Foodie tourism is real. Visitors to the City of Cleveland come knowing that the culinary scene here is impressive and respected — and it’s getting better every day. So why not venture thoughout the city yourself and see what the buzz is all about? You can visit some of the best ethnic eateries the region has to offer. While numerous ethnicities, cultures and cuisines are available across our city, five distinct areas stick out for hosting noteworthy collections of culturally-themed dining options that are authentic and delicious!
Visit Kamm’s Corners in West Park for a taste of Ireland
Located near the southwest corner of the city, Kamm’s Corners in West Park is home to a cluster of Irish establishments. Irish Catholics were among the early settlers of the neighborhood and many of their traditions and favorite foods have lingered here for more than a century. The Hooley is a popular Irish-themed neighborhood festival that captures this spirit and draws people from across the region.
NEIGHBORHOOD IRISH RESTAURANTS: P.J. McIntyre’s, Public House, 5 Points Coffee & Tea, West Park Station
- The Hooley is a popular Irish-themed neighborhood festival. The Corned Beef Boxty (inset) at P.J. McIntyre’s in Kamm’s Corners is a favorite — and hearty — Irish meal option (Black & Tan optional).
Clark Fulton is home to CentroVilla25 and is the hub of Latin American cuisine
The city’s West Side is filled with Latin restaurants, but the epicenter is in Clark Fulton, which is bordered by Ohio City to the north and Tremont to the east. The brand new CentroVilla25, located on West 25th Street, is a vibrant hub that celebrates rich Latino heritage. It supports Latino merchants and is home to a growing number of Latin American-themed restaurants and small businesses.
NEIGHBORHOOD LATIN RESTAURANTS: Flying Pig Tacos, Half Moon Bakery, Caribe Bake Shop, Las Dos Fronteras, Cafe Roig, Panaderia Las Villas & Deli, Tumbao58, Sazon Latino
- Consider a visit to Clark Fulton’s new CentroVilla25 market on West 25th Street and stop at Flying Pig Tacos for a variety of authentic Mexican street foods.
Little Italy serves up all things Italian
Cleveland’s Little Italy neighborhood is on the city’s East Side and is nestled next to University Circle. Settled by Italian immigrants in the late 1880s, the neighborhood retains a strong Italian feel. It is filled with restaurants, galleries, boutique shops and more. In August, Holy Rosary Church welcomes over 100,000 visitors at the annual Feast of the Assumption, where the entire neighborhood is showcased.
NEIGHBORHOOD ITALIAN RESTAURANTS: Mama Santas, Trattoria Roman Gardens, Guarino’s, Maxi’s, Presti’s, Corbo’s, Mount Granita, Murray Hill Market, La Dolce Vita, Tutto Carni, Mia Bella, Rosso Gelato, Michaelangelo’s
- Trattoria Roman Gardens is located near the intersection of Mayfield and Murray Hill. Pizza and pasta (inset) at Mama Santas in Little Italy is always a good choice, but more than a dozen additional options exist in this quaint, walkable neighborhood.
AsiaTown in St. Clair Superior provides a look into authentic Asian cultures
AsiaTown, on Cleveland’s near East Side, is home to many Asian cultures, including residents of Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean and Japanese heritage. Naturally, a diverse assortment of local restaurants also populate the neighborhood. The Cleveland Asian Festival, which celebrates Asian culture, is tremendously popular and is hosted in the neighborhood each May.
NEIGHBORHOOD ASIAN RESTAURANTS: Koko Bakery, YY Time, Bo Loong, Siam Cafe, Li Wah, Ice or Rice Cafe, Superior Pho, #1 Pho, Map of Thailand, LJ Shanghai, Szechuan Gourmet, Ball Ball Waffle, Pho Sunshine
- You’ll see the famous Lion Dance and many other cultural performances at the Cleveland Asian Festival. Whether it’s for a morning wake-me-up, a midday boost or a fun end to your evening, bubble tea and pastries (inset) from Koko Bakery in St. Clair Superior’s AsiaTown neighborhood will certainly hit the spot.
A growing Middle Eastern population is influencing the dining landscape in Westown
Straddling Lorain Avenue east of West Park, the Westown neighborhood is home to a growing Middle Eastern population along with a related collection of restaurants and markets. These Middle Eastern establishments provide an authentic dining experience and join a host of other international dining options within this diverse neighborhood.
NEIGHBORHOOD MIDDLE EASTERN RESTAURANTS: Reef Al Yemen, Yemen Gate, Little Garden, Levant Shawarma, Hawana’s Sweet & Kitchen, Holyland International Market, Saffron Restaurant
- Your meal is sliced and served up fresh at Levant Shawarma on Lorain Avenue. Shakshouka (inset), a popular Yemeni breakfast dish at Reef al Yemen in Westown, pairs well with hummus and is available all day for you to try.
