Cleveland Restaurants

Although the aged, artisanal "cheeses alone are worth a trip" to this "Little Italy institution", the "outstanding selection" of fromage is but a prelude to an "imaginative" New American–Continental menu (a "symphony of flavors") from chef-owner Paul Minnillo, plus a "substantial wine list" and "attentive service"; it's all set in a "lovely" historic mansion featuring several "elegant" rooms, an "intimate" garden patio and overnight accommodations; P.S. it can be "expensive", but the menu also offers some lower-priced options.

"The ultimate for oysters in Cleveland", this "upscale" Warehouse District destination offers "superb" seafood ("surprisingly well-executed for an inland restaurant"), an "excellent" wine list and an "attentive, knowledgeable" staff that's "not just going through the motions"; though "a bit noisy" at times, the "airy", "nautically themed" interior is a "vibrant" setting that comes complete with a "lively bar" and floor-to-ceiling windows for "watching the crowds go by."

Just like its "trendy Tremont" locale, this "funky", "hip", "high-energy" bistro is a "hot place to see and be seen" while sampling "inventive" New American fare from chef-owner Rocco Whalen's "ever-evolving" menu; though it's a "fabulous value", it "can get a little loud at peak hours", so "arrive early" to sip a "frosty cocktail" at the bar or take advantage of the "great late-night dining" possibilities.

"Fabulous" chef-owner Karen Small flies "ahead of the curve" at this "cool" Ohio City hangout where her New American–Eclectic menu is like "a feast for the senses", starring "creative" small plates made with "local, seasonal ingredients"; a "casually sophisticated" setting, "attentive" service and "affordable" prices make it "great for a cozy date", while "the best happy-hour specials" keep the bar "hopping" with a "fun crowd."

Part of a "fantastic regional chain", this "consistent" chophouse trio offers an "extensive" selection of "tasty, tender" prime steaks and "excellent seafood" in "classy" settings that vary by location: Public Square is "sophisticated", Beachwood is "in a suburban hotel" and Westlake is in a "quiet shopping area"; "polished, professional" service adds to the experience, which can be "pricey, but is worth it for the quality."

"Don't mind the name" or the "out-of-the-way" setting west of Downtown, because you'll find "nirvana" inside the doors of this "fine" Northern Italian that's been a Cleveland "institution" for over 85 years, with a "classic art deco interior" to prove it; it's "a real experience" that "gives you the feeling of a great New York restaurant", from the "awesome food" and "well-heeled clientele" to "waiters with personality" and a bill that necessitates "taking out a second mortgage"; N.B. lunch on Thursdays and Fridays only.

"An oasis of good things" in the Warehouse District, this "upscale", "masculine" little brother to Johnny's Bar combines "amazing" Northern Italian cuisine with "friendly, old-style" service and a "classy" setting that comes complete with a "great bar" and a "delightful patio"; while "the place smells like suits" to more casual customers, the city's "power brokers" find it ideal "for business entertaining", especially when "on an expense account" – it's "pricey but worth it."

It may be Lola's "more informal baby sister", but this "sexy, romantic" Tremont bistro boasts an equally "craveworthy" menu from celebrity chef Michael Symon: the "creative" New American–Med offerings include "spectacular" house-cured meats, artisanal cheeses and "gourmet comfort food" like mac 'n' cheese with roasted chicken; "attentive" service, a "reasonably priced" wine list and "amazing" happy-hour specials help attract an "eclectic clientele" that considers it "great for impressing [someone] without blowing your budget."

For "fine dining without the requisite stuffiness", head to this Warehouse District Spaniard where "tuxedo-clad waiters cater to your every whim" as they deliver "large portions" of "authentic", "reasonably priced" cuisine; "outdated decor" notwithstanding, most find it a "relaxing", "memorable" destination, whether they're "celebrating a special occasion" or simply "gearing up for a night on the town."

It may be "the same as every other Morton's", but that means this "clubby" "standby" on Public Square is a "consistent" choice for "enormous", "melt-in-your-mouth" steaks accompanied by side dishes that are "large enough to feed an entire family"; "impeccable service" and "incredible happy-hour specials" are also pluses, but you can expect to pay "top dollar for top food" – so "open a line of credit" before you go.

"Always a hot place to be", this New American "gem" lights up Shaker Square with a "superb" "seasonal menu" from chef-owner Doug Katz, who "never runs out of creativity" as he makes use of organic and "locally grown ingredients"; while gourmets gush about the tandoor-roasted dinner entrees and the "unbelievable" Sunday brunch, a few confess the "crowded" space is too "noisy" "for comfortable conversation"; P.S. check out the "patio in summer for people-watching."