So, I know this has been touched upon in prior threads, but I think it deserves a fresh look...

 

In preparation for my return to Cleveland, I've started to wonder whether or not some of my favorite eateries still exist and what's popped up since I've been away.  As far as I know, Tommy's (Coventry) is still slingin those famous falafel sandwiches and the Soul Vegetarian has moved to one of the arcades Downtown...these are two of my faves and obviously I've already labeled myself as an herbivore, but let's open this up to all tastes...

 

Where are the best places to eat in Cleveland???

 

Give us the name, cuisine, neighborhood, ambiance, etc...

There is a really good place on e. 185th st. called Scotti's. It is an Italian place with great Calzone's (I think they have a veggie version). The atmosphere is nice and the dress is casual. You and a date could easily get out of there for $30. Also, in Euclid on Lake Shore Blvd. there is a place called Beach Club Bistro. It is also Italian, the dress is a little bit nicer, but all of the food there is wonderful. Again, it is not that pricey. I know these two restaurants may not be in the most "hip" places, but they both deserve a visit.

i'm just upset tommy's got rid of their smoking section

I would be happy if Tommy's closed altogether - apparently they only hire the most anemic and unbathed slackers to work there. That place is by far the worst for service that I have EVER experienced in my life. The food is probably why people think vegetarian cuisine is unappealing - sorry folks, vegetarian should not equate bland. The word "despise" is too diplomatic for that glorified tofu-hole. I wish the Zephyr in Kent would have relocated to Cleveland - Tommy's would go under in a week. Soul Vegetarian closed their location at the Colonial Arcade. There are some places for good vegetarian food in the area - I'd suggest Parkers in Ohio City (albeit pricey), Mustard Seed Market in Solon, and Udupi Cafe in Parma (I *think* it's in Parma - it's all vegetarian Indian cuisine).

 

For starters I suggest:

Lola

In Tremont - there's a reason it's so well known. Outstanding eclectic menu, and I can only hope that when it relocates to East 4th Street that the magic will continue.  http://www.lolabistro.com

 

Cafe Anatolia

In Cedar Center near Marc's in South Euclid. Incredible Turkish cuisine and by far the best hummus in town - the Turkish coffee is like liquid crack.

 

Min-Anh

On Detroit near West 58th. Vietnamese food in a 'hole-in-the-wall' location - the pho is incredible, as are the crepes.

 

Liquid Planet

On Clifton @ West 110th. Decent pitas and salads but the real treats are the smoothies. Elvis Chill being my favorite.

 

Max's Deli

On Detroit Road in Rocky River. Decent food - large portions but the dessert case is ground zero for any sweet-tooth issues you may have.

 

I really could take days making this list....

 

 

 

 

 

 

to me the best places means good food, decent prices and comfortable atmosphere.  Like MayDay, i could go for days...but briefly, I like the Tremont, Ohio City area.  Lots of great places that meet my criteria.  One of my favorites is a little under the radar...Fat Cats in Tremont.  Here's a few more west side spots.  Halite, Snickers, Three Birds in Lakewood.  MGD would probably love Johnny Mango on Fulton Rd.

Believe me, I could go on.

The recent New York Times travel section declared Fat Cats "ground zero" or something for cuisine in Tremont.  I would have thought Lola or Theory, but hey.  Actually, the Lola has already closed, and won't reopen for a few months when it will become Lolita.  Unfortunately, at Lolita you will be allowed to look at the food, but if you actually eat it, you will be sentenced to 5-10 years in prison.

nice one X!  Did you come up with that yourself or has that joke been going around town???  First I've heard of it anyways...

 

MayDay, I am sad to hear about your distaste for Tommy's, but it remains my most favorite restaurant in Cleveland (and environs)!  I am even sadder to hear that the Soul Veg has closed, yet again!  If only they had stayed open until I returned...I would've kept them in business!  Anyone know if they relocated?  Or are they gone for good?

MGD, I came up with it.  Maybe it will catch on?  Actually, since I heard the name I've been wondering if it was a joke amongst the owners.  Chefs'r just sick enough to get that.

 

As am I.

MGD probably would like Johnny Mango's on Fulton at Bridge in Ohio City. A few doors south on Fulton is another restaurant that's worth going to, just for the crepes. I can't remember the name of the place, but I seem to recall it's a French bistro.

