The Best Cleveland Food To Try in 2025

Are you looking for the best Cleveland food? From pierogis and paczki to bratwurst, bagels and chicken paprikash, Cleveland foods feature the heritage of the city’s Irish, German, Polish and Italian settlers. 

According to native Drew Carey’s popular ‘90s sitcom “The Drew Cary Show,” Cleveland Rocks! After reading this list of Cleveland food ideas, you’re bound to agree that the food scene tops the charts.

In fact, as covered by Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland has had a thriving food and beverage scene since the early days of the city, meaning it has been a hidden gem foodie paradise for centuries. 

Whether you’re visiting music icons at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, gazing at masterpieces at the Cleveland Museum of Art or adventuring on Lake Erie, be sure to turn to this guide when you want to refuel with some of the most authentic Cleveland cuisine. 

 Jump to Section

• How We Choose the Best Cleveland Foods
• 13 Best Cleveland Foods
• Get a Taste of Famous Cleveland Foods

How We Choose the Best Cleveland Foods

With over 10 years of experience in the food industry, the team at Cozymeal has gained a great understanding of culinary scenes in cities across the world, from global metropolises to smaller towns and cities. We use this knowledge to connect foodies with city-based content centered around topics like the best local restaurants and can’t-miss dishes. 

To create this guide to the best Cleveland food, our editorial team dived into their own knowledge of the city while also conducting research via the web and social media. We also ask team members local to Cleveland for the low-down on what you have to eat when visiting. 

Finally, we ensure that all the food featured in this guide to the best eats in Cleveland meets the following criteria. 

Our list of the best Cleveland foods:

• Covers dishes and eateries that Cleveland locals know and rate well, and ideally have a strong history in the city. 
• Includes foods that are unique to the city. 
• Suggests dishes at various price points, ensuring affordability. 

Ultimately, this guide to the best Cleveland food highlights the most unique dishes the city has to offer, with something for everyone.

13 Best Cleveland Foods

1. Bratwurst Sandwich at Frank’s Bratwurst

Located at West Side Market, Frank’s Bratwurst has been open since 1970 when Austrian immigrants Franz (Frank) and his wife Johanna Ratschki opened the small stall. They also operate a Cleveland food truck known as the Brat Mobile.

The Vibe

The West Side Market is Cleveland’s oldest indoor/outdoor market. You can shop, eat and drink among more than 100 vendors while enjoying a bustling market atmosphere. At Frank’s Bratwurst, you'll be greeted by friendly staff and the smell of freshly cooked meat and toppings. 

What To Order

Order it plain or with sauerkraut for an authentic German meal. Frank’s also features other European comfort food selections, including a schnitzel sandwich, German potato salad and Italian sausage.

Frank’s Bratwurst | 1979 W. 25th St., Cleveland, OH 44113 | $

2. Paczki at Michael Angelo’s Bakery

Whether you're celebrating an event or just want a treat, Michael Angelo’s Bakery is the place to head to! The most popular Cleveland food here is authentic paczki, a Polish filled doughnut. 

The Vibe

This bright and airy spot features pastry cases filled with treats. Get your food to go or sit at the coffee bar and enjoy coffee and a dessert at this neighborhood pâtisserie.

What To Order

Choose from 12 flavors of paczki that include apricot, custard and Bavarian maple, as well as peanut butter or apple. You can also get macarons, cheesecake, pepperoni bread, Irish soda bread and much more. 

Michael Angelo’s Bakery | 8035 Broadview Road, Broadview Heights, OH 44147 | $

3. Bagel With Schmear at Cleveland Bagel Co.

The bagels served up at Cleveland Bagel Co. are somewhere between a Montreal and New York-style bagel. Flavors include rosemary sea salt, sesame seed, poppy seed and plain. No matter which flavor you get, trying this Cleveland food at least once is a must!

The Vibe

Cleveland Bagel Co. doesn't have bagel shops of its own. Instead, these chewy bagels can be found at farmers markets, bakeries and coffee shops around town. 

What To Order

If it's your first time ordering a Cleveland Bagel Co. bagel, we recommend going for the plain bagel. Then choose from various schmears, which is simply Yiddish for “spreads." Popular and unique flavors include brie honey walnut, chorizo chipotle and cheddar chive. 

Cleveland Bagel Co. | Multiple Locations | $

4. Walleye Cakes at Zanzibar Soul Fusion

For soul food in Cleveland, look no further than Zanzibar Soul Fusion, which serves Southern comfort cuisine like mac and cheese, candied yams, catfish and waffles, BBQ beef shank and its famous walleye cakes. 

