Acqua di Luca
Why we love it: This chic Mediterranean-inspired dining spot bears a plethora of seafood along with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city. Try this: The lemon-stuffed sole ($38) wraps crab meat, cheese and spinach in a sweet filet. 500 W St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, 216-329-0700, acquadiluca.com
Don’s Pomeroy House
Why we love it: This historical 1847 home-turned-restaurant offers up a jumbo eclair ($7) as a shareable dessert for special occasions. “It feeds four people easily,” says chef Todd Arnold. Try this: The Champagne surf and turf ($49) with filet mignon, Maine lobster tail, fingerling potatoes and asparagus in a Champagne beurre blanc. 13664 Pearl Road, Strongsville, 440-572-1111, donspomeroy.com
Hook & Hoof
Why we love it: This scratch New American kitchen offers nostalgia and class right in the heart of downtown Willoughby. “The uniqueness of the menu and the atmosphere transports people to a place where they don't feel like they're in a small suburban town,” says owner Chaz Bloom. Try this: The double bone-in heritage porkchop ($34) is brined in sweet-tea with a side of red wine-braised fennel and cabbage and potato salad with dill and scallions. 4125 Erie St., Willoughby, 440-571-5312, hookandhoofdtw.com
Marble Room
Why we love it: With 40-foot ceilings, massive marble columns and glitzy chandeliers, this restaurant will have you living the high life alongside celebrity visitors such as Jon Bon Jovi. “It’s definitely a see-and-be-seen kind of a place,” says owner Malisse Sinito. Try this: The two-pound whole lobster truffle mac ‘n’ cheese ($135) is an extravagant meal that’s perfect for a special occasion. 623 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-523-7000, marbleroomcle.com
Pompadour
Why we love it: This Fairport Harbor favorite has an inviting modern atmosphere that proves the best things come in small packages. “The elegance and luxury of the experience comes from the artisanal and passionate way in which the team cultivates a culinary story for your pallet,” says owner Rusty James Phillips. Try this: Hand-made lobster ravioli with Brazilian moqueca broth and lentil caviar is part of a five-course dinner ($85). 320 High St., Fairport Harbor, 440-639-0263, thepompadourbar.com
Pier W
Why we love it: This 57-year-old establishment boasts an uninterrupted view of Lake Erie and hosts hundreds of engagements each year. “We try to help with every engagement request to make it a special evening,” says manager Mark Kawada. Try this: Arctic char tartare ($15) served with house-made potato chips and a smoked quail egg, topped with capers, pistachios, and a mixture of herbs. 12700 Lake Ave., Lakewood, 216-228-2250, pierw.com
Salt
Why we love it: Salt will woo your first date with a menu of rotating small plates. “We keep it lit low and dark because we kind of want to set the mood that it’s calm, inviting and cozy,” says chef and owner Jill Vedaa. Try this: Wagyu beef on French toast, shiitake marmalade and smoked maple vinaigrette. 17625 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216-221-4866, saltcleveland.com
The Standard
Why we love it: This elegant venue hosts weddings and special occasions alike while bestowing guests with a Mediterranean-inspired hand-selected menu, crafted daily. Try this: Oysters Rockefeller ($4.50) make a delicious, romantic appetizer before braised lamb shank with madeira wine demi-glace, acorn squash and mushroom risotto with white truffle. 779 East 185th St., Cleveland, 216-531-9643, standard185.com
StoneWater Rustic Grill
Why we love it: This Highland Heights golf course with a three-wall summer patio and winter igloos goes way beyond club food with creative seasonal takes and upscale American grub. Try This: Spicy, garlic mussels in miso broth kicks off a three-course meal ($40) including grilled hanger steak with creamy smashed red skin potatoes and flourless chocolate cake. 1 Club Dr., Highland Heights, 440-461-4653, stonewatergolf.com
Thyme Table
Why we love it: Thyme Table inspires intimacy with its variety of high-class wines and rustic atmosphere. “We’re a much smaller restaurant and it's very intimate,” says owner and executive chef Mike Smith, “all our tables are four tops so everything is more focused on the individual.” Try this: Grilled Amish chicken breast ($24) comes with fennel-apple slaw, butternut squash puree and a cider reduction. 583 Dover Center Road, Bay Village, 440-617-6964, thymextable.com