 

I'm a sucker for Italian food, which I consider candy for adults. My favorite, affordable Italian restaurants are Maria's Roman Room and Pepper's Cafe, both on Detroit Road in eastern Lakewood. There's also Bruno's on West 41st, just south of I-90 (they'll wash or even detail your car while you eat). On the East Side, just about anyplace in Little Italy will do, but I'm partial to Trattoria On the Hill, or Mama Santa's for pizza. If you like opera, you'll like the live singer at La Dolce Vita.

 

Here's a listing of most restaurants (even fast food...) in the area:

http://www.cellartastings.com/en/restaurant-guide/oh/cleveland

 

KJP

KJP, might the French bistro you speak of be Oui Oui???  It opened in the old Ohio City Pizzeria location and I got to have lunch there in March...c'est tres bon! (don't laugh if that doesn't mean anything)

 

Mama Santa's has definitely been my favorite in Little Italy over the years, but that has a lot to do with its affordability, on top of the great pizza.  When my parents were buying back in the day, I got them to take me to Porcelli's, which was sooo good!  And yes, the ambiance at La Dolce Vita is stellar...very much a place to see and be seen.  I seem to recall the wait staff there being particularly appetizing...

 

Interesting sidebar: who has the most attractive staff??? customers???

 

 

Try the belly dancer at a little restaurant on Detroit Avenue, just west of downtown Lakewood. Can't remember the place, but they serve Middle Eastern food. Anyone remember this place???

 

KJP

^You're thinking of Nikos on Detroit - they're pretty much the best Greek food in the area. I just wish Greek Isles was still open downtown. And yes, Oui Oui is the French bistro - unfortunately I believe Denajua, the original proprietor moved back to Paris. Now she has a heck of a story!

 

"MayDay, I am sad to hear about your distaste for Tommy's, but it remains my most favorite restaurant"

 

Is it solely because they "specialize" in vegetarian food and are one of the few places in town that do? I mean, I don't expect my shoes to be polished but every time I've been there, I've been so fed up with the atrocious service that I was ready to dine and dash. It's that bad.

 

On the sidebar - for "my people", I'd say the staff at Vivo (in the Arcade) is decent :-D

 

Max's Deli

On Detroit Road in Rocky River. Decent food - large portions but the dessert case is ground zero for any sweet-tooth issues you may have.

 

 

I agree about Max's when it comes to the dessert items, but I found the food to be sub-par for the reputation it has aquired throughout Cleveland.  Also, avoid their sunday brunch like the Plague, still sticks in my mind as one of the worst brunches I've ever been to.

 

I suppose my advice would be to go there after a meal you had elsewhere, neat space as well with good windows for people watching.

 

If you were looking for a higher-end place to eat that isn't bad for vegetarians you may want to try Lockkeepers in Valley View.  I've been there on a few occasions, and it's a nice space inside.  Location is somewhat neat, a newer development on the banks of the old canal that helps to buck the style seen on the rest of Rockside road.  I have a good friend that adheres to a vegan diet that enjoys it, she said the vegetarian selections are not extensive, but they do an excellent job with what they do serve.  I'd first send you to some of the restaurants in Tremont, Ohio City or the Warehouse District first, but the place is worth a trip once in a while.  It's located on Rockside road at the bottom of the hill past Brecksville Road.

Is that Big Egg thing still open?

No, the Big Egg closed in the 1990s - the spot is now home to Long Phung, a Vietnamese restaurant. That reminds me, I need to give them a try!

Ahhh, the Big Egg!  I spent a very depressing New Year's Eve there when I was 18, listening to their crappy juke box and drinking dishwater coffee...

 

As for me citing vegetarian favorites, I'm definitely one of those veggies who can eat just about anywhere.  Hook me up with some fries or a grilled cheese sandwich and I'm cool.  I'm not very strict about where stuff comes from...I just don't eat meat or fish.

 

In regard to Tommy's:

Is it solely because they "specialize" in vegetarian food and are one of the few places in town that do? I mean, I don't expect my shoes to be polished but every time I've been there, I've been so fed up with the atrocious service that I was ready to dine and dash. It's that bad.

 

I'm not offended or anything, so no worries, but I've never had a bad experience there!  I grew up going there and pretty much every high school dance was preceded by a date at Tommy's.  It was a great enticement to get my west-side friends to come over to my hood and even my friends in Cincinnati cite it as a good reason to come up for a visit!  The milk shakes are unbeatable (If there's someone who can top them, I'll be there in a second!) and there are just tons of options for veggies like me, while still being able to satisfy picky non-vegetarians like my grandma.

