The Most Fun Restaurants in Cleveland

Cleveland has grown into a bustling culinary and arts hub, attracting visitors from all over the world. This northeastern Ohio city, located on the shores of Lake Erie, boasts a revitalized downtown, a beautiful lakefront park and a strong sense of Midwestern pride. Its 23,000 acres of parks and nature preserves provide a relaxing respite from the city noise and traffic, while the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Cleveland Museum of Art put it on the global cultural map. The dining scene has come into its own over the last few years, finally gaining the national attention it deserves. From Jewish delis to upscale eateries to ethnic culinary riches of all kinds, diners can find it all. Cleveland has plenty of top-notch, local chefs around town but if you’re looking for the most fun restaurants in Cleveland, check out our Tastemaker 20 List! We’ve pulled data from thousands of restaurants to find the top spots among OpenTable's most expert, seasoned diners. Book a table at one of the fun restaurants in Cleveland tonight!

The OpenTable Team

16 Restaurants

Updated November 14, 2019

Restaurants:	The Standard, Felice Urban Cafe, Jo Jo Carloni's Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria…
Price Range:	$$ - $$$
Cuisines:	French, American, Italian…
Neighborhoods:	Cleveland East, Shaker Square, Cleveland West…

The Standard

$$$$

French

Cleveland East

4.7

509 reviews

The Standard is a popular gastro-tavern in the 185th Street community and a great choice for those looking for a fun night out in Cleveland. It features a casually elegant vibe and an impressive menu of French Moroccan food. They also have plenty of excellent bourbons, wine, and other spirits to pair with your meal or as an aperitif. Locals love their specialty dishes, like the Quail a la Parisienne, Seafood Ceviche or Coquilles St. Jacques. Come in early for happy hour to try a house cocktail and a sampling of small plates.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Felice Urban Cafe

$$$$

American

Shaker Square

4.7

896 reviews

Felice Urban Cafe, set in a charming yet laid-back turn-of-the-century home, is a lovely place to sit and dine in style without spending a fortune. The restaurant features locally-sourced produce, including ingredients from their own garden. This guarantees that every dish is fresh and delicious! They also boast one of the nicest patios in Cleveland and a second-story bar that’s always hopping with energy. It is the perfect choice for those looking for a fun and boisterous night out as well as a sophisticated and satisfying meal.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Jo Jo Carloni's Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria

$$$$

Italian

Cleveland West

4.7

479 reviews

Jo Jo Carloni’s is a warm and casual neighborhood favorite located on Bagley Road in Cleveland West. It’s a friendly, family-owned-and-operated business with a focus on friendly service, high-quality ingredients and creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere. They aim to give customers the very best dining experience with exceptional service and awesome eats! Regulars love their classic pasta dishes like the Penne Vodka and Spaghetti with Marinara.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant - Orange Village

$$$$

Contemporary American

Beachwood

4.6

4058 reviews

Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant offers modern, casual dining paired with award-winning wines. It’s a perfect choice for anyone looking for a fun night out filled with great food and drinks. The menu features fresh contemporary American fare with a twist of flavors from all over the world. They also have a full-service bar and a Napa-style tasting room where you can sample your choice of wines to decide which ones you like best. They have a full menu of delicious share plates as well as heartier entrees.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Pier W

$$$$

Contemporary American

Lakewood

4.8

8232 reviews

Pier W, located on Lake Avenue in Lakewood, is a famous Cleveland restaurant and bar. Open since 1965, it features critically-acclaimed seafood and contemporary American food as well as a luxurious bar. Come early to enjoy a fancy drink before sitting down for a full-service, white-tablecloth dinner at this unique waterfront location. The minimalist dining room is gorgeous and you can enjoy awesome views of Lake Erie and the Cleveland skyline as your backdrop during dinner. And locals love the fun bar and cocktail lounge with live piano music and delicious cocktails, beer and wine.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

GINKO

$$$$

Sushi

Tremont

4.9

256 reviews

If you’re looking for a fun restaurant in Cleveland, check out Ginko! It’s one of the city's high-end sushi spots and makes for a great date or gathering place for friends. The restaurant features an intimate space with a colorful mosaic wall, long counter, and just a handful of tables. The small seating area means guests can expect very attentive service from the friendly staff. Come enjoy their sophisticated take on sushi, with offerings like the Ginko roll, with tuna, salmon, hamachi, avocado, cucumber, kaiware sprouts, and more. They offer a full a la carte menu along with the chef's five-course omakase tasting menu.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Pickwick & Frolic

$$$$

American

Downtown Cleveland / E. 4th Street

4.7

1293 reviews

Pickwick & Frolic Restaurant and Club, located in Downtown Cleveland on E. 4th Street, is the place many locals consider to be the most fun restaurant in Cleveland. It features a large restaurant with a menu of delicious American rustic cuisine made from scratch. The Martini Bar and Taproom is a fun place to hang out and serves creative and sophisticated martinis. Dine outside on the patio or check out the Pickwick & Frolic stage productions in the Frolic Cabaret. Champagne lovers will also appreciate that they have the only Champagne bar in Cleveland!

