are a popular choice. Shareable apps such as loaded nachos or crispy calamari, and a great selection of craft beers and cocktails, complete the fun.

16. Fat Cats

Perched in a 19th-century Tremont house, Fat Cats is fiercely local and a bit offbeat—think quirky art, mismatched furniture, and unpretentious food that surprises. Their Filipino pork adobo is a cult favorite, but their weekend brunch (hello, chorizo hash) is a heavyweight. Veg heads are welcome here too. The cocktail list is playful and well-priced, and there’s always some under-the-radar Cleveland beer on tap. Sit at the bar for fun banter or grab a window seat looking over the valley. Walk a few minutes and you’re deep in Tremont’s boutique and gallery scene. Last time I went, I ended up closing the place down chatting with staff and regulars. Classic Cleveland charm.

17. Porco Lounge & Tiki Room

• 📍 Location: Ohio City
• 💲 Price range: $14 – $22 per drink
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Tiki Bar / Polynesian-Inspired Snacks
• 🔥 Standout Features: Authentic tiki bar, exotic rum cocktails, immersive decor, escapist vibe.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Tiki drink lovers, escapist bar seekers, and fun group drinks.

Escape to a Polynesian paradise at Porco Lounge & Tiki Room. This Ohio City gem is a full-blown, authentic tiki experience, complete with bamboo, pufferfish lamps, and dangerously delicious rum concoctions. Your tropical staycation starts here!

Prepare for expertly crafted tiki classics served in fun, elaborate mugs. Brave the famously strong Zombie. Sip on a smooth Painkiller, or explore other exotic rum-based creations like a classic Mai Tai. Pair your potent potion with Polynesian-inspired snacks.

18. Bookhouse Brewing

• 📍 Location: Ohio City
• 💲 Price range: $7 – $12 per beer
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Craft Brewery
• 🔥 Standout Features: Brewery in book-themed setting, cozy library, quality craft beer
• 🎯 Perfect For: Craft beer drinkers, book lovers, unique brewery explorers, and cozy hangouts.

Crack open a cold one surrounded by actual books at Bookhouse Brewing! This charming Ohio City brewery cleverly blends craft beer with a cozy, library-like atmosphere. Where great beer and good reads collide! Shhh… great beer is brewing!

Settle into a comfy chair and enjoy a pint of their well-crafted brews. Consider their Hopmsworth Porter or the War of the Wortz IPA. They often have seasonal specials and a good variety of styles. It’s a relaxed, unique, and welcoming spot.

19. Good Night John Boy

• 📍 Location: Flats East Bank
• 💲 Price range: $12 – $20 per drink
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: 70s Themed Bar / Nightclub
• 🔥 Standout Features: Groovy 70s disco theme, light-up dance floor, retro music, high-energy nightclub.
• 🎯 Perfect For: 70s nostalgia trips, dancing/nightclub fun, themed parties, retro music lovers.

Get ready to boogie down at Good Night John Boy! This Flats East Bank hotspot throws it back to the groovy 1970s with shag carpets, wood paneling, and a light-up dance floor begging for your best disco moves. Can you dig it? Yeah, you can!

Grab a retro-inspired cocktail, like a “Disco Punch” or a “Funky Cold Medina”. Hit the illuminated dance floor and get down to funk, soul, and disco classics. The vibe is pure, high-energy nostalgia. It’s the perfect place to party like it’s 1979!

20. The Haunted House Restaurant

• 📍 Location: Cleveland Heights
• 💲 Price range: $20 – $40 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: American Comfort Food / Themed Dishes
• 🔥 Standout Features: Horror movie theme, roaming movie monster actors, spooky decor, unique dining entertainment.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Horror movie buffs, haunted house lovers, thrill-seeking eaters.

Dinner comes with a fright at The Haunted House Restaurant! This one-of-a-kind spot immerses diners in a world of classic horror movies, complete with spooky decor, special effects, and roaming costumed characters. Every meal is a scream!

