Italian

Cleveland Italian Food That's A Slice Above the Rest

Last Updated: February 27, 2017

Pizza, pasta, and cannolis oh my! Dig into great food from one of the many well known Italian establishments in Cleveland. Don’t forget to finish it off with a slice of classic Tiramisu or gelato. YUM.

Mamma Santa’s

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Located in a building that is over 100 years old and was once a bank, Mamma Santa’s is located in Cleveland’s well known Little Italy. They have received the award for best pizza in Cleveland multiple years; take it from us, their pizza does not disappoint! Feeling some pasta instead? Their menu is filled with pasta options that are made with their homemade noodles. It’s the perfect casual Italian experience that’s worth a visit.  

Brio Tuscan Grille

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With multiple locations in Northeast Ohio, Brio is a great place to choose to dine for some Italian cuisine. Dinner, lunch, and brunch are all offered; they even offer a gluten free and a light menu. We recommend their Beef Carpaccio and Caesar Salad. If you're in the Legacy Village location, they have an amazing staff and you must eat outside on their porch during the summer! Typically on the weekends there is live music in the center of Legacy, and you can relax with a glass of wine. We recommend that you go and check out their blog online. It’s filled with cooking tips, fun facts, and the latest updates to their restaurants and menu. We made a few of their recipes and loved them all! They also have an awesome rewards program where they will often give free apps and drinks so we recommend you sign up. Who doesn’t love free food?


Arrabiata’s Italian Restaurant

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Arrabiata’s is a local family owned restaurant with two locations in the greater Cleveland area. They offer authentic food which includes a lot of the Italian favorites. Chicken parmigiana, pasta, and veal dishes are a few of the menu items you can choose from. Stop in for their early bird menu served Monday-Friday 4:30-6:30 (their version of happy hour that offers great prices) for an early dinner. Looking to grab a bite for lunch? They also have a lunch menu featuring smaller portions of their dinner items.


M Italian

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M Italian is downtown Chagrin Falls’ featured Italian restaurant. They offer classic Italian dishes with a twist. Their distinctive pizzas are cooked in a wood-burning oven, making the pizzas crispy and flavorful. Offering an Italian farmhouse atmosphere, M Italian has created a welcoming space for dining with its open spaces and open kitchen which was made to allow the guests to be involved in the cooking experience. It’s inviting, warm, and intimate all while offering fantastic appetizers, pizzas, paninis, and pastas. Don’t forget your drink! Their house-made lemoncello or signature cocktail the Sicilian Mule are both great options.


Geraci’s

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Known for their crispy pizzas, Geraci’s is a small Italian restaurant located in University Heights. There are plenty pizza options to choose from. Our favorite is the traditional gourmet pizza. It’s loaded with sausage, onions, mushrooms, pepperoni, and green peppers. Geraci’s is the perfect place to satisfy a pizza craving and spend time with friends.  Tip: make sure you have cash on hand as they don’t accept any other form of payment.


Bar Cento

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Bar Cento, a modern Italian eatery, was voted best pizza in Ohio by the Food Network and Zagat. Located in Ohio City, Bar Cento offers a European inspired menu that features items made with regional and sustainable ingredients sourced from local farms. Also check out their award winning seasonal menu-they’re always changing it up. Before you go, log onto their website and take a look at their events page. They hold special events including beer and wine dinners as well as the opportunity to attend a dinner which offers some of their new exclusive eats.


Crostata’s Rustic Pizza

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Crostata’s specializes in Neapolitan thin crust pizzas and small Italian plates. Cleveland Scene named this Italian favorite as the place that offers the best world pizza in Northeast Ohio. In addition to their homemade pizzas, they have a menu filled with pastas, paninis, and other classic Italian dishes. Look out for their seasonal menu-they’re always adding flavorful options that are sure to delight your taste buds.


Trentina

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The sixth restaurant of award winning Chef Jonathon Sawyer and his wife, Trentina is intimate and eclectic. Their menu offers Northern Italian cuisine and wine which pays homage to the foods of Trentino, Italy. Using ingredients from local Ohio farmers, their food is high quality. In addition to lunch and dinner, they also provide a fantastic brunch experience as well. Try their brunch pizza. It’s topped with potatoes, provolone, and pecorino. Looking to amp up your dining experience? Book a reservation to try out their 12 course tasting menu, Menu Bianco. It’s a culinary experience you won’t forget!


Stancato’s

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Stancato’s stands out from other Cleveland Italian locations as it offers multiple dining options. Order from their menu or take a look at their buffet. Their Italian buffet is offered on Sundays and features all the Italian classics-stuffed shells, meatballs, and chicken marsala are only a few. Perfect for a night out or for a special event, Stancato’s will satisfy your Italian craving. Follow up your meal with one of their desserts-there’s so many to choose from!


Santosuosso’s

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Nestled in the small town of Medina, Santosuosso’s has some of the best pizza and chicken parmesan. It’s a small town restaurant offering big flavors and amazing Italian eats. The restaurant features hand painted murals covering the walls which makes for a cozy and inviting space. Don’t have time to sit down? Call ahead and place an order for pickup. It’s easy, fast, and delicious!