Nothing hits the spot quite like local dining. Mom and pop shops, diners, and even elegant restaurants flawlessly capture the personality of their particular neighborhood, allowing diners to experience the flavors of their city in a palate-pleasing way. Like many big cities, the local cuisine here in Cleveland is incredibly diverse, but it’s all delicious in a truly unforgettable way.
- Slyman’s Deli (3106 St. Clair Ave. NE, Cleveland)
Slymans/Facebook
Ladymd1997/TripAdvisor Slyman’s truly is a local favorite, thanks in part to delicious recipes and corned beef sandwiches that are both the biggest and the best in The Land. Classic deli options are served up in a no-fuss diner-style environment, allowing you to relax in casual clothes and chow down.
- Urban Farmer (1325 E 6th St., Cleveland)
Urbsee LLC/Google Maps
Urban Farmer Cleveland/Facebook The rustic elegance of this steakhouse’s ambiance enhances the flavor of its dishes, many of which are overflowing with locally-sourced flavors. In true Midwestern fashion, farm-to-table ingredients are lovingly prepared to create a flavorful embrace for your taste buds.
- Sokolowski’s University Inn (1201 University Rd., Cleveland)
Susan P/TripAdvisor
Robert B/TripAdvisor Sokolowski’s is a local favorite that has remained fairly unchanged as the city boomed around it. You see, this cafeteria-style restaurant in Tremont has served up Polish comfort foods for decades. It has remained under the management of the same family since 1923 as well, and locals delight at generations of familiarity.
- Great Lakes Brewing Company (2516 Market Ave., Cleveland)
BigPickle/TripAdvisor
Jdoughtry/TripAdvisor Great Lakes’ beverages have made Cleveland’s skyline iconic on a national level, and the comforting American fare they’ve chosen to pair with said beverages is as delicious as can be. Decadent dining, brewery tours, and tasty drinks have made this restaurant a destination both tourists and locals love.
- Blue Point Grille (700 W Saint Clair Ave., Suite B10, Cleveland)
fredraymond522/TripAdvisor
sdfedmonds/TripAdvisor Cleveland’s Warehouse District has evolved greatly over the years, but one of its most incredible changes happened when this chic restaurant first opened. Whether you’re dining on freshly shucked oysters or grazing on appetizers with a side of wine, you’re sure to adore the diverse flavors of this neighborhood seafood restaurant.
- Townhall (1909 W 25th St., Cleveland)
984kevinq/TripAdvisor
Townhall/Facebook Local ingredients are the shining stars of the Townhall menu. Here, organic produce and grass-fed meat and dairy products delight diners, especially those with more demanding dietary habits. Traditional American comfort food is enhanced with the infusion of local flavors, and some of their unusual options will offer your taste buds an escape from the norm.
- Melt Bar and Grilled (14718 Detroit Ave., Lakewood)
cds1macy/TripAdvisor
Jalverson/TripAdvisor This West Side favorite serves up sandwiches that are larger than life. Grilled cheese is enhanced when paired with rich flavors, and their menu is overflowing with some of the kookiest pairings imaginable. Gigantic portions and humongous flavors will make your visit well worth the wait.
- Guarino’s Restaurant (12309 Mayfield Rd., Cleveland)
Guarino’s Restaurant/Facebook
Guarino’s Restaurant/Facebook Little Italy has long been Clevelanders’ favorite place to go for fine wine and family time, but everyone is famiglia at Guarino’s. Since 1918, this charming neighborhood restaurant has been serving up rich, traditional Italian cuisine. This local eatery has changed very little over the years, meaning every meal comes with a side of nostalgia.
- Gene’s Place to Dine (3730 Rocky River Dr., Cleveland)
Amy Ryann R/TripAdvisor
Amy Ryann R/TripAdvisor This Kamm’s Corners icon has served up unbeatable food since the 1970s, but the classic selections and Old Hollywood decor will take you back to the 1940s. This family diner is always reliable and delicious, and the ambiance is too cute for words.
