CLEVELAND, Ohio – It’s no secret restaurants are still feeling, and battling, the multitude of challenges remaining from the coronavirus pandemic. Rising costs and staffing issues have plagued the industry.
But it’s a healthy sign to see not only so many restaurants open but the diverse mix being served up. From bagels to burgers, cups of coffee and bowls of ramen and so much more, the Northeast Ohio dining scene continues to survive.
Here’s a look at more than three dozen places in Greater Cleveland that opened in 2022:
AKRON: Crave
Crave relocated around the corner to the heart of downtown Akron on Main Street, a bright culinary spot both literally and figuratively. It’s an energetic restaurant that includes grab-and-go options and retail wine shop. Nosh on giardiniera while perusing a menu broken into “firsts,” “others,” “nexts” and “so on.”
156 S. Main St., eatdrinkcrave.com
Read more about Crave
BROOKLYN: Swenson’s
Sometimes you just have to sink your teeth into a Galley Boy, the famous olive-speared double-patty burger at the classic drive-through eatery. Wash it down with a shake and all is good. (Right now the seasonal peppermint candy cane milkshake is being swirled up.)
7414 Brookpark Road, swensonsdriveins.com
Read more about Swenson’s in Brooklyn
CLEVELAND: Agave & Rye
The Kentucky-based restaurant entered the Cleveland market this year with its very colorful and equally energetic spot at W. 6th Street and St. Clair Avenue. Tacos and tequila, bourbon and more. It’s in the former Bar Louie.
1352 W. 6th St., agaveandrye.com
CLEVELAND: Amba
What started as a ghost kitchen found its own comfort zone in the city’s Ohio City neighborhood. With décor featuring a rope ceiling and handmade oversized bamboo light fixtures, Amba serves small plates to meaty entrees, from lentil donuts, Turkish fried eggs, samosas, lamb kofta and more. Amba, by the way, is a versatile type of Indian mango chutney sauce.
1430 W. 28th St., ambacle.com/amba/
Read more about Amba
CLEVELAND: The Aviator Event Center & Pub
This restaurant-event center is in the former 100th Bomb Group adjacent to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. The smash burger is to die for in the comfortable pub setting with great view. The event center offers one-stop-wedding shopping, from photos to flowers.
20920 Brookpark Road, aviatorpubcleveland.com
Read more about The Aviator
CLEVELAND: Bartleby
Located in the old Crop space, the restaurant covers 6,000 square feet in the classic 1925 building. Strategically placed bookcases and couches are located throughout the restaurant, which is anchored by a cool piece of tree art. The unpretentious menu includes approachable dishes with an apps-heavy menu.
2537 Lorain Ave., bartlebycleveland.com
Read more about Bartleby
CLEVELAND: Bird of Paradise
This tropical club is a rebrand of former Ohio City hotspot Speakeasy, tucked in the basem*nt of Bright Side (formerly Bar Cento and Bier Markt). It’s a colorful reimagination of the space.
1948 W. 25th St., Cleveland, birdofparadisecle.com
Read more about Bird of Paradise
CLEVELAND: Blue Agave
The taco and tequila concept opened in the former Zocalo’s on E. 4th Street. It’s awash in Mexican flavors and a cool vibe. And the highlight is its drink menu, which includes margaritas made with fresh fruit and agave nectar.
2071 E. 4th St., blueagavecleveland.com/
Read more about Blue Agave
CLEVELAND: Bright Side
When the force behind Market Garden Brewery decided to close Bar Cento / Bier Markt and come up with something new, they definitely had more in mind than just a facelift. The new concept makes use of open windows, centralized bar and sleek décor. It’s an energetic breath of fresh air in Ohio City.
1948 W. 25th St., brightsidecle.com
Read more about Bright Side
CLEVELAND: The Centro
What was the Adega has been converted into an Italian-focused The Centro in the Metropolitan at the 9. Some design changes came about, though it’s still a tasteful respite in the heart of downtown serving visitors and residents alike.
2017 E. 9th St., thecentrocleveland.com
Read more about The Centro
CLEVELAND: Choolaah
This Indian fast-casual concept’s Ohio City location marked a homecoming of sorts; the restaurant chain started in 2014 in Orange, then expanded to spots in Pennsylvania and Virginia. This summer, it found its way into a prime location in one of Cleveland’s most renowned dining neighborhoods, in what was formerly a Howard Hanna office.
