Joe Crea, cleveland.com
20 restaurants to check out in Cleveland's Little Italy
It's a little slice of cultural heaven just east of University Circle, spreading out in a blast of shops, restaurants and other fun around Mayfield and Murray Hill roads. Here are 20 restaurants worthy of checking out if you're in the neighborhood.
Joe Crea, cleveland.com
Algebra Tea House
Algebra Tea House — 2136 Murray Hill Road, Cleveland; 216-421-9007. As much an art gallery as destination for hot brews, with a wonderful collection of teas. Lots of light food items, too. Breakfast and brunch on Saturday and Sunday morning. (Photo: Plain Dealer File)
Joe Crea, cleveland.com
Angelo's Nido Italia
Angelo's Nido Italia — 12020 Mayfield Road, Cleveland; 216-421-0221. Outstanding takes on Italian cuisine nestled into a welcoming and charming dining space that doubles as a garden party. Fresh seafood, chicken, a full-service bar and wine list with Old- and New World wines make this a favorite stop for locals.
Joe Crea, cleveland.com
Club Isabella
Club Isabella — 2175 Cornell Road, Cleveland; 216-229-1111. Italian, French and modern American influences show up on the menu. (Photo: Plain Dealer)
Joe Crea, cleveland.com
Corbo's Bakery and Cafe
Corbo's Bakery & Cafe; — 12210 Mayfield Road, Cleveland; 216-421-8181. For its many fans, Corbo's is the landmark Italian bakery in town. Though its rich, strawberry-laced cassata cakes are its claim to fame, a wide selection of pastries, cookies and breads keep customers coming.
Joe Crea, cleveland.com
Etna Little Italy
Etna Little Italy — 11919 Mayfield Road, Cleveland; 216-791-7670. Contemporary meets Old World here, replete with sidewalk seating, authentic home-cooked Italian fare and an outstanding wine list. In this gourmand era, you might be tempted to judge a book by its cover here. One word: don't. Dining at Etna is a joy; their Scallopina Al Limone is nothing short of a transformative experience. (Photo: The Plain Dealer)
Joe Crea, cleveland.com
Fuel Coffee Bar
Fuel Coffee Bar — 12209 Mayfield Rd., Cleveland; 216-791-3835. Fuel is nestled in Little Italy, and they're brewing "all-organic, award-winning coffees" of all varieties. The place has a hip, shabby-chic vibe to it—one that makes lingering over from-scratch baked goods a strong consideration. Great coffee, but here's the thing: if you fly in for your quick cup, you might not want to leave.
Joe Crea, cleveland.com
Guarino's
Guarino's — 12309 Mayfield Road, Cleveland; 216-231-3100. This old-school spaghetti house is usually crowded (especially on weekends) and covers most traditional bases, from Italian wedding soup to pastas in various sauces, and piccatas, parmigianas and marsalas.
Joe Crea, cleveland.com
La Dolce Vita
La Dolce Vita — 12112 Mayfield Road, Cleveland; 216-721-8155. Another Little Italy institution, Terry Tarantino's bistro celebrates "The Sweet Life" with plenty of Old World charm (Italian/Mediterranean) and an amazing wine list that is 200-plus bottles long. A welcoming environment awash in tin ceiling and white tablecloths. (Photo: The Plain Dealer)
Joe Crea, cleveland.com
La Pizzeria — 2188 Murray Hill Road, Cleveland; 216-229-9050. Pizzas, calzones, lots of salads, a few specials and the usual take-out items like baked wings and appetizers. Gelatos (usually, around a dozen varieties) are available. Open late on weekends. Limited seating.
Joe Crea, cleveland.com
Mama Santa's
Mama Santa's — 12305 Mayfield Road, Cleveland; 216-421-2159. Without a doubt, one of the most popular spots in Cleveland's Little Italy, Mama's is known for its pizza and house-made noodles. The fare is mostly old school family style (meatballs, parmagianas, cacciatore, pizzaioli) with a few hard-to-find dishes such as trippa (stewed tripe in tomato sauce).
