Foodie & travler's choice in Cleveland Heights, Ohio
Of course! Grab a napkin, food lovers, because your taste buds are about to embark on a grand tour of one of Northeast Ohio's most deliciously diverse dining destinations: Cleveland Heights. This city isn't just a collection of streets east of Cleveland; it's a vibrant tapestry of flavors, where a century of history simmers in the pot alongside cutting-edge culinary innovation. We're going to journey from legendary deli counters to smoky barbecue pits, from cozy, haunted pubs to sun-drenched Mediterranean cafes.
So, loosen your belt a notch and join me, your local guide, as we explore ten essential eateries that define the delicious character of Cleveland Heights.
***
### **1. Irv's Sandwich Shop: The Soul of Taylor Road**
**Location:** 2164 S Taylor Rd, Cleveland Heights, OH 44118
Step through the door of Irv's Sandwich Shop and you're not just entering a deli; you're stepping into a piece of Cleveland Heights' heart. The air is thick with the scent of roasting turkey, sizzling pastrami, and the warm, yeasty perfume of fresh-baked rye bread. The vibe is pure, unadulterated deli counter—bustling, no-frills, and radiating a genuine warmth that only comes from decades of serving a loyal community. The walls, adorned with local memorabilia, tell a story of generations of families stopping in for their weekly fix.
**The Must-Order Experience:**
You don't come to Irv's for a dainty tea sandwich. You come for a monument to deli craftsmanship, a sandwich so towering and perfectly constructed it requires two hands and a strategic approach.
* **The Reuben:** This is the king of the menu for a reason. Imagine layers of impossibly lean, house-brined corned beef or robust pastrami, piled high on grilled marble rye. It's topped with the perfect amount of tangy sauerkraut, Swiss cheese that melts into every nook and cranny, and a slathering of Irv's own Thousand Island dressing. Each bite is a symphony of salty, tangy, creamy, and crunchy textures. It’s a masterpiece.
* **The Turkey Rachel:** A delightful twist on the classic, featuring succulent, hand-carved turkey breast. It’s a slightly lighter but equally satisfying option.
* **Don't Skip:** A giant, housemade pickle spear on the side and a cold, crisp Dr. Brown's Cel-Ray soda or black cherry soda to cut through the richness. It’s the only way to do it.
### **2. The Haunted House Restaurant: Eerie Eats & Spirits**
**Location:** 13463 Cedar Rd, Cleveland Heights, OH 44118
Now, let's shift gears entirely. Tucked away on Cedar Road, The Haunted House Restaurant is exactly what it sounds like—a dining experience wrapped in mystery and local lore. The building itself, a charming Tudor-style structure, feels like it’s straight out of a Gothic novel. The interior is dimly lit, with dark wood, cozy booths, and a palpable sense of history that may or may not include a spectral resident or two. It's less about jump-scares and more about a wonderfully atmospheric, cozy, and slightly spooky vibe, perfect for a date night or a conversation over a pint with friends.
**The Must-Order Experience:**
The menu is classic, hearty American pub fare with a few surprises, designed to comfort and fortify you.
* **The Haunted House Burger:** You have to try the signature burger. It's a hefty, juicy patty cooked to order, often topped with melted cheddar, bacon, and their signature haunted sauce. Served on a toasted brioche bun with a mountain of crispy fries, it’s a solid, satisfying choice.
* **Bangers and Mash:** For something a little different, this British pub classic is done exceptionally well here. Savory sausages rest on a bed of creamy, buttery mashed potatoes, all smothered in a rich onion gravy. It’s the ultimate comfort food for a chilly Cleveland evening.
* **Wash it Down With:** Explore their solid selection of local and craft beers on tap. There's something about sipping a stout or an IPA in this shadowy, historic setting that just feels right.
### **3. Zhug: A Burst of Middle Eastern Sunshine**
**Location:** 12413 Cedar Rd, Cleveland Heights, OH 44106
Prepare your senses for a journey. Zhug, named for a fiery Yemeni hot sauce, is a vibrant, modern, and utterly intoxicating restaurant focusing on the bold flavors of the Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean. The space is bright, airy, and stylish, with an open kitchen that lets you watch the culinary artists at work. The energy is infectious, the colors are warm, and the aroma of garlic, cumin, and charred meat is absolutely intoxicating. This is not a quiet, stuffy dining room; it's a place for sharing, laughing, and experiencing food that is alive with flavor.
