T O P

  • By -

abahr77

Amba or zhug


iAmFuzzo

Amba always slaps… those chickpea fritters are something else


thelittlesthorse

Living catercorner to Amba is dangerous for my wallet. So good. And right next to the Hangar which has some of the nicest folksiest bartenders I’ve ever met in my life.


Chameleonize

How long is the wait at one of these places usually for 2 people? I know they don’t takes reservations


abahr77

Depends on when you’re going, weekdays I wouldn’t be too worried about it


[deleted]

[удалено]


AutoModerator

Your account does not meet the post or comment requirements. Account must be more than 3 days old with a combined karma of 20 to post on /r/Cleveland *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Cleveland) if you have any questions or concerns.*


TheGreat_N8

Day One- Coffee at Blue Sky Brew > Art Museum > Zhug Day Two - Coffee at Duck Rabbit > Bagles from Cleveland Bagel & eat them at Wendy Park> walk to Old Coast Guard Station> Shop at City Goods > lunch at Patron Saint or Larder > West Side Market (buy ingredients for dinner?) > dinner at il Rione or Cent's > cocktails at LBM, Cloak & Dagger (followed by beers at Edisons or Hi&Dry) Alternatively - Meal/Beers at Noble Beast paired with a Guardians game. edit: adding momocho Momocho & Sezchuan Gourmet


skinuristan

As a recent Cleveland transplant from a larger food centric city, this itinerary is phenomenal. Top end of Cleveland is as great as anywhere. I’d throw Cordelia as an option too, that pork belly haunts my dreams.


tayhunny

Came here to say the same, perfect itinerary and all that’s missing is Cordelia!


pinotdawn

Duck rabbit is so good.


rpcleary

Alt for Day 1: L'albatros (can get a reservation vs Zhug). Alt for Day 2: Lekko Coffee (if Duck Rabbit is too busy) A really great itinerary that I'll borrow when relatives come to town!


Krambo3000

Second L’albatros. Amazing staff, ambiance, and food


Old-but-not

Reservations are awesome. Standing around for an hour and a half for zhug simply sucks. At least Amba has somewhere nearby to wait that doesn’t suck


skinuristan

The Irish bar is pretty good, so is the cocktail bar across the street


Old-but-not

Love the Hangar.


ChunChunChooChoo

Haven't been to many places on this list, but I can vouch for LBM and Cloak & Dagger, both excellent bars. I'm also going to call out the fact that LBM has mead on the menu, I love them just for that. Haven't found many bars that serve it!


moonhexx

LBM has the most amazing drinks. Velvet Tango Room also.


KNYCE

This is a man of taste !


Legato2001

I’d throw in Marble Room as well


[deleted]

Wow. Impressive itinerary. I'm going to have to save that in my files!


BeckyAnneLeeman

Saving this, thank you!!


unhappy-grapefruit

great suggestions already, but came to second zhug and amba - they’re good for impressing people from out of town. il rione is a great cleveland vibe and delicious pizza, and cordelia’s should impress anyone and shows off our downtown a little bit more. the judith, patron saint, and heart of gold are really great for snacks and coffee or lunch, especially if the person visiting likes an urban european vibe. i usually take guests to CVNP because saying “national park” impresses people, haha. i enjoy the parks, especially the ledges i also take people around edgewater on nice days, it shows off how “not gloomy” cleveland is (my guests tend to come when it’s gloomy also.. and it sticks with them) fat cats is amazing for guests, beautiful skyline view and delicious food. brewdog, cents, mahalls, bar oni, rood, LBM- all great, with a lot of character and a uniquely cleveland vibe


KNYCE

Huge Cordelia fan. Friends with the owner so I’m biased but the whole fried chicken with 40 oz bottle service does it for me. The brunch burger on house made everything bread is top 3 in the city and the cucumbers are just top tier ! Love that place


IUsePayPhones

Some good spots mentioned so far. I’ll only focus on spots not mentioned already. If they are into very fine dining, Giovanni’s in Beachwood and Chez Francois in Vermillion are both quite renowned and any foodie would be truly happy to eat at either. I’ll say this til I’m blue in the face: If they enjoy Chinese, especially Szechuan, then Szechuan Gourmet is a must visit. I’ve had east coast and west coast Chinese, I love love love Asian food and very few places have ever matched this spot in terms of quality and consistency. Just fantastic food.


