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May 2022

Food + Drink

2022's Reader-Voted Silver Spoon Winners

These are Cleveland Magazine readers' favorite restaurants of the year.

Acqua di Luca: Cleveland's 25 Best Restaurants

Luca and Lola Sema's new downtown seafood experience is already one of Cleveland's best spots to dine.

Astoria Cafe and Market: Cleveland's 25 Best Restaurants

A specialty market fuels this Greek eatery in Gordon Square, which is known for having one of the best brunches in town.

Best Restaurants: Cleveland's 10 Best New Restaurants

The Last Page is this year's best new restaurant, but it's far from the only spot that impressed us over the past year.

Cleveland Bagel Co.: Cleveland's 25 Best Restaurants

Why should New York have all the bagel fun? Dan Herbst and Geoff Hardman have created their own handmade, Cleveland-style bagels.

Cleveland Sandwich Co. Is Chef Kevin O'Connell's Redemption Song

With sandwiches like these, it's not hard to give the chef, who also runs Cleveland Supper Club, a second chance.

Cloak and Dagger: Cleveland's 25 Best Restaurants

The cocktails get all the credit, but this lounge also serves excellent vegan grub.

Dining Guide: Cleveland's 21 Best Dog-Friendly Pet Patios

From Forest City Brewery to Fat Cats, your pet will thank you for a fun night out in Northeast Ohio. By Jenna Landgraf and Audri Wilde

Edwins Restaurant & Leadership Institute: Cleveland's 25 Best Restaurants

With some of the best service in town, you'd never know this Shaker Square French spot is a training ground for those with a past looking to enter the hospitality industry.

Fat Cats: Cleveland's 25 Best Restaurants

Chef Ricardo Sandoval has been a Cleveland trendsetter for the past 20 years at his funky Tremont spot.

Ginko: Cleveland's 25 Best Restaurants

Eleven years in, chef Dante Boccuzzi's Tremont basement sushi experience remains one of Cleveland's hippest spots.

Habesha Ethiopian and Eritrean: Cleveland's 25 Best Restaurants

Sharing feels radical at this African spot in West Park, known for its injera-covered platters.

Il Rione: Cleveland's 25 Best Restaurants

Owners Brian Moss and Brian Holleran have built a restaurant out of all our favorite things: good drinks, good music, a cool space and, of course, pizza.

Karen Small's Ohio Asparagus Quiche is Perfect for Mother's Day Brunch

The Flying Fig and Juneberry Table chef offers a Sunday stunner made from regional, seasonal veggies.

La Plaza Taqueria: Cleveland's 25 Best Restaurants

Adrian Ortega, owner of the taqueria and supermarket on the Cleveland-Lakewood border, says it's simplicity that feeds our taco obsession and makes the dish comforting.

L'Albatros Brasserie & Bar: Cleveland's 25 Best Restaurants

Zack Bruell's dedication to excellence and service shines at his French restaurant in Cleveland Heights.

Larder Delicatessen & Bakery: Cleveland's 25 Best Restaurants

Don't forget about the second half of Larder's name — the Hingetown spot's bakery pumps out desserts and breads that are vital to the operation.

LJ Shanghai: Cleveland's 25 Best Restaurants

This AsiaTown spot has us digging deeper and deeper into the wide world of Shanghainese street food.

Mabel's BBQ: Cleveland's 25 Best Restaurants

Chef Michael Symon puts a Cleveland spin on barbecue by adding Ballpark Mustard to his vinegar-based barbecue sauce.

Marble Room Steaks & Raw Bar: Cleveland's 25 Best Restaurants

While the menu is nothing short of impressive, this opulent downtown dining experience is all about basking in the 1893-built glory of Cleveland's first skyscraper.

Mason's Creamery: Cleveland's 25 Best Restaurants

The adorable ice cream parlor in Ohio City from Jesse Mason and Helen Qin becomes a ramen hot spot during the winter.

Mia Bella Restaurant: Cleveland's 25 Best Restaurants

This Little Italy corner restaurant offers old-school with modern pasta dishes.

Momocho: Cleveland's 25 Best Restaurants

Eric Williams mod Mex joint in Ohio City is as vital today as it was revolutionary more than a decade ago.

Sabor Miami Cafe & Art Gallery: Cleveland's 25 Best Restaurants

This Cuban joint in Old Brooklyn offers heavy Miami vibes and traditional bites.

