The best restaurants in Cleveland

37 restaurants we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Restaurants · 37 places · showing the latest additions first

Old Fort

Restaurants

Old Fort has been Cleveland’s oldest family-owned spot since 1990, serving hearty breakfasts, satisfying lunches, and homestyle dinners…

1422 25th St NW

Old Fort has been Cleveland’s oldest family-owned spot since 1990, serving hearty breakfasts, satisfying lunches, and homestyle dinners that taste like home. Expect biscuits and gravy, country ham, fluffy pancakes, stacked sandwiches and grilled plates, plus catering when you don’t feel like cooking for the whole crew.

From the Cleveland newsletter, September 4, 2026

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Craving reliable comfort with zero fuss? 2 Brothers Italian Cuisine has specialty pizzas from BBQ Chicken to Meat Lovers, build-your-own…

4857 US-411 (Benton) · ✓ checked Aug 19

Craving reliable comfort with zero fuss? 2 Brothers Italian Cuisine has specialty pizzas from BBQ Chicken to Meat Lovers, build-your-own calzones and strombolis, wings and Greek salads, then classic sweets like cannoli and tiramisu. Easy, tasty, and exactly what your Tuesday deserves.

From the Cleveland newsletter, September 18, 2026

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Craving a break from the usual? Mestizo Cocina + Cantina brings Cleveland bold Latin flavors with Salvadoran pupusas, birria tacos, legit…

2595 Georgetown Rd NW · ✓ checked Aug 4

Craving a break from the usual? Mestizo Cocina + Cantina brings Cleveland bold Latin flavors with Salvadoran pupusas, birria tacos, legit fajitas, and a cantina stacked with curated tequila and mezcal cocktails, perfect for a midweek hang or celebrating that small win you forgot to mention.

From the Cleveland newsletter, September 7, 2026

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Fast-casual BBQ restaurant for ribs, hand-chopped pork, chicken & classic Southern sides, founded in Georgia in 2002.

4484 Frontage Rd NW

Fast-casual BBQ restaurant for ribs, hand-chopped pork, chicken & classic Southern sides, founded in Georgia in 2002.

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Cleveland Gondolier is that long-standing spot you keep meaning to add back into rotation, with classic pizzas, hearty pastas, and solid…

3300 Keith St NW

Cleveland Gondolier is that long-standing spot you keep meaning to add back into rotation, with classic pizzas, hearty pastas, and solid sandwiches that just hit right. When you need comfort without overthinking it, this is the answer your carb-loving brain was searching for.

From the Cleveland newsletter, August 30, 2026

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Super Pho and Grill is all about comforting Vietnamese classics: steaming bowls of phở loaded the way you like it (tái, gà, or the works),…

7003 Lee Hwy #1731 (Chattanooga)

Super Pho and Grill is all about comforting Vietnamese classics: steaming bowls of phở loaded the way you like it (tái, gà, or the works), fresh shrimp and pork spring rolls, plus vermicelli and rice plates to keep things light. Cap it with a fruit smoothie and call it a weeknight win.

From the Cleveland newsletter, September 11, 2026

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Golden Yolk

Restaurants

Lean into Golden Yolk this week for Epic French Toast, Signature Thin and Crispy Pancakes with house-made syrups, and savory Gym Bro…

217 Ocoee Crossing NW

Lean into Golden Yolk this week for Epic French Toast, Signature Thin and Crispy Pancakes with house-made syrups, and savory Gym Bro Skillets that hit the spot. Fresh, local ingredients, Southern Style Benedicts, and Deep Fried Deviled Eggs... basically the brunch lineup your week deserves.

From the Cleveland newsletter, August 21, 2026

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Cook Out

Restaurants

Branch of a fast-food chain known for its drive-thru BBQ, burgers & more than 40 milkshake flavors.

822 25th St NW

Branch of a fast-food chain known for its drive-thru BBQ, burgers & more than 40 milkshake flavors.

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Choo Choo BBQ Smokehouse is family-owned home-style barbecue turning out tender, flavorful meats, plus pulled pork sandwiches, BBQ nachos,…

9070 TN-58 (Harrison)

Choo Choo BBQ Smokehouse is family-owned home-style barbecue turning out tender, flavorful meats, plus pulled pork sandwiches, BBQ nachos, and a smokehouse burger locals swear by. They’ll even cater or host your next shindig, so you can focus on eating while they handle the heavy lifting.

