Why we love it: This Indian favorite might be housed in a strip mall, but the traditional specialties come out fresh and flavorful. Stop by the popular lunch buffet on select weekends and fill your plate with South Indian specials, vegetarian plates, Indian breads and rice dishes. Try this: The butter chicken ($15.44), prepared to your level of spice, is a creamy traditional curry coupled with tomato, butter and spices. 14224 Pearl Road, 440-638-4977, akshayapatraus.com
Why we love it: With 30 beers on tap, this sizable restaurant makes for an excellent spot to catch a game or indulge in American bar fare with family or friends. This casual hot spot by the mall goes all out for holidays with over-the-top decor, like a full-size skeleton with lit red eyes for Halloween. Try this: A flavorful unique sandwich in the form of the Southern Belle ($16) is a perfect pick-me-up, starring crispy chicken, honey sriracha, white cheddar and bread and butter pickles on a brioche bun. 16555 Southpark Center, 440-234-1002, brewgarden.com
Why we love it: Like sister restaurant Corner 11 Bowl & Wrap, this location across from the mall serves up Hawaiian and Asian-inspired specialties. This shop in particular focuses on ramen and poke bowls in an inviting, casual setting. Try this: Build your own Hawaiian-style poke bowl (small $12.99) with dressings, a bottom of sushi rice, midnight rice or mixed greens and your choice of protein, such as sushi-grade raw fish, and unlimited sides. 17100 Royalton Road #9b, 440-879-1004, corner11cleveland.com
European’s Best Restaurant & Bakery
Why we love it: This no-frills cash and check-only place screams good old-fashioned mom-and-pop European bakery. Hop up onto a green-seated stool at the pink counter to dine on Eastern European specialties, or peruse the pastries in the bakery case. Try this: We love the Hungarian platter featuring your choice of three items from chicken paprikas with spaetzles, stuffed cabbage, cabbage and noodles or Slovenian sausage ($17.99), served with a choice of soup, cucumber salad, coleslaw, sauteed whole green beans or red cabbage and homemade bread. 19608 W. 130th St., 440-572-0600, europeansbest.com
Why we love it: “Everything that we do is homemade, our pizza sauce, ranch, blue cheese, dressings and all our dipping sauces,” says owner Lesha Strichko. With toppings and cheese that goes edge to edge, you’ll “love it like you love your mama — and everybody loves their mama.” Try this: When Strichko’s nephew created a monthly special, it was so popular the pizza earned a permanent spot on the menu. “For pepperoni lovers, the 'Zach style' pizza ($16) is a must,” with a homemade garlic butter base, layers of pepperoni, a three-cheese blend and homemade red sauce. 14769 Pearl Road, 440-572-3333, dearmamaspizza.com
Why we love it: Stop by this small, basic counter service-style Bangkok street food oasis for a fast flavorful menu of authentic eats spiced to your level of choice. Carry out or sit at one of a few no-frills tables and munch on noodles, fried rice, stir fry, curry, pork belly and other dishes, freshly garnished. Try this: You can’t go wrong with a noodle dish like the tom yum fried rice ($11.95) with sauteed jasmine rice with egg, mushroom, red pepper, onion and fresh lime juice, topped with carrot, cucumber, scallion and cilantro. 10917 Prospect Road, 440-696-3915, thaidynamitecle.com
Why we love it: Walk into an elegant black and white lounge where the owner of 17 years (Michael Trivisonno Jr.) is almost always on site. Enjoy entertainment Wednesdays through Saturdays, and a broad menu of pasta, chicken, steaks, seafood and beyond, crafted by executive chef Mathew Gillombardo. Try this: The almond-crusted Nantucket sea scallops come with sweet corn risotto and sauteed green beans, in a port wine reduction. 17100 Royalton Road, Suite 11, 440-238-8830, trivsstrongsville.com
Bucci’s J Bella Italian Restaurant
Why we love it: When you’re feeling Italian, hit up this local traditional chain owned by the Bucci family, serving up classic Italian eats ranging from pasta, homemade meatballs, pizza and Parmesan dishes. Order a glass of your favorite wine and relax on the private patio. Try this: Enjoy beautiful homemade pasta dumplings in tomato sauce, Rosanne’s Cavatelli ($22), featured on Food Network’s The Best Thing I Ever Ate by Iron Chef Michael Symon. 12201 Pearl Road, 440-238-0200, buccis.net
