25 Best Restaurants: Grove Hill

Grove Hill in Chagrin Falls is an urbane eatery with country sentiments — much like executive chef and owner Tim Bando, who got his start working alongside Michael Symon before hitting his stride (and being nominated for a James Beard award) in New York. At Grove Hill, Bando's Mediterranean-leaning culinary style translates to approachable dishes that will please picky eaters and gourmands with a solid mix of small plates and entrees featuring classic and Cleveland cuisine. For instance, escargot la bourguignon ($12) — snails with a traditional lemon-garlic butter sauce — mingle with fried baby artichokes ($12), while a braised lamb shank ($28) makes friends with a pulled pork sandwich with fries ($14). It's fine dining that doesn't take itself too seriously. "Pretty, fresh ingredients speak for themselves, without any complex decoration going on," Bando says. Don't miss: The roasted half chicken ($25) at Grove Hill is unexpectedly memorable thanks to papery, delicate skin, juicy white and dark meat, asparagus, marble potatoes, lemon confit and thyme chicken jus. Get Happy: It's a bit of a drive from downtown, but $5 food and select drinks, half-priced oysters and $2 domestic beers during happy hour are more than worth the miles. A long list of small plates offers more variety than your average special, too, such as coffee-barbecue smoked baby back ribs or spicy green beans with pancetta and chilies. 25 Pleasant Drive, Chagrin Falls, 440-247-4800, grovehillchagrin.com