 

Speaking of good milkshakes, is that place over by St. Edwards still around?  I think it was Malley's or something?  Used to go there after high school football games between the Wildcats and the Eagles...people were always starting fights.

The Shaker Diner at the rapid stop....for the pure ambiance of the trains going by.  That place on Bellflower.

 

They are probably both closed now...it's been a while since I lived there. :wtf:

^that place is still there, its had one or two management changes (i think the old ower just re-bought it)

 

and if by shaker diner, its called michael's diner

MGD, 

 

Malley's is a west side legend.  All good Clevelanders should know about Malley's.  They have some great candy, especially the chocolate bars.  By the way, I met the infamous Ms. Hunter today. 

Someone mentioned it in passing, but I wanted to throw a proper garland at the feet of Halite, a newish restaurant in Ohio City. (Something else used to be in the same location; can't remember what.) I ate there with my family when I was in town in April and everybody's food was fantastic. Service was attentive and it was packed and lively on a Saturday night.

I also adore Johnny Mango, pretty much the West Side equivalent of Tommy's but with slightly more adventurous food. LOTS of vegetarian options.

Oh, and out in the burbs is a FANTASTIC Italian place called Francesco's, 8130 Broadview Rd. in Broadview Heights. It's in a strip mall and the inside is no-nonsense, but the food is just incredible. It feels very much like a family-owned place.

Err... sorry but I just don't get it about Malleys (although the Billy Bobs are really good). They're like Gorants out of Youngstown or Harry London in Canton - locally owned places that people rave about, but the chocolate just has a waxy taste. I miss the chocolatier who used to be in Market 25 across from the West Side Market.

 

Halite used to be Traci's, and I agree - it's a great little spot. It feels off the beaten path but it really isn't. And I'll take Mango ANY day over Tommy's - at least the servers at Mango have enough energy to smile every now and then  :lol:

You know if you can get past being inside a mall, Wild Mango..formerly Weia Teia is a nice place.  Once you get inside the restaurant you forget you're in the mall.  And the food is great.

btw, a place has to serve a good drink to get my repeat business...and Wild Mango qualifies.

Growing up, when we came to visit relatives, my favorite restaurant in Cleveland (and I am sure this was just because they gave me all the free pickles I could eat as a kid) was Corky and Lenny's.  Does anyone know which of its two locations from the mid '80s are still open?  I had heard one of them closed about 10 years ago.

Not that these trendy or anything:

 

For some great Slovenian food, Sterle's on E. 55th is great. 

 

Danny Boy's in Rocky River is a great place for pizza.

 

And for the largest portions of Italian food anywhere, and at affordable prices, go to Mama Roberto's in Mentor.

Corky & Lenny's on Chagrin near I-271 is still kicking.

 

Does anyone know if Corky's 12th Street Market downtown any "relation"?

 

KJP

^I don't believe that they are - is that the place across from the Chesterfield?

 

Frank V - amen to Danny Boys for pizza. Dear god, the breadsticks alone...

 

sooner, thanks for the update on Weia Teia/Wild Mango - I went when it was Weia Teia and was blown away at the presentation.

 

 

here are a couple of other suggestions in the area:

 

Ho Wah at La Place in Beachwood (the ma po tofu is perfect every time)

El Tango Taqueria on Madison in Lakewood (veggie burritos with surprises in every bite:  sweet potatoes, pineapple, peas, etc)

Marotta's on Lee in Cleveland Hts. (pricey Italian, not too too veg friendly but i'm more than satisfied every time i'm there)

 

p.s. i only eat meat by accident

I was so surprise to see this topic talk about vegetarian and vegan places. I guess I can put my list of all the vegetarian and vegan places in Cleveland and outlying areas to use FINALLY!!!!

 

This is a work in progress and may contain a few errors.. (take note of how many Akron area places are Veg. friendly!!!)