Chow down on comfort food dishes with spooky, movie-themed names. Consider the “Nightmare Nachos” piled high with toppings. A “Chucky Burger” or their “Vampire Garlic Bread” are also popular choices while Freddy or Jason might wander past your table.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Unique Places To Eat In Cleveland

Our Cleveland restaurant guide is here to answer all your questions about dining in this vibrant city!

What makes Cleveland’s dining scene unique?

Cleveland’s dining scene stands out for its diversity and creativity. Here, you’ll find a blend of traditional American fare and global cuisines, all served with a Midwestern twist. The city’s chefs are known for their innovative approaches, often transforming classic dishes into something new and exciting. This fusion of styles and flavors makes dining in Cleveland a truly unique experience.

Are there any unique restaurants in Cleveland for adventurous eaters?

Absolutely! Cleveland is a haven for adventurous eaters. The city boasts a range of unique restaurants that offer unconventional dishes and experiences. From exotic international flavors to fusion cuisines, there’s always something new and exciting to try. These eateries are perfect for those looking to step out of their comfort zone and explore the world of culinary delights.

How does Cleveland’s history influence its restaurants?

Cleveland’s rich history is deeply woven into its restaurants. You’ll find these eateries in historic buildings, offering a glimpse into the city’s past. The local cuisine also reflects the city’s diverse cultural heritage, with influences from various immigrant communities. This historical blend gives Cleveland’s dining scene a unique character that’s both nostalgic and innovative.

Can I find family-friendly unique restaurants in Cleveland?

Yes, Cleveland is full of family-friendly dining options that are unique and enjoyable for all ages. These restaurants often combine fun themes, interactive dining experiences, and menus that cater to both kids and adults. Whether it’s a whimsical décor or a menu full of creative twists on classic kid favorites, these spots ensure a memorable meal for the whole family.

What should I look for in a unique dining experience in Cleveland?

When seeking a unique dining experience in Cleveland, look for places that offer more than just great food. Consider the ambiance, the story behind the restaurant, and how they incorporate local ingredients. Many unique eateries in Cleveland pride themselves on their creative themes, locally-sourced menus, and the ability to provide an experience that’s both gastronomically and visually stimulating.

Are there any hidden gem restaurants in Cleveland?

Cleveland is full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Often tucked away in neighborhoods, they offer unique dishes and a cozy, intimate atmosphere. Locals love these lesser-known spots, which provide a more authentic, off-the-beaten-path dining experience. Exploring these hidden gems is a great way to truly immerse yourself in Cleveland’s culinary landscape.

What role do local ingredients play in Cleveland’s restaurants?

Local ingredients are a cornerstone of many restaurants in Cleveland. Chefs often source their ingredients from nearby farms and markets, ensuring freshness and supporting the local economy. This farm-to-table approach not only enhances the flavor of the dishes but also reflects Cleveland’s commitment to sustainability and community support.

Is Cleveland a good destination for foodies?

Definitely! Cleveland is a paradise for foodies. The city’s diverse dining scene offers everything from high-end eateries to casual, quirky spots. With its mix of traditional and innovative cuisines, Cleveland provides a rich culinary landscape that caters to all tastes and preferences. It’s a city where every meal can be an adventure.

Final Thoughts On Unique Cleveland Restaurants

Each restaurant in Cleveland offers more than just food but a journey into diverse cultures and flavors. The unique restaurants in Cleveland are destinations in themselves, each with a distinct personality and charm. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, exploring these culinary gems is a must.

From family-friendly spots to adventurous eateries, Cleveland has something to satisfy every palate, attracting those who fly from Cleveland. The city’s commitment to using local ingredients and its rich cultural tapestry make dining here a truly memorable experience. So, the next time you’re in Cleveland, dive into its unique dining scene. You’ll be amazed at the variety, quality, and creativity you’ll find. It’s an adventure that will take your taste buds on a journey they won’t soon forget!