Why we love it: Made famous on social media for its fresh, never-frozen, top-quality cheesesteaks and smash burgers, the original Brook Park grocer and grill opened a second butcher and grill in Strongsville in February. Mouthwatering smash tacos, Boer goat, chicken and an entire butcher shop certified for utilizing the highest standards of Halal, make this gem stand out. Try this: Watch the masters cook up a massive beef rib-eye steak cheesesteak ($24.99) grilled with provolone cheddar cheese and onions, with mayo on an Amoroso roll, served with fries. 17024 Pearl Road, 440-210-4886, facebook.com/clegng
The Brew Kettle Strongsville & Topgolf Swing Suites
Why we love it: With Topgolf Swing Suite simulators (for golf, hockey shots, baseball pitching and more), the brewery has “evolved into just a great destination for dining and also for brewing your own beer. We have eight different brewing stations where you can come in with any group of friends and you can brew your own lager or your own IPA or whatever style of brew you want to brew,” says owner Bryan Weber. Try this: With award-winning smokehouse meats, Weber says the top seller is the smokehouse wings ($14). Four massive wings (leg included), with BBQ, Buffalo, teriyaki or jerk BBQ to choose from. 8377 Pearl Road, 440-239-8788, thebrewkettle.com
Why we love it: This special occasion steakhouse staple is housed in a mid-19th century mansion overlooking the town square, running for more than four decades. The historic landmark maintains elements of the original house, like “the library” featuring a romantic fireplace. 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, 440-572-1111, donspomeroy.com
Why we love it: The no-frills diner with cozy big booths, wooden plank walls and brown-rimmed diner plates offers a large breakfast menu, daily specials, seafood, sandwiches, steak, pancakes and a large cozy space for meeting up with friends and family. Try this: Start your morning with a basic freshly made classic Denver omelet ($10.99) with toast and home fries. 14415 Pearl Road, 440-234-2044, facebook.com/jennifersrestaurant2.0
Why we love it: Experience the traditional hot pot Asian cooking method starting with a simmering pot of flavorful soup stock (choose from Thai Tom Yum, Japanese miso, mushroom soup and others) at the dining table. Pick a soup base; sliced meats, soybean or seafood protein, and add vegetables; or try the grilled meats and vegetables, Korean BBQ style, all served with your favorite sauces. The social restaurant is, indeed, very social. The spot hosts a full bar and food that's served all-you-can-eat style. Try this: Come for one of the restaurant's best deals: the KBBQ and hot pot all-you-can-eat lunch ($20.99) or dinner ($30.99). 2 Southpark Center, 440-268-6099, thekpot.com
Why we love it: For more than 30 years, the warm classic Italian restaurant, featuring a massive vibrant mural of Venice on one wall, has been a Strongsville mainstay. Try this: The biggest sellers are the classics. The chicken marsala ($20.59) starts with searing chicken with house seasoning, garlic and house gravy, head chef and general manager Dustin Grady’s special recipe addition that helps deepen the flavor. The dish is served with mushrooms and onions, over a bed of pasta with house-made sauce. 16605 Pearl Road, 440-572-1414, italianvillage.menu
Why we love it: The expansive menu ranges from hummus, baba ganouj, pita wraps, soups, salads and kabobs, to specialty entrees, in an upbeat, quick-service atmosphere with a cozy, wood and warm-walled dining room. The family-owned and operated scratch kitchen whips up all your Lebanese favorites. Try this: Go for a light veggie pita pizza ($6.95) made with green peppers, onions, tomatoes, black olives, topped with za'atar, on a bed of white garlic sauce, tucked in baked pizza bread. 14228 Pearl Road, 440-846-5100, lakabobgrill.com
Why we love it: Step up to the counter and order a variety of authentic pho bowls, spring rolls and other Vietnamese specialties in the inviting industrial-style casual dining room with exposed pipes. Don’t skip the bubble milk tea ($5). Try this: Dig into piping hot shrimp pho ($14): a warm bowl of in-house cooked chicken broth with rice noodles, peeled shrimp and imitation crab, topped with green onion, cilantro and black pepper, served with bean sprouts, Thai basil, jalapeno, lime, sriracha and hoisin sauce. 13500 Pearl Road, 440-783-1886, facebook.com/phobeyond
Why we love it: “When you’re cooking for your family or for yourself, during a process you think ‘I’m going to add this for more texture, or little more of that for a deeper flavor, so my family and I will enjoy this dish more, every time improving until it’s perfect’ is basically what we do in the cafe” says owner Olena Firman. “We do it like we do for ourselves or our family.” Try this: The squid ink smoked salmon crepe is a unique flavorful choice, crafted with squid ink batter, cream cheese, smoked salmon and garnished with red caviar. 14785 Pearl Road, 440-783-1797, lacrepe.cafe
