The Underrated Restaurant In Cleveland With The Best Czech Food Ever
By Nikki Rhoades|Published May 17, 2019
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Nikki Rhoades
Author
Nikki is a lifelong Ohioan with a love for literature. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Akron and has enjoyed publishing her written work since 2007. She has a love of travel and does so frequently, though she believes that home is where the heart is — she continues to work in and around Cleveland as a digital content specialist to this day, working on everything from commercial scripts and social media posts to grassroots marketing initiatives.
Welcome to Cleveland, Ohio. We may appear just like any other city on the Great Lakes, but the culture here is truly unique. Our city has attracted immigrants from all over the world, which have infused their respective cultures into the Northeast Ohio community. While our quirky cultural neighborhoods like Little Italy and AsiaTown offer oodles of delicious dining and unique shopping destinations, there are just as many neighborhoods that host clusters of culture that don’t actively advertise it. Today, we’re heading into a picturesque neighborhood where Czech culture is best enjoyed by your taste buds.
Editor’s Note: This beloved local landmark unfortunately closed its doors in 2019. However, there are many other local eateries serving up comfort food! Check out our list of places serving pierogies for alternative dining destinations.
Located mere minutes from Downtown, Marta’s is a Cleveland restaurant with an Old World flair.
Marta's first opened its doors in 1995, and it has delighted visitors with European-American offerings ever since. With daily specials and a menu that will please even the pickiest eaters, it's no wonder this hidden gem has become so coveted.
Its homey ambiance has entertained guests since it first opened as a bar in the 1920s, though it has since deviated from highlighting libations in favor of celebrating Czech comfort food.
The restaurant's owner, Marta Runza, came to The Land in the 1980s. She learned to speak English and cook while in Cleveland, and her recipes have since earned their place in local history.
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While you dine on Czech favorites, you’ll find yourself surrounded by various decorations straight from and reminiscent of Europe.
This eatery is endlessly cozy and the comfort foods on their menu will leave you feeling full and satisfied. This eatery is free of frills... the food speaks for itself.
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You’ll enjoy a homemade meal that’s as delectable (if not more so than) grandma’s best secret recipes.
Chicken paprikash with dumplings? Count us in! This is just one of several Czech specialties offered at Marta's, and it is doubtlessly one of the most popular here in Cleveland. You can also enjoy sauerbraten, wienerschnitzel, or the restaurant's famous roast duck.
Whether you are sinking your teeth something familiar like a burger or digging into a more traditional Czech dish, you'll enjoy an impressive portion of food. Stock up on sides to share or prepare for one massive meal for yourself... either way, there’s no way you’re leaving Marta's anything but stuffed.
Marta herself continues to run things behind the scenes, and her staff could very well be your next door neighbor. Everyone is endlessly friendly here, and their recommendations are honest and genuine.
When it comes to authentic Czech comforts, Marta's offers an experience unlike any other.
Cleveland loves a good ethnic eatery, but Marta’s has remained something of a hidden gem despite decades of service. You’ll fall in love with the sights, sounds, and smells of this neighborhood restaurant - and you just may become a regular.
Prepare to stay for a spell, because you'll feel right at home in Marta's.
