Editor's Note: This article was published in February 2024. Prices and menu items are subject to change.
Amba
Why we love it: This venture from Chef Douglas Katz and Todd Thompson serves Indian-inspired shareables in a dramatically designed restaurant and lounge (think a dimly lit modern minimalist space with straw light shades, black walls and wall-lamps). Try this: The locally made paneer cheese ($18) features dal (lentil stew), curry leaves and mustards seeds, making for a flavorful dish for gluten-free folks and vegetarians.1430 W. 28th St., Cleveland, 216-417-6718, ambacle.com
Bar Italia
Why we love it: Inspired by New York City bistros, the posh “white tablecloth” atmosphere coupled with fresh pasta and dishes crafted with house-made sauces make the newer Italian restaurant an easy hit. Try this: Bar Italia serves up a delectable Parmesan-crusted crispy chicken limone ($20), with a perfect crust, topped with arugula and a delicate lemon butter sauce.15625 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216-303-9699, baritalia.com
Bartleby Cleveland
Why we love it: Escape to this moody world with grand, ornate vaulted ceilings, tapered candles and even a charming tree inside the Ohio City gem that took over the stunning historic 1920s building (formerly Crop Bistro & Bar). So many whimsical touches, like rabbit lamps and floral wallpapers, make Bartleby stand out. Try this: Michelin-starred chef Dante Boccuzzi delivers an American menu with elevated twists. One example is the shockingly juicy roast Bell & Evans chicken breast ($29), prepared with corn puree, tender fingerling potatoes, asparagus and rosemary jus. 2537 Lorain Ave., Cleveland, 216-417-2224, bartlebycleveland.com
Related: Ohio City's 29 Best Restaurants, Cafes and Bars
The Cleveland Chop
Why we love it: The perfect fixture for a night on the town, nestled in the center of the Downtown action, this modern approachable fine dining spot with industrial and wooden design nods, is a steak-and-seafood mainstay, delivering some of the best burgers, along with crafted beers, cocktails and an extensive wine list. Try this: Start the night the right way with a shrimp cocktail ($17), Old Bay poached, served with bloody mary cocktail sauce. 824 W. St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, 216-696-2467, clevelandchop.com
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Cloak & Dagger
Why we love it: When Cloak & Dagger opened in a seemingly cursed historic Tremont location in 2020 during a pandemic, the designer cocktail haven beat all the odds. This massively popular dark, cozy space with the aesthetic of an author’s study has a bit of an edge, serving up changing themed menus of thoughtfully prepared cocktails and a distinctive all-vegan menu. Try this: Opt for the thoughtfully creative house-made beet carpaccio ($10) made with thyme roasted beets, arugula, fig vinaigrette, macadamia nuts, herbed ricotta, sherry-beet caramel and onion ash. 2399 West 11th St., Cleveland, 216-795-5657, cloakanddaggercle.com
Don’s Pomeroy House
Why we love it: This special occasion steakhouse and seafood favorite is housed in a mid-19th-century mansion overlooking town square, and it's been running for more than four decades. “It’s a historic landmark,” says owner Peter Strang. “We maintain the elements of the original house. The main dining room that we call the library has a fireplace and the decor is almost clubby and accommodating and warm.” The staple serves legendary steaks, seafood and chops alongside an extensive wine menu and classic cocktails, offering a downstairs “pub” with slightly more casual vibes. Try this: Repeat diners love the delicate baked crab cake ($20) with chilled Maine lobster-corn relish and smoked tomato buerre blanc.13664 Pearl Road, Strongsville, 440-572-1111, donspomeroy.com
Courtesy Don's Pomeroy House
EDWINS Leadership & Restaurant Institute
Why we love it: Founder Brandon Chrostowski, who worked as chef in Paris, brought a new mission to Shaker Square serving premiere French cuisine while giving back to the community through a program training, employing and even housing formerly incarcerated people, allowing them a second chance through a career in hospitality. French dishes are crafted the long way with the highest caliber ingredients. The fireplace, cheese cart and intimate dining room all spell romance. Try this: Chef Chrostowski recommends first-timers try the paupiettes de mérou ($35), grouper wrapped in crispy thinly sliced potatoes served with haricot verts in a red wine butter (beurre rouge) sauce.13101 Shaker Square, Cleveland, 216-921-3333, edwinsrestaurant.org
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Etna Ristorante & Wine Bar
Why we love it: Fulfill your cravings for delectable carbs and fine wine at an intimate Little Italy spot cooking up modern authentic Italian cuisine showcasing daily seafood specials led by Chef Peppe Pilumeli, who immigrated from Sicily before opening his own restaurant. Stepping inside feels like being welcomed into a friend’s charming small home — one that's full of personality, complete with vintage decor like with floral glass Tiffany-style lamps, in a space buzzing with conversation. Try this: Start with the mussels ($15) sauteed in extra virgin olive oil, garlic, white wine, tomato sauce and cherry tomatoes served with toasted bread. 11919 Mayfield Road, Cleveland, 216-791-7670, etnalittleitaly.com
