Greater Cleveland is absolutely overflowing with delicious dining destinations. There are so many, in fact, that it can be hard to narrow down which ones to try. We've done some of the heavy lifting for you! In this article, we take a look at 12 amazing restaurants to try in Cleveland that are downright bucket list-worthy. They vary quite a bit in their offerings, but they share one thing in common: a passion for food and people. Start working up your appetite now, because you're going to want to visit these cool places for your Cleveland dining this year:

1. Corner 11 Bowl & Wrap

Looking for "restaurants near me?" Colorful, classy, and downright delicious. The meals at Corner 11 are always a delight to dine on, whether you opt for traditional Hawaiian poke, a ramen dish, or something else altogether. While poke is the specialty of this Tremont eatery, its menu features everything from vegan wings to Asian-fusion specialties. Next time you're in the area, you have to check this restaurant out!

2. Pizza (216)

Located right on Euclid, Pizza (216) has a highly visible location and has captured a lot of attention since it first opened. Now, it is many Clevelanders' go-to spot for New York-style pizza. However, it brings a special Cleveland flair to its menu. While it offers all the traditional toppings that make pizza delicious, it also offers a pierogi pie that's unbelievably delicious.

3. Phở Thắng Café

Phở Thắng Café on Superior is a relative newcomer to the Cleveland dining scene, but it's amassed quite the following in recent years. Famous for its Vietnamese noodle soup, this modest eatery has impressed visitors with its big flavors and fair prices. There's something for everyone here, and there are a variety of dishes to accommodate even vegetarian and vegan diets. Be prepared to take some leftovers home, because each serving is fairly hearty. This is one of the best places to eat in Cleveland.

4. Herb's Tavern

Want to add some old-school burgers to your Cleveland dining bucket list? At Herb's Tavern, patrons have been dining on the perfect burger since 1963. With traditional pub grub offerings and an impressive selection of beers to complement the food, this welcoming neighborhood tavern has delighted locals for generations now. The ambiance has changed very little over the years, maintaining a welcoming neighborhood eatery feel with a focus on made-to-order food.

5. The Sauce Boiling Seafood Express

While we do have Lake Erie, Cleveland isn't exactly famous for its seafood selections. Sure, local walleye is a delicacy, but what if you're looking for something more exotic? The Sauce Boiling Seafood Express opened its doors in 2019, and it has since expanded to several locations due to its delicious seafood offerings. With Louisiana-style seafood boils, you can pick exactly what ingredients you want in your bag. Just be prepared to get a little messy... it's sort of tradition with this sort of snacking!

6. Main Gate Restaurant

7. Zhug

Middle Eastern cuisine is some of the yummiest in the world. If you haven't ever tried it, Zhug in Cleveland Heights will definitely hit the spot. Here, the hummus is downright incredible... in fact, small dishes are their specialty. Select a variety of goodies to mix and match flavors, then plan to take leftovers home to snack on later. Try the curry fried chicken - it's out of this world!

8. Don's Pomeroy House

As autumn approaches, Don's Pomeroy House is one of the best places to dine. It's cozy, elegant, and intimate, with a specialty for seafood, steaks, and pasta. Of course, it's also purportedly haunted. Here, spirits pair perfectly with... well, spirits. The old Pomeroy home was built in the late 1840s, and it operated as a stop on the Underground Railroad. Whether or not you believe in ghosts, the history here is deliciously palatable. So, too, are their entrees!

9. Gunselman's Tavern

As things start to cool down in Cleveland, one of the best places to warm up is Gunselman's. This old-school tavern has operated since 1936, and it has a storied past that's almost legendary. For decades, Clevelanders have loved this cozy neighborhood bar for its friendly ambiance and delicious all-American meals. Whether you're in the mood for a burger or soup, this is an eatery that every Clevelander should try.

10. Avo Modern Mexican

Want to spice things up? Avo Modern Mexican has spicy food and spicy cocktails... and, of course, non-spicy options for less adventurous eaters. Here, traditional Mexican offerings are reimagined with a modern flair. In addition to being delicious, they're beautiful! The presentation is half the experience at this chic modern eatery.

11. Paris Room Bistro

Speaking of a beautiful presentation, let's take a moment to talk about the Paris Room. This is a bit of a hike to get to (being located in Chagrin Falls), but it's so worth the trip. Here, French fare is served up in an intimate environment that alludes to the charms of the City of Light. Local ingredients take center stage on European-born dishes, which are served up in an elegant and memorable manner. This is certainly one of the most exquisite Cleveland restaurants.

12. Whitmore's Bar-B-Q

Sometimes, the best food is simple food. At Whitmore's, southern-style barbecue is served up with a uniquely Cleveland flair. It first opened in 1942, and it has lasted for decades thanks to a fuss-free attitude and flavors that are out of this world. Whether you opt for ribs or wings, you can't go wrong with any menu options at this old-school BBQ joint.

What do you think of these cool Cleveland restaurants? Are there any you'd recommend for the best Cleveland dining? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Love exploring Cleveland? Check out some of the best hiking spots around Cleveland that are, admittedly, gorgeous all year round.

If you don't want to leave the house but also don't want to cook, check out nearby restaurants for delivery on GrubHub.