17 River Grille
Why we love it: Open in 2020, this bright, modern American restaurant sports an idyllic view of the babbling Chagrin Falls waterfall and focuses on simply grilled fresh fish and quality steak with locally sourced ingredients. Try this: All the Cleveland Instagrammers rave about the Heavenly Biscuits appetizer ($8), baked from scratch and topped with honey butter. 17 River St., 440-893-0797, 17rivergrille.com
Aurelia
Why we love it: Classically trained chef James Balchak whipped up this American-style bistro when he moved back home to Northeast Ohio after almost 20 years of work in the fine dining industry. Try this: Guests love the shrimp rice bowl ($28) featuring domestic Gulf shrimp, egg, carrot, cabbage, mushrooms and sweet soy sauce. 16 N. Main St., 440-600-7770, aureliabistro.com
Batuqui
Why we love it: The second location from chefs Carla Batista and Gustavo Duarte features show-stopping Brazilian food and beverages in a restored Victorian home. Try this: The refreshing Brazilian Wax cocktail ($11) feels like a mini getaway, showcasing Cachaça, pineapple juice, passion fruit puree and club soda. 17 E. Orange St., 440-600-2122, batuquicleveland.com/chagrin-falls
Bell & Flower
Why we love it: This “social kitchen” in the heart of Chagrin Falls is a cute, casual eatery with exposed brick walls and elevated American fare. Try this: There's nothing like a crispy Nashville hot chicken sandwich ($16.50) with pickles, spicy mayo and a brioche bun. 86 N. Main St., 440-600-7755, bellandflower.com
Chagrin Falls Popcorn Shop
Why we love it: This shop has its own special spot in history, having served fresh popcorn to celebrities, governors and even U.S. presidents in its 70-year history. Its unique shop location overlooks the waterfall. Try this: Visitors must grab a bag of the shop’s double cheese & kettle Chagrin-Style mix ($5.20). 53 N. Main St., 440-247-6577, chagrinfallspopcorn.com
Crumb & Spigot
Why we love it: Crumb & Spigot serves up lighter American comfort fare revitalized in a funky, upbeat tavern atmosphere. Try this: Munch on the distinctive wood oven spicy soppressata ($18) pizza with salami, fresh mozzarella, aged provolone, pecorino, banana peppers and fresh oregano. 16783 Chillicothe Road, 440-384-3035, crumbandspigot.com
ETalian
Why we love it: Naples style wood-fired pizza with a soft crust and charred edges should be a staple of any Clevelander’s diet. Try this: A true test of any pizza shop is its margherita ($13). This one knocks it out of the park with its garlic oil and fresh mozzarella. 13 Bell St., 440-600-2001, etalianpizza.com
Heartwood Coffee
Why we love it: Coffee aficionados love the full espresso and pour over bar with industrial vibes at this shop’s second location. Try this: “Our star menu item is a single-origin cappuccino ($3.25) featuring espresso and Hartzler whole milk,” says co-owner Jim Sanders. 20 N. Main St., 440-337-0089, heartwoodroastery.com
Hunan by the Falls
Why we love it: For inventive Hunan cuisine, visit this eight-time Silver Spoon Award winner, featuring an extensive wine list and decadent desserts. Try this: The hot Bangkok Duck ($20.95) makes for a flawless meal. 508 E. Washington St., 440-247-0808, hunanbythefalls.com
JoJo’s Bar
Why we love it: Dubbed as an Italian American steak bar, this upscale gem is perfect for special occasions and meals with friends. The seasonal “Backyard” patio is stunning. Try this: We’re here for the (heavily marbled) savory 15-ounce prime Delmonico rib-eye ($59). 87 West St., 440-394-8120, jojosbar.com
Kelsey Elizabeth Cakes
Why we love it: The Chagrin Falls branch of this booming sweets boutique “is a special location, because it has a fun, tourist shop feel to it with our custom mural (by the owner’s sister),” says Juel Rose, a manager. Try this: Birthday cake macarons ($2.50) are a fan favorite. 69 N. Main St., 440-318-1309, kelseyelizabethcakes.com
