Cleveland Dining Guide: Top 5 Stops for Innovative Cuisine

Chicago isn't the only Midwestern city serving up innovative cuisine. Situated on blustery Lake Erie, Cleveland, Ohio, has blossomed into a true foodie haven. Publications from Gourmet and Food & Wine to Esquire and Playboy.com have all praised Cleveland's new restaurants, farm-to-table dining scene, and neighborhood eateries.

Notably, the city is home to "Iron Chef America" competitor Michael Symon, who has two restaurants in Cleveland: Mabel's BBQ and B Spot Burgers.

Wander through downtown Cleveland to find local roasters pouring specialty coffee and the expansive West Side Market, an open-air market filled with fresh produce, fish, and spices. Popular breweries serve local craft beers, and various old-school Italian and Polish restaurants offer taste bud tempting dishes – not to mention the all-American steakhouses. Consider these prime suggestions for dining your way through Cleveland.

1. Dante

Chef Dante Boccuzzi injects artistry into every element of his restaurant, from the atmosphere to the new American cuisine. A multi-course small plate experience includes specialty fish and meats, such as Hong Kong-style mussels, oysters on the half shell, cinnamon-rubbed duck breast, house-cured meats, and foie gras. Pair the entrees with vegetables, hand-made pasta, polenta, or risotto. Order a la carte or try one of Dante's chef-prepared personalized tasting menus. As an alternative, head downstairs to Ginko, Boccuzzi's Tokyo-themed sushi bar, which serves exciting "Dante" twists on the bite-sized tradition. Ginko flies in fresh fish twice a week, some of which comes all the way from Tokyo. If you're not into the raw delicacies, try the Shabu Shabu. Ginko is the first Cleveland restaurant to offer this Japanese hot plate dish.

2. Mabel’s BBQ

Michael Symon’s restaurant has been instrumental in creating a unique brand of ‘Cleveland BBQ’ that the city’s residents can call their own. As such, the barbecue sauce is made using local Bertman’s Ballpark Mustard, and the meat is cooked over fruitwood sourced from the surrounding area. The industrial-chic decor is designed to mirror West Side Market. Tuck into BBQ delicacies such as “Boss Hogg” sandwiches with maple and mustard glaze, and smoky beef brisket.

3. L'Albatros Brasserie

If you're in the mood for a decadent meal, make L'Albatros Brasserie your destination. The Cleveland classic serves timeless French cuisine that's rich in taste, but with reasonable prices. Start with escargot, chicken liver, and foie gras on toast points, or braised leeks with mustard sauce. Continue with an arugula or radish and cucumber salad. For the main event, choose from salmon with lentils and béarnaise sauce, duck confit, or a hearty cassoulet. Vegetarians also have a few good alternatives, including pizza. Don't miss the daily specials and extensive cheese and wine lists.
 

4. Blue Point Grille

This much-loved Cleveland establishment is known for its elegant, high-ceilinged dining room, antique bar and views of the Cleveland skyline. Seafood is brought in daily from both coasts, so it’s perhaps no wonder why it’s been voted “Best Seafood Restaurant” every year since its opening. Try mouth-watering starters such as truffle burrata served with truffle jam and candied almonds, or ahi tuna tartare with coriander aioli. For mains, it’s all about the crab-stuffed main lobster which comes with mushrooms and coconut broth.

5. Marble Room Steaks and Raw Bar

This upscale restaurant in downtown Cleveland offers serious sophistication: the dining room features majestic columns and ornate chandeliers. Then there’s the menu of refined classics, from oysters with sauce mignonette and crispy rock shrimp rolls to prime steaks and lobster tails. Discover a luxury take on a comfort food classic by ordering the whole lobster and truffle mac and cheese.

If you're a foodie looking for your next great meal, Cleveland never disappoints. Share your favorite Cleveland restaurants with us on Twitter – and don’t forget to check out our blog for more travel inspiration.