Contemporary in Cleveland: Staff Pick

11 results

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Blue Point Grille

700 W. St. Clair Ave. Downtown/Flats/Warehouse District

216-875-STAR

Contemporary, Staff Pick

Well-prepared fresh seafood is the specialty at this beautifully renovated space in the Warehouse District. Don't miss Blue Point chowder or the grouper over lobster-mashed potatoes.

1 article
Dante

2247 Professor Ave. Downtown/Flats/Warehouse District

216-274-1200

Contemporary, Staff Pick, Menu

At Aureole in New York, chef Dante Boccuzzi snagged Michelin stars two years running. Back home in Cleveland, he has taken over the former Lockkeepers and injected it with a more casual sensibility. Working as he has in Italy, France and Asia, Boccuzzi incorporates elements of these cuisines into boldly flavored dishes like Thai-style mussels, house-made cavatelli and pomegranate-glazed duck. Full bar and wine list.
Downtown 140

140 N. Main St., Hudson Akron/Summit County

330-655-2940

Contemporary, Staff Pick, Menu

Elegant, intimate, and friendly, this staple of the Hudson dining scene is a winner. Tapas-like small plates and not-so-small plates make up the menu; but despite the wine-bar motif and an occasional Asian accent, the fare owes much to the classic French bistro, with the depth of flavor that only made-from-scratch cooking can impart.

1 article
Fahrenheit

2417 Professor Ave. Downtown/Flats/Warehouse District

216-781-8858

Contemporary, Staff Pick

Chef-owner Rocco Whalen's well-appointed bistro is one of the best in town, with a seasonal menu of smart, contemporary fare, spiced up with Asian and Mediterranean accents.

3 articles
Flying Fig

2523 Market Ave. Downtown/Flats/Warehouse District

216-241-4243

Contemporary, Staff Pick, Menu

Chef-owner Karen Small stocks her larder with simple, homegrown ingredients, then coaxes them into precise assemblages of soaring flavor at this hip, youthful, and energetic bistro in the heart of Ohio City. And as any trendinista will tell you, the Fig's happy hours are among the best in the city for unwinding on a budget.

6 articles
Light Bistro

2801 Bridge Ave. Downtown/Flats/Warehouse District

216-771-7130

Contemporary, Staff Pick

Artful, ambitious, and urbane, this Ohio City bistro disproves the notion that Clevelanders are strictly a steak-and-taters crowd. At dinner, a tightly composed "progressive American" menu treads fearlessly from braised pork belly to eggplant flan and beyond, always focused on seasonal, sustainable, locally grown foods and always playing to an enthusiastic audience.

1 article
Lola

2058 E. 4th St. Downtown/Flats/Warehouse District

216-621-5652

Contemporary, Staff Pick

Sophisticated but fun-loving, beautiful but sassy, Michael and Liz Symon's Lola is the hottest spot in town, with a tightly crafted menu of contemporary American fare, rife with elegant and amusing touches. Depending on the season, offerings might include beef-cheek pierogies or smoked Berkshire pork. And leave room for dessert: Lola turns out some of the most creative sweets in town. Notable wine list.

2 articles
Lolita

900 Literary Rd. Downtown/Flats/Warehouse District

216-771-5652

Contemporary, Staff Pick

Whether it's authentic Neapolitan pizza, tangy house-cured salumi, or luscious braised pork cheeks, count on Cleveland celebrity-chef Michael Symon and his staff to do it right at this sassy, sexy little boîte in trendy Tremont. For luxe on a budget, grab a seat at the bar and check out the daily happy-hour specials.

2 articles
Momocho

1835 Fulton Rd. Downtown/Flats/Warehouse District

216-694-2122

Contemporary, Staff Pick, Menu

Clever cuisine, playful decor, and intimate surroundings make this "modern Mexican" eatery like nothing else in town. Don't come around looking for refried beans and rice; luscious lamb "adobo" and avocado-leaf-crusted tuna are more Momocho's style. Factor in the fruit-infused margaritas, chilada-style beers, and the smart array of tequilas, and even the fiercest bandito would happily pull up a chair.

1 article
Red the Steakhouse

3355 Richmond Rd., Beachwood Eastern Suburbs

216-831-2252

Contemporary, Staff Pick

Luscious slabs of beef and creative, indulgent salads, sides and desserts make this modern American steakhouse a prime location for well-heeled meat-eaters. A well-organized wine list, gracious service and contemporary rustic decor with a Napa-like sophistication complete the region’s best steakhouse.

1 article
XO Prime Steakhouse

500 W. St. Clair Ave. Downtown/Flats/Warehouse District

216-861-1919

Contemporary, Staff Pick, Menu

Zdenko Zovkic has given the usual staid steakhouse scene a smart, contemporary twist, turning this high-profile restaurant into a svelte, sexy destination. While the steaks, all USDA prime, are the real stars, the lengthy menu goes well beyond to include luxurious fish and seafood alternatives. Meantime, seats in XO's uncluttered lounge are prime space for sampling the neighborhood's urbane vibe.

1 article