**The Must-Order Experience:**
The menu is designed for sharing, so bring friends and order a feast.
* **The Zhug Feast:** If you're feeling adventurous, let the kitchen guide you. But if you're ordering à la carte, start with the **Zhug** itself—a vibrant green sauce made with cilantro, jalapeño, and garlic. It's a revelation. Then, dive into the **Cauliflower**, which is anything but boring. Fried to a perfect crisp and tossed with golden raisins, pine nuts, and a zesty parsley vinaigrette, it’s a dish that will make you see vegetables in a new light.
* **Lamb Kebab:** For your main, the lamb kebab is non-negotiable. The meat is exquisitely spiced, tender, and grilled over an open flame, served with tangy pickles and fresh lavash bread. It’s simple, rustic, and profoundly delicious.
* **Save Room For:** The **Malabi**, a delicate rosewater and coconut milk pudding topped with pistachios and pomegranate seeds. It’s the perfect, refreshing end to a bold and exciting meal.
### **4. The Fairmount Cocktail Bar: Sophistication & Swank**
**Location:** 2448 Fairmount Blvd, Cleveland Heights, OH 44106
Welcome to Cleveland Heights' speakeasy-style sanctuary for cocktail connoisseurs. The Fairmount is all about mood. It's intimate, dark, and sophisticated, with plush banquettes, low lighting, and a bar that looks like it was transported from a 1920s jazz club. The staff are true mixologists, artists who treat each cocktail as a bespoke creation. The food menu is equally thoughtful, featuring elevated small plates and entrees that are perfect for pairing.
**The Must-Order Experience:**
This is a place where the drink is the star of the show, and the food is its brilliant supporting actor.
* **The Cocktail:** Don't even look for a standard Cosmopolitan. Trust your bartender. Tell them your preferred spirits and flavor profiles (e.g., something smoky, herbal and refreshing, spirit-forward and boozy) and let them craft you a masterpiece. Their menu rotates, but you can expect creative concoctions with house-made syrups, rare bitters, and expert technique.
* **The Food Pairings:** The menu is designed for grazing. The **Duck Confit Poutine** is legendary—crispy fries smothered in rich duck gravy, cheese curds, and tender shreds of duck confit. For something lighter, the **Burrata** is creamy perfection, served with seasonal accompaniments like roasted peaches or heirloom tomatoes.
* **The Vibe:** Come here for a date night where you want to actually talk, or for a late-night drink that feels like an event.
### **5. Amba: A Modern Indian Revelation**
**Location:** 1430 W 28th St, Cleveland Heights, OH 44113
Amba is a breath of fresh, spiced air in the Cleveland dining scene. This is not your typical curry house; it's a modern, bright, and chic restaurant that reinterprets Indian cuisine with a contemporary, farm-to-table sensibility. The space is minimalist and beautiful, letting the explosively colorful and aromatic food take center stage. The service is knowledgeable and passionate, eager to guide you through a menu that is both familiar and thrillingly new.
**The Must-Order Experience:**
Be prepared to share and experience a symphony of flavors.
* **The Chaat:** Start with a chaat, a category of Indian street food snacks. The **Papdi Chaat** is a fantastic introduction—a delightful crunch of fried dough wafers, chickpeas, potatoes, yogurt, and tamarind chutney creating a party of sweet, savory, tangy, and spicy in every bite.
* **Butter Chicken & Black Dal:** For your mains, you must experience the duo that defines luxury in Indian cuisine. Amba's **Butter Chicken** is silky, rich, and complex, not cloyingly sweet. Pair it with the **Black Dal**, a slow-cooked lentil dish that is simmered for over 24 hours until it’s unbelievably creamy and deeply flavored. An order of fluffy, buttery **Garlic Naan** is essential for scooping up every last drop.
* **Pro-Tip:** Don't shy away from the chef's tasting menu if it's available. It's the best way to experience the full range of Amba's creativity.
