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Best Authentic Restaurants in University Circle

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28 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Valerio's Ristorante restaurant
1. Valerio's Ristorante
4.9
Exceptional(982)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 14 times today
Delicious Italian cuisine, prepared fresh daily. Outstanding service and food, all at a reasonable price. Come and see what everyone is talking about!
A photo of La Dolce Vita - Cleveland restaurant
2. La Dolce Vita - Cleveland
4.7
Exceptional(1934)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 21 times today
Welcome to La Dolce Vita Bistro - “The Sweet Life,” a restaurant and bistro created to recapture the bell-époque charm of “The Italian Drug,” opened here by Dr. Anthony Caruso in 1914. In the tradition of the great European bistros, La Dolce Vita is devoted to providing a relaxed and friendly atmosphere for everything from eight course dinners to coffee and Calvino. We strive to prepare the perfect meal, or the perfect cappuccino, and let you enjoy it at your leisure. Our pasta is cooked fresh to order, our sauces and dressing are painstakingly prepared using only the finest ingredients: extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, the freshest vegetables, imported whole tomatoes, fresh basil and Italian parsley... and your table is reserved for the evening.
A photo of Maxi’s Bistro restaurant
3. Maxi’s Bistro
4.7
Exceptional(383)
Price: Moderate
• Bistro • University Circle
Booked 9 times today
Maxi’s Bistro, located in Cleveland’s Historic Little Italy, has received rave reviews for its traditional Italian food and cozy atmosphere. Customers love the laid-back vibe and the consistently good food, with one reviewer noting it as their 'favorite restaurant in Little Italy.' The restaurant's attention to detail, from the ambiance to the service, has won over many customers, making it an authentic Italian dining experience.
A photo of Il Venetian restaurant
4. Il Venetian
4.8
Exceptional(1048)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Downtown Cleveland
Booked 43 times today
Venetian Born Chef Alberto Leandri prepares flavors from home for Clevelanders at this upscale, modern Italian restaurant. The menu features handmade pastas, fresh fish and seafood, fine meats, and artisan pastries and gelato.
A photo of Lago East Bank restaurant
5. Lago East Bank
4.6
Exceptional(1392)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • The Flats
Booked 25 times today
The regional and contemporary menu at Lago is a culmination of northern Piedmontese dishes to Sicilian seafood dishes inspired by 30 years of Italian cooking and upbringing. We have also added in some popular American-Italian dishes for those guests looking for a more modern Italian dining experience. The beverage options at Lago are equally as much thought out in standard and craft as the food menu. Lago offers a unique predominantly Italian wine list, where a large number of bottles can also be ordered by the glass, and half bottle. A 10 selection draft list, well thought out craft bottled beer, Italian inspired handcrafted cocktail & martini list sets Lago apart from all the rest! Lago’s philosophy is simple… The freshest ingredients, made from scratch menu items, using simple recipes to bring authentic Italian flavors to the table. All inside a warm and inviting atmosphere where good food and good friends coexist in blissful harmony. Annually a "Best Of" Winner, Come and join us!
A photo of Batuqui - Larchmere restaurant
6. Batuqui - Larchmere
4.8
Exceptional(879)
Price: Expensive
• Brazilian • Shaker Square
Booked 17 times today
Batuqui - Larchmere is hailed as 'Brazil in Cleveland', serving up authentic Brazilian cuisine from the Bahia and Minas Gerais states. The menu boasts unique dishes like the Picanha and Feijoada. Reviews rave about its 'excellent', 'innovative', 'authentic' food, and its 'genuine Brazilian' atmosphere. It's a place where you can 'feel at home' and enjoy 'fantastic salads and an array of intriguing Brazilian entrees'.
A photo of Tutto Carne- Cleveland restaurant
7. Tutto Carne- Cleveland
4.8
Exceptional(215)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Little Italy
Booked 5 times today
Tutto Carne in Cleveland is a genuine Italian steakhouse with a warm and inviting ambiance. The reviews highlight the attentive service, excellent food, and sophisticated drinks. The restaurant's focus on quality, with Ohio farm raised, hand-selected and dry aged beef, adds to its authenticity. The patrons seem to have loved the experience and the food, with many recommending it as a special occasion place.
