Cleveland is a Midwestern food city with deep immigrant roots and a taste for both comfort classics and inventive modern cooking. From the landmark West Side Market to neighborhood taverns and chef‑driven restaurants, the city serves up everything from mile‑high corned beef and potato‑and‑cheese pierogies to reimagined seasonal fare using Cuyahoga Valley produce. Local culinary customs include fried Lake Erie walleye on Lenten Fridays, backyard autumn clambakes, and winter plates of Hungarian chicken paprikash with spaetzle. Cleveland also boasts an impressive brewery scene and nearby Grand River Valley wineries.
About the writer
Douglas Trattner has been covering Cleveland’s food and drink scene for 25 years and is the former dining editor at Cleveland Scene.
Mabel’s BBQ — 2050 East 4th St, Cleveland, OH
Owned by James Beard Award‑winning chef Michael Symon, Mabel’s applies Central Texas barbecue technique with Northeast Ohio touches: local fruitwoods on the smokers, Bertman Ballpark Mustard in sauces, and pastrami spices on brisket. Located on pedestrian East 4th Street, the menu delivers standout smoked meats and regional riffs like the Polish Girl and an excellent Polish Boy.
Marble Room — 623 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH
Housed in a Beaux‑Arts former bank by the architects who designed Severance Hall, Marble Room is a grand steakhouse and raw bar. Start with oysters, surf‑and‑turf sushi, or beef tartare before moving to dry‑aged steaks and classic sides. The ornate dining room, marble staircases, and traditional desserts make it a go‑to for special occasions and to impress visitors.
Li Wah — 2999 Payne Ave, Cleveland, OH
A cornerstone of Asiatown for more than 35 years, Li Wah is known for weekend dim sum with carts full of BBQ pork buns, har gow, siu mai, xiao long bao, egg tarts, roast duck, and more. The bustling, authentic experience rivals dim sum in many larger coastal cities.
Prosperity Social Club — 1109 Starkweather Ave, Tremont, OH
This 1930s tavern still serves hearty Eastern European comfort food alongside affordable cocktails and beer. Once a steel‑mill stop, Prosperity offers pierogi with sautéed onions and sour cream, chicken paprikash with spaetzle, and haluski. The kitchen often stays open until midnight, keeping the neighborhood tradition alive.
Zhug — 12413 Cedar Rd, Cleveland Heights, OH
Chef Doug Katz’s Mediterranean bistro is built around a plate‑sharing format, warm pita, and a fiery Yemeni zhug sauce. Highlights include hummus topped with curried lamb, za’atar roasted carrots, honey‑roasted beets with house labneh, and lingcod cakes with horseradish—all hearty, vibrant small plates meant for sharing.
Cordelia — 2058 East 4th St, Cleveland, OH
Vinnie Cimino’s downtown spot is lively and whimsical with a dramatic open kitchen. Contemporary Midwest dishes roam from jammy eggs and pimento cheese dip to shrimp toast, braised pork belly, fried chicken for two, and a shareable smash burger presented as four sliders—great for groups and playful dining.
Tommy’s — 1824 Coventry Rd., Cleveland Heights, OH
Opened in 1972 by Tommy Fello, this vegetable‑forward café on Coventry Road was ahead of its time, serving hummus, baba ganoush, and falafel alongside soups, salads, spinach pies, pita sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, and corned beef. Don’t miss the intentionally unsalted fries and made‑to‑order milkshakes.
Larder — 1455 W. 29th St., Cleveland, OH
Chef Jeremy Umansky’s modern deli occupies an 1850s firehouse in Hingetown and features koji‑cured pastrami, fried chicken sandwiches, hyper‑local soups, and an array of market goods. Pastry chef Allie La Valle supplies breads and Jewish favorites—black and white cookies, rugelach, chocolate babka, challah, and knishes.
Astoria Cafe & Market — 5417 Detroit Ave, Cleveland, OH
Part market, part café, Astoria offers Mediterranean‑inspired fare all day. Imported meats, cheeses, and tinned fish create generous boards; the menu also includes pan‑seared saganaki, Calabrian‑chili octopus, braised lamb shanks, whole branzino, and busy weekend brunches featuring tortilla española, souvlaki and eggs, and duck confit with biscuits.
Il Rione — 1303 W. 65th St, Cleveland, OH
A neighborhood pizza bistro turning out concise, excellent New York–style pies from an open kitchen. Standouts include the speck pie with ricotta, pistachios, and hot honey, as well as clam pies when available. The tight menu also offers selective salads, a meat and cheese board, and a focused cocktail and beer list.
Johnny’s Little Bar — 614 Frankfort Ave., Cleveland, OH
A downtown dive bar since 1984, Johnny’s is known for cold beer, two‑fisted burgers, onion rings, wings, and club sandwiches. It’s a compact, friendly place to catch a Browns, Cavs, or Guardians game and mingle with a loyal local crowd.
The Market Hall at Van Aken District — 3441 Tuttle Rd, Shaker Heights, OH
Part of the revived Van Aken District, Market Hall houses a lineup of local vendors. Favorites include Lox, Stock and Brisket for matzo ball soup and brisket sandwiches, Banter for Montreal‑style poutine, Beet Jar for vegan wraps and smoothies, and Boom’s Pizza for quick slices.
West Side Market — 1979 W 25th St, Cleveland, OH
Cleveland’s historic public market is a cavernous hall of butchers, bakers, cheesemongers, produce vendors, and specialty stalls. Must‑visits include Mediterranean Imported Foods for global pantry items, Frank’s Bratwurst for classic brats and sauerkraut, and Crepes de Luxe for made‑to‑order sweet and savory crepes. Grab a bite, then take in the market from the upper balcony for one of the city’s most iconic views.