Dining in Cleveland

Dining in Cleveland, OH: A Food Lover's Guide to the North Coast

Cleveland's dining scene punches far above its weight, offering everything from James Beard-winning restaurants to beloved ethnic eateries. The city that invented the Polish Boy sandwich continues to surprise with its culinary creativity and Midwest hospitality.

Top Restaurants in Cleveland

1. Lola Bistro – Michael Symon's Flagship

2058 E 4th St
Try the Beef Cheek Pierogi and 6 AM Chili

2. Slyman's Tavern – Legendary Corned Beef

3106 St Clair Ave NE
Must-order: The Slyman's Special sandwich

3. Mabel's BBQ – Cleveland-Style Barbecue

2050 E 4th St
Signature Dish: Polish Girl Sandwich (BBQ twist on the classic)

Must-Try Local Dishes

• Polish Boy – Sausage, fries, slaw and BBQ sauce on a bun
• Cleveland Cassata Cake – Local spin on the Italian dessert
• City Chicken – Breaded pork cubes on a stick (it's not chicken!)

Best Neighborhood Food Scenes

• Ohio City (West Side Market anchors this foodie paradise)
• Tremont (Historic charm meets innovative dining)
• Asiatown (Authentic Asian cuisine beyond just Chinese)

Hidden Gems & Foodie Secrets

• Miles Farmers Market (Best spot for local produce and prepared foods)
• Banter Beer & Vodka (Poutine flights in a cozy setting)
• The Rowley Inn (Old-school tavern with legendary pierogi)

Final Thoughts

Cleveland's dining scene reflects its blue-collar roots and international influences in equal measure. From high-end tasting menus to dive bar classics, every meal here tells a story. Which Cleveland dish will you try first?