If a city is what it eats, we’re pretty amazing. Cleveland loves food. From world-class culinary establishments with award-winning chefs to tried and true neighborhood institutions, we’re practically overflowing with unbelievable eats. But some dishes just mean a little more, whether they represent a shared heritage or are just plain old comfort food. Take one bite out of these Cleveland classics and you’ll immediately understand why we love them so much.
Fried Perch & Walleye
Even during the fish fry off-season, Clevelanders can enjoy Lake Erie perch and walleye at area restaurants. Nosh on walleye cakes at Zanzibar Soul Fusion, or visit Flat Iron Café for Angel's Lake Perch. As their name implies, Sam Sylk's Chicken & Fish offers an extensive menu highlighted by hearty dishes that taste like a home-cooked meal.
Pierogis
Let the feast begin! Parma is ground zero for pierogies, thanks to iconic eateries Rudy's Strudel and Bakery and Little Polish Diner. However, the Hingetown bar Jukebox also serves the Polish delicacy.
The Polish Boy
On the Polish tip, you can’t go wrong with a Polish Boy — a Cleveland delicacy featuring kielbasa topped with fries, barbecue sauce and slaw. Try it at local barbecue joints such as Mabel's BBQ, low-key bars like the Rowley Inn, or Real Smoq’ed BBQ.
Ice Cream
Midwest winters can't keep Clevelanders from their favorite ice cream spots. At Mitchell’s, you can watch the magic happen as they craft their ice cream Willy Wonka-style, while Honey Hut has been serving up classics since 1974. No matter the season, there’s a frosty scoop waiting for you in The Land.
Hot Dogs, Brats and Kielbasa
As for hot dogs, sausages, bratwurst and kielbasa — Clevelanders are fans of them all. The iconic hot dog joint Steve’s Lunch may have burned down in 2015, but the restaurant's spirit lives on at the 24-hour Steve's Doghouse. In 2020, Frank’s Bratwurst celebrated 50 years of slinging sandwiches at the West Side Market, while Raddell’s Sausage Shop has sold four generations of Clevelander's Slovenian smoked sausage. We’d also be remiss not to shout out Happy Dog, where patrons can get creative with 50+ toppings on their meat or vegan dogs.
Ball Park Mustard, Kraut and Pickles, Oh My!
True locals top off their dogs with crunchy, tasty Cleveland Kraut and tangy Bertman Original Ballpark Mustard, a stadium staple for decades. Whether you’re looking for a classic dill or bread n’ butter chips with a twist, Randy’s Pickles has a jar to sate every kind of pickle lover.
Chicken Paprikash
Another local favorite is the Hungarian comfort classic, chicken paprikash. For a “When Harry Met Sally” moment, head to Red Chimney, Clubhouse, Balaton or Banter, just to name a few.
Corned Beef
Another signature dish is the corned beef sandwich. These towering stacks of savory brisket are legendary — whether on fresh rye with mustard and Swiss or griddled into Reuben perfection. Check out Slyman’s and Danny's Deli for one of these belly-filling sandwiches.
Ice Wine
To the east, life is sweet in the Grand River Valley, where ice wine is a staple at local wineries and the annual Ice Wine Festival. Raise a glass to the good life and pound grapes Elsa-style.
Tummy Still Rumbling?
Head to our Eat & Drink page for even more delicious options — because there's always room for one more bite.