Chatty’s Pizzeria Restaurateur Matt Harlan Shares His Cleveland Dining Favorites: Word of Mouth
After decades in Cleveland’s restaurant industry, Matt Harlan reveals the breakfast joints, neighborhood restaurants and market staples he swears by.
by Christina Rufo | Jun. 25, 2026 | 5:00 AM
Courtesy Matt Harlan
Restaurateur Matt Harlan recently marked five years of Chatty’s Pizzeria, a milestone shaped by a long career in the industry. A Lakewood native who has called Bay Village home for more than a decade, Harlan spent 23 years working across the city with Michael Symon’s restaurant group before striking out on his own, building a neighborhood spot rooted in both experience and community.
Bay Village Bites: For a quick dinner, we like Quinn’s Kitchen and Bar. They do a nice job with their pasta, especially the white sauce, and the smashburger. In the mornings, it’s an Americano from Village Rose Deli. Thyme Table is great for wine and dessert, and Bay Diner is my go-to for breakfast. If I’m heading to my other restaurant, I’ll grab an egg sandwich to eat in the car. If I’m sitting down, I keep it simple with three eggs, toast and meat.
Rise and Shine: Gina’s Place in Fairview Park is a great little breakfast spot, small and cozy with a ’50s diner vibe. I’ve always liked Lucky’s Cafe in Tremont, especially the biscuits and gravy. Dinerbar on Clifton in Lakewood keeps things consistent and keeps us coming back.
READ MORE: Chef Heather Haviland’s Favorite Cleveland Cafes, Comforts and Local Finds
Ample Ambiance: Pier W in Lakewood is great for scenic views. I like heading Downtown a bit, being in the crowd. At Fahrenheit, chef Rocco Whalen has this amazing seafood tower, and the truffle fries are plated with freshly shaved black truffles over the top. They just do a really nice job there. We like Etna in Little Italy too. It’s dark, quiet, and the food is awesome.
RELATED: 36 Cleveland Pizza Shops We Love
Market Finds: I’ve been partnering with local butchers around Grafton, including Keller Meats in Litchfield. I appreciate being able to pick up products from Ohio City Pasta and Flour at the West Side Market, along with goods from the Pierogi Palace there, as well. I like simple fillings, potatoes and cheese.
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Christina Rufo
Christina is a passionate reporter on Cleveland's culture and dining scene, compiling Cleveland Magazine's monthly dining guide. A graduate of West Virginia University's journalism school and the New York University Publishing Institute, her work celebrates the people, plates and parties that make Northeast Ohio shine.
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