10 Best Local Restaurants in Cleveland

Slyman’s Restaurant and Delis is one of the most iconic restaurants in Cleveland with old-school interiors and a classic deli menu to match. You can easily find the spot along St. Clair Avenue, right beside Sterling Park and about 1.5 miles from the landmark Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Locals and regulars say a visit to Cleveland is incomplete without Slyman’s famed corned beef sandwich, which they claim to be “the biggest and the best” around. The pastrami sandwich is another top choice. The deli’s popularity shows from the long line that often forms come lunchtime.

Barrio Gateway is a local restaurant that offers tacos made with fresh ingredients, tequilas, and a fun 'Day of the Dead' theme. It has branches throughout Ohio, including Cleveland locations in Gateway, Tremont, and at the 5th Street Arcades mall in Cleveland Heights.

While you can build your own tacos by ticking all your choices of fillings and sauces on the fill-out menu, Barrio Gateway also has a list of ready-made and delicious combinations to try. Among these are the quirkily named Paddy’s Day Taco, Better Than a Pot of Gold Queso, and the Guinness Guac.

Melt Bar and Grilled is a great spot in Cleveland for satisfying any cravings for melted grilled cheese. The restaurant chain has 4 branches in Cleveland’s suburbs, namely in Avon, Independence, Lakewood, and Mentor. Lakewood is arguably its most popular spot – it's about a 15-minute drive west of Downtown.

The place has a fusion of modern and classic decor, with a food menu of grilled cheese sandwiches, craft beers, chicken wings, mac and cheese, chips and dips, and vegetarian options. 

Mabel’s BBQ is a popular local restaurant serving savoury smoked barbecues in an industrial-chic space. It's one of the city's top places to go for beef brisket, turkey, and kielbasa. You can find this Cleveland-style spot along East 4th Street, a prominent strip for dining and shopping in the city.

The meats at Mabel’s BBQ are slow-cooked over Ohio fruitwoods, giving them an incredible depth of flavour. This laidback resto has communal tables – great for bringing friends and family. Mabel’s BBQ also has a bar offering a great selection of bourbons to whiskey connoisseurs.

Happy Dog is the place to be in Cleveland if you’re looking for a night out in the city with live music and custom-made hot dogs. You have a choice of 50 housemade toppings and classic sides. For rich flavours, ask for the Jamaican jerk mustard mojo or black truffle honey mustard.

This authentic and happening neighbourhood bar has an eclectic lineup that showcases Cleveland's musical spirit. Catch live performances by national touring acts or local indie bands every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night.

Lucky’s Café serves exellent farm-to-table brunches in Cleveland's historic district of Tremont. This local spot is where you can start your weekend right – expect delicious servings of breakfast burritos, pastries, and Ohio sweetcorn waffles drizzled with strawberry compote.

The head chef-owner sources farm-fresh eggs, dairy, and meats from nearby farms. Though you can still come in on weekdays for a trimmed-down yet still-delicious selection, visit Lucky’s Café on a weekend to enjoy its full New American menu. The Lucky’s Rueben sandwich is a must-try.

Momocho is a lively and hip restaurant specialising in Mexican cuisine. You can find this 2-level restored colonial building with funky interiors on the main strip of West 25th Street, within the trendy dining and entertainment hub of Ohio City.

Described as a “mod-Mex cantina,” this local spot adds a modern twist to your favourite Mexican delicacies. The smoked trout-topped guacamole and blue corn enchiladas are very popular options. Pair your choice of Mexican fare with Momocho's fruity tequilas or citrusy margaritas.

The Cleveland Bagel Company offers some of the best bagels in town. Its cold-fermented, hand-rolled Cleveland-style bagels are available in sweet and savoury flavours – tasty choices include brie-honey-walnut and thyme-black pepper-horseradish. They come with a range of schmears too, some of which are available seasonally.

The local bagel shop has come a long way from its humble beginnings in a private home kitchen. It has 2 easily accessible branches for you to get your bagel fix – Detroit Avenue and Carnegie Avenue. You can also find their bagels in many coffee shops around the city.

Grumpy’s Cafe is a popular family-owned restaurant that whips up some of the tastiest comfort food in Cleveland. Offering a Southwestern flair and art-adorned cosy space, this restaurant in the neighbourhood of Tremont is a go-to spot for hearty breakfasts.

To help you start the day right, go for the Grumpy's Special. It has 2 eggs, your choice of either turkey bacon, chorizo andouille or ham, cajun home fries, and flavoured pancakes or toast. Visit on Fridays for special highlights like Grumpy’s ‘Anti’ Fish Fry, which is a lightly breaded and grilled haddock.

Urban Farmer’s Steakhouse serves Midwestern cuisine using sustainably sourced ingredients. The upscale restaurant features sophisticated interiors, from an open kitchen and wraparound bar to a marble-topped charcuterie counter. You can find it in Cleveland’s North Coast Harbor district, which is fairly close to most highways.

The food is as ritzy as the ambience, with a focus on ethical sourcing. The bibb lettuce and purple bok choy are from local hydroponic farms, while mears are sourced from ranches known for free-roam animals and heritage-breed cows with a natural diet. The drinks list includes wines from regional vineyards, locally crafted beers, and cocktails made from regional spirits.