Best Date Night Restaurants in Downtown Cleveland / Playhouse Square

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchMexican

Regions

Cleveland

Neighborhoods

BeachwoodCleveland EastCleveland HeightsCleveland WestDowntown ClevelandDowntown Cleveland / E. 4th Street

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

72 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

1. District

4.0

Excellent(1097)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Downtown Cleveland / Playhouse Square

Booked 2 times today

A New Breed of the American Brasserie. District’s Imaginative Food and Wine, Balancing Exceptional Hospitality, Comfortable Surroundings and Extraordinary Value. Serving Contemporary American Cuisine in Playhouse Square with a Mediterranean Soul, European Influence and Local Focus. From Outstanding Wines by the Glass, Dining at the Bar with Seasonal Ingredients Positioned in an Emerging Downtown Cleveland Location, District Will Compliment the Cleveland Restaurant Landscape.

2. Friar's Table

4.4

Awesome(278)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• European • Downtown Cleveland

Booked 17 times today

The Friars' Table is steeped in the Franciscan tradition of care and community.Located in Cleveland's Playhouse Square, James Beard Winner Brandon Chrostowski brings a cuisine focusing on Monastic ingredients and techniques in a chic, curated setting. The Friars' Table features dishes including hearty soups and stews, seasonal salads, Salmon St. Celestine and braised lamb shoulder along with wine and cocktails highlighting simplicity and tradition.The Friars' Table was uniquely founded by Brother Phillip Bernier of The Capuchin Ministries of Cleveland in partnership with Brandon Chrostowski of EDWINS Leadership and Restaurant Institute. The mission focus on serving those in our community working to improve life through cuisine and education.

A photo of The Centro- Cleveland restaurant

3. The Centro- Cleveland

4.4

Awesome(391)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Modern European • Downtown Cleveland

Booked 12 times today

The Centro, located inside the Metropolitan at the 9 Hotel, offers a delightful dining experience in the heart of Downtown Cleveland's Gateway District. Enjoy dinner before or drinks after a show at Playhouse Square or a ball game at the arena or stadium. As a stand-out destination, indulge in weekly brunch, daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Prepare for a culinary journey filled with tantalizing appetizers and mouthwatering main courses. From the rich flavors of Bone-In Filet Mignon, House-Made Lobster Raviolo, and delicate Chilean Sea Bass, these delicacies will ignite your taste buds. Pair your meal with a selection from Centro's extensive wine list, or sip on a handcrafted cocktail. Private space is available for an intimate dinner, meeting, or special event. Staying at the hotel is not necessary to indulge in this memorable dining experience. The Centro is a must-visit for food enthusiasts eager to experience the finest flavors Downtown Cleveland has to offer.

A photo of Brel's Restaurant and Bar at Playhouse Square (Formerly Ghost Light) restaurant

4. Brel's Restaurant and Bar at Playhouse Square (Formerly Ghost Light)

4.0

Excellent(513)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown Cleveland / Playhouse Square

Booked 5 times today

The Ghost Light Restaurant & Lounge, winner of the OpenTable Diner’s Choice Award 2024, is proud to present BREL’s. Named after the show that saved Playhouse Square with a 2-year long run, BREL’s menu transforms classic American staples in an upscale environment. A full-service bar with theater inspired cocktails, locally inspired light bites, and a view of the largest outdoor chandelier in America will create an unforgettable dining experience with something for everyone. Located in the Crowne Plaza Cleveland in Playhouse Square, BREL’s offers warm Cleveland hospitality combined with excellent service to make sure you and your guests make it to the show on time.

5. DANTE

4.7

Exceptional(3309)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Tremont

Booked 26 times today

Enjoy Michelin-starred chef Dante Boccuzzi"s signature restaurant DANTE. Located in a historic bank building in Tremont, DANTE restaurant has become one of Cleveland's premier dining spots. The decor features designs and works of art from local artists. Guests may choose from an a la Carte Menu or a Chef's Tasting Menu. Experience the excitement of dining in the kitchen as Chef Dante prepares and serves you a multiple course tasting menu.

6. Fahrenheit

4.6

Exceptional(3495)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Downtown Cleveland

Booked 39 times today

Located in Downtown Cleveland, Chef Rocco Whalen's Fahrenheit is two spectacular stories of unforgettable flavors and gorgeous, sparkling interiors. This fresh new take on Cleveland’s beloved restaurant will blow you away. Fahrenheit is the perfect hotspot for the sharp dressed crowd and anyone looking for a culinary wonderland of mouthwatering mains, fresh shellfish towers, and innovative daily offerings. With unmatched views of downtown's action-filled city-center, the restaurant features luxurious furnishings and instagram-able scenes. Available for lunch and dinner, Rocco's cuisine will delight your senses with its Mediterranean and Asian accents and curated cocktails. Fahrenheit boasts a stunning bar, curved banquettes, scalloped ceiling, action-filled chef’s table, and a private dining room. Take the sweeping staircase and meet us on the second floor to elevate your night life with our exclusive rooftop menus and artistic energy. Become part of the buzzing new destination

7. Cloak & Dagger

4.9

Exceptional(1134)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service • Tremont

Booked 30 times today

A cocktail lounge with focus on hospitality and craft located next to Lincoln Park in the historic Tremont neighborhood of Cleveland.

8. Il Venetian

4.8

Exceptional(1064)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Downtown Cleveland

Booked 25 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.

9. LULO Kitchen

4.3

Awesome(287)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary Latin • Downtown Cleveland

Booked 3 times today

A fresh take on Latin America Fusion Cuisine.

10. Acqua di Dea

4.6

Exceptional(1008)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • Downtown Cleveland

Booked 10 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

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

T
tedVIP
Asheville / Western North Carolina •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
A great place. We had the tasting menu with wine pairings. It was excellent.
More info
DANTEPrice: Expensive• American• Tremont
•
4.7
K
KevinVIP
Cleveland / Akron / Canton •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Food is awesome as is the staff. Always take good care of us. Ask for William for the best service!
More info
The Centro- ClevelandPrice: Very Expensive• Modern European• Downtown Cleveland
•
4.4
R
RichardVIP
Cleveland / Akron / Canton •15 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Had an early dinner with close friends - we had oysters, wakame salad , Caesar salad and crispy rice spicy tuna app- all excellent - Our server , Savanna was young , funny and knowledgeable- entrees included scallops, duck (2 ways !) and CLE Schnitzel- with a couple bottles of wine - wow really happy , well fed , excellent service great place will return!
More info
FahrenheitPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Downtown Cleveland
•
4.6
B
BridgetVIP
Cleveland / Akron / Canton •82 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
First time dining here. Went after a matinee performance at Playhouse Square. We were seated in the bar area. Started with a mushroom tart (delicious), we enjoyed rigatoni, pork and lamb entrees. Our server John was personable and friendly. Chef gave us great recommendations. We're looking forward to coming again.
More info
Friar's TablePrice: Expensive• European• Downtown Cleveland
•
4.4
L
LisaVIP
New York City •36 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jun 25, 2025
Very good service! Food was delicious. Great short walk to Playhouse Square.
More info
DistrictPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Downtown Cleveland / Playhouse Square
•
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