25 Best Restaurants: Pier W

By now, you’ve heard of Pier W’s breathtaking views of Lake Erie — maybe even had a romantic date at the Lakewood restaurant with the downtown Cleveland skyline glittering in the distance.

But what truly makes Pier W a catch in a sea of dining options can’t be summed up by just the view alone.

Angling to serve 100-percent-sustainable seafood at Pier W, executive chef Regan Reik has been on a mission — so much so that he’s part chef, part traveler, part fisherman and 100 percent relationship-builder.

He visits oyster beds in Virginia, shops the fish markets in Boston, journeys out with perch boats in Lake Erie and goes fishing in Cordova, Alaska — all in the name of bringing the freshest catch back to Pier W.

“With each season, there’s something beautiful that the water gives us,” he says.

From May through September, Reik uses wild Alaskan salmon that’s flown in within 18 to 36 hours of being caught in a variety of dishes, such as a pan-roasted rendition ($36) with baby tomatoes, panzanella and a sweet and tangy summer sorrel coulis.

“The biggest thing I try to do is get out of its way,” he says. “When I cook it, I don’t want to cover it up. I want it to be the highlight.”

Try This:
Keep an eye out for Reik’s chargrilled octopus served over roasted chickpeas, kale, curried eggplant and cucumber that debuts at the beginning of this month. 12700 Lake Ave., Lakewood, 216-228-2250, pierw.com