Just over a month ago, I was back in North America and heading across the US border to Cleveland.
From my 3 or 4 visits to Cleveland, one thing that has always stood out to me is the quality of the restaurants and food. When thinking about my top 3 eats feature this month, I thought that Cleveland was just the ticket!
So, here’s what this Travelling Starfish thinks the top 3 spots are for fabulous food in Cleveland -
Lola Cleveland
1) Lovely Lola – As I mentioned in my post last month, I went to one of Michael Symons flagship restaurants while I was in Cleveland. Michael Symon is an award-winning American chef and an Iron Chef restaurateur. He has been credited with helping to save the restaurant scene in downtown Cleveland. Lola is one of Symon’s 2 restaurants in the area, the other is Lolita.
If you like fine dining with a contemporary edge than this is your place. Also, the location is fantastic as it is the East 4th Street district. It’s a really nice place to be in the city as it is pedestrianized and there are loads of bars – perfect for a few drinks before or after a meal.
When we visited last month, my first impressions were great. It had a nice atmosphere and was very contemporary – just my style. The whole meal, starter of bone marrow (lovely!) and my main of pork was divine. All in, it was a great experience – top marks and I must visit again.
The Parma, Italy at Melt!!
2) Melt away - Who doesn’t love a good grilled cheese sandwich? Put fresh baked bread between melted gooyness and whatever other toppings you can think of and that’s what Melt is all about.
The restaurant opened in September 2006 and it’s never looked back. It’s one goal as it states on its website is “to provide gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches and as many beers as possible in a cool and comfortable environment”.
As a marketer, I have to admit that I love the simplicity of this vision and the brilliance of its appeal.
Matt, Chef and Owner, had the idea for Melt after observing different concepts during his years as both a culinary school/restaurant management student and touring musician. Matt’s motto is “Don’t forget to have fun!” – sounds good to me!
This is a Cleveland spectacular and so is the food. It has a ton of varieties of grilled cheese – from the Hungry Hungarian Paprikash Melt to the Godfather Melt (both ones my dad would probably adore!). My favourite is the Parma, Italy sandwich that includes breaded chicken, sundried tomato pesto (yumm), roasted garlic and provolone. If you dare, you can also try your luck at the Melt Challenge – see if you can defeat this grilled cheese that is over 5 lbs worth of food!!
Due to the fresh ingredients, a great reputation and quality service, it is always busy. This place is so popular that it’s hard to even get a table.My friend who lives in Cleveland tells me the only way you can really get a table is by going at strange hours of the day or planning well in advance – but I guess sometimes you have to take one for the team and starve yourself for a few hours to get the goods. And that’s just what I did!
I always love restaurants with eclectic and unique concepts…it makes life interesting. Melt definitely achieves this and the food is incredible. Whatever variety of GC you are having, be sure to wash it down with a beer or glass of wine and you’ll be good to go.
The Guacamole Trio at Momocho - delicious
3) Taste a bit of Mexico at Momocho - Last but certainly not least is a Mexican restaurant with a bit of a funky flare.
Chef and Owner of Momocho, Eric Williams, was a 2010 James Beard Foundation nominee for best chef. Momocho opened in early 2006 and has a lot of local and national acclaim for its approach to Mexican cuisine.
When I went to the restaurant in December, you could really tell that the food was prepared using fresh ingredients. I’ve been to a lot of Mexican restaurants in my day but many of the dishes they had on the menu at Momocho, I had never seen before – a great sign of something different.
The guacamole trio starter is absolutely to die for. We got a mix of 3 different guacomoles – one mixed with blue cheese, another with trout (which was incredible) and a spicy one with pineapple. We washed it down with a cucumber margarita (which was soooo tasty). Honestly after that first course I was so stuffed I could have just ended it at that. However, I’m glad we didn’t. The mains didn’t disappoint and my scallop dish was beautifully cooked and flavourful.
Momocho classifies itself as “mod mex” which it definitely is – combining the traditional Mexican flavours with a splash of something special!
I could keep listing restaurant after restaurant – Cleveland cuisine really is where it’s at. Everywhere I’ve eaten in Cleveland from coffee houses, diners or fine dining has always been fantastic. That’s partly why I keep going back for more.
Try some of my top eats today and have a great time in Cleveland.
From psychsarah:
Thanks for the tips Miriam. Sean and I are headed to Cleveland next month on our road trip. Melt was already on the itinerary, but the others sound great too.
From Barbara:
I’m so glad you like Cleveland and the food scene here. I moved here a couple years ago from LA, and I’m amazed at how cool (and much less expensive) this city is. I love Melt and Lola, too. Have you tried Deagans, a new place gastropub a block from Melt?
