56 West american
16300 Detroit Ave, Lakewood, 216-226-0056. Visiting this relaxing restaurant is just like stopping by a friend's house. Organic food with a sense of humor, every dish boasts creative names such as the grilled "one hot chick" sandwich. H C $$
Amp 150 contemporary
Cleveland Airport Marriott, 4277 W 150th St, Cleveland, 216-252-5333. Located in the renovated Marriott, this restaurant doesn't offer your typical hotel dining experience; it's better. Chef Ellis Cooley is committed to using local products on his inventive menu that emphasizes small plates, farm-to-table cooking and imaginative combinations. H T $$
Bác bistro
2661 W 14th St, Cleveland, 216-938-8960. Owner Bác Nguyen turns his childhood Asian culinary influences on theirs heads with traditional dishes such as banh mi and pork Rangoon, and others that blend several cultures, including guacamole mixed with bacon and grilled pork chops topped with a fried egg. H P $$ [Reviewed 12/10 4 Read online]
Bar Cento italian
1948 W 25th St, Cleveland, 216-274-1010. Bar Cento, from the Italian word for 100, serves a Roman-inspired Italian menu as well as 100 Belgian beers and 100 wines from around the world. Open 365 days till 2 a.m. H P $$
Big Daddy's Cheesesteaks sandwiches
16804 Lorain Ave, Cleveland, 216-251-1000. Putting a Cleveland spin on the Philly classic, owner Jason Noyes adds sauteed onions, pepper and mushrooms to shaved sirloin and American cheese sauce. Order cheese-steaks at the counter, or opt for other comfort-food staples such as pulled pork, corned beef, soup and a rotating chili of the day during the winter. H $
Bistro on Lincoln Park bistro
2391 W 11th St, Cleveland, 216-862-2969. A comfortable 70-seat corner spot in Tremont. The setting perfectly complements the unfussy Mediterranean-inspired, seasonally driven food coming out of chef Pete Joyce's kitchen. $$$
Bruno's Ristorante and Catering italian
2644 W 41st St, Cleveland, 216-961-7087. Authentic Italian cuisine in a 40-seat setting with reasonable prices. Weekend reservations essential. H T P $$
Bucci's Brick Oven italian
13373 Smith Road, Middleburg Heights, 440-888-9800. Signature dishes include chicken pomodoro and brick-oven pizza plus specialty salads, pasta and seafood dishes, such as scrod and salmon. Very casual atmosphere. H $$
Cabin Club american
30651 Detroit Road, Westlake, 440-899-7111. Thick, juicy steaks are the main attraction. Fine dining in an authentic log cabin with a casual yet upscale atmosphere, fresh seafood, daily features and an award-winning wine list. T $$$$
Cafe Tandoor indian
30030 Detroit Road, Westlake, 440-835-7999. Authentic Northern Indian cuisine with tandoori specialties, vegetarian and nonvegetarian curry dishes and freshly baked breads. H T S $$-$$$
Civilization eclectic
2366 W 11th St, Cleveland, 216-621-3838. This specialty-foods cafe serves pastries, cakes and cheesecakes as well as light menu items such as bagel sandwiches and authentic panini. P $
Danny Boy's Italian Eatery italian
20251 Lake Road, Rocky River, 440-333-9595. Thoughtfully presented, one-of-a-kind salads and appetizers with new twists on old favorites. Award-winning specialty pizzas and pasta pies. Family friendly with big portions. H $$
Dante contemporary
2247 Professor Ave, Cleveland, 216-274-1200. Dante Boccuzzi reinvents his namesake restaurant in Tremont, offering the same modern American cuisine in the former Third Federal Bank building. Diners can sit in the vault or reserve the chef's table in the kitchen for an up-close experience. T P $$-$$$ [Reviewed 10/10 4 Read online]
Deagan's Kitchen & Bar gastropub
14810 Detroit Ave, Lakewood, 216-767-5775. Far beyond the realm of pub grub (though you can get that here, too), this casual spot offers house favorites such as prosciutto-stuffed quail, duck macaroni and cheese, and shrimp tacos. Wash it down with vintage cocktails or one of 28 beers on tap. Once TV-filled walls have been replaced by brick and reclaimed wood that give Deagan's a rustic attitude. H $$
Dervish mediterranean/turkish
35840 Chester Road, Avon, 440-937-0733. There's the well-done fare you'd expect, including kebobs, hummus, Turkish doner and baba ghanoush, plus a few twists you may not, such as pide bread baked daily and lamacun (Turkish pizza). The latter makes this new Avon spot stand out. H $$ [Reviewed 2/11 4 Read online]
Dish Deli and Catering deli
1112 Kenilworth Ave, Cleveland, 216-523-7000. Tremont deli specializing in fresh, whole foods bought from local vendors. Restaurant-quality food at an accessible, neighborhood deli. Catering available. P $
Fahrenheit american
2417 Professor Ave, Cleveland, 216-781-8858. Eclectic appetizers, pastas, entrees and specialty pizzas by chef Rocco Whalen in a smart, stylish setting. H T P $$$