Why we love it: If you’re craving juicy gourmet burgers, head to The Rail for all-Ohio burgers and beers. The local chain whips up some delicious food in a lively, modern, warm red and black, string-light ceilinged pub atmosphere, featuring beef from local farms and an extensive Ohio-centric beer list. Hit up the $6 happy hour Mondays through Fridays, 3-6 p.m. Try this: The Blue Bessie ($17.50) comes with a grilled-to-order burger with sauteed mushrooms, fresh spinach, blue cheese, tobacco onions and house-made horseradish sauce, served on a brioche bun with french fries or a garden salad. 17885 Southpark Center, 440-783-1275, therailburger.com
Why we love it: Dubbed as “a fresh take on classic American cuisine” Rosewood’s upscale classic modern approach to steaks, seafood and inventive cocktails, along with its recent remodel boasting a large, covered outdoor space with two patios and a private room, make it a top choice for celebrations and everyday meals. Try this: The chicken Anna ($26) brings a unique flavor combination of toasted almond basmati, roasted asparagus, chardonnay lemon herb pan sauce. 6740 Royalton Road, 440-783-5500, rosewoodgrill.com
Why we love it: As a resident of Strongsville, being locally owned and operated is important to owner Mike Catanzarite. “I just wanted something that was so special that I’m proud of, that people walk away and say, ‘This place is awesome,’” says Catanzarite. “And you only get that by having really good people that you keep happy.” Try this: In addition to elevated American eats and burgers, some specialties stand out. Order the chicken schnitzel ($28), made with a thin piece of chicken, breaded and beaten, says Catanzarite. The result is golden and crispy, served with acorn squash with blue cheese and pecans, broccolini and sriracha maple syrup. 13485 Pearl Road, 440-268-8322, thesquare22.com
Why we love it: Devour the best of both Chinese and Japanese cuisine (including amazing desserts and sake) with dishes ranging from fried rice, sushi, udon, teriyaki and hibachi to house specialties, in a low-key atmosphere with booths and a small dining room. Try this: Enjoy the savory beef lo mein ($10.95), served with soup, and finish with the satisfyingly decadent banana tempura ($5.50). 15040 Pearl Road, 440-268-9668, sakurasushihouse.com
Seafood Shake Seafood Boil Restaurant
Why we love it: Buttery indulgent seafood shakes boiled with your protein, sauce and spice level of choice, served with a few sides in a steaming plastic bag (remember to shake it!) is normally something you don’t find a lot of in Northeast Ohio. With Seafood Shake's several dining rooms filled with nautical decor (picture lots of netting and oversized sea creatures), a large menu of boba drinks, frozen drinks, smoothies, cocktails and other libations, this Strongsville seafood haven stands out. Try this: Order snow crab legs by the pound ($23), served with corn and potatoes, and choose from one of the many flavors. We dig the lemon pepper. 16532 Royalton Road, 440-876-5900, seafoodshake.com
Why we love it: Parma's Schnitz Ale Brewery recently unveiled its new tasting room and production facility in Strongsville, with seats for 50, tucked in an industrial parkway. The quaint German pub (full of TVs and low-key, brick-walled vibes) and gift shop both offer exclusive Schnitz Ale beers and bites covering pretzels, salads and snacks, in addition to items from the Schnitz Ale food truck. Try this: Bite into the unique burek ($12), a savory filo dough style pastry dish, stuffed with either cheese or cheese and spinach, served with a yogurt dipping sauce. 20102 Progress Drive, 440-638-4897, schnitzalebrewery.com
Why we love it: This family-owned Thai restaurant showcases original Thai dishes from all over the country and has been serving steaming plates to the Cleveland community since 2007. With a sister restaurant in Medina, here you can order authentic stir fry, curries, noodles, fried rice, seafood, soups, salads and traditional dishes, in a homey, plant-filled atmosphere adorned with Asian artwork. Try this: The savory flavor of prik king curry with red and green bell peppers, green beans, Kaffir lime leaves and pine nuts, with duck ($15.95) is a divine mouthful. 14610 Pearl Road, 440-238-9921, sweetmangoohio.com
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