- George’s Kitchen (13101 Triskett Rd., Cleveland)
Google Maps
George’s Kitchen/Facebook Since 1980, locals have raved about the classic comfort foods at George’s Kitchen. The restaurant has changed very little over the years, and its menu remains as affordable as its service has remained friendly. The food here is rich and decadent, and the portions are generous. Be sure to try to save room for dessert!
All of these delectable destinations capture a little piece of Cleveland and use it to enhance the flavor and personality of their dishes. Which local icon is your favorite and what is your favorite dish there? Are there others that should be added to this list? Let us know in the comments below!
Slymans/Facebook
Ladymd1997/TripAdvisor
Slyman’s truly is a local favorite, thanks in part to delicious recipes and corned beef sandwiches that are both the biggest and the best in The Land. Classic deli options are served up in a no-fuss diner-style environment, allowing you to relax in casual clothes and chow down.
Urbsee LLC/Google Maps
Urban Farmer Cleveland/Facebook
The rustic elegance of this steakhouse’s ambiance enhances the flavor of its dishes, many of which are overflowing with locally-sourced flavors. In true Midwestern fashion, farm-to-table ingredients are lovingly prepared to create a flavorful embrace for your taste buds.
Susan P/TripAdvisor
Robert B/TripAdvisor
Sokolowski’s is a local favorite that has remained fairly unchanged as the city boomed around it. You see, this cafeteria-style restaurant in Tremont has served up Polish comfort foods for decades. It has remained under the management of the same family since 1923 as well, and locals delight at generations of familiarity.
BigPickle/TripAdvisor
Jdoughtry/TripAdvisor
Great Lakes’ beverages have made Cleveland’s skyline iconic on a national level, and the comforting American fare they’ve chosen to pair with said beverages is as delicious as can be. Decadent dining, brewery tours, and tasty drinks have made this restaurant a destination both tourists and locals love.
fredraymond522/TripAdvisor
sdfedmonds/TripAdvisor
Cleveland’s Warehouse District has evolved greatly over the years, but one of its most incredible changes happened when this chic restaurant first opened. Whether you’re dining on freshly shucked oysters or grazing on appetizers with a side of wine, you’re sure to adore the diverse flavors of this neighborhood seafood restaurant.
984kevinq/TripAdvisor
Townhall/Facebook
Local ingredients are the shining stars of the Townhall menu. Here, organic produce and grass-fed meat and dairy products delight diners, especially those with more demanding dietary habits. Traditional American comfort food is enhanced with the infusion of local flavors, and some of their unusual options will offer your taste buds an escape from the norm.
cds1macy/TripAdvisor
Jalverson/TripAdvisor
This West Side favorite serves up sandwiches that are larger than life. Grilled cheese is enhanced when paired with rich flavors, and their menu is overflowing with some of the kookiest pairings imaginable. Gigantic portions and humongous flavors will make your visit well worth the wait.
Guarino’s Restaurant/Facebook
Little Italy has long been Clevelanders’ favorite place to go for fine wine and family time, but everyone is famiglia at Guarino’s. Since 1918, this charming neighborhood restaurant has been serving up rich, traditional Italian cuisine. This local eatery has changed very little over the years, meaning every meal comes with a side of nostalgia.
Amy Ryann R/TripAdvisor
This Kamm’s Corners icon has served up unbeatable food since the 1970s, but the classic selections and Old Hollywood decor will take you back to the 1940s. This family diner is always reliable and delicious, and the ambiance is too cute for words.
Google Maps
George’s Kitchen/Facebook
Since 1980, locals have raved about the classic comfort foods at George’s Kitchen. The restaurant has changed very little over the years, and its menu remains as affordable as its service has remained friendly. The food here is rich and decadent, and the portions are generous. Be sure to try to save room for dessert!
After you’re done with dinner, you must try one of these super unique Cleveland ice cream parlors.
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