From Shellie:
FYI… Michael has 3 restaurants in the area (sadly my fave Bar Symon closed in October) Lola, Lolita and B Spot. B Spot is fantastic if you want upper class sports bar fare. And I use that term loosely as the food is to die for. Award winning burgers (the Fat Doug was voted #1 at the 2010 South Beach Wine & Food Fest), huge salads, bar snacks (chips, yum!), brats, & awesome shakes! And the beer menu is amazing. I highlt recommend a trip there
)
From JudyN:
Other ‘bests’ and great restaurants in Cleveland:
The ‘Sunnyside’ pizza @ Bar Cento: pancetta, eggs, provolone, salt & pepper. I wish they were open for breakfast.
The gravy fries @ The Greenhouse Tavern.
The incredible food/atmosphere at L’Albatros in University Circle.
Dante in Tremont, (my new fave)
The Happy Dog in the Detroit Shoreway District: (hot dogs – both vegan and beef) 20 toppings, fries and tater tots with 10 different dipping sauces. Awesome music. Don’t miss the Friday Polka happy hour w/DJ Kishka
Chinato, next to the Hannah Theatre on E.14th & Euclid (my other new fave).
Bac (Vietnamese & Thai) in Tremont.
Ty Fun (Thai) in Tremont
From Kris:
I moved away from Cleveland 30 years ago and never looked back. Now I’m wishing I still lived there just to have good restaurants to eat at! The restaurants in my area leave alot to be desired.
From Zablon Mukuba:
Great tips, i felt hungry when i was reading the posts
From Miriam:
I know – they are fantastic places to grab a bite. Enjoy!
From Miriam:
Yes – I know what you mean. I guess it always gives you good reason for a visit
From Miriam:
Thanks so much for these additional suggestions for me & my readers. I can’t wait for my next visit so I can try them out:).
From Miriam:
Hi, Thanks for the additional suggestions – it is a true indication of what I was saying in my blog. The food is incredible in Cleveland. Thanks so much for giving me some new places to try out next time I’m in town!
From Miriam:
Hi, I have not tried Deagans but definitely will! I’m glad you love it there – I think it’s an amazing city too! Enjoy!
From Tracy:
Our family went to Cleveland for a weekend and had a great time. Lola was amazing and we liked the East 4th area. We also thought the West Side Market was great.
From Alan Feldman:
I have lived in Cleeland for about 20 years and have been amazed at the growth of our restuarants in and around the city. A few that I would definitely try when in town
Crop Bistro on West 6th street- great food, great service
Melange out in Beachwood-Food is amazing service and decor are awesome
Light Bistro in Ohio City-super food and a cool vibe
#1 Pho- great vienamese fare
From Miriam:
Hi Alan,
Thanks so much for your further suggestions. I’m getting so many I’m going to have to move there permanently to eat at them all…lol. Thanks again and enjoy, Miriam
From Miriam:
I totally agree – I went to the West Side Market on a separate occasion and it was fantastic. Thanks for your comment, Miriam
From Mike Harvey:
Thanks for the recognition of our dining scene.
Just a couple of notes…
first, there are two Melt locations now, the second is in Cleveland Heights at the corner of Cedar and Taylor. A bit bigger than the Lakewood site, still as busy.
Second, as mentioned, Crop is also consistently great but they are said to be moving this month from W 6th to Lorain Ave in the Ohio City area.
There are also some solid dining spots at Shaker Square.
From Sam:
There are so many great spots to eat in Cleveland it’s hard to decide where to eat. Im an Eastsider, so I am more inclined to stay on that side of Downtown, although I am trying to venture west. Here are my fav’s:
Red, Beachwood (steakhouse)
Pepper Mint, Pepper Pike (thai)
Lux, Gordon Square (modern dining) I only had desert, it blew my mind!
Momocho, Ohio City (mod-mexican)
Siam Cafe, E. 45 and St. Claire (thai, asian)
La’Albetros*, University Circle (french) Best Fench Onion Soup Ever!!
Fire, Shaker Square (modern dining) Great seasonal menu, Sunday Brunch
Pacific East, Coventry (Japanesse) Freemon is the Man!
Vine and Bean, Larchmere (Sat Sunday brunch, coffe shop)
Felice, Larchmere (Great outside bar in the summer)
Sooooo Many more…
From Miriam:
Hi,
Thanks for suggesting more – my list keeps growing! I have been to Luxe too. Check out my earlier post on Cleveland – http://www.travellingstarfish.com/24-hours-toronto-canada-to-cleveland-usa/ – where I mention it.
Thanks for your support and let me know if there is anything else you’d like me to spotlight on Cleveland. Miriam
From Miriam:
Hello, Thanks so much for your comment. Much appreciated! Thanks for letting me know about the other Melt location. I will have to check it out. Crop sounds like a good place to check out next. Thanks Miriam
From Miriam:
Hi Sarah – Glad you liked the blog – I loved all of them, so enjoy! take care and I hope you are both well, Mir x
From Tracy M:
Just want to give another recommendation for the West Side Market. Moved back to Cleveland after many years on the East Coast and overseas, and I have never found anything quite like it elsewhere.
From Miriam:
Hi Tracy,
Thanks for your recommendation. I will definitely check that out next time I am in town! Take care, Miriam