### **6. Bodega Restaurant & Lounge: Coventry's Cool Cat**
**Location:** 1854 Coventry Rd unit b, Cleveland Heights, OH 44118
Coventry Village is the bohemian heart of Cleveland Heights, and Bodega is its quintessential cool-kid hangout. Part restaurant, part lounge, it’s a place where you can feel the neighborhood's eclectic, artistic pulse. By day, it's a great spot for a casual lunch; by night, the lights dim, the music turns up, and it transforms into a vibrant social hub. The menu is a globe-trotting adventure of comfort food, from Asian-inspired bowls to classic American burgers.
**The Must-Order Experience:**
Bodega is all about vibe and variety.
* **The Bodega Burger:** Consistently voted one of the best in Cleveland, this burger is a thing of beauty. A juicy, high-quality beef patty, melted cheese, crisp lettuce, and a special sauce, all on a perfectly toasted bun. It’s simple, flawless, and utterly satisfying.
* **Truffle Fries:** You absolutely must get these as a side. Crispy fries tossed in truffle oil and parmesan—they are addictive.
* **The Scene:** Go for the food, but stay for the atmosphere. It's the perfect place to start a night out on Coventry or to post up at the bar for a craft cocktail and some excellent people-watching.
### **7. Grums Sub Shop: A Coventry Institution**
**Location:** 1776 Coventry Rd, Cleveland Heights, OH 44118
Just a stone's throw from Bodega is another Coventry legend, but of a completely different stripe. Grums Sub Shop is a no-nonsense, counter-service sub shop that has been serving massive, delicious sandwiches to hungry students, artists, and families for decades. The decor is vintage and unpretentious—think vinyl booths and a simple menu board. This is a place where the focus is squarely on the food, and what incredible food it is.
**The Must-Order Experience:**
You come to Grums for one thing: a classic, overstuffed sub.
* **The Italian Sub:** This is the star. It’s a glorious mess of Genoa salami, capacolla, pepperoni, and provolone cheese, piled high with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, hot peppers, and a drizzle of oil and vinegar. The bread is key—a soft yet sturdy Italian loaf that holds up to the mountain of ingredients without falling apart.
* **The Steak Sandwich:** For a hot option, the steak sandwich is a local favorite. Tender slices of steak, grilled onions, and melted cheese on that same perfect bread.
* **The Move:** Grab your sub, a bag of chips, and a can of pop, and find a bench in nearby Coventry Park to enjoy one of the most authentic Cleveland Heights meals you can have.
### **8. Incredible Foodz: A Hidden Gem of Global Flavors**
**Location:** 3936 Mayfield Rd, Cleveland Heights, OH 44121
Don't let the unassuming strip mall location fool you. Incredible Foodz is a hidden treasure trove of global cuisine, a family-run spot with a shockingly diverse and delicious menu. It’s part market, part restaurant, and the owners pour their heart into every dish. The vibe is casual and welcoming, perfect for a quick, high-quality takeout meal or a simple, satisfying dine-in experience.
**The Must-Order Experience:**
The menu is vast, spanning from Middle Eastern classics to American wraps and salads.
* **The Chicken Shawarma Plate:** This is a must-try. The chicken is marinated and roasted on a spit until it's incredibly flavorful and tender. Served with fluffy rice, a vibrant salad, creamy hummus, and warm pita bread, it’s a complete, wholesome, and fantastically tasty meal.
* **The Falafel:** Their falafel is made from scratch—crispy on the outside, light and fluffy on the inside, and perfectly seasoned.
* **Hidden Bonus:** Be sure to check out their market section for imported oils, spices, and other pantry staples to bring a taste of your meal home.
### **9. Vero Pizza Napoletana: A Taste of Naples on Cedar**
**Location:** 12421 Cedar Rd, Cleveland Heights, OH 44106
For pizza purists, Vero is hallowed ground. This is Neapolitan pizza in its most authentic form, certified by the VPN (Vera Pizza Napoletana) association. The space is warm and modern, centered around the magnificent, imported Italian wood-fired oven that blazes at 900 degrees Fahrenheit. The result? Pizzas that cook in about 90 seconds, with a charred, leopard-spotted cornicione (crust) that’s soft, chewy, and faintly smoky, and a center that is tender and wet.
**The Must-Order Experience:**
Keep it simple. The magic is in the quality of the ingredients: San Marzano tomatoes, Fior di Latte mozzarella, fresh basil, and extra-virgin olive oil.