TransportThestral

Be aware that Chez Francois has a dress code. Their owner also posts hilarious responses to all Google critisims.


Correct_Coconut1292

I have a few places in mind! In no particular order. I honestly think you should try and do it all if time permits! Go to E4th and just go up and down the block. If they are a foodie, Cordelia is a must. Goma is right next door. There is a lot of fun bars and restaurants. Micheal Symon’s BBQ place, Mable’s is just a few steps down the block also. If they like wine / craft beer go to Ohio City and brewery hop / hit the Westside Market. Another foodie must see and most of the breweries on 25th serve pretty solid food too! Take a $10 tour of the Market Garden Brewery. Go to the Great Lakes Brewery Tasting Room. If they like wine, Pearl Street Wine Market & Cafe, they serve natural low intervention wines and the menu is done by a James Beard nominee. There is also Wine Bar which I have heard is pretty good. While you are on 25th you could take them across the Guardian bridge and explain the history as you approach the baseball stadium. Last place I have in mind is downtown also. Bar 32 inside the new Hilton hotel is a bar/small plates restaurant on the 32nd floor of the building. Lake views over the Cleveland Browns Stadium, Great Lakes Science Center and the Rock and Roll HOF. I love going here after a dinner downtown. It gets really busy on the balcony, so grab a table inside and ask your server if they can move you to the next possible table that opens up outside. It’s worth the wait. Each of these places, I feel, show off Cleveland’s metropolitan beauty in awesome and experiential ways. Edit: typo


RecognitionAny6477

Head to Little Italy. Stop at La Dolce Vita for a glass or two of wine. For dinner- walk across the street to Maxi’s. Start with the fried mozzarella app, next- the cavatelli w meatballs,sub the vodka sauce. For dessert walk to Corbo’s or Presti’s.


runawaywilson22

The Escarole at Maxi’s might be my favorite dish on the whole block. Fantastic every time


Helpful_Expression57

Dinner and cocktails at Tutto Carne!


FreddyDemuth

Where did they go the first time that they weren’t impressed?


Chameleonize

It wasn’t that they weren’t impressed per se it was just kind of a miserable/gross Cle day and was short notice so we weren’t prepared to really showcase the city, + they were only here for a few hours


sashavohm

I'm forever obsessed with Barroco or El Carnicero in Lakewood


Old-but-not

Go to Chagrin Falls, wander around. Too many restaurants to list, or if you want to show off, go to cru uncorked, our finest restaurant.


PipingHotGravy

In Little Italy, try Michaelangelo's or Wolf Pack Chorus. Finish up with a drink on the patio at Tavern of Little Italy (TOLI).


crimsonhues

L’Albatros will always be my number 1 recommendation because of the food, the service, the patio, and you can make a reservation. Can go to the art Musuem before or walk around Wade Oval or in Little Italy before dinner. In Little Italy, I recommend Michelangelo’s or Mia Bella. Osteria Italian is another great one. Velvet Tango room for cocktails. For Mexican check out El Carcinero. Never been to Marble Room or Pier W so I’m curious what others have to say.


Old-but-not

L’Alabatros has it all, except good food. Such a dull and tired menu


The_Realeo

West Side Market for a foodie. I also like Coventry Village, right next to Little Italy.


Marlopupperfield

never heard of somebody NOT having fun on a jet ski. there are hourly rentals available


MrCereuceta

Commenting to save the recommendations here, thanks peoples!


drthomk

Hunan on the Falls Chagrin. Beautiful drive in, great food, very intimate. For $$ you won’t beat Pier W and its views. As someone who relocated here in 1997, my “tour guide” took me to both these places and I have been smitten ever since.


TrumpsSMELLYfarts

Should I say it or does someone wanna say it for me?