 

Cleveland SW A Zest 4 Life Health Food Store 23005 Sprague Road Columbia Townstation 440-243-7553

Cleveland West Aladdin's Restaurant Detroit Lakewood

Cleveland Soth Aladdin's Restaurant Rockside Independence

Cleveland East Aladdin's Restaurant Cleveland Heights

Cleveland East Aladdin's Restaurant Richmond Heights

Cleveland SW American Harvest Health Food Health Food Store 13387 Smith Road Middleburgh Heights 440-888-7727

Cleveland East Another Level II Restaurant (VEG) 621 East 185 St. East Cleveland 216-383-0075

Canton Belden Village Nutrition Center Health Food Store 4531 Everhard Road Northwest Canton 330-499-0642

Canton Bisson's Fresh Market Health Food Store 7257 Fullton Rd. Canton 330-830-2310

Oberlin Black River Café Restaurant 15 South Main Street Oberlin 440-775-3663

Canton Bountiful Harvest Nutrition Health Food Store 4148 Tuscarawas Street West Canton 330-478-2692

Cleveland East Café Limbo Restaurant (VEG) 12706 Larchmere Boulevard Shaker Heights 216-707-3333

Cleveland East Café Tandoor Restaurant 2096 South Taylor Road Cleveland 216-371-8500

Cleveland West Café Tandoor Restaurant 30030 Detroit Road Westlake 440-835-2882

Cleveland SE Caito's Health & Nutrition Health Food Store 34250 Aurora Road Solon 440-349-2480

Cleveland  SE California Salads Restaurant 8111 Rockside Road Valley View 216-901-6488

Cleveland East California Salads Restaurant 23200 Chagrin Boulevard Beachwood 216-831-4344

Akron Cappabianca's Naturals Foods Health Food Store 4946 Darrow Road Stow 216-650-1588

Cleveland East Chinese Herbal Health Health Food Store 2293 Lee Road Cleveland Heights 216-321-8801

Cleveland East Cleveland Food Co-Op Health Food Store 11702 Euclid Avenue Cleveland 216-791-3890

Cleveland East Co-Op Café Restaurant 2130 Adelbert Road (1-2-1 Fitness) Cleveland 216-368-3095

Akron Cooperative Market Health Food Store 1596 / 1835 West Market Street Akron 330-869-2590

Canton Corky's Café Restaurant 7257 Fulton Drive NW Canton 330-832-0702

Cleveland South Cozumel Mexican Restaurant Broadview Heights

Medina Cozumel Mexican Restaurant Brunswick

Akron Dave's Naturals Health Food Store 290 West Avenue Tallmadge 330-633-1914

Akron West David Morgan Health Food Health Food Store 1930 Eastern Road Rittman 330-925-7017

Canton Davis Harvest Health Food Health Food Store 3860 Lincoln Way East Massillon 330-477-0342

Cleveland West Dietary Health Foods Health Food Store 42985 North Ridge Road Elyria 440-233-6381

Cleveland SW Draper Foods Health Food Store 14868 Pearl Road Strongsville 216-238-7411

Cleveland East EMB Health Foods Health Food Store 12772 Chillicothe Road Chesterland 216-729-2677

Youngstown Flaming Ice Cube Restaurant 1449 Boardman-Canfield Rd. Boardman 330-726-4766

Akron Fountain Of Youth Juice Bar Restaurant 1509 South Hawkins Avenue Akron 330-864-9223

Downtown Fulton Bar & Grille Restaurant 1835 Fulton Rd. Cleveland 216-694-2122

Oberlin Good Food Co-Op Health Food Store Oberlin's Harkness Basement Oberlin 440-775-6533

Downtown Greek Isles Restaurant 500 West Saint Claire Cleveland 216-861-1919

Canton Gregory's Family Restaurant Restaurant 2835 Whipple Ave. NW Canton 330-477-1296

Cleveland East Health Den Nutrition Health Food Store 9354 Mentor Avenue #14 Mentor 440-974-3595

Akron Health Ease Health Foods Health Food Store 1444 North Portage Road Akron 330-867-1080

Cleveland East Heartland Health Of Ohio Health Food Store 7675 Joseph Street Willoughby 440-256-4919

Akron Herb Store Health Food Store 502 Canton Rd., East Gate Plaza Akron 330-784-5111

Cleveland West Hobart Health Foods Health Food Store 4627 Great Northern Boulevard North Olmsted 440-777-0877

Cleveland West Hobart Health Foods Health Food Store 15001 Madison Avenue Lakewood 216-221-2633

Cleveland South Hobart Health Foods Health Food Store 7474 Broadview Road Parma 216-447-0444

Cleveland South Hobart Health Foods Health Food Store 5629 Pearl Road Parma 440-888-5656

Cleveland West Hobart Health Foods Health Food Store 5188 Detroit Road Elyria 216-934-3444

Akron West It's Your Health Health Food Store 1110 North Court Street Medina 330-723-3500