* **The Margherita D.O.P.:** You must start here. This is the benchmark. The sweet tomato sauce, the milky, melted cheese, the fresh basil, and that incredible crust—it’s a perfect, harmonious dish. It will ruin all other pizza for you.
* **The Diavola:** If you like a little spice, the Diavola with its spicy salami is a fantastic choice. The fat from the salami renders in the intense heat, creating little pockets of flavor.
* **The Perfect Pair:** Order an **Arancini** (fried risotto ball) to start and a crisp Italian salad to balance the richness of the pizza. Wash it all down with a Peroni or a glass of Italian red wine.
### **10. The Rib Cage Smokehouse and Bar: Smoky, Succulent Bliss**
**Location:** 2214 Lee Rd, Cleveland Heights, OH 44118
Our tour ends where all great food journeys should: in a cloud of hickory-scented smoke. The Rib Cage is a down-home, no-pretense barbecue joint where the decor is rustic, the portions are generous, and the meat is the undisputed star. The air is thick with the smell of slow-smoked perfection, and the friendly, relaxed atmosphere makes you feel right at home.
**The Must-Order Experience:**
This is a place for indulgence. Come hungry.
* **The Ribs:** It’s called The Rib Cage for a reason. Whether you choose St. Louis-style spare ribs or baby back ribs, you’re in for a treat. The meat is so tender it pulls cleanly from the bone, with a beautiful smoke ring and a crusty, flavorful bark. Get the sauce on the side to truly appreciate the quality of the smoke.
* **The Combo Platter:** Can't decide? Get a platter that lets you sample the brisket (meltingly tender), pulled pork (juicy and smoky), and smoked sausage (snappy and flavorful).
* **The Sides:** Barbecue isn't complete without its accompaniments. The **mac and cheese** is creamy and decadent, the **collard greens** are savory and slow-cooked, and the **cornbread** is sweet, moist, and the perfect tool for sopping up any remaining sauce.
***
From the timeless deli classics at Irv's to the modern fire of Zhug, and from the smoky depths of The Rib Cage to the elevated craft of The Fairmount, Cleveland Heights proves itself to be a culinary landscape of remarkable depth and character. It’s a city that honors its past while eagerly embracing the future of food. So, come with an open mind and an empty stomach. Your next favorite meal is waiting for you just around the corner. Happy eating
So, loosen your belt a notch and join me, your local guide, as we explore ten essential eateries that define the delicious character of Cleveland Heights.
***
### **1. Irv's Sandwich Shop: The Soul of Taylor Road**
**Location:** 2164 S Taylor Rd, Cleveland Heights, OH 44118
Step through the door of Irv's Sandwich Shop and you're not just entering a deli; you're stepping into a piece of Cleveland Heights' heart. The air is thick with the scent of roasting turkey, sizzling pastrami, and the warm, yeasty perfume of fresh-baked rye bread. The vibe is pure, unadulterated deli counter—bustling, no-frills, and radiating a genuine warmth that only comes from decades of serving a loyal community. The walls, adorned with local memorabilia, tell a story of generations of families stopping in for their weekly fix.
**The Must-Order Experience:**
You don't come to Irv's for a dainty tea sandwich. You come for a monument to deli craftsmanship, a sandwich so towering and perfectly constructed it requires two hands and a strategic approach.
* **The Reuben:** This is the king of the menu for a reason. Imagine layers of impossibly lean, house-brined corned beef or robust pastrami, piled high on grilled marble rye. It's topped with the perfect amount of tangy sauerkraut, Swiss cheese that melts into every nook and cranny, and a slathering of Irv's own Thousand Island dressing. Each bite is a symphony of salty, tangy, creamy, and crunchy textures. It’s a masterpiece.
* **The Turkey Rachel:** A delightful twist on the classic, featuring succulent, hand-carved turkey breast. It’s a slightly lighter but equally satisfying option.
* **Don't Skip:** A giant, housemade pickle spear on the side and a cold, crisp Dr. Brown's Cel-Ray soda or black cherry soda to cut through the richness. It’s the only way to do it.