1903 W. 25th St., Cleveland, choolaah.com
Read more about Choolaah
CLEVELAND: Cordelia
Possibly the most anticipated restaurant opening of the year, Cordelia had big shoes to fill, going into the spot formerly occupied by Michael Symon’s Lola Bistro on E. 4th Street. The space is all about Cleveland, and the city pride is matched by a well-constructed menu.
2058 E. 4th St., cordeliacle.com
Read more about Cordelia
CLEVELAND: Edda Coffee Roasters
One of the three food-drink offerings that went into Intro Cleveland in Ohio City, the shop is run by java pro Charlie Eisenstat. The cool setting is welcoming for workspaces, casual meets and, of course, good coffee.
2075 W. 25th St., eddacoffee.com
Read more about Edda
CLEVELAND: Jade New Asian and Sushi Bar
Zdenko Zovcic (formerly of XO Prime Steaks) is running this three-in-one concept, with sushi bar, dragon room and rooftop dining. The first two floors are open to the public; the top is membership-based.
1048 Old River Road, jadenewasiancle.com
Read more about Jade
CLEVELAND: Jaja
Ohio City’s landscape sure has changed. Jaja, located in its second-floor perch across from the West Side Market, focuses on small, shared plates without forgetting larger cuts of beef. A 20-foot Argentinian wood-fired grill is fueling the menu for the restaurant, which is in Intro Cleveland.
2050 Gehring Ave., jajacleveland.com
Read more about Jaja
CLEVELAND: Juneberry Table
If Karen Small is running a restaurant, you know it’s based on a well-thought-out concept. This eatery, in the former Jack Flaps, focuses on southern-influenced breakfast dishes.
3900 Lorain Ave., juneberrytable.com
Read more about Juneberry
CLEVELAND: Let’s Talk CLE
Scott Hess opened this breakfast-lunch-small bites eatery in the atrium of the Aecom building downtown. Unfortunately, it landed on both our openings and closings lists for 2022.
1300 E. 9th St., letstalkcle.com
Read more about Let’s Talk CLE
CLEVELAND: Mango Mango
The owners of the AsiaTown dessert shop saw a very specific culinary need in Cleveland. Restaurants were plentiful, but Asian dessert places were not. If strawberry and mango is your thing, give your sweet tooth what it has been craving.
3133 Payne Ave., facebook.com/mangomangocleveland
Read more about Mango Mango
CLEVELAND: Pearl Street Wine Market and Cafe
This concept takes over the former Flying Fig’s space. Beyond the expansive wine menu, expect a menu of shared plates that follow chef Karen Small’s longtime farm-to-table emphasis, which she established at both The Flying Fig and Juneberry Table. The menu includes charcuterie boards, seasonal pasta, protein and produce entrees.
2523 Market Ave., Cleveland, pearlstreetcle.com
Read more about Pearl Street Wine Market and Cafe
CLEVELAND: Pins Mechanical Co. / 16-Bit Bar and Arcade
There’s no food, just plenty of drinks and fun and games in this spacious place. Play foosball, pinball, duckpin and bocce. And note: You can bring in food; remember utensils.
1880 W. 25th St., pinsbar.com/cleveland#activities-cleveland-section
Read more about Pins Mechanical Co. and 16-Bit Bar and Arcade
CLEVELAND: Pioneer
Definite sports vibe here, with 180 seats inside the restaurant-bar and 120 outside. Not to mention the kajillion televisions. As you watch the action, munch on classic American fare with South American twists made on a wood-fired grill. It’s part of the troika of places at Intro Cleveland, along with Edda Coffee Roasters and Jaja.
2407 Lorain Ave., pioneercleveland.com
Read more about Pioneer
CLEVELAND: Sora
From upscale sushi ghost kitchen to popup eatery to permanent place, Sora has grown incrementally and is adjacent to sister restaurant Lago East Bank. Jonsing for sushi? Sora offers extensive nigiri and sashimi menu options, rolls and entrees.