Lemon Falls Cafe
Why we love it: Discover fresh pastries, seasonal salads, gourmet sandwiches and soups at this local bakery where everything is cooked from scratch. Try this: Munch on an everything cookie ($3.75). 95 N. Main St., 440-247-8000,
lemonfalls.com
M Bevy
Why we love it: Handcrafted cocktails, wine, champagne and a cozy atmosphere make this a must visit. Try this: Discover an elevated classic cocktail like the Naples spritz ($14), featuring Botanist gin, prosecco and lemon juice. 87 West St., 440-600-7189, mbevy.com
M Italian
Why we love it: This first-rate Italian spot stands out from the crowd. An open kitchen allows for extra entertainment. Try this: The shrimp fra diavolo ($20) with mushrooms, spicy tomato cream sauce and tortellini is a seafood lover’s delight. 22 W. Orange St., 440-247-7474, mitalian.com
Paris Room Bistro
Why we love it: This bistro hosts Jazz Mondays, featuring established local jazz musicians. Try this: The owner swears by the French lamb meatloaf ($25) with mushroom, Kalamata olive, bleu cheese and smoked paprika aioli. 7 N. Franklin St., 440-247-0444, parisroombistro.com
Ponyboys
Why we love it: A family-owned, elevated take on Mexican street food and cocktails brings tasty authentic eats and trendy casual décor. Try this: Regulars love the carnitas tacos ($14) with blistered Fresno pepper salsa, green salt, pickled onion and queso fresco. 506 Washington St., 440-247-8226, ponyboys.com
Pub Frato
Why we love it: For creative twists on old favorites, visit the approachable gastropub (one of two sister restaurants) showcasing inventive eats, inviting cocktails and craft beers. Try this: You can’t go wrong with the short rib melt ($17.50) on sourdough with Swiss cheese, caramelized onion and mushroom and horseradish aioli. 25 Pleasant Dr., 440-600-7029, pubfrato.com
The Reserve
Why we love it: Formerly Umami, the restaurant reopened last year with a new bar and an elevated Asian menu of small plates. Try this: Seafood lovers will adore the scallops with butternut squash puree and sweet tamari ($21). 42 N. Main St., 440-318-1492, thereservechagrin.com
Sapphire Creek Winery & Gardens
Why we love it: Known for its wine, food, scenic patio and elevated rustic indoor space, perfect for special occasions like weddings, Sapphire Creek is a chic winery channeling Napa Valley. With 28 feet to work with, Sapphire Creek's floor-to-ceiling windows give dramatic views of surrounding gardens and outdoor spaces. Try this: “Our menu varies seasonally, but currently some of the favorites are the short rib lettuce wraps, surf and turf pasta and our apple cider glazed salmon,” says co-owner Kathleen Birkel Dangelo. 16965 Park Circle Dr., 440-543-7777,sapphire-creek.com
Washington Street Diner
Why we love it: Breakfast and lunch at this cozy old-fashioned diner is sure to start anyone’s day smoothly, whether it’s with a juicy burger, freshly made wrap or salad, or a plate of syrup-drenched sweet waffles. The unassuming joint has been open since 2004, slinging breakfast and lunch favorites for local diners for nearly two decades. Try this: Treat yourself to The Builder ($15.75): three eggs, two strips of bacon, two sausages, crispy home fries, toast and two pancakes. 8233 E. Washington St., #4507, 440-543-0436, washingtonstdiner.com
Yours Truly
Why we love it: Located at the heart of a Victorian village, Yours Truly Chagrin Falls Kitchen & Bar is a longtime staple owned by four siblings known for homemade American fare and all-day breakfast. Try this: Notso Fries ($8.30), the Yours Truly original, "have become synonymous with the brand,” says co-owner Lawrence Shibley. 30 N. Main St., 440-247-3232, ytr.com/chagrinfalls