The Vibe

Zanzibar offers a casual vibe with indoor and outdoor seating, perfect for enjoying some of the best Cleveland food no matter the weather. 

What To Order

Served with a side of house Cajun corn, Zanzibar’s walleye cakes are a take on the crab cake with the fruits of Lake Erie. Local walleye is blended with roasted red peppers, scallions, cilantro and Thai ginger mayonnaise to make a unique and tasty appetizer.

Zanzibar Soul Fusion | Multiple Locations | $$

5. Buckeyes at Mitchell’s Fine Chocolates

Mitchell’s Fine Chocolates has been family-owned and operated since 1939, when it began as a small neighborhood soda fountain. Today, the store sells a range of beloved sweet Cleveland food treats, with its Buckeyes being one of the most popular options. 

The Vibe

The brightly lit neighborhood hub features a warm and inviting storefront filled with sweet treats, from dark chocolate coconut bonbons and cherry cordials to fruit slices, pecan turtles and mint truffles. If you’re searching for date ideas in Cleveland, taking your partner here to get some sweet treats is an excellent idea.

What To Order

Mitchell’s Buckeyes consist of a soft and creamy peanut butter center, blanketed in dark chocolate and dotted with a splash of milk chocolate. Buckeyes are a great gift to give from a visit to the Buckeye State. Even if you live in the area, they're still a must-try Cleveland food that you'll likely buy again and again after the first time!

Mitchell’s Fine Chocolates | 2285 Lee Road, Cleveland, OH 44118 | $

6. Hot Dogs at Happy Dog

The Cleveland food scene has no shortage of hot dog-style sandwiches. One of the best places to get hot dogs with almost any topping you want is Happy Dog. This neighborhood bar and restaurant offers meat and veggie dogs, along with over 50 topping choices, including Spaghetti-Os and Froot Loops (yes, really!)

The Vibe

Happy Dog is a casual and friendly spot with bar seating. It's a great place for a quick bite of some of the best Cleveland food, while also enjoying the game or live music and a beer. 

What To Order

Choose from beef, kielbasa or two types of veggie hot dogs, then pile high with whichever toppings take your fancy. If you're feeling adventurous, try the Froot Loops topping. Even if you don't enjoy it, you'll have a fun Cleveland food story. 

Happy Dog | 5801 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, OH 44102 | $

7. Dichotomy Popcorn at Campbell’s Sweets Factory

True popcorn connoisseurs will recommend Campbell’s Sweets Factory every time. Choose from kettle corn, white cheddar, vinegar and other unique flavors as well as chocolates, covered Oreo cookies and popcorn balls.

The Vibe

This is a grab-and-go spot, with a center counter. Ordering here remains a nostalgic experience, thanks to the shop's glass cases displaying rows of colorful treats. 

What To Order

Not just any old buttered popcorn, Campbell’s Dichotomy Popcorn features caramel corn and cheese for a sweet and savory snacking experience. The White Dichotomy Popcorn is also a great choice and uses white cheddar. You can additionally choose from seasonal flavors like caramel apple, hot cocoa and garlic Parmesan.

Campbell’s Sweets Factory | Multiple Locations | $

8. Pizza at Il Rione

If you want pizza in Cleveland, Il Rione is one of the most locally loved places to grab a slice. This relaxed spot does eat in and take-out, serving up pies for all tastes.

The Vibe

This Cleveland food spot is bright and airy, with Italian design accents. It's casual yet sophisticated at the same time, making it ideal for all types of occasions, from weeknight dates to a fun birthday dinner in Cleveland. 

What To Order

The Green Pie with red sauce and mozzarella, plus basil, arugula pesto and fried sage leaves, offers a delicious twist on the classic Margherita. Alternatively, go with the Speck Pie, featuring speck, lemon ricotta and pistachio on a white pie, all drizzled with hot honey. There's even a vegan pizza.

Il Rione | 1303 W. 65th St., Cleveland, OH 44102 | $$

9. Pierogi at Little Polish Diner

The Little Polish Diner, located in the Polish Village in the neighborhood of Parma, serves a variety of Eastern European food such as borsch, stuffed cabbage and the famous pierogi.

The Vibe

The small and intimate corner diner seats 22 in a colorful setting. It's one of the most cozy and welcoming spots in the Greater Cleveland area.

What To Order

Pierogi is the can't-miss Cleveland food to try here. If you've never had them, pierogi are dumplings stuffed with whipped potatoes and cheese. These tasty parcels are then pan-fried and served with onions, stuffed cabbage and a side of sauerkraut or coleslaw.

