The Hive Chef Kimberly Gibson Reveals Her Favorite Restaurants, Cocktails and Comfort Foods

Chef Kimberly Gibson’s journey to The Hive spans decades of culinary experience and a lifelong connection to beekeeping. A Chagrin Falls native, she trained at the Culinary Institute of America and worked everywhere from private chef gigs to acclaimed restaurants before opening her own concept in 2026. Inspired by lessons learned tending bees alongside her father as a child, Gibson built The Hive around community, purpose and hospitality, creating a restaurant where food, connection and service are equally important.

Chagrin Classics: Chagrin Falls, in my opinion, is truly magical. It’s romantic, storybook-like, and filled with my favorite spots throughout the village. The Chagrin Falls Popcorn Shop is always No. 1 for me. I walk in and immediately feel nostalgic. I think of being 5 years old, getting a scoop of ice cream before heading to the playground. It’s rooted in time, and it's rooted in community. 

Best Breakfast: My favorite breakfast spot, hands down, is the Sleepy Rooster in South Russell. It has wonderful owners, wonderful people, and wonderful products and techniques. The Craig’s Benedict is one of the best breakfasts I’ve ever had.

Sweet Treats: The Polish cheesecake at DS Cakes & Sweet Cafe in Newbury is one of the best desserts around. It’s rich without being heavy. Simple without being boring. Old-world. The kind of thing someone’s grandmother perfected over decades and proudly placed at the center of the table for the people she loved.

Night Cap: My favorite cocktail spot would be the Village Martini Bar here in Chagrin. They do a wonderful job. I like a really great dirty martini. What you get there is clean vodka, great brine, awesome olives, and the people serving it are even better.

READ MORE: Chagrin Falls Is Cleveland's Best Suburb of 2026

Vibe Check: I love the atmosphere of Lola’s Bistro in Chagrin Falls because it feels transportive and timeless. They understand ambiance, and the transformation is incredible. It complements the energy of the village perfectly.

Recent Bites: The Iberico Pork Milanese from Astoria in Ohio City is one of those dishes that humbles you as a chef. It’s perfectly crisp, tender and rich without being heavy. 

RELATED: The Hive and Honey Hill Bring Buzzing Food and Entertainment to Chagrin Falls

Date Night Delight: There’s something about sitting at the bar at Giovanni’s in Beachwood with my husband. I think it’s the old-school hospitality, the dim lighting, the perfect martinis and the always-amazing veal cannelloni. It feels magical, sitting there with the person I’ve built my life with while Frank Sinatra plays softly in the background.

Take Out Tradition: A food I absolutely love but would never try to cook myself is Korean cuisine. I love Ha Ahn in Cleveland’s AsiaTown. Over time, you can tell those recipes have been perfected through care, technique and tradition. I’d rather have someone who grew up with those flavors tell the story of those dishes while I sit back and enjoy them.

For more updates about Cleveland, sign up for our Cleveland Magazine Daily newsletter, delivered to your inbox six times a week.

Cleveland Magazine is also available in print, featuring immersive stories, helpful guides and beautiful photography and design.