Das Schnitzel Haus
Why we love it: This restaurant is a hub for authenticity thanks to the husband-and-wife duo who opened the restaurant 11 years ago after moving here from Germany. “Everything is made in house,” says co-owner Branka Djurin. “My husband was a butcher in Germany.” Try this: The Rinderrouladen ($19.50), thinly pounded steak stuffed with bacon, onions and pickles. 5728 Pearl Road, Parma, 440-886-5050, dshparma.com
Der Braumeister
Why we love it: A farm-to-table approach was recently incorporated into this family-owned restaurant. “It was a conscious decision to create lighter, healthier dishes that still sit within the foundation of our German heritage,” says general manager Jenn Wirtz. Try this: Rahmschnitzel ($18.95) with veal pounded thin and sauteed in bacon and onion gravy. 13046 Lorain Ave., Cleveland, 216-671-6220, debrau.com
Donauschwaben German-American Cultural Center
Why we love it: It brings an Old World style to a new generation with twists on pork, cabbage and potato staples. “I tried to find different versions with those three major ingredients,” says executive chef Mike Iskandar. Try this: The schnitzel cordon bleu ($11), a pork and Black Forest ham sandwich with Swiss cheese and served on a pretzel bun. 7370 Columbia Road, Olmsted Township, 440-235-2646, donauschwabencleveland.com
Harry’s Hofbrau
Why we love it: As owners and chefs, Bart Quick and his brother love showcasing their mother’s and grandmother’s recipes. “Chicken paprikash can be made about 20 different ways, we do it how our grandma made it,” says Quick. Try this: Sauerkraut balls ($7.29) served with horseradish sauce. 8500 Station St., Mentor, 440-255-0400, harryshofbraumentor.com
Hofbrauhaus Cleveland Why we love it: This spot resembles a German beer hall in Munich. “We urge people to sit next to someone they might not know,” says owner Andi Udris. “At the end of the evening after having a beer, they become close friends.” Try this: The Schnitzel Wiener Art ($17.99), a breaded pork cutlet with Bavarian potato salad and cranberry sauce. 1550 Chester Ave., Cleveland, 216-621-2337, hofbrauhauscleveland.com
