Where Doc’s on Harvard Chef Kolnita Riggins-Walker Eats, Drinks and Unwinds in Cleveland

Chef Kolnita Riggins-Walker’s culinary roots run four generations deep. After getting her start in Cleveland kitchens, including Giovanni’s Ristorante, Classics at Cleveland Clinic and The Ritz-Carlton, she launched Classic Cuisine Catering more than 28 years ago. During the pandemic, a visit to her father-in-law’s former dental practice sparked the vision for Doc’s On Harvard, an upscale restaurant celebrating food, community and Lee-Harvard’s history. 

READ MORE: Could One Fine-Dining Restaurant Help Create a Renaissance in Lee-Harvard?

Savvy Shaker Square: One of my absolute favorite places is Shaker Square. I grew up in the area and live close enough to walk there. Sasa has the best sushi, and the fries are top tier. If you go to Sasa and skip the fries, you are sorely missing out. Their cocktails are on point, and they have wonderful nigiri. Additionally, Big Al's Diner is my go-to breakfast spot. Cleveland Breakfast Club by restaurateur Akin Affrica is another favorite. I love their skillets with fluffy eggs, roasted sweet and russet potatoes, and their delicious salmon croquettes.

Coffee vs. Cocktail: My favorite place to go for coffee is Luna Bakery on Fairmount Boulevard in Cleveland Heights. I like to get their house coffee, and I love their croissants, especially the ham and cheese and also the almond. Quintana’s Speakeasy is my go-to cocktail spot. It’s such a unique experience, this wonderful little boutique-like place above a salon that you almost have to ease your way into, like a secret society. The cocktails are amazing, and the vibe is great for sitting back, relaxing and having some great conversation and food.

Tapped Out: Last year, I was part of Karamu House’s senior tap dancing class at the historic Black theater in Cleveland’s Fairfax neighborhood. Shout out to all my ladies there. Most recently, I saw the Syncopated Ladies, featuring sisters Chloe and Maud Arnold, at Tri-C’s Eastern Campus, and it was amazing. I’m also a triathlete, so I love swimming, biking and running, along with hiking Cleveland’s nature trails. I’m especially looking forward to the expansion of our lakefront.

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