Joe Crea, cleveland.com
Maxi's In Little Italy
Maxi's In Little Italy — 12113 Mayfield Road, Cleveland; 216-421-1500. Joyful pizza and wine stop, but oh-so-much more, Maxi's marries casual and formal with their delicious Italian fare and sociable vibes. Any place that has bookend Happy Hours is a favorite, and with a menu like Maxi's, the deals are scrumptious. You can enjoy it all on quaint patio space.
Joe Crea, cleveland.com
Mia Bella
Mia Bella — 12200 Mayfield Road, Cleveland; 216-795-2355. Recipes from other Mediterranean regions mingle among an otherwise solid Italian menu here. Kitchen makes special effort for gluten-free and other dietary needs. (Photo: The Plain Dealer)
Joe Crea, cleveland.com
Michaelangelo's
Michaelangelo's — 2198 Murray Hill Road, Cleveland; 216-721-0300. Like so many locations in Little Italy, this romantic spot marries history with Chef Michael Annandono's inspired food in a converted carriage house -- all fortified with a fireplace and a hearty wine bar. We named them one of Cleveland's 15 coziest restaurants for a reason. Upscale-casual without any pretense, this spot is a perennial C-town favorite for a reason.
Joe Crea, cleveland.com
Murray Hill Market
Murray Hill Market — 2072 Murray Hill Road, Cleveland; 216-791-1900. Sandwiches, soups and salads, including big hot or cold subs, are at the center of this corner grocery's menu. You'll also find a decently curated selection of fresh produce, baked goods, frozen items, soft drinks and other beverages to take home or enjoy at one of the small tables in the snug shop. (Photo: The Plain Dealer)
Joe Crea, cleveland.com
Presti's Bakery and Cafe
Presti's Bakery & Cafe — 12101 Mayfield Road, Cleveland; 216-421-3060. Although a later generation opened this spot in 1999, Presti's Bakery has had a presence in Cleveland since 1903. Fresh breads, donuts, cookies and pastries all centerpiece here, but coffee and deli sandwiches, salads and other savories draw a steady stream of customers. (Photo: The Plain Dealer)
Joe Crea, cleveland.com
Rising Star
Rising Star — 2187 Murray Hill Road, Cleveland; 216-860-4897. Serious coffee-love here. Custom roasted direct-trade and organic beans are specialties, and cups are individually ground and brewed to order. For aficianados, a trip to Rising Star is as much pilgrimage as eye-opener. (The original location is in Cleveland's Ohio City/Hingetown neighborhood)
Joe Crea, cleveland.com
Trattoria On the Hill
Trattoria On the Hill — 12207 Mayfield Road, Cleveland; 216-421-2700. This Little Italy must-do has a laid-back atmosphere, lovely enclosed patio in the summer, and a diverse menu that features an extensive array of pastas. It's also a great stop for a casual wine-and-pizza, cocktails, steaks, ribs and other great house specialties. So much to love, and pretty affordable for wallet watchers to boot. (Photo: The Plain Dealer)
Joe Crea, cleveland.com
Valentino's Pizza
Valentino's Pizza — 2197 Murray Hill Road, Cleveland; 216-795-0463. Stuffed sandwiches, mainstream Italian dinner entrees join a solid selection of pizzas among the most popular take-out items at Valentino's. (Photo: The Plain Dealer)
Joe Crea, cleveland.com
Valerio's Ristorante
Valerio's Ristorante — 12405 Mayfield Road, Cleveland; 216-421-8049. Daily specials, many of them delicious, join a solid stable of Italian standards on chef Valerio Iorio's menu. (Photo: The Plain Dealer)
Joe Crea, cleveland.com
Washington Place Bistro & Inn
Washington Place Bistro & Inn — 2203 Cornell Road, Cleveland; 216-791-6500. The menu has something for everyone: Classic American fare, steaks, chops, seafood, local produce and more. There is a robust Happy Hour with great cocktails, as well as a handsome brunch and seven-day service of lunch and dinner. The dining rooms are great, but the courtyard is "all that" for al fresco dining fans. (Photo: The Plain Dealer)
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