And here’s the thing: 2026 is shaping up to be Cleveland’s biggest culinary year yet. More than eighty new spots opened in 2025, and the momentum hasn’t slowed down one bit .
From brand-new open-fire concepts in Hingetown to Indian fusion in an eighty-year-old tavern, the Forest City is serving up something for everyone. So whether you’ve lived here your whole life or you’re just in town for a game, consider this your official guide.
I’ve done the eating (tough gig, right?) to bring you the absolute can’t-miss spots. Grab your stretchy pants, because here are the 13 best restaurants in Cleveland, Ohio right now.
1. Cordelia
Walking into Cordelia on East 4th Street feels like stepping into a friend’s impossibly stylish home where the food just happens to be extraordinary .
This modern Midwestern star from chef Vinnie Cimino and restaurateur Andrew Watts has earned its James Beard nomination for good reason—it’s the kind of place that makes fine dining feel approachable without losing any of its sophistication .
The open kitchen lets you watch the culinary team work their magic, adding energy to the intimate space while you settle into your seat.
The menu changes with the seasons, but you can always expect bold flavors and thoughtful combinations.
That means dishes like wood-fired octopus that’s tender in ways you didn’t know octopus could be, and house-made pastas that showcase the kitchen’s technical skill while staying completely craveable .
The Parker House rolls have developed a cult following for good reason—they’re pillowy, buttery, and absolutely impossible to stop eating . Located right in the heart of the entertainment district, Cordelia draws both date-night couples and groups celebrating something special.
Service here strikes that perfect balance between attentive and relaxed. You’ll feel taken care of without anyone hovering over your shoulder. Reservations are non-negotiable for weekend evenings, so plan ahead.
2. Amba
Ohio City’s Amba might just be the most exciting restaurant in Cleveland right now. The Rolling Stones ate here when they were in town, and honestly, that tells you everything you need to know .
Chef Vinod Kalathil brings Indian cuisine into the modern era while honoring traditional flavors and techniques, creating dishes that feel both authentic and completely fresh .
The dark interior with those dreamy moon lights sets the stage for something special before your food even arrives .
Here’s how it works: the food is served tapas-style, so you order five or six dishes for the table and share everything family-style . This is the move. You get to try so much more that way. The chili oil with clay bread is the stuff of dreams—one local food writer literally dreams about it .
Tandoor-cooked items deliver that perfect smoky char while staying tender inside, and the curries balance complex spice blends with sauces so rich you’ll want to lick the bowl. Vegetarian options get equal attention here, never feeling like afterthoughts.
The contemporary space feels warm and inviting, with design elements that nod to Indian culture without relying on clichés. Weekend brunch adds another dimension, featuring Indian-inspired breakfast dishes you won’t find anywhere else in the city.
They don’t take reservations, so expect a wait. Grab a drink at the bar a couple doors down while you wait—it’s become a local tradition.
3. Marble Room Steaks and Raw Bar
Tucked inside a historic bank building on Euclid Avenue, Marble Room delivers the full upscale steakhouse experience with a side of old-school glamour . The marble columns and soaring ceilings remind you that you’re somewhere special the moment you walk through the door.
It’s the kind of place where you go when you want to feel like someone who actually has money—there’s even a live saxophone player who wanders through the dining room .
Even if you’re not here for a full steak dinner (though you absolutely should be), popping in for a drink in the bar is an experience in itself.
Dry-aged steaks are the star attraction here, prepared with precision and served with classic sides that honor steakhouse tradition. Each cut is sourced carefully and cooked exactly to your specifications.
The raw bar offers impeccably fresh oysters, shrimp, and other seafood that pairs beautifully with those meaty mains. Beyond the steaks, the menu includes creative appetizers and seafood dishes that show the kitchen’s range.
The lobster mac and cheese has developed a loyal following among regulars for good reason—it’s rich, decadent, and completely worth every calorie.
Sides are meant for sharing, encouraging that communal dining experience that makes steakhouse dinners feel like celebrations. Whether you’re closing a business deal or marking a milestone, this restaurant delivers.
4. Cloak & Dagger
Tucked away in Tremont, Cloak & Dagger is something you don’t see every day: a gothic cocktail lounge serving an all-vegetarian menu that’s so good, even the most devoted carnivores keep coming back .
The dark academia vibe creates this cozy, intimate atmosphere that feels like stepping into someone’s moody, beautiful library .
Themed cocktail lists change with the seasons, and the drinks are absolutely fantastic—creative, well-balanced, and presented with flair. The Zodiac-themed cocktails have become a local favorite, adding a touch of whimsy to the whole experience.
The food menu stays small and seasonal, with portions sized for sharing. That’s the move here: order a few things for the table and taste your way through what the kitchen is doing right now. The ‘Crab’ Cakes, Veggie Muffaletta, and Carrot Tartare have all earned rave reviews from regulars .
