One of the things we love best about Cleveland is its many charming neighborhoods and its diversity. Have you been to Little Italy? Great restaurants (of course) and a real sense of community pride make this a wonderful little spot in the big city.
Cleveland's Little Italy got its start in the mid 1800s when sculptor Joseph Carrabelli began creating his works of art at the top of the hill.
Throughout the year, this charming neighborhood hosts tons of events and festivals, which draw thousands to this hotspot for art, culture, and incredible dining.
When it comes to dining, many places curate an unforgettable atmosphere. Few, however, can quite compare to one Tremont restaurant that opened in 2010. Dante, now a famous foodie landmark in Cleveland, combines excellent dining with an incredible ambiance. Diners rave about this spot on TripAdvisor, and most naturally talk about the delicious cuisine. However, the old building in which the restaurant is housed also has a story to tell. It was once a bank, and not just for a little while... before this beauty was a restaurant, it housed banks for over 80 years. This is one foodie destination in Cleveland that you'll want to check out!
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Welcome to Dante, one of the most talked about restaurants in Cleveland's Tremont neighborhood.
Since 2010, locals have loved visiting this gorgeous restaurant by Michelin Star chef Dante Boccuzzi. As soon as you approach those grand doors, you'll know you're in for a treat.
While everyone talks about food, not enough people talk about the ambiance of this former bank.
Truthfully, it's no wonder the food takes center stage here. Everything is excellent and artful, reflecting the chef's travels and varied background in cooking. It's American in many respects, but with a Mediterranean flair that's irresistible. But the old Lincoln Heights Savings and Loan building has quite the story to tell.
Whether you're dining in the vault or under exquisitely detailed elements, the charm of the old building is plain to see.
Back circa 1924, this building first hosted Lincoln Heights Savings and Loan. After that business closed, another bank occupied the site: Third Federal Savings & Loan. For more than eight long decades, this building was abuzz with a very different sort of energy.
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Many of the original elements in the old building are nods to Cleveland's past.
In addition to preserving the story of the banks that operated here, the old bank vault dining space preserves the story of a different local business: Lock Co. of Cleveland. This massively heavy historic door took an astonishing 40 hours to shine when renovations started back in 2009, and a sink-inch hole had to be drilled to provide ventilation to the meat storage space in the back of the vault. It took a huge deal of work to turn this old bank into a restaurant, but diners can attest to what a worthy feat that undertaking was.
The $1 million renovation was ultimately worth it, and the space is now one of the most unique in Cleveland.
There's so much to look at here. Modern art and historic elements playfully interact, creating a space that's unique and memorable. Okay, now that we've taken a deep dive into the bank's history, let's talk about the food. Shall we?
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The menu at Dante includes chef's tastings, specialty meats, pastas, fish, and more.
If you're looking for something more exotic and unusual, this is one menu that belongs on your radar. Try foie gras, polenta, or swordfish, or opt for something more familiar like braised beef, ravioli, or salmon.
Seasonal options and specials keep the menu feeling fresh.
I personally love trying seasonal offerings, as they're often made with some of the freshest ingredients on the menu. If you're overwhelmed by options, don't hesitate to ask your waiter for their recommendations. The whole staff is passionate about food, and they'll help you find the right offering.
Whatever you do, be sure to save room for dessert.
You know how most upscale restaurants only have one or two dessert options? Not Dante. There are several options, and if you can't narrow it down to your favorite, the three-course dessert tasting (which can be served with paired wines) is going to be your best friend.
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There's so much to love about this beloved Tremont retaurant.
Look for Dante at 2247 Professor Ave Suite C, Cleveland, OH, 44113.
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There's so much to love about this Tremont restaurant. I just love envisioning what the earliest bank patrons here would think if they knew that the building would one day house a restaurant! Back in the 1920s, dining in a bank vault would have seemed unheard of. What a treat it is to visit such a unique building today.
While you're in Tremont, take some time to explore the neighborhood's history. From stunning churches to the iconic A Christmas Story house, you're going to adore all that this area has to offer.
From the outside, in the Cleveland area, mom-and-pop shops tend to be modest. Inside, however, you'll be pleasantly surprised to find an old-school vibe and quality products. While this typically applies to quaint diners and modest gift shops, you'll find that same old-fashioned approach to customer service at the best butcher shop in Cleveland. They also have a small but mighty menu that'll make for an effortless lunch. If you love finding hidden gems as much as we do, read on to learn all about Raddell's Butcher Shop.
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In 1979, a Collinwood area institution opened its doors to the greater Cleveland community.
Raddell's Sausage Shop is a local favorite, and it's no secret why. This modest Cleveland butcher shop has served locals for generations, and their dedication to quality ingredients and old-fashioned preparation makes their food nearly irresistible.
For over four generations, this local shop has been serving up classic European-style meats... and locals can't get enough.
Slovenian Smoked Sausage is their specialty, but Raddell's Butcher Shop visitors will also find Hungarian, Polish, and Andouille sausages in their selection.
The founder of Raddell's Cleveland brought family recipes to the U.S. from Slovenia, and the preparation technique has changed very little (if at all) over the years.
For example, Raddell's has been using the same quality meat grinder for decades. They produce over 1,000 pounds of sausages each week, all made the old-fashioned way!
While people come from all over to grab some smokies and sausages, this modest deli is also a great place to grab some hearty lunch.
If you've never had a Cleveland-style sausage sandwich, then you have much to learn. They're tasty and affordably priced at Raddell's Sausage. This makes this local landmark the perfect little lunch spot.
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It's no wonder the recipes at this family-owned butcher shop are constantly gaining local recognition.
In the past, Raddell's Butcher Shop has been voted as one of the most popular in Cleveland. Their specials have been selected as the very best by fans in the Slovenian Sausage Festival and local publications have been known to feature Raddell's photos too.
So, prepare your taste buds, because European-style meats await at Raddell's Sausage.
Can't wait to visit Raddell's Butcher Shop? Take a virtual visit by checking out this video by New Day Cleveland:
As you can see, it's no wonder so many consider long-standing Raddell's Butcher Shop to be the best in Cleveland! Have you ever picked up meats here? If so, tell us about your favorite finds and the dishes you made with them in the following comments section. Remember to take a look at Tripadvisor to see some of Radell's photos highlighting the delicious food sold at their shop.
And, if you're longing for more delicious flavor, don't pass up a chance to also grab jerky in Cleveland.