Salt: Cleveland's 25 Best Restaurants

Earning a third James Beard Award nomination this year, chef Jill Vedaa continues to be one of Cleveland's top chefs as she rolls into the 28th installment of her menus in Lakewood.

Superior Pho: Cleveland's 25 Best Restaurants

Chris Nguyen shares what he's learned about great pho from his father, Manh, who opened Superior Pho in 2002.

The Pompadour Bar & Tapas: Cleveland's 25 Best Restaurants

Tucked away in Fairport Harbor, this intimate bar and restaurant makes its name on hyper-local, seasonal ingredients and killer cocktails.

Thyme Table: Cleveland's 25 Best Restaurants

With time, owner Mike Smith has built one of the West Side suburbs' best restaurants with some help from a stellar bar program.

Vero: Cleveland's 25 Best Restaurants

It's all about the dough at this beloved Cleveland Heights pizza parlor.

Why We're Not Buying the Exclusive Nightlife Trend

The latest trend in downtown eating and drinking is private rooms and membership-based clubs.

Word Of Mouth: Brandon Chrostowski On His Favorite Family Dinner Spots

Founder of Edwins Restaurant & Leadership Institute shares where he brings the family on his rare off days.

Zhug: Cleveland's 25 Best Restaurants

Among cozy banquette seating, chef Douglas Katz's Mediterranean mezze space is one of Cleveland's most exciting new dining experiences.

In the CLE

Behind the Scenes: Dining Editor Dillon Stewart on May's Best Restaurants Issue

This month's issue is a deep-dive into the best bites Northeast Ohio has to offer.

Editor's Note: On My Time in the Restaurant Industry

From her beginnings as a waitress to taking part in finding Cleveland's best restaurants, editor Colleen Smitek has an appreciation for everyone in the service sector.

Essay: My Heart Flew To Ukraine

Julia Kashuba, a student at John Carroll University, shares her family ties to Ukraine and her daily fears as the country falls in war.

Executive Director Megan Lykins Reich on MoCa Cleveland's Unique Building, Legacy and Neighborhood

Since being named kohl executive director in January, Lykins Reich has been working to expand MoCa’s mission.


How a Fresh River of Funds Might Make Northeast Ohio’s Waterways Healthier

Experts hope sinking these federal investments into nearby rivers will also lead to a healthier Lake Erie.

How Stina Aleah's Injury Helped Her Discover Painting

The former track star turned artist has shared work with NBA All-Star Weekend and Marvel Studios.

How Volunteer Truckers are Sending Aid to Ukraine

Nykola Sas, owner of Nica’s Freight, is using his business to help others thousands of miles away.

Look Back: Royal Castle Restaurants Delight Greater Cleveland

Between 1940 and 1970, Clevelanders found a love for the fast food joint.

Tom Haren is the Face of Marijuana Legalization in Ohio

As activists make another push for legalizing cannabis this November, the corporate lawyer is leading the charge.

Why We're Not Buying the Exclusive Nightlife Trend

The latest trend in downtown eating and drinking is private rooms and membership-based clubs.

Entertainment

The Cleveland Museum of Art Is Putting Fashion on Display

The exhibit, The New Black Vanguard: Photography Between Art and Fashion, opens on May 8 and runs through Sept. 11.

At Home

Here's Why Second-Hand Decor Is Popular All Over Again

The Sunday Collection is here to help you live out your vintage dreams. By Becky Boban

Style

3 Cleveland Shops That Specialize in Retro Finds

You're sure to find a one-of-a-kind piece to love.

Atomic Tangerine is Northeast Ohio's Slow Fashion Advocate

Youngstown-based maker Alison Green is crocheting her way to a more sustainable future.

Indigo Perfumery Shares Three Perfect Summer Scents

Ann Bouterse, owner of the Lakewood store, explains why we should choose our seasonal scents wisely.

The Cleveland Museum of Art Is Putting Fashion on Display

The exhibit, The New Black Vanguard: Photography Between Art and Fashion, opens on May 8 and runs through Sept. 11.

Travel & Outdoors

The 2022 Cleveland Asian Festival Returns May 21-22

For two days, Clevelanders can celebrate Asian culture in myriad ways. Here are some can't-miss highlights.

The Lakehouse Inn Is the Perfect Setting For Connecting

This Ashtabula wine country destination offers the perfect excuse for a self-care getaway with the gals in charming Geneva-on-the-Lake.