Cleveland is a delightfully vibrant community. It’s no wonder immigrants from all around the world have settled here. The Cleveland Cultural Gardens offer locals a unique glimpse into these cultures, but the best way to get a feel for the many cultures that have influenced Cleveland is to visit the neighborhoods that early immigrants established and settled in. These hubs of culture and charm can be found from the West to the East Side, and there’s much to discover within each vibrant neighborhood. Perhaps the most coveted by locals and visitors is Cleveland’s Little Italy, a neighborhood with endless dining options that are sure to delight your taste buds.

1. Angelo's Nido Italia

You'll find all sorts of delicious dining on Mayfield Road, but Nideo Italia is a great place to start treating your taste buds. This mainstay has been serving up fine wine and delectable Italian cuisine for decades, and they offer a menu that will entertain even the pickiest of eaters. With an old-school atmosphere, this romantic restaurant is sure to leave you impressed.

Address: 12020 Mayfield Road, Cleveland, OH, 44106

2. Etna Ristorante

Mount Etna is an impressive volcano on the east coast of Sicily. It's famous for being one of the tallest active volcanoes in Europe, and that same impressiveness is effortlessly translated in the Old World-inspired restaurant of the same name. The intimate and cozy atmosphere sets the perfect tone for Italian dining. Plus, the super fresh seafood will make you feel as if you're dining on the Italian coast!

Address: 11919 Mayfield Road, Cleveland, OH, 44106

3. Guarino's Restaurant

If you're looking for old-school Cleveland dining, there's no better place to indulge than Guarino's. Not only is it the oldest operating restaurant in the city, but it has also attracted some pretty famous guests over the past one hundred years. Even Frank Sinatra was said to be a regular guest! You'll find all sorts of charm and fine dining at this classic Cleveland restaurant - just be sure to bring your appetite.

Address: 12309 Mayfield Road, Cleveland, OH, 44106

4. La Dolce Vita

Humble and delightfully vintage, La Dolce Vita is a Cleveland cornerstone... and their offerings are downright delicious. Pizza, pasta, and other Italian classics are abundant here, and everything is prepared fresh with quality ingredients. Whether you're grabbing takeout or dining in, your taste buds are in for a treat.

Address: 12112 Mayfield Road, Cleveland, OH, 44106

5. Mama Santa's Pizzeria

Pizza can be found all over Cleveland, but it somehow tastes so much better when it's enjoyed in Little Italy. This restaurant has oodles of history - its founder, Guido Scaffidi, served in World War II and was a prisoner of war before he moved to the United States. He initially settled in Akron, but the allure of Little Italy was impossible to resist. Inspired by his mother-in-law's authentic recipes straight from Sicily, he opened Mamma Santa's in 1961. Ever since, the family has maintained the restaurant, and they've absolutely astounded diners with authentic flavors.

Address: 12301 Mayfield Road, Cleveland, OH, 44106

6. Trattoria on the Hill

Casual, comfortable, and absolutely enchanting, Trattoria on the Hill is an absolute treat. Locals love dining inside and out on the patio, indulging in a number of pasta or antipasto offerings. But wait, there's amore! This family-style eatery is perfect for groups, and their menu is sure to impress even the pickiest of eaters.

Address: 12207 Mayfield Road, Cleveland, OH, 44106

7. Valerio's Restaurant

Quaint and delightfully cozy, Valerio’s is all about authenticity. It opened in 1995 after its founders, Valerio and Stella, arrived from Florence, Italy. Valerio was trained in a Florentine culinary school, but he crafted and mastered a number of techniques from regions all over Italy. During your visit, your taste buds will be immersed in deliciously authentic Cleveland favorites.

Address: 12405 Mayfield Road, Cleveland, OH, 44106

8. Nora

Dining in Little Italy is best served with a side of Cleveland flair, and Nora does that perfectly. They’re famous for seasonal dishes inspired by their fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. However, despite their uniquely Cleveland roots, they’ve held steadfast to Italian tradition by offering traditional favorites.

Address: 2181 Murray Hill Road, Cleveland, OH, 44106

9. Michaelangelo's Restaurant

The super cozy carriage house that hosts Michaelangelo’s is complete with a fireplace and wine bar, which are the icing on top of an already enchanting milieu. Their Piedmontese-inspired cuisine has made mouths water for over a decade, and it has brought a vibrant sampling of Northern Italian tradition to Cleveland’s Little Italy. Whether you’re catching up with old friends or celebrating an important anniversary, Michaelangelo’s is sure to leave you impressed.

Address: 2198 Murray Hill Road, Cleveland, OH, 44106

Cleveland’s Little Italy is full of endless charm, but its premier attraction is doubtlessly its sampling of authentic Italian cuisine. Which of these irresistible restaurants is your favorite?

Is your mouth watering? Keep the foodie fun going and embark on another cultural cuisine-focused adventure with Cleveland’s pierogi trail.