### **2. The Haunted House Restaurant: Eerie Eats & Spirits**
**Location:** 13463 Cedar Rd, Cleveland Heights, OH 44118
Now, let's shift gears entirely. Tucked away on Cedar Road, The Haunted House Restaurant is exactly what it sounds like—a dining experience wrapped in mystery and local lore. The building itself, a charming Tudor-style structure, feels like it’s straight out of a Gothic novel. The interior is dimly lit, with dark wood, cozy booths, and a palpable sense of history that may or may not include a spectral resident or two. It's less about jump-scares and more about a wonderfully atmospheric, cozy, and slightly spooky vibe, perfect for a date night or a conversation over a pint with friends.
**The Must-Order Experience:**
The menu is classic, hearty American pub fare with a few surprises, designed to comfort and fortify you.
* **The Haunted House Burger:** You have to try the signature burger. It's a hefty, juicy patty cooked to order, often topped with melted cheddar, bacon, and their signature haunted sauce. Served on a toasted brioche bun with a mountain of crispy fries, it’s a solid, satisfying choice.
* **Bangers and Mash:** For something a little different, this British pub classic is done exceptionally well here. Savory sausages rest on a bed of creamy, buttery mashed potatoes, all smothered in a rich onion gravy. It’s the ultimate comfort food for a chilly Cleveland evening.
* **Wash it Down With:** Explore their solid selection of local and craft beers on tap. There's something about sipping a stout or an IPA in this shadowy, historic setting that just feels right.
### **3. Zhug: A Burst of Middle Eastern Sunshine**
**Location:** 12413 Cedar Rd, Cleveland Heights, OH 44106
Prepare your senses for a journey. Zhug, named for a fiery Yemeni hot sauce, is a vibrant, modern, and utterly intoxicating restaurant focusing on the bold flavors of the Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean. The space is bright, airy, and stylish, with an open kitchen that lets you watch the culinary artists at work. The energy is infectious, the colors are warm, and the aroma of garlic, cumin, and charred meat is absolutely intoxicating. This is not a quiet, stuffy dining room; it's a place for sharing, laughing, and experiencing food that is alive with flavor.
**The Must-Order Experience:**
The menu is designed for sharing, so bring friends and order a feast.
* **The Zhug Feast:** If you're feeling adventurous, let the kitchen guide you. But if you're ordering à la carte, start with the **Zhug** itself—a vibrant green sauce made with cilantro, jalapeño, and garlic. It's a revelation. Then, dive into the **Cauliflower**, which is anything but boring. Fried to a perfect crisp and tossed with golden raisins, pine nuts, and a zesty parsley vinaigrette, it’s a dish that will make you see vegetables in a new light.
* **Lamb Kebab:** For your main, the lamb kebab is non-negotiable. The meat is exquisitely spiced, tender, and grilled over an open flame, served with tangy pickles and fresh lavash bread. It’s simple, rustic, and profoundly delicious.
* **Save Room For:** The **Malabi**, a delicate rosewater and coconut milk pudding topped with pistachios and pomegranate seeds. It’s the perfect, refreshing end to a bold and exciting meal.
### **4. The Fairmount Cocktail Bar: Sophistication & Swank**
**Location:** 2448 Fairmount Blvd, Cleveland Heights, OH 44106
Welcome to Cleveland Heights' speakeasy-style sanctuary for cocktail connoisseurs. The Fairmount is all about mood. It's intimate, dark, and sophisticated, with plush banquettes, low lighting, and a bar that looks like it was transported from a 1920s jazz club. The staff are true mixologists, artists who treat each cocktail as a bespoke creation. The food menu is equally thoughtful, featuring elevated small plates and entrees that are perfect for pairing.
**The Must-Order Experience:**
This is a place where the drink is the star of the show, and the food is its brilliant supporting actor.
* **The Cocktail:** Don't even look for a standard Cosmopolitan. Trust your bartender. Tell them your preferred spirits and flavor profiles (e.g., something smoky, herbal and refreshing, spirit-forward and boozy) and let them craft you a masterpiece. Their menu rotates, but you can expect creative concoctions with house-made syrups, rare bitters, and expert technique.
* **The Food Pairings:** The menu is designed for grazing. The **Duck Confit Poutine** is legendary—crispy fries smothered in rich duck gravy, cheese curds, and tender shreds of duck confit. For something lighter, the **Burrata** is creamy perfection, served with seasonal accompaniments like roasted peaches or heirloom tomatoes.