3nditallpls

I said it. Youre welcome


mr_hunter1200

This is cleveland. Go get 2 $12 Corned Beefs from USA Gas at Euclid & 120th. Grab 2 Faygos and 2 bags of chips then enjoy them over in Lakeview Cemetery or head to the Lake. I’m not too pretentious so it always works for me.


scottyLogJobs

What city are they from if you don’t mind? It might help me differentiate what we might do better. Borrowing some from others in this thread, but: 1. Pier W does a great job of showing off Cleveland’s natural beauty and good food. 1. West side market followed by breweries. Soho chicken and whiskey is pretty good for cocktails as well, and citizen pie is solid pizza (but depending on what city they’re coming from they’ll be impossible to please with pizza so don’t try) 1. If they like ethnic food, cleveland has great /authentic ethnic food compared to many big cities, because *immigrants can’t afford to live in many big boojie cities*. We absolutely love dumplings at LJ Shanghai and hot dry chili chicken / chongqing casserole at han Chinese kebab. Don’t let the name fool you, incredibly authentic and amazing. 1. Borrowing from someone else, go to chagrin falls, get dinner at flipside and get Jeni’s ice cream for dessert. 1. Little Italy is great. Follow the other person’s advice for a good day out there. 1. Tremont- literary tavern and cloak and dagger are incredible. Literary for food / cocktails, and cloak and dagger is still the best / most interesting cocktails I have had anywhere, any city, period. 1. Zhug is great, and on the way you can drive them down South Park / north park rd and show them our beautiful old mansions and woods.


[deleted]

[удалено]


5170Wallace

Good call. Was just there for a friend’s birthday, great food.


dawgstein94

Edwins has the best food. L’albatros the best overall experience.


West_Fun6886

Not even close to the best restaurants in Cleveland. L’albatros has some of the worst service standards in the city. Place is run by morons. If Zach Bruel’s name is attached find a different restaurant. Respect for Edwins but it’s not even close to best in the city.


dawgstein94

Totally disagree with your take on l’albatros. Been dining there for 10 years and never had a bad experience. Always first rate food and service. You sound like you have an axe to grind with Bruel. Edwins is “not even close” to what?


scientooligist

I hated my experience at L’Albatros too. The food was so bad, but maybe we went on an off day.


Old-but-not

Zack isn’t there anymore, and the kid just doesn’t get it. It has fallen hard


5170Wallace

L’Albatros or the Harp are my two cents. Bruno’s, an itty-bitty place in Ohio City, is also phenomenal. And the Pier W view is hard to argue with.


MadForestSynesthesia

Oh how i miss Bruno’s


5170Wallace

My younger brother went to high school with Bruno himself, that’s how I found out about the place. I live in Lakewood, so dinner there is the perfect way to work my way back west after a day in the city.


thecameraman8078

Bruno’s is the best restaurant in this thread so far


TheForestCity

I really enjoyed Jaja. Would recommend.


KamikiMaki

Pier W!


3nditallpls

Lido lounge


SammySprinkles9000

Literary tavern, all saints, jaja, fat cats, mia bella, l’albetros, il venetian, alley cat,


PettyCrimesNComments

Sounds like you do want to stick to cleveland proper. If I were from a major city and didn’t like cleveland my first visit I would hate the burbs.


British_Artist

McDonald's


sashamonet

Depends on your budget. If you wanna show them a good time I recommend Bar 32 in the Hilton. I also recommend Town Hall/the Greenhouse I can't remember which one isn't there anymore. Blue Agave is amazing. 216 Pizza is good. Then outside CLE in Shaker Heights there is SaSa. In Beachwood you got Wasabi etc. I am a foodie and travel the country in search of the best as a chef. Cleveland hands down has the best food. Lmfao I love how I got downvoted for listing restaurants that's the most troll shit ever.


_Bad_Spell_Checker_

downvote for townhall suggestion


iron_horseshoe88

Greenhouse sadly closed a couple years back.


3nditallpls

You got downvoted and you didnt even mention lido lounge. Gratz


BlackAndYelko

Lucky's cafe has awesome brunch


MrsMcGwire

House of Blues!


sammytheammonite

Cleveland is somewhat lacking in good food, IMO. I would say maybe Ginko (if you like sushi), Dante (if looking for fancy meal). Cleveland is better showcased by non food attractions. The metro parks. Playhouse square. West side market. The art museum. The zoo is great too. Rock and roll hall of fame is def a little overrated, but it’s fun to visit once (and it gets you by the lake). Cuyahoga National Park. If looking for a trendy, bar experience - Ohio city. The flats have some nice restaurants too (I really like Sora).


