9 Underrated Dishes You Never Thought Of Trying In Cleveland But Totally Should
By Nikki Rhoades|Published November 04, 2018
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Nikki Rhoades
Author
Nikki is a lifelong Ohioan with a love for literature. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Akron and has enjoyed publishing her written work since 2007. She has a love of travel and does so frequently, though she believes that home is where the heart is — she continues to work in and around Cleveland as a digital content specialist to this day, working on everything from commercial scripts and social media posts to grassroots marketing initiatives.
Cleveland is a great place to grab a bite to eat. Whether you’re craving a quick bite or a sit-down dinner, there’s a Cleveland chef waiting to make your day. These culinary masterminds likely grew up surrounded by comfort foods, but their creativity resulted in dishes that’ll have your taste buds hooked in an instant. You may not have heard of these local concoctions, but you’ll fall in love with just one bite.
Beer and donuts sound like a match made in heaven from the start, but the rotating menu at Brewnuts will have your eyes boggling. You never know what you will encounter at this charming donut shop. However, when this unique sweet (made with Willoughby Brewing Company's Peanut Butter Cup Coffee Porter, peanut butter beer icing, and spicy pork rinds) graces the menu, fans go absolutely nuts.
This pizza shop has had locals hooked since 1974, allowing many family nights to take place around a delicious pizza pie. While you can't go wrong with classic toppings, their pierogi pizza is simply to die for.
The West Side Market is one of Cleveland's oldest markets, and its continuous operation has led to a lot of unique products being offered on its campus. As you enter this destination, you'll encounter a variety of aromas, but the yummiest ones will lead you to Toney's Baloney & M&M Foods. Here you'll find bacon dipped in chocolate and topped with incredible features like peanut butter and marshmallows. These are served up alongside non-dessert meats, with smoky and sweet coexisting side by side.
Paella is a dish that's endlessly popular near Valencia in Spain, and many outside of the country have come to regard it as Spain's national dish. This delectable dish, which consists of rice topped with spices and seafood, has ancient origins and the colorful meal will fill you up and demonstrate how powerful simple ingredients can be.
The cool thing about Happy Dog is that the power lies in your hands. You can top your dog with whatever condiments you like, ranging from Froot Loops to mac and cheese. Breakfast toppings like cereal, bacon, and eggs all pair fabulously with hot dogs, local foodies have reported.
French fare is always a bit... well, different than just about everything else in Cleveland, to be honest. At EDWINS, formerly incarcerated men and women work hard to master the ins and outs of running a restaurant. However, EDWINS is no ordinary restaurant...
...And their unique milieu and menu are what helped them score back-to-back spots on our list. If you've ever wanted to try snails, EDWINS’ are said to be exquisite. Fennel, garlic, and parsley playfully combine in a buttery base.
Sambusa, if you have never tried it, is truly delectable. This puffy pastry is often filled with lentils or beef, as is the case at Empress Taytu Ethiopian Restaurant, and is a delightful mashup of crisp and soft textures. At Empress Taytu's place, a variety of authentic Ethiopian dishes will treat your taste buds to simple ingredients with incredible flavor.
American classics are re-imagined in a chic new way at this delectable Cleveland restaurant. Their most incredible dishes, like the Charred Street Corn, utilize local ingredients. You've never had Ohio corn in such a delicious way before!
If you’re an adventurous eater, then you know that Cleveland is the perfect place for you. These delectable dishes, however, are unlike anything else in the city. Which are you most excited to try? Are there others you would add to this list? Let us know in the comments below!