* **The Vibe:** Come here for a date night where you want to actually talk, or for a late-night drink that feels like an event.
### **5. Amba: A Modern Indian Revelation**
**Location:** 1430 W 28th St, Cleveland Heights, OH 44113
Amba is a breath of fresh, spiced air in the Cleveland dining scene. This is not your typical curry house; it's a modern, bright, and chic restaurant that reinterprets Indian cuisine with a contemporary, farm-to-table sensibility. The space is minimalist and beautiful, letting the explosively colorful and aromatic food take center stage. The service is knowledgeable and passionate, eager to guide you through a menu that is both familiar and thrillingly new.
**The Must-Order Experience:**
Be prepared to share and experience a symphony of flavors.
* **The Chaat:** Start with a chaat, a category of Indian street food snacks. The **Papdi Chaat** is a fantastic introduction—a delightful crunch of fried dough wafers, chickpeas, potatoes, yogurt, and tamarind chutney creating a party of sweet, savory, tangy, and spicy in every bite.
* **Butter Chicken & Black Dal:** For your mains, you must experience the duo that defines luxury in Indian cuisine. Amba's **Butter Chicken** is silky, rich, and complex, not cloyingly sweet. Pair it with the **Black Dal**, a slow-cooked lentil dish that is simmered for over 24 hours until it’s unbelievably creamy and deeply flavored. An order of fluffy, buttery **Garlic Naan** is essential for scooping up every last drop.
* **Pro-Tip:** Don't shy away from the chef's tasting menu if it's available. It's the best way to experience the full range of Amba's creativity.
### **6. Bodega Restaurant & Lounge: Coventry's Cool Cat**
**Location:** 1854 Coventry Rd unit b, Cleveland Heights, OH 44118
Coventry Village is the bohemian heart of Cleveland Heights, and Bodega is its quintessential cool-kid hangout. Part restaurant, part lounge, it’s a place where you can feel the neighborhood's eclectic, artistic pulse. By day, it's a great spot for a casual lunch; by night, the lights dim, the music turns up, and it transforms into a vibrant social hub. The menu is a globe-trotting adventure of comfort food, from Asian-inspired bowls to classic American burgers.
**The Must-Order Experience:**
Bodega is all about vibe and variety.
* **The Bodega Burger:** Consistently voted one of the best in Cleveland, this burger is a thing of beauty. A juicy, high-quality beef patty, melted cheese, crisp lettuce, and a special sauce, all on a perfectly toasted bun. It’s simple, flawless, and utterly satisfying.
* **Truffle Fries:** You absolutely must get these as a side. Crispy fries tossed in truffle oil and parmesan—they are addictive.
* **The Scene:** Go for the food, but stay for the atmosphere. It's the perfect place to start a night out on Coventry or to post up at the bar for a craft cocktail and some excellent people-watching.
### **7. Grums Sub Shop: A Coventry Institution**
**Location:** 1776 Coventry Rd, Cleveland Heights, OH 44118
Just a stone's throw from Bodega is another Coventry legend, but of a completely different stripe. Grums Sub Shop is a no-nonsense, counter-service sub shop that has been serving massive, delicious sandwiches to hungry students, artists, and families for decades. The decor is vintage and unpretentious—think vinyl booths and a simple menu board. This is a place where the focus is squarely on the food, and what incredible food it is.
**The Must-Order Experience:**
You come to Grums for one thing: a classic, overstuffed sub.
* **The Italian Sub:** This is the star. It’s a glorious mess of Genoa salami, capacolla, pepperoni, and provolone cheese, piled high with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, hot peppers, and a drizzle of oil and vinegar. The bread is key—a soft yet sturdy Italian loaf that holds up to the mountain of ingredients without falling apart.
* **The Steak Sandwich:** For a hot option, the steak sandwich is a local favorite. Tender slices of steak, grilled onions, and melted cheese on that same perfect bread.
* **The Move:** Grab your sub, a bag of chips, and a can of pop, and find a bench in nearby Coventry Park to enjoy one of the most authentic Cleveland Heights meals you can have.
