Best Cleveland Restaurants

Updated Feb 16, 2026

Having settled back down in Cleveland around 2017, I've been passionate about exploring the food scene and trying new restaurants any chance I get. This list was difficult to decide on with so many great options around, but I've done my best to narrow down my top choices for dining in the greater Cleveland area.

I've been a vegetarian my entire adult life, so everywhere on my list is veggie-friendly (and most vegan friendly as well!) with the exception of Marble Room.

Higher end

Amba

Between the dark interior with moon lights and the food, this Ohio City restaurant is tied for my favorite in Cleveland. Food is Indian-inspired and served tapas style, so order 5-6 dishes for the table and enjoy. They don't take reservations, so there's often a wait, but there's a bar a couple doors down where I usually will kill time if needed. If you needed further convincing, The Rolling Stones ate here when they were in Cleveland.

Food rec: I dream about the chili oil with clay bread

L'Albatros

This cute French bistro is hidden on an off-street in University Heights. It has a cozy, intimate feel inside and a cute enclosed patio area as well.

Food rec: Parmesan croquettes, if they're on special

Jaja

This Ohio City restaurant is gorgeous! Go on a sunny day to get the full effect of the skylights. You'll feel like you're practically outdoors between the sun and the plants.

Food rec: Butternut squash hummus and eggplant dip with naan

Marble Room

This is the one place on my list where I have not actually eaten, being that I'm vegetarian and it's a steakhouse, but I always go in for a drink on a fancy night out downtown. The location is an old bank vault, there's a live saxophone player who walks around, and it makes me feel like someone who actually has money.

Honorable mentions: If you like the tapas-style food of Jaja and Amba, you might also enjoy Zhug in Cleveland Heights (owned by the same people as Amba, but a white decor theme and Mediterranean-inspired) or Cordelia on E 4th (comfort food-inspired). Both were good but don't rank in my list of favorites.

Still bougie

Cloak & Dagger

I absolutely love this little gothic cocktail bar in Tremont. They have a rotating vegan menu, but you really don't need to be vegan to enjoy it. The menus stay small and portion size aren't large either, so I'd recommend a few. The themed cocktail lists change seasonally as well and are always fantastic.

Bourbon Street Barrel Room

This is probably the most casual of bougie spots on my menu, but ultimately I left it here because the inside really does feel like being in New Orleans with big booths, chandeliers, and an upper balcony seating area. Their beer list is always great, but it's also mandatory that I order a Hurricane whenever there. This is another of my ultimate favorite Cleveland restaurants, located in Tremont.

Food recs: Admittedly, vegetarian options are limited, but I get the mardi gras pasta with goat cheese and hush puppies every single time and am never disappointed.

Barroco

This Latin American spot has great vibes both inside and on their nice patio, which sometimes even features live music. I love that there's a tray of sauces brought out along with meals (especially the chimichurri), and cocktails are always good too.

Update: The Lakewood location has closed but Larchmere is still open, which may have a different restaurant set-up.

Food rec: Have to get the arepas

Sora

If you want pretty Instagram pictures, this Japanese spot in the Flats is the place to be, but the food is worth the trip too. They even gave me free mochi with a candle for my birthday!

Food rec: Tempura veggie

Amazonia

It's a little hard to find this speakeasy hidden behind Hola Tacos in Lakewood. If you walk down the street to the right, you'll see a gate back from the road with the Amazonia sign on it. Walk through their patio and around the back to the door, and come into a dark, jungle-themed bar with a few seating areas between upstairs and down. The focus is cocktails, but the food is great too.

Food rec: Although the menu is mostly pizza, I recommend the cream of mushroom soup

All Saints

Located near Tremont, the patio here is often ranked as one of the best, but you can't go wrong sitting inside either and enjoying the stained glass. Make sure to check out the heaven and hell themed bathrooms (hell upstairs, heaven downstairs) too.

Food rec: This is not the most veggie-friendly spot, but the vegan grilled cauliflower steak absolutely changed my perception on cauliflower steak as a whole.

