11 Humble Little Restaurants In Cleveland That Are Delicious Enough To Check Out

Imagine sitting with your beloved in a huge, fancy restaurant with crystal chandeliers and real crystal wine glasses sitting before you. Your evening is romantic and dreamy… and then you get the bill. The food was delicious, but was it worth the hefty price tag? The humblest yet coolest restaurants in Cleveland prove that great food and an unforgettable experience can come without the excess frills. You’ll fall in love with these local little eateries, and you just may find yourself returning time and time again.

Michael Smith/Google Images

Michael Smith/Google Images

Craving an old-fashioned southern style breakfast? This cash-only restaurant absolutely belongs on your bucket list. This restaurant is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, maintaining steady hours of 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. throughout the remainder of the week. Though easy to miss, Borderline Cafe is a local favorite for reasons you'll understand in just one bite.

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Tony's Southside/Facebook

This cozy local favorite specializes in heart-to-table cooking that's indulgent without being excessive. Since around 1985, Tony's Southside has celebrated a Greco-Roman heritage in its delicious dishes and traditional recipes. Tony's Southside is, like the aforementioned eatery, cash only, so come prepared!

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You may think you know Chinese cuisine, but the dishes served up at LJ Shanghai are authentic through-and-through. Shanghainese and Sichuanese dishes stand out on their menu, but diners are obsessed with their xiao long bao (steamed dumplings).

Boaz Cafe/Facebook

Boaz Cafe/Facebook

Ohio City is a haven for foodies, as you can truly find anything there... including undeniably delicious Mediterranean eats. Boaz Cafe strives to provide health-conscious choices in their menu, which features dishes prepared with only the freshest ingredients, extra virgin olive oil, and no artificial preservatives. Build-your-own bowls are popular here, but their freshly-prepped hummus and tabouli is just as coveted.

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Las Tienditas del Mercado is adored by Clevelanders, as it highlights some of the most authentic Latin American cuisine around. El Sabor de Ponce is a newer concept, bringing the flavors of Puerto Rico's southern coast to The Land. With a cafeteria-style approach to dining and a youth-friendly sense of optimism, Sabor de Ponce is sure to become a coveted local favorite.

Scorpacciata Pasta Co./Facebook

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Scorpacciata Pasta Co./Facebook

Cleveland loves comfort food, and pasta in particular is a local delicacy. Scorpacciata Pasta Co. reinvents traditional Italian cuisine with a local flair, incorporating both seasonal and local ingredients into their dishes. This place is a must for picky eaters ⁠— since 2018, they've delighted visitors with everything from mac and cheese to puttanesca. (P.S. Don't pass up the tiramisu!)

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Minority female-owned and delicious... can this restaurant get any better? Since it opened in 2019, The Crispy Chick has knocked the socks off lovers of chicken tenders. This dish, like the other delicacies on their comfort food-focused menu, is free of MSG and other unnecessary additives. This is one up-and-coming eatery the whole family is sure to love.

Xinji Noodle Bar/Facebook

Xinji Noodle Bar/Facebook

Beer and ramen? Count me in! Xinji Noodle Bar is perfect for fans of Pan-Asian cuisine, as they have a bit of everything: bao, dumplings, ramen noodles, kimchi, and even fried chicken. In addition to an impressive menu, most dishes here feature ingredients from local farms. 

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Choukouya Resto-Bar/Facebook

From the outside, Choukouya Resto-Bar looks modest... but inside, you'll find a rich and colorful atmosphere with a menu to match. West and Northern African dishes are the primary specialty at Choukouya, delighting taste buds with double-seasoned meats and a surprisingly international influence. Whether or not you've previously indulged in traditional African dining, you'll love the offerings at this charming local restaurant.

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ISSHO NI/Facebook

Issho Ni is adored for its sushi and hibachi, but it's famous for its ramen dishes. Japanese favorites adorn the menu, ranging from miso soup to yakisoba. Though modest, visitors rave about the food and service alike in this humble Greater Cleveland restaurant.

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Are you hungry yet? If not, this last restaurant's menu will surely have your tummy grumbling. It has locations in Beachwood, Kent, and Cleveland Heights, and each has an impressive menu. Cleveland Heights' location may not look like much at first glance, but Malaysian favorites and Japanese entrees will have your taste buds begging for more.

Craving something delicious? You’ll find all sorts of treats for your taste buds at some of the coolest restaurants in Cleveland. Which of these dining destinations is at the top of your restaurant bucket list?

Hungry for more dining hot spots? Check out some of the newest eateries in Cleveland.