Little Polish Diner | 5772 Ridge Road, Parma, OH 44129 | $

10. Pretzel Crunch Bar at Malley’s Chocolates

Headquartered in Cleveland, Malley’s Chocolates is a much-loved part of the local Cleveland food scene. Malley's Chocolates serves up a range of sweet confections, including iconic Cleveland foods like Buckeyes and the brand's famous Pretzel Crunch Bar.

The Vibe

Multiple locations allow the ease of picking up chocolaty treats throughout Northeast Ohio. Four of the stores also feature an ice cream parlor. 

What To Order

The popular Pretzel Crunch Bar sees milk chocolate and salted pretzels combine into a sweet and crunchy treat. In addition to the Pretzel Crunch Bar and other candy bars, Malley’s makes delicious truffles, chocolate-covered pretzels, buckeyes and English toffee creations, which are all worth a try if you want to sample all that the sweeter side of Cleveland food has to offer. 

Malley’s Chocolates | Multiple Locations | $

11. Corned Beef Sandwich at Flannery’s Pub

Locals know Flannery’s Pub as one of the most fun bars in the city and the place to go for St. Patrick’s Day. The pub also has a great food menu, including its famous corned beef sandwiches. 

The Vibe

Outdoor seating, live music and Irish comfort food bring a casually festive vibe to this Cleveland food favorite. Hanging out here is one of the best things to do in Cleveland for locals and visitors! 

What To Order

A Cleveland staple, Flannery’s corned beef Reuben piles generous slices of house-made corned beef on marbled rye bread. It's finished with sauerkraut, Thousand Island dressing and  Swiss.

You can also get corned beef and cabbage if you've tried the sandwich already. Wash whatever you order down with a generous pour of Guinness.

Flannery’s Pub | 323 Prospect Ave. E., Cleveland, OH ​​44115 | $

12. Polish Boy at Seti’s

If you’re wondering, “What food is Cleveland known for?” in order to build a Cleveland food bucket list, you have to add Polish Boy to your must-try list. While quite a few places serve this popular Cleveland food, Seti’s is a highly recommended spot to check out, and was even Michael Symon’s pick for the Food Network’s “Best Thing I Ever Ate.”

The Vibe

Operating for more than 20 years, Seti’s was one of Cleveland’s first food trucks and remains a local favorite to this day. The truck can usually be found at Lorain and 42nd Street, serving up some of the best Cleveland food, rain or shine. 

What To Order

The Best Polish Boy is, as the name suggests, one of the best orders. It features grilled kielbasa, slaw, French fries and barbecue sauce piled high on a sandwich bun. You can also add chili and cheese to this delicious Cleveland food. 

Seti’s | W. 42nd and Lorain Ave., Cleveland, OH 44113 | $

13. Chicken Paprikash at Balaton Restaurant

Opened in 1964, the family-owned Balaton Restaurant serves traditional Hungarian dishes like goulash, palacsinta and veal paprikash. However, the most famous Cleveland food served here is the chicken paprikash. 

The Vibe

A bright and inviting interior welcomes diners to stay a while and enjoy authentic cuisine and Cleveland food specialties.

What To Order

While you could order a few dishes, getting a serving of the chicken paprikash is a must. Large portions of chicken are pan-fried and simmered in Hungarian paprika, onions and other seasonings until tender. This Cleveland food is served with homemade egg and flour spaetzle.

Balaton Restaurant | 8564 E. Washington St., Chagrin Falls, OH 44023 | $

Get a Taste of Famous Cleveland Foods

Having tasted some of these iconic Cleveland foods, you may be interested in learning how to make them. If so, taking a few cooking classes in Cleveland is an excellent way to get in touch with the cultural and culinary side of Cleveland.

You’ll learn to cook local dishes, use traditional techniques, explore regional recipes and even source fresh ingredients from farmers markets around town.

If you'd rather be treated to a Cleveland food feast, you can also hire private chefs in Cleveland. These professional chefs will cook all your local favorites just the way you like them and will take care of shopping and clean-up as well. 

If you've ever wondered, "What food is Cleveland known for?" this guide should have given you a good idea of what the city's culinary scene has to offer.

This collection of Cleveland foods is designed to spark your culinary creativity and satisfy your appetite, whether you live in the area, are exploring Cleveland or are just passing through. So, the next time you’re looking for a bite to eat or a snack to savor, check out one of these Cleveland area eateries.

For even more ways to explore Cleveland, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.