1121 W. 10th St., Cleveland,
Read more about Sora
CLEVELAND HEIGHTS: Nubeigel
Josh Admon is making bagels the best they can be with this restaurant. The chef limited the menu to five types of bagels, six toppings and seven types of schmear. Plus, there’s a menu of standard coffee-shop drinks. That’s it – but that’s enough, for now.
2254 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights, nubeigel.com
Read more about Nubeigel
FAIRVIEW PARK and LAKEWOOD: Dave’s Hot Chicken
Fast casual Nashville-style chicken spices things up a bit. The chain started small in California in 2017 and has exploded, expanding across the country. This pair of DHC eateries are two of three in Ohio; the other is in Columbus.
15012 Detroit Ave., Lakewood - daveshotchicken.com: Read more about Dave’s Hot Chicken in Lakewood
3128 Westgate Mall, Fairview Park - daveshotchicken.com: Read more about Dave’s Hot Chicken in Fairview Park
FAIRVIEW PARK: Umami Rice Bowls
John Roberts got his start in the restaurant business by cleaning hoods, not by cooking. But he learned a lot along the way. He opened this eatery with the goal of providing fresh, healthy and very fast made-to-order meals. They move quickly, with most orders taking about three minutes. The menu features Japanese teriyaki dishes, raw-fish poke bowls, tofu items plus gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options.
22255 Lorain Road, facebook.com/ricebowlsumami/
Read more about Umami Rice Bowls
GENEVA: Black Door Tavern
Gene Sigel’s property is all about libations. He has South River Vineyard, Red Eagle Distillery and now this tavern with a cozy menu of small plates, entrees and, of course, co*cktails. And it’s all right in the heart of wine country.
6202 S. River Road W, blackdoortavern.com
Read more about Black Door Tavern
KENT: The Human Bean
This Oregon-based coffee drive-through opened its latest Northeast Ohio location in front of Acme Fresh Market. Its includes coffees, teas, specialty coffee drinks, smoothies (made with real fruit), breakfast sandwiches, muffins, bagels, cookies and energy drinks. Question: Is it a law that coffee shops all have to have a punny name?
1713 E. Main St., thehumanbean.com
Read more about The Human Bean
LAKEWOOD: Studio West 117
Three restaurants – Muse (wood-fired inspired cuisine), Trellis (rooftop bar), Eat Me Pizza (slices or pies) – all satiate different culinary cravings and styles. The space – billed as an LGBTQ+ haven – offers everything from full gym with multiple sports options, reiki, artwork, drag shows and more.
1384 Hird Ave., studiowest117.com
Read more about Studio West 117
MAYFIELD HEIGHTS: Piada Italian Street Food
It’s the eighth location in Northeast Ohio for the 12-year-old company that offers made-to-order customizable meals: The Piada (a wrap made from thin-crust Italian dough baked on a stone grill, filled with assorted ingredients), pasta bowl or chopped salad.
6075 Mayfield Road, mypiada.com
Read more about Piada
MEDINA: Akronym Public House
The brewery opened in downtown Akron in 2018 and expanded west. Creative apps kick off the menu with starters like pepperoni roll, stuffed dates, pub pretzel, whipped ricotta and house hummus. Plus burgers, chicken, melts and pizza – and don’t forget great beer to wash it down. (In 2019, Akronym finished second in our best brewery contest.)
5121 Buehlers Dr., akronymbrewing.com/public-house-hours-menu/
Read more about Akronym
MEDINA: Monarca Cantina
The owners crafted a menu that focuses on Mexico’s many regions. Colorful décor, more than 70 tequilas and margarita flights round out things nicely on the bucolic square. If all you know is quick-casual Mexican, then this is a menu worth checking out.
Address, monarca.co
Read more about Monarca Cantina
NORTH OLMSTED: Fiesta Grill
At this Great Northern restaurant, don’t expect standard food-court fare. Instead, find favorites from the owners’ other restaurants (Fairview Park’s El Arepazo Y Pupuseria, Lakewood’s Arepazo Latino & Bar and Akron’s Latino Bar & Grill) on the menu. That menu includes burritos, tacos, torta, bowls, arepas and nachos, along with signature dishes like bandeja paisa, pollo con arroz and carne asada.