From the Cleveland newsletter, September 17, 2026

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When your week needs a little TLC, Big Tom’s Backyard Grill & Bar shows up right here in Cleveland with fresh, homemade BBQ and pizzas,…

88 Mouse Creek Rd NW

When your week needs a little TLC, Big Tom’s Backyard Grill & Bar shows up right here in Cleveland with fresh, homemade BBQ and pizzas, sweet tea that tastes like summer, and occasional live music. Gather your crew, laugh too loudly, and call it the best backyard you didn’t have to clean.

From the Cleveland newsletter, August 27, 2026

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Champy's World Famous Fried Chicken fries every tender, wing, thigh and leg to order, so it hits the table crispy and steaming. Back it up…

191 Ocoee Crossing NW

Champy's World Famous Fried Chicken fries every tender, wing, thigh and leg to order, so it hits the table crispy and steaming. Back it up with scratch-made sides and desserts, then a cold forty from their Fortys & Fowl lineup... perfect for an easy Cleveland weeknight.

From the Cleveland newsletter, August 29, 2026

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Spoonys

Restaurants

Family-run and refreshingly no-frills, Spoonys turns out hearty seafood plates, solid Southern classics, and the kind of Philly…

680 Inman St E · ✓ checked Aug 28

Family-run and refreshingly no-frills, Spoonys turns out hearty seafood plates, solid Southern classics, and the kind of Philly cheesesteaks and burgers that hit when you just need real food. It’s the spot you slip into on a weeknight and end up recommending to neighbors.

From the Cleveland newsletter, September 6, 2026

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Stadium-Burgers, BBQ and Wings is your go-to for smoky pulled pork, saucy wings, and big, juicy burgers, plus sleeper-hit desserts like…

773 Keith St NW

Stadium-Burgers, BBQ and Wings is your go-to for smoky pulled pork, saucy wings, and big, juicy burgers, plus sleeper-hit desserts like fried pies and cheesecake egg rolls. Got a backyard get-together this week? They cater and even help plan it, you just show up hungry.

From the Cleveland newsletter, August 24, 2026

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Wingstop

Restaurants

Casual counter-serve chain serving a variety of chicken wings & sides.

4345 Keith St NW

Casual counter-serve chain serving a variety of chicken wings & sides.

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Slice Heaven

Restaurants

Slice Heaven is the low-key hero for when your usual pepperoni gets boring, with fusion pies like Butter Chicken Masala and Paneer Tikka…

165 Stuart Rd NE #B3 · ✓ checked Aug 19

Slice Heaven is the low-key hero for when your usual pepperoni gets boring, with fusion pies like Butter Chicken Masala and Paneer Tikka Lovers alongside classics. Add a Garlic Moon Pie or some wings, then pretend the Sky High Chicken Caesar Salad counts as balance.

From the Cleveland newsletter, August 27, 2026

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Cafe Roma

Restaurants

Whether you’re celebrating or just craving a mellow night out, Cafe Roma nails time-honored Italian flavors with thoughtful modern touches,…

220 N Ocoee St

Whether you’re celebrating or just craving a mellow night out, Cafe Roma nails time-honored Italian flavors with thoughtful modern touches, a solid wine list, and the unhurried vibe of a Cleveland favorite. Need to feed a crowd, their catering brings that same hospitality to you.

From the Cleveland newsletter, August 31, 2026

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Tallow House

Restaurants

Seed-oil-free cooking, sourdough buns baked daily, and hand-cut tallow fries that actually taste like potatoes. Tallow House keeps it…

4602 N Lee Hwy · ✓ checked Aug 27

Seed-oil-free cooking, sourdough buns baked daily, and hand-cut tallow fries that actually taste like potatoes. Tallow House keeps it simple with pure smash burgers and organic drinks, which makes it a solid go-to when you want a cleaner burger without sacrificing that crispy-edge, juicy-center thing.

