Restaurants in Cleveland

Lola

The cult of the celebrity chef is alive and well, and represented at this modern American restaurant by TV star Michael Symon. ‘Sleek’ and ‘elegant’ are adjectives often used to describe both the décor and the menu, and dishes include surprises such as scallops in pea-yoghurt purée.

Sans Souci

There isn’t too much choice of high-end continental fare, but this restaurant in the Renaissance Cleveland Hotel brings a touch of Provençal to the Midwest. Influences actually range from French to Spanish and Moroccan, with angel hair pasta, bouillabaisse and veal osso bucco on the menu.

Blue Point Grille

Not many places are particularly creative with seafood, but the inspiration in this Warehouse District eatery draws gourmands as well as famous local sportspeople. Try specialities such as the masala-spiced bass. It also serves up a mean steak if you’re not fish friendly.

Sokolowksi’s University Inn

The oldest family owned and operated restaurant in Cleveland, Sokolowski’s is a humble landmark of Cleveland eating, serving up scrumptous Polish and Eastern European cuisine. With homey, cafeteria-style service, accompanied by live music, this restaurant offers rich comfort foods catered to the working man.

Mabel’s BBQ

Another restaurant by Michael Symon, Mabel’s BBQ has a very different feel from Lola’s. At communal tables, under industrial lighting and exposed brick walls reminiscent of the city’s West Side Market, foodies enjoy flavourful Cleveland-style barbecue accompanied by a long list of bourbon.

CROP Bistro and Bar

Self-described as ‘inventive American fare’, the emphasis here is on very fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Chef Steve Schimoler changes his menus almost daily, such is his commitment to seasonal goodies. Pasta, poultry and steak are all present, but lovingly and creatively presented.

Corky & Lenny's

Corky & Lenny's is a busy and lively East Side deli that has been around for over 40 years. On the menu are items like beef ribs, ham steak, roast stuffed kishka ( sausage pudding) and homemade gefilte fish, and the cheesecake is famous.

Johnny Mango World Café & Bar

Eclectic, international, tropical, flavourful, colourful - Johnny Mango is a place where all kinds of cultural and culinary ingredients are mixed and combined to great effect. There are plenty of vegetarian dishes, but seafood and red meat also feature on the menu.

Slyman's

People flock to this deli for their corned beef sandwiches, which are an exercise in simplicity: meat, fresh bread and a pickle. You can also sample the full range of classic American sandwiches, including Reubens and a choice of melts.