Fat Cats american
2061 W 10th St, Cleveland, 216-579-0200. Many of the seasonal ingredients on chef Ricardo Sandoval's menu come from a nearby urban garden. It's fitting for the house-turned-funky-eatery, hailed by Bon Appétit as one of the country's best neighborhood restaurants. Full bar. P $$$
Flying Fig contemporary
2523 Market Ave, Cleveland, 216-241-4243. An upscale, eclectic menu with a contemporary American flair. Locally sourced ingredients. Fresh baked breads and focaccia. H P C S $$$-$$$$
Frankie's Italian Cuisine italian
27828 Center Ridge Road, Westlake, 440-892-0064; 4641 Great Northern Blvd, North Olmsted, 440-734-8646. Serving Italian food for 40 years. All of Frankie's sauces are made from old secret family recipes. Catering, party room, as well as delivery are available. P $$
The Greek Village Grille greek
14019 Madison Ave, Lakewood, 216-228-4976. Pulling inspiration from traditional Greek gyro shops, Greek Village offers authentic gyros and souvlaki, Greek-style fries, stuffed grape leaves and more. H S $$
Harpo's Sports Café american
Brookgate Shopping Center, 5777 Smith Road, Brook Park, 216-267-7777. Full menu, 40-cent wings Tue. Six big screens and 76 TVs. Hours vary with season. H $$
Grumpy's Cafe american
2621 W 14th St, Cleveland, 216-241-5025. Decorated with art by local artists, Grumpy's look is a constantly changing backdrop to a menu of American classics such as burgers and salads and food with a spicy twist such as Mexican lasagna, stir fry and burritos. It's a favorite spot for breakfast, lunch and dinner among locals. Bring your own booze, and enjoy free Wi-Fi, too. H P$$
Herb's Tavern american
19925 Detroit Road, Rocky River, 440-331-9870. An old-style tavern that's been known as Herb's for more than 40 years. Have a beer and a sandwich and kick back with friends. H $$
Indian Delight indian
5507 Detroit Ave, Cleveland, 216-651-4007. This Gordon Square spot offers an authentic mix of Northern Indian dishes with a focus on Hyderabadi cuisine and Southern Indian specialties such as rice crepes with potatoes and onions. H P $$
Joe's Fine Deli & Restaurant deli
19215 Hilliard Blvd, Rocky River, 440-333-7890. Full delicatessen in a family atmosphere with pastas, seafood, gourmet salads, burgers and chophouse fare. H S $$
Johnny Mango World Café & Bar latin american
3120 Bridge Ave, Cleveland, 216-575-1919. World cafe and juice bar in Ohio City serving burritos, quesadillas, stir-fried entrees and vegetarian dishes. The atmosphere is equatorial, the freshly squeezed juice drinks refreshing. H P C $$
Johnny's Bar italian
3164 Fulton Road, Cleveland, 216-281-0055. Mahogany, marble and leopard rugs set the tone in the bar while the dining room serves Northern Italian and continental cuisine. P $$$$
Lago italian
2221 Professor Ave, Cleveland, 216-344-0547. Tremont's first Northern Italian restaurant features homemade dishes made from original recipes and fine ingredients. Vegetarian menu on Mon.H T P C $$$-$$$$
Light Bistro american
2801 Bridge Ave, Cleveland, 216-771-7130. A progressive American menu of small plates, pizzas, burgers, paninis and full entrees from ostrich to salmon. Seasonal dishes are crafted by chef Matthew Mathlage. H T P C $$$-$$$$
Lolita bistro
900 Literary Ave, Cleveland, 216-771-5652. Chef Michael Symon's Mediterranean bistro in Tremont. Featuring house-cured meats, house-made pastas, Neapolitan pizzas and a wood-burning oven. Closed Mon. H P S $$-$$$
Luchita's Mexican Restaurant mexican
3456 W 117th St, Cleveland, 216-252-1169; 1134 N Abbe Road, Elyria 440-365-0094. These popular, family-run restaurants serve authentic Mexican cuisine created with high-quality ingredients. S $$
Luxe Kitchen & Lounge contemporary
6605 Detroit Ave, Cleveland, 216-920-0600. A green-friendly, forward-thinking restaurant with reused and refurbished furniture, a full-service bar, handcrafted cocktails and a menu that features artisinal pizzas. H P C $$-$$$
Maya Mexican Restaurant mexican
368 W Bagley Road, Berea, 440-239-0559. Authentic Mexican fare made with quality meat and fresh vegetables. House-made chips and salsa. H $$
Melt Bar & Grilled american
14718 Detroit Ave, Lakewood, 216-226-3699. Cozy bar featuring 30 variations of gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, salads and homemade soups. More than 130 domestic and imported beers, top-shelf liquor and a small but smart wine list. H P C S $$
Momocho mexican
1835 Fulton Road, Cleveland, 216-694-2122. Innovative, modern Mexican cuisine. Specialties include six varieties of guacamole, house-made chorizo sausage fundido, grilled adobo lamb chops and six fruit-spiked margaritas. P S $$-$$$
