When you move to a new town, there is a lot to get used to. Getting to know a new city can be daunting and seem overwhelming. You will need to find new places to hang out with your friends and family.
The best way to get to know a city is to see what kind of food it has to offer. Take a look at this list of the 12 best restaurants in Lakewood, OH, to figure out where your new favorite spots will be.
1. Sarita a Restaurant
$$$ | (216) 226-5200 | WEBSITE
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Sarita a Restaurant is the perfect place to bring a date or celebrate a big event with your friends and family. This upscale restaurant is sure to be your favorite spot for an elegant evening out on the town.
Stop in to order the cast iron cornbread with roasted jalapeno butter to start before your BBQ braised short ribs arrive. Make sure you save room for the mascarpone cheesecake for dessert. This restaurant is sure to leave a lasting impression.
2. Molto Bene Italian Eatery
$$ | (216) 273-7333 | WEBSITE
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Molto Bene Italian Eatery is the perfect place to get your Italian favorites. They serve both classic and contemporary Italian dishes that are sure to leave you wanting more.
On your first visit be sure to try the Arancini as your appetizer. Follow it up with an entree of Lasagna or Gnocchi Alla Sorrentina. Pair your meal with a signature cocktail for the perfect dinner out with your loved ones. You won’t regret stopping into Molto Bene Italian Eatery.
3. Pier W
$$$ | (216) 228-2250 | WEBSITE
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If you love seafood, Pier W should be where you head for your next dinner out. This high-class restaurant will provide you with an experience that is difficult to forget.
They offer the freshest ingredients, working with local farmers and fishermen to help bring the highest quality food to your table.
Order the Oven Roasted Cedar Planked Salmon or the Maine Lobster Pasta the first time you dine with Pier W. Call to make a reservation so you can experience all this upscale restaurant has to offer.
4. Bar Italia Lakewood
$$ | (216) 303-9699 | WEBSITE
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Bar Italia prides itself on serving its customers homemade sauce and fresh pasta daily. You will not regret making this the next place you visit for lunch or dinner.
You will find all of the Italian classics on their extensive menu. You are sure to find something for every member of your family to eat. Try the Four Cheese and Meat Lasagna the first time you stop in to Bar Italia for dinner.
5. Summer House
$$$ | (216) 270-2300 | WEBSITE
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Summer House is going to be one of your favorite spots to hang out in Lakewood, Ohio. This restaurant is sure to brighten even the dreariest of days. You will love the friendly staff and upbeat atmosphere.
It’s the perfect place to relax after a long day at work. Make sure if you are looking for a fresher option, choose from one of their delightful salads. You will love the friendly atmosphere this restaurant has to offer.
6. Cozumel
$ | (216) 228-1415 | WEBSITE
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Are you a fan of Mexican Cuisine? Cozumel is the perfect restaurant to plan to take your friends and family out for an affordable meal out. You will love all of the authentic Mexican Dishes Cozumel has to offer.
Stop in for happy hour Sunday through Thursday from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm to enjoy discounted jumbo margaritas to go with your taco salad or ground beef burrito. You will not want to miss out on all of the delicious food Cozumel has to offer.
7. El Carnicero
$$ | (216) 226-3415 | WEBSITE
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El Carnicero is a great place to grab any of your classic Mexican favorites. Stop in to enjoy the nice weather while you eat on their seasonal patio. On your first visit make sure you order the blue corn enchiladas or the carne asada.
You will not run out of new things to try on their plentiful menu. Whether you like tacos or tamales, you will find something to satisfy your cravings at El Carnicero.
8. Barrio Lakewood
$ | (216) 226-7714 | WEBSITE
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Barrio offers a twist on a Mexican classic that you will not want to miss. At this unique restaurant, you can build your own tacos from a wide variety of different options.
You are given a paper menu that allows you to check what you want on your taco. You get to choose everything from the type of taco shell to the toppings and sauces that will go on your tacos.
Order a margarita to go with your customized tacos. Stop in or order takeout from Barrio in Lakewood the next time you get a craving for tacos.
9. Rood
$$ | (216) 712-4506 | WEBSITE
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If you’re looking for something a little outside the box, then Rood is the restaurant for you. They offer a variety of different dishes to get you out of your comfort zone.
Start off with an appetizer of whipped goat cheese and blackberry bruschetta before you order your entree of wild boar ragu.
You are sure to find something that will both satisfy your cravings and provide you with a meal you will not forget. Make sure you call ahead to place a reservation for dinner if you plan to dine with Rood.
10. Salt
$$$ | (216) 221-4866 | WEBSITE
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Salt is a small plate restaurant that prides itself on having a variety of unique wines and cocktails to choose from. You will find a menu full of small dishes to choose from to make your evening out one to remember.
Try the white bean puree with mashed olives and grilled bread or the grilled baby eggplant and smoked pepper relish.
Try one of their signature cocktails, like the Sweet Corn or the Grand Fig. Keep Salt in mind for the next time you need an upscale restaurant to bring your significant other for an elegant night out.
11. Woodstock BBQ
$$ | (216) 226-8828 | WEBSITE
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If you love classic BBQ then Woodstock BBQ is the restaurant for you. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing evening out with your friends and family.
Enjoy a starter of the House Made Chorizo Fireballs before you order your meal. Try the triple meat sandwich with slaw and a side of cornbread or the dry rub ribs the first time you stop at Woodstock BBQ. You are going to love the laid-back atmosphere and high-quality food.
12. Thai Thai
$ | (216) 226-4890 | WEBSITE
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If you love Thai food, then Thai Thai should be the next place you plan to spend your evening out. Whether you like noodles or curry, you will find something that will fill you and make your evening stand out at Thai Thai.
Order the Green Curry or the Pad Thai if you are looking for a classic. If you want to try something new, give the Tiger’s Tear a shot. You are not going to want to miss out on the quality food Thai Thai has to offer.
Summary
Having a favorite restaurant is something that should be a priority for you when you are just getting to know a new area. Lakewood, Ohio has everything from Mexican to BBQ and all types of cuisine in between.
Make sure you give all of the restaurants on this list of the 12 best restaurants in Lakewood, OH to make sure you get the full scope of what this town has to offer in terms of cuisine.
Hayden has been a digital director for years. He has five years of experience editing and writing about food, restaurant, and recipe review content. At Birch Restaurant, he’s in charge of scouting, showing up unannounced in different restaurants, and writing a thorough food guide!