Akron West Jenkins & Jenkins Health Foods Health Food Store 148 North 2nd Street Rittman 330-925-1856

Downtown Johnny Mango Restaurant 3120 Bridge Ave. Cleveland 216-575-1919

Cleveland East Johnny Mango Restaurant Willoughby

Cleveland East Just Natural Health Food Store 38669 Mentor Avenue Willoughby 440-954-8638

Akron Kent Natural Foods Co-Op Health Food Store 151 East Main Street Kent 330-673-2878

Akron Krieger’s Health Food Market Health Food Store 615 Graham Road Cuyahoga Falls 330-929-2929

Cleveland SE Marshall Health Foods Health Food Store 5168 Warrensville Center Road Maple Heights 216-475-0344

Cleveland West Marshalls Natural Foods Health Food Store 15721 Madison Lakewood

Cleveland East Medic Drug Health Food Store 701 Beta Drive Mayfield 440-449-7722

Canton Mulligan's Pub Restaurant 4118 Belden Village St., NW Canton 330-493-8239

Cleveland East Munch! Restaurant (VEG) Near 1-2-1  Fitness at CWRU Cleveland

Cleveland SE Mustard Seed Market Health Food Store 6025 Kruse Road Solon 440-519-3663

Akron Mustard Seed Market Health Food Store 3885 West Market Street Fairlawn 888-476-2379

Cleveland SW Nature's Best Health Food Store 14822 Pearl Road Strongsville 440-238-0544

Cleveland West Nature's Bin Health Food Store 18120 Sloane Avenue Lakewood 216-521-4600

Akron Nature's Goodness Health Food Store 702 Eleanora Drive Cuyahoga Falls 330-922-4567

Akron Nature's Goodness Health Food Store 1251 Main Street Akron 330-922-4567

Akron Nature's Harmony Health Food Store 1152 Murray Avenue Akron 330-434-6002

Canton New Beginnings Health Food Store 4891 Portage Street Canton

Akron New Earth Natural Foods Health Food Store 1605 State Road Cuyahoga Falls 330-929-2415

Akron Norton Health Foods Health Food Store 4168 Cleveland Massillon Road Barberton 330-825-0648

Canton Oak Park Nutrition Center Health Food Store 2480 Lincoln Way East Massillon 330-833-4021

Oberlin Oberlin Market Health Food Store 22 Carpenter Court Oberlin 440-774-8401

Canton Olive Branch Natural Health Food Health Food Store 1103 Whipple Avenue Northwest Canton 330-477-7988

Cleveland East Other Side Of Health Health Food Store 3070 Mayfield Road Cleveland Heights 216-397-7999

Cleveland East Other Side Of Health Health Food Store 10605 Chester Avenue Cleveland 216-721-2226

Akron Peaceable Kingdom Bakery Restaurant 713 North Mantua Street (SR 43) Akron 330-678-8867

Cleveland East Peking Gourmet Chinese Restaurant 13955 Cedar Avenue Cleveland Heights 216-397-9939

Canton Raisin Rack Health Food Store 4629 Cleveland Avenue Northwest Canton 330-966-1515

Cleveland SE Ritzman Health Center Health Food Store 5847 Darrow Road Hudson 216-655-3555

Akron Ritzman Health Center Health Food Store 8614 Hartman Road Wadsworth 330-335-2318

Cleveland East Saffron Path Restaurant 20600 Chagrin Blvd. Shaker Heights 216-295-0400

Akron Seven Grains Natural Market Health Food Store 92 West Avenue Tallmadge 330-633-9999

Cleveland East Shtick's Vegetarian Kitchen Restaurant (VEG) 11075 East Boulevard (Gund Law Hall) Cleveland 216-231-0922

Downtown Smoothie Avenue Restaurant Inside Tower City Center Cleveland 216-696-5483

Kent Smoothie Place? Restaurant Kent State University Kent

Cleveland SW Smoothie Place? Restaurant Broadview Road Parma

Cleveland SW Stress-Less Gourmet Health Food Store 15203 Pearl Road Strongsville 440-878-2025

Cleveland West Sunray Health Foods Health Food Store 4860 Dover Center Road North Olmsted 216-779-8040

Canton Sunshine's Brighter Natural Health Food Store 5569 Fulton Drive Northwest Canton 330-499-8207

Downtown Teahouse Noodles Restaurant 1900 East Sixth Street Cleveland 216-623-9131