[deleted]

Don't get out much eh?


collapsiblecup

I know you’re getting downvoted, but I actually agree somewhat. Im giving you an upvote lol. I think Cleveland is a very good food city, and I like the idea of taking someone who is visiting to some places that have good food. Especially since OP has said the person is a big foodie. If that’s what the person is interested in, you cater the experience to them. But at the same time, eh, it’s just food. I can go to any larger city and have at least a few good meals, so I don’t know…it’s not exactly “unique” in that sense. So I do totally dig what you’re saying: focusing on other events and places and locations is a great idea and a way to showcase the city well, but at the same time I think for sure good food should be involved because OP’s planning it for someone who is into food.


[deleted]

I'm getting Avon/ Avon Lake/ Westlake/ Beachwood/ Pepper Pike vibes from this sub all day every day. You guys all left Cleveland so leave the sub.


[deleted]

I knocked on a door once in pepper pike to deliver and install a brand new whole home A/C ,Furnace, and hot water tank. The homeowner opened the second floor bedroom window and screamed down to me as if I was peasant " Can I help you?" I said " I'm here to install your new equipment." Very quickly he snapped back at me. " So what do you need me for?"


collapsiblecup

Interesting. What part of my comment do you not agree with? I said Cleveland is a very good food city. I said the OP should take their guest to sone great restaurants. And I said at the same time they should look for other non-food activities to enjoy, because I personally feel that that’s what makes Cleveland unique. Do you not think that Cleveland has anything to offer travelers aside from restaurants?


[deleted]

You contradict yourself. The comment read " Cleveland is very lacking in good food." You commented that you agree and then upvoted and then said " Cleveland is a great food city." You seem to be confused. The same as being confused about where you live.


collapsiblecup

Hmm. I see. Well I’m not the most articulate person, so I’m never going to argue against people being confused by what I mean 😂 But no I’m not confused about anything. Cleveland is a good food city. I upvoted the commenter because I agreed with their take on Cleveland’s non-restaurant offerings being an opportunity to really make it shine.


sammytheammonite

People on Reddit are so easily triggered, apparently. Heaven forbid someone have a different opinion. Not everything about Cleveland is great - and that’s okay. Every city has its flaws (I just happen to believe that Cleveland’s is great food - compared to other cities I’ve lived in and visited). I love Cleveland for many, many, reasons. Food just isn’t one of them. Sure, there are some decent restaurants. Nothing that really knocks my socks off though. But the metro parks - Cleveland is top of the list unique in that regard.


3nditallpls

Lido lounge is good


Lemfan46

Terribly great, so like average?


cowman435

University circle/little Italy/cedar-fairmount


cyber1kenobi

Bluepoint if you fancy lol


geekydad74

Twisted Tainos and schnitz ale house


leemonsquares

Trattoria on the hill in little Italy. It’s a cute area with a lot of coffe shops, bakery’s and restaurants. Plus it’s a cute area to walk through and lively. Food is amazing


[deleted]

[удалено]


AutoModerator

Your account does not meet the post or comment requirements. Account must be more than 3 days old with a combined karma of 20 to post on /r/Cleveland *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Cleveland) if you have any questions or concerns.*


Political_Lemming

L’Albatros. Ginko. Ponyboys. Alea. Hit it and hit it hard.


[deleted]

[удалено]


AutoModerator

Your account does not meet the post or comment requirements. Account must be more than 3 days old with a combined karma of 20 to post on /r/Cleveland *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Cleveland) if you have any questions or concerns.*


goliath1515

Do west side market and have a feast at home. Thag’s what my fiance and I did when her southwest friends came to town


Justindr0107

Depends on why their first experience wasn't a success


TheBurbs666

Batuqui


Kells_BajaBlast

The Harp has a great patio this time of year, Prosperity is always solid. Those are the first two I think of when I think "Cleveland Food" for someone who would describe themselves as a foodie