Fahrenheit
Why we love it: Chef Rocco Whalen’s stunning reboot of the Tremont hotspot (with a fabulous 21-year run) boasts an expansive luxe flagship restaurant experience in Public Square, highlighting a swanky roof, patio and an oversized quartz chef’s table. The opulent setting comes with a meat and seafood focused vision, showcasing a menu of 75% all-new dishes and room for a whopping 700 diners. Try this: One special dish that earned its keep from the original restaurant menu also embodies Whalen’s fresh takes on traditional favorites with an Asian influence: the wagyu short rib ($47), which is served nestled alongside teriyaki lo mein, roasted wild mushrooms, baby bok choy, apple syrup and toasted sesame seeds. The tender meat is marinated for days, then braised at 220 degrees for 12 hours. 55 Public Square, Suite 150, Cleveland, 216-781-8858, chefroccowhalen.com/fahrenheit-cleveland
Related: Review: Fahrenheit Brings a Show-Stopping Dining Experience to Downtown Cleveland
Goma Restaurant by Dante
Why we love it: Dante Boccuzzi’s East Fourth Street sushi sensation serves up fresh sushi and delightful hot dishes from the wok and grill, like wok fried rice and noodles, shabu-shabu udon and ramen. Japanese fusion reins in the modern club-like vibes in a massive 3,000-square-foot floor with a 28-seat sushi bar drenched in deep blues and water-inspired ambiance. Try this: Open your palate to the savory and umami unagi foie gras ($14), featuring barbecue eel, duck liver and sour salty umeboshi and shiso. 2079 East Fourth St., Cleveland, 216-770-4662, gomarestaurant.com
Courtesy Goma Restaurant by Dante
Jaja
Why we love it: “The room is a completely different room than any other room in this entire city,” says Chef Brian Whalen says of the whimsical, intimate Mediterranean- and Latin-inspired small plates and Argentinian steak hotspot slinging designer cocktails. The majestic retractable roof that opens the ceiling to the stars (seasonally), plant life whimsical animal elements, feminine lamp shades, mauve plush seating and the marble bar make this one a feast for the eyes and the mouth. “It’s kind of a sensory overload; there’s so much going on.” Try this: Chef Whalen recommends the balanced dish of raviolo ($18), crafted with handmade pasta (three ravioli), with herb ricotta filling. “We drop an egg yolk into the center of it and cut our own raviolis out and top with cacio e pepe compound butter and serve with a bright citrus gremolata (parsley, cilantro, shallot, garlic, zest and juice from oranges, limes and lemons)." 2050 Gehring Ave., Cleveland, 216-998-5353, jajacleveland.com
Related: Jaja Brings Latin American Steakhouse Concept to Cleveland's Intro Building
Il Venetian
Why we love it: “The ambiance is a huge draw with the beautiful marble floors, Murano glass and chandeliers, truly unlike anything else in Cleveland,” says general manager Bob Humphrey. “In-house desserts, pastas and bread gives us the homemade effect.” Even better, you can find it right in the heart of the city in the Key Tower lobby, making the dining room a destination on a classy night out. Try this: The veal agnolotti ($28), a family recipe from executive Chef Alberto Leandri, known as “The Venetian,” is made with house made pasta (small ravioli) stuffed with parmesan cheese with braised and cooked-down veal, in a simple Sicilian pistachio sauce, chicken stock, butter and pistachios, with 16-month aged parmesan (Sapore Del Piave) on top. “Eat it hot,” he says.100 St. Clair Ave. NE, Cleveland, 216-241-4800, ilvenetian.com
LockKeepers
Why we love it: A location of many proposals, the warm cozy interior makes this gem “a natural environment to stage a romantic celebration,” says general manager Brian Woehrman. For more than 30 years, this quintessentially upscale riverside restaurant has made a name for itself and its house-made pasta, heavenly Italian specialties, and sea fare, he says. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the Cuyahoga River. Try this: The most romantic dish is the seafood risotto. “The mascarpone risotto is made to order, painstakingly stirred until it develops a rich and creamy texture,” he says. Fresh seafood is folded in and the dish is topped with butter poached lobster tail, before finishing the plate with the bell pepper and lobster cream sauce. 8001 Rockside Road, Valley View, 216-524-9404, lockkeepers.com
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Luca West Italian Cuisine