Even the simple things like fries come out beautifully seasoned and piping hot. The winter menu is especially cozy, featuring vegan comfort food that wraps around you like a warm blanket on a cold Cleveland night .
Non-alcoholic options are available too, so everyone at the table can enjoy something special. The space is limited, so reservations are strongly recommended. And if you’re sitting at the bar, you’re in for a show—the bartenders are true artists at work.
5. Mabel’s BBQ
Celebrity chef Michael Symon brought his passion for barbecue home to Cleveland with Mabel’s BBQ on East 4th Street, and it’s become an instant classic . But here’s what makes Mabel’s different: instead of copying Texas or Carolina styles, Symon created something totally Cleveland.
It’s Eastern European-inspired BBQ that blends the city’s immigrant heritage with serious smokehouse technique . The smoker runs constantly, turning out brisket so tender it barely needs sauce, ribs that fall off the bone with the slightest tug, and pulled pork that’s juicy and deeply smoky.
The Cleveland-style brisket comes with a side of that spicy brown mustard that locals put on everything—a perfect nod to the city’s stadium mustard obsession . Despite the chef’s fame, the vibe here stays refreshingly casual.
You order at the counter, grab your own drinks from the coolers, and settle in at communal tables with your crew. It’s the kind of place where jeans are the dress code and nobody’s judging.
The sides hold their own too—creamy coleslaw, rich baked beans, and mac and cheese that could be a meal on its own.
The portions are generous, so come hungry or plan to share. Lunch and dinner both draw crowds, especially when the weather’s nice and the outdoor seating fills up.
6. L’Albatros Brasserie + Bar
Tucked away on Bellflower Road in University Circle, L’Albatros transports diners straight to Paris without requiring a passport . Chef Zack Bruell’s French brasserie captures the essence of a classic Parisian neighborhood spot while adding its own Cleveland personality to the mix .
From the outside it looks like a small carriage house, but inside it opens up into this airy, elegant space with whitewashed brick, dark marble bars, and striking artwork on the walls . It feels special without being stuffy.
The menu features French standards executed with precision and obvious respect for tradition. Escargot, steak frites, and duck confit appear alongside daily specials that showcase the best seasonal ingredients .
The kitchen isn’t trying to reinvent French cuisine—they’re celebrating it with proper technique and quality sourcing. Those parmesan croquettes? When they’re on special, order them without hesitation .
Brunch here has become something of a local institution, with croque madame and French toast drawing weekend crowds from across the city.
The pastry selection reflects serious baking skills, with croissants and tarts that would make any Parisian nod in approval. Located near the Cleveland Museum of Art, this restaurant makes an ideal pre-show or post-gallery stop.
7. Slyman’s Restaurant and Deli
You haven’t really done Cleveland until you’ve tackled a sandwich at Slyman’s . This St. Clair Avenue institution has been serving towering corned beef sandwiches since 1964, and in 2026, it’s still packing them in .
The place is no-frills—simple decor, cafeteria-style seating, a crew that moves with precision behind the counter. But nobody comes here for the ambiance. They come for what’s widely considered the best corned beef in the Midwest.
The sandwiches arrive like a dare. We’re talking about corned beef piled so high you can barely fit your mouth around it, warm and tender and marbled just enough to melt on your tongue .
Order it on rye with a smear of spicy brown mustard, and you’ll understand why people have been making the pilgrimage here for over sixty years.
The corned beef and eggs breakfast is another legendary move—the meat nestles right up against those sunny yolks, and the rye toast comes buttered to the corners .
Coffee is strong and refilled before your cup ever dips below halfway. The line moves fast, helped by a crew that hustles with genuine warmth. Get there early, especially on weekends. Cashiers keep things tidy, and parking gets trickier as the day goes on.
8. Juneberry Table
Over on Lorain Avenue in Ohio City, Juneberry Table has quietly become the best brunch in Cleveland . This tiny spot doesn’t take reservations, and there’s almost always a wait on weekends. Here’s the pro move: grab a coffee at Duck Rabbit down the street and chill until your table’s ready .
It’s worth every minute. The focus here is on quality ingredients, many of them house-milled and locally sourced, transformed into breakfast dishes that feel both familiar and totally fresh .
The Ohio spelt pancakes have achieved legendary status, and for good reason—they’re nutty, tender, and absolutely perfect with a pat of butter melting into the top . The buttermilk biscuit with seasonal jam arrives with that soft, crumbly interior that biscuit lovers dream about .
But here’s the curveball: the jasmine rice congee might be the best thing on the menu . It’s savory, comforting, and completely unexpected at a place that looks like your dream farmhouse kitchen.
Everything tastes intentional here, from greens with real snap to jam that tastes like fruit instead of just sugar. Servers talk you through seasonal specials like they’ve tasted everything that morning—because they probably have.
9. Dante
Tremont’s Dante channels the soul of Italian cooking through a thoroughly modern lens . Chef Dante Boccuzzi’s namesake restaurant showcases Italian flavors with creativity and precision that elevate familiar dishes into something genuinely memorable.
