1918
Guarino's
Victorian-style decor and lace-curtain charm set the tone at Cleveland's oldest restaurant in its original location. The red sauce still tops classics such as lasagna and manicotti. The patio's a sweet, secluded spot, and in summer, beds are planted with basil for caprese salads. 12309 Mayfield Road, 216-231-3100, guarinoscleveland.com
1958
Corbo's Bakery
If there's something better than an Italian lemon ice on a hot summer day, we don't know what it is. Pull up a chair, and spoon up a scoop along with biscotti at this bakery and cafe, or pick up one of its famed cassata cakes to take home. 12210 Mayfield Road, 216-421-8181
1961
Mama Santa's
Red and white tablecloths? Check. No-nonsense waitresses who won't tell you their names? Check. Italian-American fare at easy-on-the-wallet prices? Check. Happily, little has changed since we started enjoying this pizza and a bottle of chianti back in the '70s. 12305 Mayfield Road, 216-421-2159, mamasantas.com
1974
Valentino's
Who needs more than a counter and an oven when it's all about picking up a hot, freshly baked pizza? The white version with artichokes is a standout. If the weather is nice, you can take advantage of the few tables outside and dig in immediately. 2197 Murray Hill Road, 216-795-0463, valentinospizzacleveland.com
1982
Primo Vino Restaurant
Devoted fans love this quirky basement spot as much for the friendly atmosphere and personable owner as the huge Italian wine list. The menu is built around homey, familiar pasta dishes, but for something different, try the calamari Parmesan. 12511 Mayfield Road, 216-229-3334
1984
Trattoria Roman Gardens
Generous portions have been standard at this casual, family friendly place since 1984. The antipasto platter, loaded with marinated eggplant, roasted peppers, tuna and beans, calamari salad, olives, and cheese is a great way to start a meal inside or out on the patio. 12207 Mayfield Road, 216-421-2700, trattoriaromangarden.com
1990
La Dolce Vita
Life is good when it includes Terry Tarantino's fettuccine Fellini: flat, fat pasta strands tossed with tomato chunks, pancetta and Gorgonzola. It gets even better if followed by cannoli and cappuccino. Streetside tables offer the quintessential urban dining experience. 12112 Mayfield Road, 216-721-8155, ladolcevitacleveland.com
1992
Nido Italia Ristorante
Traditional not trendy, in atmosphere and food, you can expect Sinatra or Dino on the soundtrack and chicken piccata, veal marsala, and stuffed rigatoni with marinara or meat sauce on the menu. It's popular for private parties and special events and has live music on weekends. 12020 Mayfield Road, 216-421-0221, nidoitalia.com
1996
Valerios
V is for chef and owner Valerio Iorio and his winning ways with veal. There's the 14-ounce long-bone grilled chop, a slow-braised shank osso buco, and a pounded piece of top-round for saltimbocca. 12405 Mayfield Road, 216-421-8049, valeriosristorante.com
1998
Maxi's
Grab a table opposite the bar that runs the length of the long, narrow dining room, or ask for a seat out back under an umbrella. Old-schoolers can dig into stewed tripe or linguine and meatballs. If you want something more modern, try goat cheese ravioli or smoked salmon pizza. 12113 Mayfield Road, 216-421-1500, maxisinlittleitaly.com
2000
Anthony's Ristorante and Wine Bar
The former Mayfield Imports slowly morphed from market to a casual takeout spot. Now it's a full-fledged white tablecloth dining room with mostly the usual Italian dishes on the lunch and dinner menus. Go for the "Parms," cheesy chicken, veal or eggplant Parmesan. 12018 Mayfield Road, 216-791-0700, anthonysoflittleitaly.com
2001
Algebra Tea House
A caffeine pit stop with a hippie vibe. Tables and mugs are handmade, and no two are alike. Board games are provided along with tea blends and coffee creations such as chai tea from scratch. Take the edge off with sandwiches, salads and Middle Eastern specialties like the tasty Egyptian fool madamas (mashed fava beans). 2136 Murray Hill Road, 216-421-9007, algebrateahouse.net
