Cleveland, Ohio is home to a diverse assortment of delicacies from all over the world. If you’re on a mission to satisfy your taste buds, then this city has you covered. From Polish sandwiches to Italian pastries, here are 5 must-try food finds in Cleveland, Ohio:
Pierogi is a buttery dumpling so popular in Cleveland, it’s become a staple.
- Polish boy
This scrumptious Cleveland original is Ohio’s answer to the Philly cheesesteak. A unique culinary fusion, the Polish boy is made by topping kielbasa (Polish sausage) on a bun and covering it with French fries doused in barbecue sauce and coleslaw. The result is a messy but lip-smacking experience that will leave you wanting more.
Some famous Polish boy restaurants include Seti’s Polish Boys and Hot Sauce Williams. For something different, head to Mabel’s BBQ, where the dish is served with hot cheddar and chopped pork belly.
- Corned beef
No other place in the country does corned beef quite like Cleveland. In the hands of the Clevelanders, this seemingly ordinary dish turns into a delightful meaty revelation.
If you’re craving corned beef in Cleveland, the number one place everyone will point you to is Slyman’s Restaurant. But that’s not to say you should ignore the mouthwatering servings at Jack’s Deli and Lucky’s Café. To find out which restaurant truly has the best-corned beef in Cleveland, your only choice is to try them all.
- Pierogi
Pierogies are buttery dumplings originating from Central and Eastern Europe. These delectable beauties are usually stuffed with a variety of fillings like cheese, potatoes, sauerkraut, and ground meat. They’re so popular in Cleveland that they’re basically a local staple.
Some of the best pierogies in Cleveland can be found at Sokolowski’s University Inn and Pierogi Place. You’ll also want to try Melt Bar and Grilled’s Parmageddon – a jaw-dropping grilled cheese sandwich filled with potato and onion pierogies.
- Sfogliatelle
Pronounced “shfoo-ya-dell,” these lobster tail-shaped pastries are about the size of a baseball and pack a tasty punch. Bite into their golden brown crusts and crunchy layers and you’ll discover creamy ricotta filling deliciously exploding in your mouth. Some variants of sfogliatelle even come with almonds, whipped cream, or orange-flavored cream.
Sfogliatelles are usually found all around Little Italy. Stop by Presti’s Bakery or Corbo’s Bakery to get your hands on this must-try Cleveland favorite.
- Paczki
You’ll hear a lot about paczkis during Lent when Polish bakeries all across Cleveland prepare these tasty deep-fried donuts. Paczkis are traditionally filled with poppyseed or rose petal jelly, but updated fillings include chocolate mousse, peanut butter fudge, or sausages.
Head to Kiedrowski’s Bakery, Rudy’s Strudel, and Stan’s Northfield Bakery to grab all of the paczkis you can.
For more of what you’ll find in Cleveland, check out the Dining section of our blog to read about Cleveland’s best restaurants, cafes, bars, and more.
If you’re looking for the best home in this wonderful city, you can only do it with the help of the top Realtor in Cleveland, Ohio. Call Cleveland Real Estate Expert Michelle McQuade at 440.823.2448 or send her an email at michellemcquade(at)howardhanna(dotted)com.