Handmade pasta forms the heart of the menu, with shapes and sauces that change to highlight whatever’s fresh and in season right now.
The wood-fired pizzas emerge from the oven with those perfectly charred crusts and thoughtfully chosen toppings that keep you coming back for just one more slice.
The open kitchen design lets diners watch the culinary team at work, adding a layer of theater to the whole experience. You can see pasta being rolled, pizzas being topped, and plates being composed with obvious care.
This transparency builds trust and excitement before your food even hits the table. Antipasti selections encourage sharing and exploration across multiple flavors—the way Italian meals should be.
The Tremont neighborhood location puts you in one of Cleveland’s most vibrant dining districts, perfect for making a whole evening of it. Service here balances knowledge with genuine warmth, guiding you through the menu without ever making you feel rushed or talked down to.
10. Zhug
Over in Cleveland Heights, Zhug brings modern Mediterranean to the east side with bold flavors and a wine program that’s among the city’s strongest .
Owned by the same team behind Amba, Zhug takes a slightly different approach—white decor instead of dark, Mediterranean inspiration instead of Indian, but the same commitment to small plates and shareable eating.
The house-made pita with spreads is the place to start, followed by whatever seasonal mezze catches your eye.
What makes Zhug special is how it handles vegetables. The kitchen treats them with the same respect and attention usually reserved for expensive cuts of meat, and the results are stunning.
Roasted cauliflower, grilled eggplant, lentils transformed into something craveable—this is food that satisfies on a deep level, whether you eat meat or not. The wine list deserves special mention, carefully curated to pair with the bold, bright flavors coming out of the kitchen.
The space itself is warm and inviting, modern without feeling cold. It’s the kind of restaurant where you can settle in for a long, leisurely dinner with good friends and good conversation.
11. Bourbon Street Barrel Room
Tremont’s Bourbon Street Barrel Room brings New Orleans energy to Cleveland, and it works beautifully . The inside really does feel like the French Quarter—big, comfortable booths, chandeliers overhead, an upper balcony seating area that makes you want to linger over a Hurricane .
The beer list is always excellent, but ordering a Hurricane here is basically mandatory. It’s that kind of place: fun, lively, and completely unpretentious.
The food is Cajun and Creole comfort food done right. Gumbo arrives rich and dark, packed with flavor and served with rice that soaks up all that goodness.
Beignets come dusted with powdered sugar, warm and pillowy, exactly the way they should be . Vegetarian options are admittedly limited, but the Mardi Gras pasta with goat cheese and hush puppies is so good you’ll order it every single time and never be disappointed .
The vibe stays casual even as the food delivers serious flavor. It’s perfect for a relaxed dinner with friends or a date night when you want something lively without the fuss.
12. Cloak & Dagger
Wait, did we just list Cloak & Dagger twice? We did. And it deserves that second mention because this place is truly something special.
The cocktails alone would be worth the trip—seasonal, themed, creative, and absolutely delicious.
But the fact that the food is entirely plant-based and still manages to satisfy even the most devoted meat eaters? That’s practically a superpower . The rotating menu keeps things fresh, and the small plates format means you can try several things in one visit.
The staff here genuinely cares about what they’re doing, and it shows in every interaction. The space is cozy and beautiful, that dark academia aesthetic creating an atmosphere that feels intimate and special.
Even with occasional service hiccups (it happens in small, busy places), customers keep coming back because the total experience is that good . If you haven’t been yet, 2026 is the year to fix that. And if you have been, you already know why it made this list twice.
13. Prosperity Social Club
We’re closing out this list with a true Cleveland original. Prosperity Social Club in Tremont does brunch with a distinct Cleveland accent, and it’s become a neighborhood institution for good reason .
The space itself is worth the trip—vintage signage, worn-in booths, a long bar that feels like it’s been there forever because it basically has. This is the kind of place where regulars have their own stools and newcomers are welcomed like old friends.
The pierogies here are exactly what you want from a Cleveland pierogy: tender dumplings filled with potato and cheese, served with caramelized onions and a dollop of sour cream.
It’s Eastern European comfort food done right, the kind of dish that connects you to the city’s immigrant heritage with every bite.
The brunch menu runs beyond pierogies too—hearty breakfast plates, creative specials, and a vibe that’s equal parts dive bar and neighborhood hangout. It’s unpretentious, it’s delicious, and it’s completely, unmistakably Cleveland.
Conclusion
So there you have it. Thirteen incredible spots that prove Cleveland is one of the most exciting food cities in the Midwest right now.
From James Beard winners to neighborhood dives, from vegan cocktail lounges to century-old delis, the Forest City is serving up something for every craving and every budget.
Your table is waiting. Grab your keys, round up your favorite people, and go explore. And when you find that one dish you can’t stop thinking about? Do the rest of us a favor and tell a friend. Happy eating, Cleveland.