Tartine Bistro

Located in Rocky River, this very pretty French bistro has both a regular menu and an entire vegan one. It's good for both fancy brunch or a nice dinner date spot.

Food rec: The menu has been updated since my last visit, but if you're looking for a vegan French onion soup, they've got it.

Fairmount Cocktail bar

Out in Cleveland Heights, this is an often-crowded dinner or brunch spot. Their patio is gorgeous, and both cocktails and food have impressed me whenever I've been.

Food rec: Vegan buffalo cauliflower, but also drink rec: Tiramisu espresso martini

Forage Public House

This gastropub in Lakewood delivers quality food in a space that feels upscale without being pretentious. Also great for accommodating slightly larger parties with short notice.

Food rec: The vegan cauliflower is one of my favorites in town (tied only with The Winchester). Also love building my own Impossible burger.

Sit-down casual

Momocho

For trendy modern Mexican, Momocho in Ohio City is the best in the area. They've got some unique and delicious spins on Mexican cuisine, and good drinks too.

Food rec: The flautas in mole sauce are amaaazing.

Cleveland Vegan

One of the best casual all-vegan spots in town, located in Lakewood. Although I always order off the breakfast menu, they have lunch options as well, plus smoothies, catering, and a glass case full of desserts.

Food rec: CV slammer bowl, but I also always get the bulletproof coffee. (And if you stop in on St. Patrick's day, the reuben and shamrock shake are a must.)

Fat Cats

This little spot in Tremont has such a cool menu that there are still things I need to go back and try. There's plenty for both vegans and meat-eaters.

Food rec: Vegan calamari!

Juneberry Table

Possibly the best quality brunch I've had in Cleveland, Juneberry in Ohio City is small and does not take reservations, but it's worth the wait. Go get a coffee at Duck Rabbit down the street if you need to kill time.

Food rec: Jasmine rice congee

Rowley Inn

I am obsessed with both the gritty vibe and the food at Rowley Inn in Tremont. It's completely no-frills and was featured on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives. Go for a very unhealthy brunch complete with black coffee and morning cocktails/beers. You can also see the Christmas Story house across the street! (They are also open for dinner.)

Food rec: Their jalapeno cheese sticks were my fave (RIP), so I guess now I'll just have to say anything off the brunch menu.

Never Say Dive

Located in Brooklyn, this is a retro bar with a dining area on one side. I was extremely impressed with the food, but being owned by the same guys as LBM (cocktail bar in Lakewood that is on my best bars list and also has fantastic small plates), that's no surprise.

Food rec: Mushroom toast!

Hofbrauhaus

You're here for a party more than the food, but if you're looking for a great celebration space for a large group downtown, this is it. Have dinner and a stein, do a shot-ski, dance on the benches, and join a conga line around the beer hall while the bands play.

Cheap Eats/Takeout

Ohio Pie

Not only some of the best pizza in the area (one branch in Rocky River, one in Brunswick), they do very fun monthly specials. Most options can be made either veg or vegan. And you MUST try their cookies!

Food rec: Thanksgiving pie in November

Boss Chik'N Beer

This is a cool spot in Berea (although they have multiple branches in NE Ohio) where the cooks are out in the open behind the service bar. There's both a meat menu and a fully vegan version on the flip side. Good spot to sit for some wings and a beer.

Food rec: Jalapeno-buffalo tofu wings

Little Rose Tavern

A small dive bar almost hidden in the West Park area, they have booths, a pool table, and a fully vegan kitchen.

Food rec: Smash burger

Parky's Pop-up at Mahall's

You might not think Mahall's, a combo bowling alley/event space/concert hall in Lakewood, would have much to offer from their pop-up kitchen, but you would be incorrect.

Food rec: Can't go wrong making any of their burgers vegetarian

Cilantro

This burrito spot is what Chipotle wishes it could be. Fresh ingredients, awesome selection. My go-to is Lakewood, but there are a few locations to choose from.

