Come election year, you are more than likely to see a presidential hopeful or politician visiting Cleveland’s oldest indoor/outdoor market space, West Side Market. With a diverse selection of ethnic specialities, it more than exemplifies the multicultural nature of Cleveland – the city holds about 120 distinct ethnic heritages. Here, we will examine why this diversity has made Cleveland a must-visit destination for all epicureans.
Food tours
There is no better way to understand the historic nature of West Side Market than going on a guided food tour with the likes of Relish Cleveland. Founder, Susan Chapo is a lifelong Clevelander and not only is she incredibly passionate about the food and the city, but her gregarious personality means she’s on first-name terms with most of the vendors.
Highlights include housed-smoked meats from Czuchraj Meats. The Ukrainian family-owned business has been operating since 1954 and you can expect to see black cherry and Christmas ale-flavoured bacon. At Narrin Spices and Sauces, you’ll probably find more hot sauces stocked than in the food halls of Harrods. You’ll find rare Hawaiian black lava sea salt at Urban Herbs, which is almost three times the price of Himalayan fine salt. She’ll also point out local specialities which you can try like Ohio Buckeyes, comforting pizza bagels and the beloved bratwurst from Frank’s which is at a bargain $4.
Beyond the market, you’ll get to visit Ohio City Farm. At around six acres, it is one of the most expansive contiguous urban farms in the United States. Operated by The Refugee Response, it empowers refugees to become self-sufficient whilst the produce is sold to underserved members of the community. You will also hear quirky stories such as the founding of Mitchell’s Ice Cream and how they converted a former theatre into a glistening ice cream factory.
Brunch
Brunch is a universally loved pastime and is enjoyed none more so than by Clevelanders. One of the top options to consider on the east side is Poppy, it is from the James Beard‐nominated team of Jessica Parkinson and Jill Vedaa, who runs the much-heralded Salt+ on the west side. The homely vibes hit you as soon as you enter their enclosed front porch with swinging chairs and greenery. French toast is served up with Ohio maple syrup, whilst a very flavoursome beef cheek hash with poached eggs is spiced up with a house-made hot sauce.
Betts is another great option, especially if you are staying at their centrally located hotel. They offer local classics like breaded chicken with house-made waffles, alternatively, you can assemble your salmon bagel with their bubbie’s board, where you can customise how much whipped boursin or chopped egg you want to add on.
French fare
Despite the unassuming entrance, L’Albatros Brasserie is a mecca for French food lovers. It is set in an old carriage house on the campus of Case Western Reserve University. They serve up hearty, mostly classic French fare with military precision. Their French toast hors d’oeuvre is infused with umami richness thanks to a ragout of wild mushrooms and balsamic syrup.
Pork two-ways for their plats principaux is a moreish showstopper. They use both braised pork shank and belly along with whole grain mustard sauce to enhance the umami flavours already swirling around your taste buds.
Little Italy
You must be cooking up something right if you have the title of Cleveland’s oldest restaurant, and Guarino’s founded in 1918 has been going from strength to strength ever since. They are not swayed by the latest trends – their signature lasagne is from a 50-year-old recipe and is still one of the most popular dishes in the restaurant.
Post-meal, you can stroll around the historic Little Italy neighbourhood and perhaps stop at Presti’s Bakery, which has been around since 1903, for authentic Italian treats like cinnamon almond biscotti or a cassata cake.
Fusion cuisine
The diverse fabric of Cleveland society is very much in evidence when you see the number of fusion restaurants on offer. If you are looking for Asian fusion, there is Sora – with a dominant pink cherry blossom installation on the ceiling, this is one of the most Instagrammable restaurants in town. Their speciality sushi rolls have a touch of Mexican flair with the use of jalapeños in their spicy tuna and hamachi rolls, and you’ll see Korean gochujang salmon as well as Taiwanese karaage. As long as it’s tasty Asian cuisine, you’re more than likely to find it here.
Looking for modern Indian cuisine? Head out to the LGBTQIA+ district of Hingetown and look for Amba. Their hip shareable plates are inspired by all things Indian. Is it traditional? Not if you are ordering dishes like lentil doughnuts filled with spicy Serrano chilli jam along with coconut chutney.
It is modern and trendy dishes like this, that keep the fashionable crowds of Cleveland flocking down to Hingetown. Have an aperitif and digestif at nearby Patron Saint to feel like a local. They serve negroni on tap and have a lengthy list of aperitivo options from Cocchi Americano to St Germain.
Factbox
Travellers can now fly directly to Cleveland from Dublin with Aer Lingus. The flight launched in May 2023 and operates four times a week, with connections from London Heathrow, Manchester, Edinburgh and Glasgow.
For more information on Cleveland, visit thisiscleveland.com