From the Cleveland newsletter, September 5, 2026

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When you want pancakes and biscuits made from scratch without the pretense, Little Diner on 1st brings the kind of homestyle breakfast that…

490 1st St NW · ✓ checked Aug 27

When you want pancakes and biscuits made from scratch without the pretense, Little Diner on 1st brings the kind of homestyle breakfast that feels like a Sunday. Burgers and omelets keep lunch simple too, which is exactly what a busy Cleveland week can use.

From the Cleveland newsletter, September 4, 2026

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Steak 'n Shake

Restaurants

Chain known for steakburgers & milkshakes offering a dinerlike space with retro flair.

220 Paul Huff Pkwy NW

Chain known for steakburgers & milkshakes offering a dinerlike space with retro flair.

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Inman Social

Restaurants

Locals are quietly flexing by booking Inman Social, where a seasonal, scratch-made menu spins Italian classics into shareable wins,…

201 Keith St SW Ste 79

Locals are quietly flexing by booking Inman Social, where a seasonal, scratch-made menu spins Italian classics into shareable wins, brick-oven Neapolitan pizzas hit just right, and even fresh oysters show up. Bonus bragging rights, Executive Chef Wesley True is a two-time James Beard semifinalist and Top Chef alum.

From the Cleveland newsletter, August 31, 2026

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City Cafe Diner

Restaurants

For a midweek pick-me-up, City Cafe Diner brings 20-plus years of scratch-made goodness and 300-plus options, from fluffy pancakes and…

7641 Lee Hwy (Chattanooga)

For a midweek pick-me-up, City Cafe Diner brings 20-plus years of scratch-made goodness and 300-plus options, from fluffy pancakes and hearty omelets to legit deli sandwiches, ribeye or salmon, then a house-made cannoli or skyscraper slice of cheesecake to finish.

From the Cleveland newsletter, September 16, 2026

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When you want no-fuss comfort that hits the spot, Rafael's Italian Restaurant delivers with crowd-pleasing pizza, hearty hoagies, and pasta…

2324 Treasury Dr SE

When you want no-fuss comfort that hits the spot, Rafael's Italian Restaurant delivers with crowd-pleasing pizza, hearty hoagies, and pasta classics, plus a Greek salad with grilled chicken that's big enough to share. Low-key, friendly, and easy on the wallet... perfect for weeknights in Cleveland.

From the Cleveland newsletter, September 1, 2026

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Station House Wine Room in Cohutta makes exploring wine easy with the largest selection by the glass in the tri-county area and daily…

5115 Red Clay Rd (Cohutta)

Station House Wine Room in Cohutta makes exploring wine easy with the largest selection by the glass in the tri-county area and daily flights, from Beginner to Red, White, and Sweets. Pair your picks with charcuterie, pastas, and shareable bites, or lean into wine-based cocktails, beer, and even non-alcoholic options.

From the Cleveland newsletter, September 12, 2026

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Supreme Tea & Banh Mi is slinging legit Vietnamese comfort, from banh mi, including a vegan tofu version, and fresh spring rolls to…

2020 Gunbarrel Rd Ste 166 (Chattanooga) · ✓ checked Aug 20

Supreme Tea & Banh Mi is slinging legit Vietnamese comfort, from banh mi, including a vegan tofu version, and fresh spring rolls to steaming pho and grilled pork noodles. Wash it down with fruit teas, creamy milk teas, or Vietnamese coffee... perfect for a midweek pick-me-up.

From the Cleveland newsletter, September 18, 2026

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Quik Burger

Restaurants

When the burger mood hits, Quik Burger delivers that old-school griddle magic with regular, big, and double patties, hot dogs with slaw or…

2197 S Lee Hwy

When the burger mood hits, Quik Burger delivers that old-school griddle magic with regular, big, and double patties, hot dogs with slaw or chili, crispy tots, and hand-dipped shakes that taste like summer break. Simple, satisfying, and exactly what a Tuesday in Cleveland needs.

From the Cleveland newsletter, September 20, 2026

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Fazoli's

Restaurants

Fast-food chain doling out baked pastas, subs, pizza & other casual Italian fare plus custom combos.

4550 N Lee Hwy

Fast-food chain doling out baked pastas, subs, pizza & other casual Italian fare plus custom combos.