Cleveland East Tommy's Restaurant 1824 Coventry Road Cleveland Heights 216-321-7757

Cleveland SW Udupi Café Restaurant (VEG) 6339 Olde York Road Parma Heights 440-743-7154

Cleveland East Vassar Health Food Store 21933 Euclid Avenue Euclid 216-692-1875

Cleveland East Vita Connection Health Food Store 5900 SOM Center Road Willoughby 216-585-9855

Cleveland West Vita Tan Health Foods Health Food Store 1980 Cooooper Foster Park Road Elyria 440-282-1133

Cleveland East Vital Choice Health Food Store 9389 West Sprague Road Willoughby 440-885-9505

Cleveland East Vitality Health Food Health Food Store 28202 Chardon Road Wickliffe 440-585-8575

Cleveland West Vitality Health Food Health Food Store 29454 Mentor Avenue Mentor

Cleveland SW Vita-Way Health Shoppe Health Food Store 14779 Pearl Road Strongsville 216-238-3840

Cleveland West Web Of Life Restaurant (VEG) 25923 Detroit Road Westlake 440-899-2882

Cleveland West Web Of Life Health Food Store Health Food Store 25923 Detroit Road Westlake 440-899-2882

Cleveland East Weber's Health Food Store 18400 Euclid Avenue Euclid 216-481-9544

Akron Wild Goats Coffee & Cafe Restaurant 319 W. Main St. Kent 330-677-2326

Cleveland East Wild Oats Health Food Store 27249 Chagrin Boulevard Woodmere 216-464-9403

Cleveland East Willow Nature's Way Health Food Store 36200 Euclid Avenue Willoughby 440-951-5783

Cleveland East Wine Room Health Food Store 2317 Lee Road Cleveland Heights 216-932-3170

Cleveland East Yaakov's Vegetarian Restaurant Restaurant 13969 Cedar Rd. University Heights 216-932-8848

Akron Young's Nutritionals Health Food Store 10864 Portage Street Northwest Canal Fulton 330-854-3275

 

Sorry about the alignment, can't fix it.. I would have to say that the list is pretty accurate and includes health food stores, restaurants, delis, juice bars, and anything else vegetarian friendly.

 

A few places are vegetarian only AND delicious, such as:

 

- American Harvest in Middleburgh Heights (100% vegan counter deli)

- Another Level 2 in East Cleveland (100% vegan/vegetarian) - newer place that rivals that of Soul Vegetarian

- Just Natural - a health food/diner in Willoughby, I know 100% vegetarian, maybe all vegan even.

- Cafe Limbo (larchmere) (100% vegetarian) - very cool place that also serves alcohol

- Munch! (CWRU campus - not 100% but almost - 95% vegetarian, 1 chicken item)

- Schtick's Vegetarian Kitchen (CWRU campus - 95% vegetarian, 1 chicken item)

- Teahouse Noodles on E. 6th (95% vegetarian, have chicken as an option and all other is veg.) - my favorite place ever

- Udupi Cafe - 100% vegetarian in Parma Heights - I never been here though

- Web Of Life in Westlake (vegan only) - they have a diner area now and it is some of the best food for a vegan in all of Cleveland

 

That makes 9 totally or almost completely vegetarian places.. pretty cool considering 2-3 of those are brand new (e.g. Another Level II, Web Of Life's new menu/new eat in area, and Munch! at CWRU all NEW!!!!!!!!!! and Cafe Limbo is very new too!!!!!!)

 

As for vegetarian and vegetarian friendly, Tommy's, Johnny Mangos (both locations), Wild Oats, Mustard Seed and most places in Oberlin do the job..

 

And Chipotle, which is great for vegetarians and vegans, very clean place and they are in University Heights on Cedar, Cleveland Heights on Coventry, Parma on Ridgewood, North Olmsted at Brookpark in GN Mall, Willoughby by SR2, Indendence at Rockside, and Fairlawn on RT 18, maybe a few in Canton and Cuy. Falls as well) - best corporate veggy eats IMO.

 

Sbarro's, in most malls is heavily vegetarian, more vegetarian than not.

 

Plus, you have places that are not geared for veg's, but have a good selection such as PF Changs, Stir Crazy, and Mongolian BBQ - welcome to the east side :)

damn!  that's quite a list!  I'll have to admit that i'm a little disappointed in the Cleveland proper representation in there, though.  seems like there are more veg & veg-friendly places in Oberlin city limits than in Cleveland!