Food rec: Vegan chorizo quesadilla with pickled red onions, cheddar, rice, jalapenos, sour cream, cilantro, pico, and chipotle ranch (I usually add my hot sauce at home)

Beet Jar

A cute vegan spot in Ohio City, there are plenty of sandwiches, coffees, and great smoothies to choose from.

Food rec: Bravocado with pickled jalapenos

Honorable mentions that could also fall under my next category, although I consider them more as takeout: Assad's Mediterranean (those spinach pies!), China Chef, Himalayan Restaurant (Nepalese and Indian), Gionino's pizza, and Ferris Shawarma, all around Lakewood and West Park

International Cuisine

India Garden and Vintage India

You really can't go wrong with either of these Lakewood options, and I'd struggle to choose between them. India Garden does have its own parking lot and alcohol, if that sways you, but I might give an edge to the food at Vintage India.

Food rec: Shahi paneer at Vintage India, paneer makhani at India Garden

Vintage India

India Garden

Safar

A brand new Indian fusion restaurant, this is a bit more of an upscale experience in Cleveland just on the border of Lakewood. There's a bar area, speakeasy with little tables, and the main restaurant. The cocktails are also amazing - I was raving about the kokum with mezcal and tajin rim.

Food rec: Cheese kulcha

Zoma Ethiopian

When my favorite Ethiopian, Empress Taytu, closed, I was sure I'd never find one as good in the area. Thankfully, that drove me to check out Zoma in Cleveland Heights, and wow! This is easily one of my favorite Ethiopian meals I've ever had in a very cute little restaurant. The coffee is incredible too.

Food rec: Tofu tibs!

Thai Thai and Thai Kitchen

Once again a hard call on deciding between these two Lakewood Thai options. I'd offer that Thai Thai is better for takeaway, being pretty small inside, and Thai Kitchen is better as a sit-down option.

Food rec: I'm getting pad kee mao anytime I have Thai.

Algebra Tea House

The absolute funkiest, coolest little lunch spot located just outside of Little Italy, Algebra Tea House is Middle Eastern owned with a huge variety of both food and tea on offer. The space itself is very artsy with a shop area up front and mismatched tables with loungers, chairs, and benches throughout.

Food rec: Shakshuka

Cafes

AffoGATO cat cafe

If you want to play with (and/or possibly adopt) a cat while enjoying your coffee, visit AffoGATO Cafe in Tremont, where they keep a constant rotation of kitties from the nearby APL roaming the cat room. You'll need to book a slot online in advance for a fee, but it's worth it!

The Root Cafe

A Lakewood cafe with an extensive vegan menu and a rustic feel, I was torn between putting Root Cafe here or on the restaurant list. A great spot for breakfast, takeaway, or a quality coffee.

Dahlia

A Mexican-owned coffee shop in Cleveland on W 114th, this is some of the best coffee in the area.

Cafe Blanc

This cafe in Parma Heights is worth visiting not only for its coffee, but its pretty interior. I especially love the swinging benches at the tables downstairs.

Caffeine

I would recommend Caffeine in Lakewood as a cafe to visit if you're planning to sit and relax. The interior is spacious, modern, and comfy, and they have a small food menu along with their coffees. And since you're so close, I'd also recommend walking a block over and visiting the excellent Vegan Doughnut Company.

Duck Rabbit

Located in Ohio City, I'd tie this with Dahlia for best coffee quality around. Very modern decor.

Brewella's

Brewella's in Lakewood just has the cutest vintage interior, often decorated for the seasons and holidays. Along with their coffee menu, they serve crepes.

It was so hard to narrow down the great cafes in the Cleveland area that I feel these ones deserve honorable mentions too: Blue Cafe, Blackbird Baking Co, and Goodkind in Lakewood, Rising Star with various locations, La Crepe in Berea, and Lekko, Edda, and Ready Set Coffee in Ohio City.

Edda

There are so many other good restaurants that didn't quite make the cut, but hopefully some of these recommendations help with planning your next food outing around Cleveland!