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

SASA

$$$$

Sushi

Shaker Heights

4.8

728 reviews

SASA is a Japanese style Tapas restaurant featuring low prices on yummy sushi and a range of other Asian food options. Located right next door to Shaker Square Cinema, it’s one of the most fun restaurants in Cleveland for a small meal, dinner or late-night snack. The restaurant relies on authentic Japanese cooking traditions and the talented chefs whip up delicious Asian cuisine like sushi, Donburi, Pad Tai, and more. They also offer an extensive sake selection, tons of Japanese beer and exotic martinis and cocktails.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

House of Blues Restaurant & Bar - Cleveland

$$$$

American

Downtown Cleveland / E. 4th Street

4.5

1095 reviews

If you are in the mood for delicious Southern-inspired cooking, head to the House of Blues Restaurant right in the heart of Downtown. The menu features a variety of made-from-scratch favorites, including dishes like New Orleans jambalaya and gumbo, Lowcountry shrimp and grits and house-smoked Carolina barbecue. Come early to enjoy a drink before your meal - they have a great selection of classic and contemporary specialty cocktails as well as craft beer.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Cru Uncorked

$$$$

French

Moreland Hills

4.9

1190 reviews

Cru Uncorked is one of Cleveland's more upscale restaurants and it guarantees a great night out. The enormous, French country-style manor in Moreland Hills has an enchanted energy that diners love. The restaurant has a number of small rooms so guests feel tucked away in little nooks while they dine. The signature house dishes definitely qualify Cru as one of the best restaurants in Cleveland -- order the Warm Duck Terrine, the hearty Saddle of Lamb, or the Lavender Cured Duck Breast and pair your dish with a glass of wine or a cocktail for a perfect evening.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Square 22

$$$$

American

Strongsville

4.7

1227 reviews

Square 22 Restaurant and Bar, located on Pearl Road in Strongsville, is a fun place to go for casual food and drinks. Many locals consider it one of the most fun restaurants in Cleveland and the energy inside is a mix of downtown cool and vibrant block party. The interior has an industrial feel, with a sleek black walnut bar and wood rafters and the servers are always super friendly and welcoming. Choose from the delicious list of appetizers, like ahi tuna poke, fried wontons or the pig wing, and pair it with a delicious craft cocktail.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Taste

$$$$

Contemporary American

Cleveland Heights

4.5

588 reviews

Taste is a casually elegant bar and restaurant and a super fun place for food, wine and celebration. Located on Lee Road’s growing restaurant row, it’s a short walk from the Cedar-Lee Theatre, making it a great place to stop into for a pre-movie dinner. The restaurant has an eclectic menu with a wide-ranging list of appetizers, entrees and sides. And locals love the lively bar scene, which features an awesome wine list and great cocktails. Come in for Happy Hour to enjoy specials on small plates, like the Arancini di Riso, Stuffed Cubanelle Peppers and beer, wine and cocktails.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Dante Next Door

$$$$

Contemporary Italian

Cleveland West

4.6

428 reviews

Dante Next Door is a laid-back dining destination in the historic Tremont neighborhood that many people consider the most fun restaurant in Cleveland. It is literally "next door" to DANTE, the signature restaurant by Dante Boccuzzi. Step into the trattoria-style eatery to be instantly transported to Italy with the rustic wood setting, dim lighting, and cozy vibes. The menu features hand-tossed pizza, pasta, salads, and sandwiches, and customers rave about the great selection, stellar service, and awesome drink menu.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Sérénité Restaurant

$$$$

French

Medina

4.9

657 reviews

Serenite Restaurant sits in the midst of Medina’s Historic District. The restaurant’s philosophy highlights its tradition of care for the community. As part of the Recovery Center of Medina County, the restaurant’s mission is to instill leadership skills in men and women recovering from drug and alcohol addiction by providing an education in the culinary arts. The menu features seasonal, classic French cuisine in a handsome Victorian-era clapboard off the village square. Come in to try some of their unique and delicious French fare like the Serenite Burger, Croque Monsieur, Salade Nicoise and more.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

sarita a restaurant

$$$$

American

Lakewood

4.9

1487 reviews

For a really fun dining experience in the Lakewood neighborhood of Cleveland, head to Sarita on Madison Avenue. This restaurant serves New American cuisine, a style of food that’s not pigeonholed into one country or one style but represents all of the diverse flavors of America. The chef’s background is Pacific Rim California, so they serve up a lot of lighter dishes with natural reductions and vinaigrettes but they have plenty of additional offerings as well. Try Nonna’s meatballs, the Brussels Sprouts or the Molten Blue Cheese Encrusted Tenderloin.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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Batuqui - Larchmere

$$$$

Brazilian

Shaker Square

4.8

548 reviews

Batuqui is the place locals call “Brazil in Cleveland.” Sounds pretty fun, right? This restaurant emphasizes the cuisines of the Bahia and Minas Gerais areas of Brazil. It’s set in a laid-back but vibrant dining room where you can meet friends for a fun and festive meal. They also have a full bar with custom cocktails. The menu here offers specialties like fried chicken in cilantro sauce, a traditional Brazilian steak house tri-tip, Fettucine pasta and an ocean mixture of calamari, mussels, fish, crabmeat, shrimp and sweet plantains.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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The Most Fun Restaurants