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!

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.

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?

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.

There's so much to love about this beloved Tremont retaurant.

From the ambiance to the food, Dante doesn't miss a beat. It's no wonder locals love this now-landmark location.

Come hungry, but don't forget to unwind and soak up the Cleveland history here.

Look for Dante at 2247 Professor Ave Suite C, Cleveland, OH, 44113.

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.