Opening:
Amba
Douglas Katz rolled out a new Indian-inspired kitchen on Nov. 6. He teamed up with chef Cameron Pishnery for a creative mix-and-match rotating menu based on the creative inspirations of the duo. For now, Amba is only curbside pickup and delivery. Amba shares a ghost kitchen with Chimi, the Indian-inspired to-go spot we wrote about in June.1975 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights, 216-650-9620, ambacle.com
Big Mamma’s Burritos
This casual California-style Mexican chain keeps expanding beyond the college crowd with its new shop in Gordon Square. The build-your-own-burrito spot is stocked with vegan options, queso, churros and stoner-style burritos, such as the Phil. 6604 Detroit Ave, Cleveland, 216-308-0993, bigmammasburritos.com
Chicken Run
Chef Nolan Konkoski is back with a new “casual-comfort” chicken concept. He revamped the Soho Chicken & Whiskey space to deliver pandemic-friendly takeout-only options, like fried chicken sandwiches, to-go cocktails and the well-loved chicken and waffles. Read more about Chicken Run in this month's first look.1889 W. 25th St., Cleveland, 216-298-9090, sohocleveland.com
Edwins Too
Brandon Chrostowski is once again expanding his Edwins concept by taking over the chic and contemporary space previously occupied by Fire Food & Drink in Shaker Square. Edwins Too focuses on French and Mediterranean cuisine with price fixe, brunch and Sunday supper options. Tables are socially distanced and employees are following sanitation and deep-cleaning protocols, the restaurant says. 13220 Shaker Square, Cleveland, 216-400-6091, edwinsrestaurant.org/edwins-too
Hell’s Fried Chicken
The fried-chicken craze is coming in hot with Sheng Long Yu’s wildly fast fried chicken joint. The takeout-focused concept features a limited menu complete with signature sauces, fries and homestyle sides. 11324 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, 216-331-1005, hellsfriedchicken.com
Planted
This aptly-named ghost kitchen opened inside the former Red Lantern Kitchen & Bar space in Kamm's Corner Oct. 22. The takeout-only spot accommodates plant-based, gluten-free, dairy-free, preservative-free and sugar-free diets, putting a clean-eating twist on beloved dishes such as mac and cheese and avocado toast. 17446 Lorain Ave., Cleveland, 216-284-6090, planted.restaurant
Shinto Japanese Steakhouse
From the mind behind Hell’s Fried Chicken, chef Sheng Long Yu, comes a new classic-style Japanese steakhouse. Opened Nov. 16, diners can dine in the Westlake restaurants for classics such as sushi, negimaki and poke bowls or order online. 857 Columbia Rd, Westlake, 440-772-5017, shintoexperience.com
Soba Asian Kitchen
The fast-casual hibachi restaurant opened a second location in Coventry this October. Soba, which specializes in hibachi-style bowls, open for limited dine-in and takeout.1827 Coventry Road, Coventry, 216-331-7029, sobaasiankitchen.com
Temporarily Closing:
Good Co.
Contemporary burger and wing joint Good Company closed Oct. 30. Owner Brett Sawyer decided to shut down the spot temporarily due to the recent spike in COVID-19 cases. He plans to reopen until sometime in the spring. goodcompanycle.com
Nighttown
The iconic jazz bar with classic plates such as lobster, scallops and more closed temporarily Nov. 22. Like others, rising coronavirus cases influenced owner Brendan Ring’s decision to shut down, which he announced Nov. 16 on Nighttown’s social media. The restaurant has not yet set a reopening date. nighttowncleveland.com
The Plum
Like Good Co., Sawyer closed The Plum Oct. 30 for safety reasons due to the coronavirus spike and also hopes to reopen the restaurant serving upscale American-style fare come spring. But Plum fans should watch out for a one-off takeout menu and a more specific reopening date soon. theplumcafeandkitchen.com
Permanently Closing:
Lola Bistro
Michael Symon's iconic Cleveland eatery, which put an upscale spin on Old World dishes such as pierogies, announced it will close after 24 years due to the coronavirus outbreak and a positive COVID-19 case on its staff. Read more about what the restaurant meant to the city here. lolabistro.com
Melt Bar & Grilled (Cleveland Heights)
After almost a decade, owner Matt Fish officially closed Melt’s Cleveland Heights location. The space has been closed since June, and without outdoor seating, it was unable to offer open-air dining this summer. But worry not, the Cleveland-classic gourmet grilled cheeses are alive and well at all other locations. meltbarandgrilled.com
Rice Shop
The Rice Shop in University Heights, which was formerly part of Ohio City Galley and is known for Asian-fusion bowls, officially closed Nov. 28. Chef Anthony Zappola closed the space due to the pandemic. The restaurant originally opened after Zappola moved Lox, Stock and Brisket to Market Hall this summer. riceshopcleveland.com
To Watch:
The Boiler 65
Lawrence Harris and Srey Ny’s popular seafood sous vide restaurant, currently located South Euclid and the Detroit-Shoreway area, will get a new location in Bedford. The couple started the concept three years ago, and though they don’t have a target opening date, you can expect the same seafood-by-the-pound customizable experience. theboiler65.com
Chicken Ranch
Chef Demetrios Atheneos of Bold Food & Drink is taking over the Rice Shop’s University Heights space with a comfort food concept opening early December. Amish-style fried chicken and fire-roasted rotisserie will be the star of the show. Atheneos expects minimal indoor seating with a focus on takeout. theoriginalchickenranch.com
Yonder Brunch & Vibes
The same couple behind Boiler 65 opened a brand-new breakfast and lunch joint Nov. 2. You can expect breakfast classics like french toast and breakfast sandwiches that roll into salads and other lunch fare later in the day. The restaurant, located in Asiatown, is open for take-out and dine-in. yonderbrunchnvibes.com