### **8. Incredible Foodz: A Hidden Gem of Global Flavors**
**Location:** 3936 Mayfield Rd, Cleveland Heights, OH 44121
Don't let the unassuming strip mall location fool you. Incredible Foodz is a hidden treasure trove of global cuisine, a family-run spot with a shockingly diverse and delicious menu. It’s part market, part restaurant, and the owners pour their heart into every dish. The vibe is casual and welcoming, perfect for a quick, high-quality takeout meal or a simple, satisfying dine-in experience.
**The Must-Order Experience:**
The menu is vast, spanning from Middle Eastern classics to American wraps and salads.
* **The Chicken Shawarma Plate:** This is a must-try. The chicken is marinated and roasted on a spit until it's incredibly flavorful and tender. Served with fluffy rice, a vibrant salad, creamy hummus, and warm pita bread, it’s a complete, wholesome, and fantastically tasty meal.
* **The Falafel:** Their falafel is made from scratch—crispy on the outside, light and fluffy on the inside, and perfectly seasoned.
* **Hidden Bonus:** Be sure to check out their market section for imported oils, spices, and other pantry staples to bring a taste of your meal home.
### **9. Vero Pizza Napoletana: A Taste of Naples on Cedar**
**Location:** 12421 Cedar Rd, Cleveland Heights, OH 44106
For pizza purists, Vero is hallowed ground. This is Neapolitan pizza in its most authentic form, certified by the VPN (Vera Pizza Napoletana) association. The space is warm and modern, centered around the magnificent, imported Italian wood-fired oven that blazes at 900 degrees Fahrenheit. The result? Pizzas that cook in about 90 seconds, with a charred, leopard-spotted cornicione (crust) that’s soft, chewy, and faintly smoky, and a center that is tender and wet.
**The Must-Order Experience:**
Keep it simple. The magic is in the quality of the ingredients: San Marzano tomatoes, Fior di Latte mozzarella, fresh basil, and extra-virgin olive oil.
* **The Margherita D.O.P.:** You must start here. This is the benchmark. The sweet tomato sauce, the milky, melted cheese, the fresh basil, and that incredible crust—it’s a perfect, harmonious dish. It will ruin all other pizza for you.
* **The Diavola:** If you like a little spice, the Diavola with its spicy salami is a fantastic choice. The fat from the salami renders in the intense heat, creating little pockets of flavor.
* **The Perfect Pair:** Order an **Arancini** (fried risotto ball) to start and a crisp Italian salad to balance the richness of the pizza. Wash it all down with a Peroni or a glass of Italian red wine.
### **10. The Rib Cage Smokehouse and Bar: Smoky, Succulent Bliss**
**Location:** 2214 Lee Rd, Cleveland Heights, OH 44118
Our tour ends where all great food journeys should: in a cloud of hickory-scented smoke. The Rib Cage is a down-home, no-pretense barbecue joint where the decor is rustic, the portions are generous, and the meat is the undisputed star. The air is thick with the smell of slow-smoked perfection, and the friendly, relaxed atmosphere makes you feel right at home.
**The Must-Order Experience:**
This is a place for indulgence. Come hungry.
* **The Ribs:** It’s called The Rib Cage for a reason. Whether you choose St. Louis-style spare ribs or baby back ribs, you’re in for a treat. The meat is so tender it pulls cleanly from the bone, with a beautiful smoke ring and a crusty, flavorful bark. Get the sauce on the side to truly appreciate the quality of the smoke.
* **The Combo Platter:** Can't decide? Get a platter that lets you sample the brisket (meltingly tender), pulled pork (juicy and smoky), and smoked sausage (snappy and flavorful).
* **The Sides:** Barbecue isn't complete without its accompaniments. The **mac and cheese** is creamy and decadent, the **collard greens** are savory and slow-cooked, and the **cornbread** is sweet, moist, and the perfect tool for sopping up any remaining sauce.
***
From the timeless deli classics at Irv's to the modern fire of Zhug, and from the smoky depths of The Rib Cage to the elevated craft of The Fairmount, Cleveland Heights proves itself to be a culinary landscape of remarkable depth and character. It’s a city that honors its past while eagerly embracing the future of food. So, come with an open mind and an empty stomach. Your next favorite meal is waiting for you just around the corner. Happy eating
Comments
Post a Comment