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Buddy's Bar-B-Q

Restaurants

When you need no-nonsense barbecue that hits the spot this week, Buddy's Bar-B-Q delivers slow-cooked meats straight from an on-site pit…

678 Paul Huff Pkwy NW

When you need no-nonsense barbecue that hits the spot this week, Buddy's Bar-B-Q delivers slow-cooked meats straight from an on-site pit with Hushpuppies at the table, plus Hawg Back Fries and hand-spun shakes for the win. An East Tennessee staple since 1972.

From the Cleveland newsletter, September 21, 2026

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City Cafe Diner

Restaurants

This week, when you need a menu that reads like a greatest hits album, City Cafe Diner delivers over 300 made-from-scratch picks from…

919 25th St NW

This week, when you need a menu that reads like a greatest hits album, City Cafe Diner delivers over 300 made-from-scratch picks from fluffy pancake breakfasts to ribeye and salmon dinners, plus absurdly good house-made cakes, cannoli, and cheesecake worth saving room for.

From the Cleveland newsletter, August 22, 2026

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HWY 58 BBQ

Restaurants

Treat yourself this week at Highway 58 BBQ, where slow smoked beef and pork, fall off the bone ribs, wings, and classic Southern sides are…

4921 TN-58 (Chattanooga)

Treat yourself this week at Highway 58 BBQ, where slow smoked beef and pork, fall off the bone ribs, wings, and classic Southern sides are seasoned with house rub and kissed by real hickory. Easy choice for a weeknight plate or calling in catering for that backyard get together. Check it out.

From the Cleveland newsletter, September 16, 2026

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Fast-food chain serving standard American eats such as burgers, fries & milkshakes.

332 25th St NE

Fast-food chain serving standard American eats such as burgers, fries & milkshakes.

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Catrina's Bar & Grill brings a modern, casual vibe with tacos, fajitas, enchiladas, burritos, and plenty beyond, from seafood to steak and…

51 Tasso Ln NE

Catrina's Bar & Grill brings a modern, casual vibe with tacos, fajitas, enchiladas, burritos, and plenty beyond, from seafood to steak and vegetarian options. There's a lively bar, easy online ordering, and catering for when the whole crew is hungry.

From the Cleveland newsletter, September 1, 2026

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Five Guys

Restaurants

Fast-food chain with made-to-order burgers, fries & hot dogs, plus free peanuts while you wait.

124 Stuart Rd NE

Fast-food chain with made-to-order burgers, fries & hot dogs, plus free peanuts while you wait.

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Seafood and Cajun-inspired options such as raw oysters and boiled seafood combos, plus cocktails and wine.

138 Paul Huff Pkwy NW

Seafood and Cajun-inspired options such as raw oysters and boiled seafood combos, plus cocktails and wine.

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Skip the usual and make room for Wako Japanese Restaurant this week. Crisp tempura, comforting noodles, and sushi rolls that hit just right…

2340 Shallowford Village Dr (Chattanooga)

Skip the usual and make room for Wako Japanese Restaurant this week. Crisp tempura, comforting noodles, and sushi rolls that hit just right bring authentic Japanese flavors, made for easy takeout or delivery, perfect for a low-key night when you want serious flavor without the fuss.

From the Cleveland newsletter, September 15, 2026

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Pier 17 seafood

Restaurants

Pier 17 Seafood is slinging fresh oysters, chilled raw bar picks, buttery crab legs, and legit lobster rolls, plus crispy fish & chips and…

161 Stuart Rd NE

Pier 17 Seafood is slinging fresh oysters, chilled raw bar picks, buttery crab legs, and legit lobster rolls, plus crispy fish & chips and shrimp baskets that hit the spot. When you want big flavor without a beach drive, their chef-driven specials keep dinner interesting.

From the Cleveland newsletter, September 10, 2026

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Chain dishing up wings, tenders & burgers, plus sauces ranging from sweet to very spicy.

625 Paul Huff Pkwy NW

Chain dishing up wings, tenders & burgers, plus sauces ranging from sweet to very spicy.

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When those comfort food cravings hit, Farmhouse Cleveland delivers home cooking that tastes like your grandma actually did the seasoning,…

2260 Harrison Pike

When those comfort food cravings hit, Farmhouse Cleveland delivers home cooking that tastes like your grandma actually did the seasoning, from chicken and dumplings and white beans with cornbread to fried catfish and coconut cream pie.

From the Cleveland newsletter, August 30, 2026

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