 

thanks, though, bizbiz...good to have this!

 

Marotta's on Lee in Cleveland Hts. (pricey Italian, not too too veg friendly but i'm more than satisfied every time i'm there)

 

p.s. i only eat meat by accident

 

i never was that impressed by marotta's, thats just me though

That list posted by bizbiz, while certainly exhaustive is really, really dated - the Greek Isles closed years ago.

 

Not only that - but just about every place you go (chains included) will offer some vegetarian entrees especially Vietnamese, Indian, Middle Eastern and Mexican restaurants. Just because a restaurant doesn't advertise in a "Veggie Living" pub doesn't mean they don't offer such entrees. Vegetarian diets have moved way beyond the land of crunch, hemp and patchouli. Vegan... well, let's just say that I had a really bad experience at a wedding reception being seated next to a vegan - why he bothered to leave the house is beyond me.

 

Besides, most places on that list are health food stores which are fine and dandy but who the heck wants to actually eat at one? Sorry, I need a little more ambiance than linoleum and shopping carts  :wink:

Vegan would be rough in Cleveland.  When I lived in Seattle, there was a free hare krishna vegan restaurant (funded by George Harrison, no less) across the street from me, a vegan pizzeria a block down the street (really good, and hard to tell the difference), and countless asian and middle eastern restaurants offering abundant vegan dishes within a 15 minute walk.  It seems that its a hard community to grow, because before it becomes popular it is so difficult to live that lifestyle.  Once it gets a foothold, it becomes feasible for a lot more people to make that leap. 

 

Not that I did.

 

Yeah beef!

The lady’s birthday is Friday, and I am trying to find a good place to go.  Where are the good date restaurants in downtown/around Cleveland?  I have done little Italy and GLB, which is a GREAT place for a date. I am looking for somewhere(s) new.  What do you guys think some other good "date" restaurants are?  Let's here what you people got...

Just a word of advice in the "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" sense - if you know a special occasion is coming up, make reservations 2 to 3 weeks in advance. Fortunately, Cleveland's a smaller market and making plans 'the week of' isn't always an impossible thing.

 

Fahrenheit in Tremont

Flying Fig in Ohio City

Baricelli Inn in Little Italy

Johnny's Downtown

Pier W in Lakewood

 

Let me know if you'd like info about any of the above. I have to ask - do you know if she prefers certain food?

Yeah, she is a lazy vegetarian.  She sometimes eats chicken, but only if it doesn’t look like one.  Give you an idea of her tastes, she likes the vegan burger at GLB, Egg plant at Trattoria in Little Italy and the Gauc at momocho mex too. 

 

I would like to do something downtown, just don't know what...

 

Hope that helps you in giving me a good idea…

 

 

EDIT: I know poor planning on my part...

But note that he's trying to get into a nice spot on a Friday night -- and that could require a couple weeks advanced reservation.

^True, not the easiest of tasks but that's when I invoke the power of "my people". If we can't make a good dinner recommendation, we lose our membership card ;)

 

jar3232, one good thing about ethnic restaurants is that they often have plenty of vegetarian options. Here are a few suggestions for ethnic spots that still have some decent (albeit quirky) ambiance - not all are in Cleveland proper.

 

#1 Pho in Chinatown (Vietnamese) - closest to downtown

Cafe Tandoor in Westlake (Indian)

Lemon Grass in Cleveland Heights (Thai)

Anatolia Cafe in South Euclid (Turkish)

 

Any of the above are just under the radar so you should be able to get reservations. Let me know if any of those sound potentially appealing.

 

"EDIT: I know poor planning on my part..."

 

Do NOT beat yourself up - the fact that you're asking relative strangers for help (granted we happen to be knowledgeable) says a lot  :-)

Baricelli Inn in Little Italy

 

Way overrated in my opinion. I like fine dining and Baricelli is good, but way overpriced for the food and service. The atmosphere doesn't even merrit sinking that much cash into the meal; torn and stained seats and decor not updated since the 1980s. I was way off guard when we got the bill that priced our glasses of Champagne at $18, and that was just one of the qualms I had with the place.

 

BTW Mayday, I like all the other places on your list, but Baricelli is very expendable.

 

Anyway, my recommendation for a nice vegitarian friendly oriented restaurant "downtown" would be the Metropolitan Cafe. I personally like the place, but I also know several vegitareans who really like it and seem to find things there that they like.