Moosehead Saloon american
694 Dover Center Road, Westlake, 440-871-7742. Quality American cuisine in a cozy Northern Exposure setting. Menu features ribs, seafood, burgers, salads and specialty sandwiches as well as domestic, imported and microbrewed beers. P $$
Nate's Deli middle eastern
1923 W 25 St, Cleveland, 216-696-7529. This small Middle Eastern restaurant near the West Side Market features baba ghanoush, falafel and hummus. H S $
Ohio City Burrito mexican
1844 W 25th St, Cleveland, 216-664-0908. A casual dine-in and carryout spot with counter service, serving chicken, beef and pulled pork carnitas as well as its own signature mild and sweet salsa. $
The Old Angle Tavern american
1848 W 25th St, Cleveland, 216-861-5643. A full-service tavern serving pub fare. Extensive Irish whiskey menu. Dining until 11 p.m. $$
Parallax Restaurant & Lounge seafood
2179 W 11th St, Cleveland, 216-583-9999. Fresh seafood and innovative preparations, full sushi bar. Grilled steak, chops and chicken also available. Full bar and extensive wine list. H T P C$$$
Pier W seafood
Winton Place, 12700 Lake Ave, Lakewood, 216-228-2250. Overlooking Lake Erie, this restaurant serves up seafood along with a spectacular view. The menu features a variety of daily seafood catches. H C S $$$-$$$$
Players on Madison american/italian
14523 Madison Ave, Lakewood, 216-226-5200. Exposed brick walls and vibrant colors give Players a romantic, fine dining feel with an air of fun. The menu follows suit with nightly specials including fish and pasta. Build your own pizza from 50 pizza and pasta toppings and sauces. Extensive wine list. Open nightly for dinner. H P C $$$
Roseangel mexican/latin american
5800 Detroit Ave, Cleveland, 216-961-5800. At this modern taqueria, chef Marlin Kaplan offers diners good but inexpensive food in a fun atmosphere. The menu includes salsa appetizers, taco platters meant to share and dessert. The cocktail list includes 10 margaritas handcrafted with fresh juice. H P C $$ [Reviewed 2/11 4 Read online]
Salmon Dave's Pacific Grille seafood
19015 Old Lake Road, Rocky River, 440-331-2739. Fashioned after a turn-of-the-century gold rush saloon, featuring huge crab legs and fresh seafood with traditional and seasonal specialties. Award-winning wine list. H S $$$
Santo's Italian Restaurant italian
7565 Pearl Road, Middleburg Heights, 440-234-6480. Family owned and operated for 39 years, serving homemade pasta and sauces. Veal, chicken, fish and veggie specialties. Full bar. $$-$$$
Souper Market soup house
2528 Lorain Ave, Cleveland, 216-737-7687; 14809 Detroit Ave, Lakewood, 216-712-7292. Carryout joint with a counter for dining in. Ten soups and several salads daily plus chilled soups in spring and summer. H S $
Stino da Napoli italian
19070 Old Detroit Road, Rocky River, 440-331-3944. This 100-seat eatery packs 'em in for the authentic Italian food from the Naples region, served in a casual atmosphere. Weekend reservations essential. No credit cards. H T $$$
Tartine Bistro french
19110 Old Detroit Road, Rocky River, 440-331-0800. French-inspired bistro with a full bar in an Old World atmosphere. Sophisticated wine list and affordable tapas on a seasonal menu. H PC $$
Treehugger's Café american/vegetarian
1330 W Bagley Road, Berea, 440-973-4277. Nearly every item on this casual eatery's menu is organic and seasonal. Choose from wraps, burgers, rice bowls and salads, including vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. H P $$
Ty Fun thai
815 Jefferson Ave, Cleveland, 216-664-1000. Upscale, contemporary Thai bistro serving a wide array of authentic Thai cuisine with extensive vegetarian and cocktail selections. Informal, intimate, fun setting. H T S $$
West Side Market Café american
1979 W 25th St (in West Side Market, Lorain Avenue entrance), Cleveland, 216-579-6800. Market-fresh comfort foods in a casual, eclectic atmosphere. H $$
Wild Mango Restaurant & Bar contemporary
362 Great Northern Mall, North Olmsted, 440-979-1888. Beautiful surroundings are matched with chef-owner Jia Wei's beautiful presentations of contemporary, multicultural cuisine with an Asian flair. H T S $$$-$$$$
Wood & Wine wine bar/pizza
38790 Chester Road, Avon, 440-934-9463. Chefs take advantage of a wood-burning oven to create more than just Neapolitan and American-style pizza. This casual wine bar also roasts a variety of its ingredients, such as chicken wings and artichokes, in the oven for a smoky flavor that permeates dishes from pastas to salads. H $$
XYZ Tavern gastropub
6419 Detroit Ave, Cleveland, 216-706-1104. The latest addition to Gordon Square features a rotating list of tavern fare and comfort-style entrees alongside staple salads, share plates and sandwiches. H $$ | 