Why we love it: Luca Italian Cuisine’s west suburb sister sports a bright European dining room, channeling country Tuscany with elements, including exposed ceiling beams, distinctive statues and white tablecloths. Every design detail is in place for a night of upscale dining. It's Westlake's romantic getaway. And it's a summertime hotspot, too: Step outside to the grand statue-filled courtyard, featuring an outdoor bar and a sizable menu of upscale Italian dishes (from a family who immigrated from Northern Italy) spanning fish, meats, pasta, daily specials and a sprawling 200-bottle wine list. Try this: You’ll know it’s as fresh as it can get when you watch your branzino being ($43) fileted tableside, served with brown butter citrus sauce. 24600 Detroit Road, Westlake, 216-201-9600, lucawest.com
Marble Room Steaks & Raw Bar
Why we love it: When you enter Marble Room, the tall columns and ornate decor in the historic former bank space shout “fancy night out.” When you add prime steaks, seafood and sushi, along with a posh cocktail menu and celebratory cotton candy, this vibrant fine dining spot is a no-brainer when you want modern romance. Try this: Go big with the mouthwatering, top quality long-bone tomahawk ($135) clocking in at a massive 42 ounces. 623 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-523-7000, marbleroomcle.com
Related: Marble Room Steaks & Raw Bar: Cleveland's 25 Best Restaurants
Nemo Grille
Why we love it: Whipping up globally influenced American cuisine with some inventive twists, this longtime fine-
dining staple housed in the historic 1850 Alten House is a go-to upscale yet simple spot for West Side milestones and celebrations. Try this: Regulars love the Maple Leaf Farms duck breast ($34) with caramelized onion mashed potatoes, grilled asparagus and black mission fig-marsala sauce. 36976 Detroit Road, Avon, 440-934-0061, nemogrille.com
Paris Room Bistro
Why we love it: Escape to a French restaurant known for its authentic bistro vibes, cocktails and live jazz music Mondays, featuring local musicians. The bistro partners with local proprietors to carry fresh ingredients for their authentic French specialties in this low-key setting with exposed brick and colorful decor. Try this: Order up the favorite “Anthony B. McLorg” ($26), Madam Springs’ rustic French lamb meatloaf with mushroom, Kalamata olive, bleu cheese and smoked paprika aioli, served with chive Yukon gold mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables. 7 N. Franklin St., Cleveland, 440-247-0444, parisroombistro.com
Pier W
Why we love it: Pier W’s iconic skyline and Lake Erie view, expansive fresh seafood and land fare menu and upscale celebratory vibes continue to wow the Cleveland community following more than 50 years. Try this: Sunday brunch buffet ($65) is truly a Cleveland legend, full of a wide selection of fresh seafood, prime rib, desserts and live piano music. 12700 Lake Ave., Lakewood, 216-228-2250, pierw.com
Sapphire Creek Winery & Gardens
Why we love it: Channeling Napa Valley, this scenic, elevated rustic and modern indoor and outdoor space makes for a romantic winery escape. Try this: The cabernet braised short ribs ($38) are braised in their own jus and red wine for several hours until they are fork tender. 16965 Park Circle Dr., Chagrin Falls, 440-543-7777, sapphire-creek.com
Related: Sapphire Creek Expands With Acquisition of Thorncreek Winery in Aurora
Sora
Why we love it: Chic samurai wall art and a flowered tree with long branches filled with pink petals across the ceiling create a majestic scene. With a large variety of fresh sushi, this former ghost kitchen stands out. Today, it’s a posh world of Asian fusion from the group behind neighbor Lago East Bank. Try this: Take home your own fresh-crafted sushi take-out Sora Box ($50) full of favorites including spicy tuna crispy rice, salmon and avocado roll, chef’s select rolls and more, packed with all the accompanying sauces, laid out in an adorable pink box. 1121 W. 10th St., Cleveland, 216-294-1800, eatatsora.com
Courtesy Sora
17 River Grille
Why we love it: With the babbling Chagrin Falls right outside floor-to-ceiling windows, the 150-person dining room features white tablecloths, leather booths and an open kitchen. This newer modern American restaurant focuses on house-made eats like simply grilled fresh fish, USDA Choice and Prime steak, burgers, chops and other dishes prepared with locally sourced ingredients, and an inventive cocktail and wine list. Try this: First timers (and regulars) simply cannot leave this establishment without trying the buttery skillet of Heavenly Biscuits ($8.90), baked from scratch and topped with honey butter.17 River St., Chagrin Falls, 440-893-0797, 17rivergrille.com
Related: Dining Guide: Chagrin Falls' 22 Best Restaurants
Strip Steakhouse
Why we love it: Some of the juiciest (and biggest) aged steaks in Northeast Ohio are served in the historic 1850s Ewers Barn, alongside seafood (and delicious pretzel bread served with every meal). Romance and relaxation go hand in hand with this unique rustic-elegant hotspot in the historic Olde Avon Village alongside a row of small quaint shops. Try this: Bring your appetite (and probably another person) for the massive 22-ounce bone-in cowboy ribeye ($59), one of chef Ron Larson’s signature dishes. 36840 Detroit Road, Avon, 440-934-9900, stripsteakhouse.com
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