This "might” sound like a dumb question (remember I am a new Clevelander).  Are there any restaurants open in any of the larger towers downtown?

 

It would be neat to dine on the 30th floor of Key or something like that...

 

 

 

 

Hey, If you can not trust complete strangers on the internet, who can you trust?

Good question. I don't think so. There used to be a restaurant called Top of the Town that was on the top of the Erieview Building (am I correct??), but it closed down.  There is a place called Pier W that is located in the Gold Coast in Lakewood next to the Winton Place. While it is not on top of a tall building, it does provide great views of the lake and downtown.

Not a dumb question at all - but no, there are no places to eat in any of the towers. There used to be back in the day, but not anymore.

 

I can vouch for Vulpster's suggestion of the Metropolitan Cafe. If you can snag a table by the window or on the patio, (be sure to ask when you make reservations) you'll have a great view of downtown. Make SURE you ask for the West 6th side, not St. Clair. http://www.hydeparkrestaurants.com/metro/index.htm It's a nice looking spot but the prices aren't too outrageous.

 

Pier W in Lakewood probably has the best view, however it gets a little pricey. I've also heard of some service issues there.

I am torn between Metropolitan and Trattoria.  I have been in Metropolitan before for drinks before, nice little place. 

 

To bad no one has a nice 3-4 star restaurant on one of those towers, bet you it would make a killing, have views over looking the city and the lake.  Anyone want to go into business?

 

I have been to Pier W, mostly seafood and nothing else on the menu, which was to be expected.  Wasn't too impressed with the place or the service.  Granted I was stuck in the corner, but I did like you could make reservations for there online.  I like that feature.

 

Hmm, Trattoria was alright but neither the food nor the atmosphere really wowed me. There are better places in Little Italy but they might be hard to get into.

 

Btw, there is a restaurant in the Stonebridge complex called Ponte Vecchio - I've heard some absolutely awful stories about the service so I'd recommend against them. The ONLY redeeming thing about the place is the view.

A couple of restaurants with nice views are in hotels. Try Sammy's Metropolitan Ballroom atop the Huntington Building (Euclid at Ninth). For the public, they only serve lunch but you can book a banquet room for special occasions -- including an intimate dinner. The space was built to be an airship station (looks like an old train station) but the winds were too strong for safe dockings. See http://www.sammys.com/metropolitan.shtml for more info.

 

Consider also the Century restaurant at the Ritz Carlton Hotel. I like it's railroad motif (named after New York Central RR's luxuriously famous 20th Century Limited that once ran through Cleveland) but the food's pretty good too. See http://www.ritzcarlton.com/hotels/cleveland/dining/default.asp

 

You might also consider Classics, which earned AAA's five-diamond award. Pricey, but I hear it's worth it. See http://cleveland-conferencecenter.intercontinental.com/cleha/dining_01.html

I stopped at Ponte Vecchio two weeks ago.  Things were much nicer outside and they claimed they had new owners.  The old bridge deck outside the place is THE best spot in town IMHO in the summer.

Good question. I don't think so. There used to be a restaurant called Top of the Town that was on the top of the Erieview Building (am I correct??), but it closed down.  There is a place called Pier W that is located in the Gold Coast in Lakewood next to the Winton Place. While it is not on top of a tall building, it does provide great views of the lake and downtown.

 

You are correct, and top of the town was a great place!

Hmm, Trattoria was alright but neither the food nor the atmosphere really wowed me. There are better places in Little Italy but they might be hard to get into.

 

Btw, there is a restaurant in the Stonebridge complex called Ponte Vecchio - I've heard some absolutely awful stories about the service so I'd recommend against them. The ONLY redeeming thing about the place is the view.

 

Ponte Vecchio has a new owner, although unsure if that will change anything!

Well I ended up Trattoria.  By no means the best service in the world, but they do have the best eggplant in Cleveland.  Little Italy has to be hands down the best place to take a date in Cleveland.  It looked like they opened up two wine bars in LI, does anyone know anything about them.  They looked real trendy, Not sure if it fit with the neighborhood to well. 

 

Also, what's up with the Mayfield Civic Center? That place looks sweet; can they not find anything to do with it?  Looks like a sweet place for concerts and stuff, kinda like the Akron Civic Theater.  Way to neat to be left in that condition.

 

^The owner of Dolce Vita also owns the Mayfield.  Simply put, he just doesn't want to do anything with it.  Other groups would love to see something happen there, but this guy is in his own little world.