4954 Great Northern Blvd., greatnorthernohio.com
Read more about Fiesta Grill
ORANGE VILLAGE: Kitchen Social
The Columbus-based owners liked what they saw in the Pinecrest development, so they opened a restaurant in the former Next Door. The made-from-scratch menu covers American classics – steak, seafood, pasta and pizza. And in warm weather, those giant garage doors roll up for an airy, breezy dining experience.
211 Park Ave., ourkitchensocial.com
Read more about Kitchen Social
PARMA: Au Jus
Jakob Kelly and Tiffany Ballog opened this eatery focused on Chicago-style Italian beef, sausage and pressed sandwiches. Bonus: The couple has a massive large garden for produce like cucumbers (pickles!) and the restaurant has vacant space adjacent to it, so an on-site garden down the road is possible.
5875 Broadview Road, aujus-cle.com
Read more about Au Jus
PARMA: Oishi Ramen
Cody Lin, the owner of Best Wok Chinese at The Shoppes at Parma, opened a ramen-focused restaurant this spring. The 2,000-square-foot restaurant serves a variety of ramens, along with poke bowls, boba tea and more.
8635 W. Ridgewood Dr., oishiramenoh.com
Read more about Oishi Ramen
SANDUSKY: Saucy Brew Works
Saucy started in downtown Cleveland, expanded west to Pinecrest development in Orange Village, and now has gone west. Get your noshes (wings, pretzels, short ribs, pierogies, more), sandwiches, entrees, steaks and – of course – its famous ‘apizza.’ And you know you’ll have a barrel of options when it comes to beer.
215 E. Water St., saucybrewworks.com/sandusky/
Read more about Saucy
SHAKER HEIGHTS: Motiv
The Magna Family of Brands started out focusing on wine but has added coffee to the mix. Dre and Brittany Wiley own this coffee, wine and co*cktails bar, which is located in the Kingsbury Building.
3427 Lee Road, motivshaker.com
Read more about Motiv
WESTLAKE: Bahia Bowls Acai Café
The fast-casual eatery promotes healthy breakfast, lunch and dinner options. Superfruit bowls, soups, salads, smoothies and more are offered, and there are no-sugar-added menu items. This is the first location in Ohio.
225 Main St., bahiabowls.com
Read more about Bahia Bowls
WESTLAKE: Pulpo Beer Co.
Juan Vergara and Co. have followed up their 2021 opening in Willoughby with this West Side location in a former B Spot. For suds, pints, shortys and flights are available, and food covers the gamut, from jerk chicken egg rolls, smash burgers and more among more than 20 offerings.
20 Main St., pulpobeerco.com/taproom
Read more about Pulpo Beer Co.
WILLOUGHBY: The Yard on 3rd / Geraci’s Slice Shop
A food and drink pairing: The Yard on 3rd is a seasonal fun, hanging-out outdoor-vibe bar, dog-friendly with games, assorted beer, co*cktails and more. The neighboring slice shop offers pizza from the classic family name, Geraci’s.
38040 Third St., theyardon3rd.com and geracissliceshop.com
Read more about The Yard on 3rd and Geraci’s Slice Shop
WOODMERE: Mabel’s BBQ
The Michael Symon-owned barbecue restaurant (the original is on E. 4th Street) expanded to the East Side in Eton. The no-reservations eatery is smack dab amidst a lot of shopping options. Buy stuff, have a drink and feast away.
28699 Chagrin Blvd., mabelsbbq.com/mabels-bbq-eton
Read more about Mabel’s
Related coverage: Restaurants that opened in 2021
I am on cleveland.com’s life and culture team and cover food, beer, wine and sports-related topics. If you want to see my stories, here’s a directory on cleveland.com. Bill Wills of WTAM-1100 and I talk food and drink usually at 8:20 a.m. Thursday morning. Twitter: @mbona30.
Get a jumpstart on the weekend and sign up for Cleveland.com’s weekly “In the CLE” email newsletter, your essential guide to the top things to do in Greater Cleveland. It will arrive in your inbox on Friday mornings - an exclusive to-do list, focusing on the best of the weekend fun. Restaurants, music, movies, performing arts, family fun and more. Just click here to subscribe. All cleveland.com newsletters are free.
Like cool local food + drinks photos and videos? Follow @DineDrinkCLE on Instagram.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
