If you’re looking for some of the finest dining venues in Cleveland, here are five restaurants you should definitely visit:
Alley Cat Oyster Bar
1056 Old River, Rd, Cleveland
216-574-9999
AlleyCatOysterBar.com
Owned by esteemed restaurateur Zack Bruell, Alley Cat Oyster Bar is an award-winning waterfront oyster bar offering a terrific seafood-focused menu featuring oysters, lobster, mussels, clams, and fresh fish, in addition to steak, salads, soups, chicken, chowders, and more.
Located at the Flats East Bank entertainment district, the restaurant boasts a relaxing ambiance, with open-air patios surrounded by sweeping views of the Cuyahoga River. If you’re searching for a relaxing seafood dining experience, Alley Cat Oyster Bar is an excellent choice.
Citizen Pie
Photo courtesy of Citizen Pie Facebook page
15710 Waterloo Rd, Cleveland
216-417-2742
CitizenPie.com
If you’re dreaming of the perfect pizza, head to Citizen Pie – you won’t be disappointed. Their Neapolitan pizzas are cooked in wood-fired brick ovens for 90 seconds, which is just enough time to melt the cheese and unevenly brown and bubble the dough. The dough itself is prepared one day before and stored in a temperature and humidity-controlled room, ensuring the perfect alchemy between the dough, the cheese, and other toppings.
If you’re in the Waterloo Arts District, pay Citizen Pie a visit – you won’t regret it.
Mabel’s BBQ
2050 E 4th St, Cleveland
216-417-8823
MichaelSymon.com/mabels-bbq
Created by Chef Michael Symon, Mabel’s BBQ is a Cleveland-style BBQ restaurant located in downtown Cleveland. Symon uses a unique barbecue style that’s distinctly Cleveland – local fruitwood-roasted meat, authentic eastern European spices, and a barbecue sauce with hints of Bertman’s ballpark mustard.
The place itself, with its industrial lighting, arched ceilings, and exposed bricks are inspired by West Side Market, giving diners the experience of enjoying a delicious meal in a rustic smokehouse with a relaxing atmosphere.
The Plum Café and Kitchen
4133 Lorain Ave, Cleveland
216-938-8711
ThePlumCafeAndKitchen.com
The Plum is a delightful farm-to-table café and bar that features a daily changing menu consisting of creative and flavorful culinary creations. Recently opened in April 2016, this unique destination is a welcome addition to the already vibrant Lorain Ave. corridor. Their dishes are wonderfully complemented by a wide variety of wines and craft beers, giving diners the option to mix and match.
Diners can drop by The Plum during any time of the day to enjoy a variety of snacks, caffeine-infused beverages, lunch specials, or evening cocktails – it’s the dynamic menu which keeps visitors coming back for more.
Nora
2181 Murray Hill Rd, Cleveland
216-231-5977
NoraCleveleland.com
Located in Cleveland’s historic Little Italy neighborhood, Nora is a cozy restaurant that serves expertly made Italian cuisine made with top-quality organic, local ingredients. The restaurant boasts stylish interiors, and the ambiance is perfect for either a romantic date or a night out with friends and family.
Diners can enjoy a seasonal menu filled with creative pastas and classic Italian favorites. Nora is a family-owned restaurant – chef and owner Eddie Zalar’s mother is Nora’s pastry chef. After your meal, be sure to order their mouthwatering homemade donuts and delicious tiramisu, the perfect ending to an unforgettable Italian meal.