A photo of Acqua di Dea restaurant
8. Acqua di Dea
4.5
Awesome(1003)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • Downtown Cleveland
Booked 17 times today
Acqua Di Dea, part of the award-winning Jola Eat Global Restaurant Group, opened its third location in 2021 and quickly became one of the best restaurants in Cleveland, serving fresh seafood and authentic Italian dishes in the heart of downtown Cleveland. Whether you're looking for romantic restaurants in Cleveland, best seafood restaurant near you, or a top-rated Italian restaurant in Cleveland City, our kitchen brings bold flavors and a warm atmosphere to every table.Proudly ranked among the best restaurants in downtown Cleveland, we’re your go-to spot for lunch, dinner, and special occasions. Join us for the best Italian seafood in Cleveland, hand-crafted pasta, and unforgettable fine dining near you. Among Cleveland restaurants, we stand out for our commitment to excellence, offering fresh and elevated fine dinging experience consistently placing us among the best restaurants in Cleveland.For private events contact ashley.mcnulty@jolaeatglobal.com
A photo of Barroco Larchmere restaurant
9. Barroco Larchmere
new
4.2
Awesome(21)
Price: Moderate
• Latin American • Cleveland Heights
Booked 2 times today
Barroco Larchmere invites you to explore the vibrant flavors of Latin America right in Cleveland. This charming restaurant offers a memorable dining experience that delights your taste buds and warms your heart. Our menu takes you on a culinary journey through Latin America, featuring fresh, hand-made arepas and sizzling churrasco. Each dish is crafted with high-quality ingredients and authentic flavors, from the savory Ropa Vieja to the tangy Ceviche de Maracuyà, ensuring there's something for everyone. The ambiance at Barroco is welcoming and cozy, blending modern and traditional elements for a comfortable dining atmosphere. Our friendly staff is dedicated to sharing their passion for Latin American culture, making sure you feel at home. Whether you're planning a romantic date, a fun gathering with friends, or just seeking a delicious escape, Barroco Larchmere is your perfect destination. Come and experience the warmth, flavors, and vibrant energy we have to offer.
A photo of Masa & Agave restaurant
10. Masa & Agave
4.3
Awesome(56)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Downtown Cleveland
Booked 2 times today
Welcome to Masa & Agave Cleveland!Worshipped as the Aztec gods of fertility and long life, venerated for their powers of sustenance, corn masa and agave have been central to Mexican culture and cuisine since ancient times.Using authentic techniques, we prepare corn masa-based starters and Mexico City-style tacos that are bursting with regional flavors, along with dinner classics like Pork Carnitas and Negro Monelo-Braised Beef Short Ribs.Our collection of 100 agave spirits pays homage to the jimadores and mezcaleros who have labored over their craft for generations. Sip on a copita or two, or gather friends for one of our signature Margaritas - try the Tradicionale, Tamarindo or a Margarita al Gusto mixed with your choice of spirit. Salud!
‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • paulVIP
    Denver / Colorado •61 reviews
    5.0
    Dined today
    Very nice family like place. Terry is an excellent ambassador
    More info
    La Dolce Vita - ClevelandPrice: Moderate• Italian• Little Italy
    •
    4.7
  • PaulVIP
    Cleveland / Akron / Canton •39 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Very good pasta. I love their sauce and meatballs.
    More info
    Maxi’s BistroPrice: Moderate• Bistro• University Circle
    •
    4.7
  • Matt
    Nebraska •11 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    It was the first time we dined at lago. It was a little loud in the dining room they did eventually turn it down a bit. The food was excellent I had the breakfast pizza and lobster Mac and cheese. Wifey had steak and eggs. Our son had the breakfast burger and brother had chicken and waffles. Mine was excellent I was very happy with the experience and will definitely be returning
    More info
    Lago East BankPrice: Expensive• Italian• The Flats
    •
    4.6
  • KennethVIP
    Washington, D.C. Area •41 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Off the charts fabulous! The entrees are wonderful! The eggplant appetizer and branzino fish are a must! The service is superb! Everything just flows effortlessly. You gotta go!
    More info
    Valerio's RistorantePrice: Expensive• Italian• Little Italy
    •
    4.9
  • DominicVIP
    Cleveland / Akron / Canton •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    The food was outstanding. Every dish we tried, from the handmade pasta to the beautifully prepared filet was full of authentic Italian flavor and expertly presented. It's clear that Il Venetian takes pride in every plate that leaves the kitchen. From the moment we were seated, Aiden made us feel genuinely welcome. He was attentive without being overbearing, knowledgeable about the menu and brought a relaxed confidence that made the entire experience feel seamless. His recommendations were spot-on, and his timing throughout the meal impeccable. Il Venetian is lucky to have him on their team. We’ll absolutely be back, not only for the food, but for the top-tier service as well. Highly recommend!
    More info
    Il VenetianPrice: Expensive• Italian• Downtown Cleveland
    •
    4.8

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