Where to Eat in Cleveland: A Local Broker's Picks

Every "best restaurants in Cleveland" list I read seems to miss the mark. They either chase whatever opened last month or skip the places locals actually go back to week after week.

Here's the thing about Cleveland: the best part of eating here is the variety. You can have Cambodian food for lunch, a German beer hall for dinner, and a pierogi somewhere in between. As a real estate broker, I end up playing tour guide a lot when buyers come in from out of town, and the first question is almost always, "Where should we eat?" So here's my answer.

Sandwiches you won't find anywhere else

Start with the Romanburger at Mr. Hero. I'll say it plainly: it's the best fast food sandwich on the planet. You won't find it outside Northeast Ohio, which is all the more reason to try it while you're here.

Want a ridiculously stacked corned beef sandwich? Go to Slyman's or Superior Restaurant on Superior Avenue. Bring an appetite, or a friend to split it with.

You also have to try a Polish Boy, the most Cleveland sandwich there is: kielbasa on a bun, piled with fries, coleslaw and barbecue sauce. Seti's Polish Boys is the classic. Check their social media to see where the truck is parked before you go.

Ever hear of Primanti Bros. in Pittsburgh, where the fries and slaw go right on the sandwich? Our version is Panini's, with several locations around the area.

Local favorites

Winking Lizard is another "Cleveland" place I always mention. Go for the wings, the burgers and especially their barbecue sauce. It's an easy pick when you're out looking at homes and need somewhere relaxed to sit down, regroup and compare notes.

And while you're here, find a local pierogi spot. Every neighborhood seems to have one, and that's part of the fun. Ask whoever is showing you around where they go. You'll get a strong opinion, and probably a story to go with it.

Breakfast and diners

For breakfast or lunch with a true diner feel, try Yours Truly.

Tommy's on Coventry in Cleveland Heights has the best milkshakes in town and a menu that works for everyone, with vegetarian and vegan options alongside burgers and the classics. It's a good stop if your group can't agree on anything, and the Coventry neighborhood is fun to walk around before or after.

AsiaTown and Ohio City

Cleveland has an amazing AsiaTown neighborhood where you almost can't pick a bad restaurant. My pick there is Map of Thailand.

For Cambodian food, go to Phnom Penh on West 25th in Ohio City, near the West Side Market. Then walk down the street to Mitchell's Ice Cream, which took over a historic theater and makes its ice cream right where you can watch. Add a walk through the market and you've got a great afternoon, and a good feel for one of Cleveland's most popular neighborhoods.

Little Italy

Little Italy is a full itinerary on its own, and it's an easy walk from one stop to the next along Mayfield Road. Grab a sandwich at Affettati, book a nice dinner at Valerio's, and finish with dessert and coffee at Presti's Bakery.

If you're in town to look at homes on the east side, it's also a great way to see how close University Circle, Cleveland Heights and the surrounding neighborhoods really are to each other.

Date night and special occasions

For French dining, L'Albatros.

For sushi, it's definitely Shuhei in Beachwood.

If you're in the Solon area, try 56 Kitchen and Elle. Izzy and Jay are the best restaurant owners in Northeast Ohio, and you can feel it when you walk in. 56 Kitchen also has a Mayfield Heights location, and Elle is their French-Italian spot in Solon. Our team's office is on Solon Road, so these two are close to home for us.

Beer hall, soul food, Mediterranean and vegan

For a brewery with an authentic German feel, try Hofbräuhaus downtown. Long tables, big beers, live music and the shot-ski. If you know, you know.

For soul food, Angie's Soul Cafe. There are a few locations.

For simple Lebanese food, hummus and the like, Aladdin's Eatery is easy and consistent.

Vegan? Try Cleveland Vegan in Lakewood.

What I can't help you with, and why that's fine

Admittedly, I haven't had a steak in years, so you're on your own there. Ask any Clevelander and you'll get a strong opinion.

I'm undoubtedly forgetting a few, too. That's the beauty of this place. Cleveland's food scene follows its neighborhoods, so the best way to explore it is the same way you'd explore where to live: one area at a time.

If you're visiting to look at homes, let us know what you like to eat and we'll point you to the right spot near the neighborhoods you're touring. Finding a home is a big part of the trip, but finding your new favorite restaurant is part of figuring out where you belong. Schedule a time with me or someone on our team at 21mike.com.

Mike Ferrante
The Mike Team at LPT Realty
www.21mike.com
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