2001
Presti's Bakery and Café
The bakery, which originally opened up the street in 1903, continues to serve vegetable stromboli, cappuccino and fig-filled buccellati cookies. The fare is best enjoyed while people-watching at a table inside or out, but a leisurely sit with eyes glued to a book is equally pleasurable. 12101 Mayfield Road, 216-421-3060, prestisbakery.com
2002
Gusto! Ristorante Italiano
We're always up for the veal tortellini with sweet peas and prosciutto in Parmesan cream sauce, but there are nine other options perfect for pastavores. Surroundings are Old World elegant, the soft lighting makes everyone look good, and servers treat all guests like VIPs. 12022 Mayfield Road, 216-791-9900, gustolittleitaly.com
2006
Michaelangelo's
The best description is chef/owner Michael Annandono's own: "We do fine dining without the stuffiness." Enjoy an upscale setting in a renovated building with a comfy wine bar (great list) and upper-level deck. The handmade gnocchi in hazelnut pesto is unforgettable. 2198 Murray Hill Road, 216-721-0300, mangelos.com
2007
Il Bacio
The regular menu of Italian fare is short and standard. It's the specials, 10 to 12 each day, that offer surprises. Owner Antonino Calandra cruises the small dining room to be sure everyone is properly taken care of. Don't leave without ordering the tiramisu. 2181 Murray Hill Road, 216-231-5977
2007
Tea House Noodles
Build your own bowl of goodness. Start with noodles or rice then choose meat or tofu, veggies, and broth or sauce (Indonesian curry is excellent). You can carry out or eat in the small sunny yellow dining room surrounded by enticing Asian aromas. 2218 Murray Hill Road, 216-229-8599, teahouse-noodles.com
2009
Etna Restaurant
This little corner spot retains the cozy feel of the tavern it once was, but now guests order bottles of fine Italian red instead of shots and beers. Mariale al Rosmarino — sauteed slices of pork tenderloin with mushrooms, white wine, rosemary and cream — demonstrate how the Sicilian-born chef/owner Peppe Pilumeli puts his own spin on Italian cuisine. 11919 Mayfield Road, 216-791-7670, etnalittleitaly.com
2009
La Pizzeria
Get your pie here, whether you want a single hot slice or a 40-cut sheet. Choose from 20 toppings, eight gourmet house creations and surprising apple and cherry dessert pizzas. There are a few tables, but this is really a takeout and delivery joint. 2188 Murray Hill Road, 216-229-9050, lapizzerialittleitaly.com
June 2010
Mia Bella
This 2010 addition is an instant favorite both for its friendly, welcoming atmosphere and the pan-Mediterranean dishes coming out of the kitchen. Grilled vegetables with garlic yogurt sauce and veal braciole are delicious alternatives to standard Italian fare. It's your own fault if you leave hungry: Portions are generous. 12200 Mayfield Road, 216-795-2355, miabellacleveland.com
November 2010
Washington Place Bistro & Inn
Whether you're craving a cocktail, a burger, or a full-on four-course meal, you're in the right place. Lunch, dinner, and brunch menus spotlight creative American comfort food. There are multiple small dining rooms inside the remodeled 19th-century mansion and a lovely garden patio. 2203 Cornell Road, 216-791-6500, washingtonplacelittleitaly.com
January 2011
Murray Hill Market
This old-fashioned-looking corner store is filled with the smell of rotisserie-roasted beef, pork and poultry. Basic groceries and gourmet foods are on one side; a deli counter is on the other. The Italian BLT, pancetta with warm brie and balsamic-drizzled arugula on a toasted baguette, is inspired. 2072 Murray Hill Road, 216-791-1900, murrayhillmarket.net
June 2011
Club Isabella
This sexy, sophisticated spot revives the name of the music spot that closed in 2007, but seriously creative, globally inspired food — not music — takes center stage. We're hooked on the sweet and Asian spicy cuttlefish, and we're looking forward to sipping top-shelf bourbon at the bar on the patio. 2175 Cornell Road, 216-229-1111, clubisabella.com
