Cleveland’s culinary scene has gone from up-and-coming to downright hot lately.

The national food press, including Gourmet, Food & Wine, Esquire and Playboy.com are taking notice. The publishers have given major praise to several Cleveland spots this year for best new restaurant, best steakhouse, best farm-to-table programs and great new neighborhood eateries.

With that said, it’s not always the award winners that are the most beloved restaurants. Take a look at some of the restaurants that locals in Cleveland call their favorites. Visit these six restaurants for a truly local culinary tour of the city.

6. Tommy’s

🍴☺ A photo posted by Tangie Arnold (@tangie_arnold) on Feb 18, 2016 at 10:11am PST



Tommy’s is serving up breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and they’re doing it right. Their meat pies, corned beef, and toasted cheese are all local favorites. They’re also proud to offer tofu, tempeh, veggie burgers and other vegetarian options. You can bring the whole family to Tommy’s.

5. Superior Pho

@jdzabeatsxeats got his fix and you can today too; SUPERIOR PHO IS OPEN FOR EASTER! #happyeaster #savethebunnies #eatpho #bringthekids #superiorpho #thisiscle A photo posted by Superior Pho Restaurant Inc. (@superior_pho) on Mar 27, 2016 at 7:01am PDT



Undoubtedly the best place for Pho in Cleveland. Superior Pho is serving up an old family recipe, passed down from generation to generation. If Pho’s not your thing (if that’s possible) you must try the Banh Mi Vietnamese sandwich. It’s roast pork, pate, and mayonnaise made in house, served with slices of cucumber, pickled carrots and daikons, and a kick of jalapenos. So good.

4. Momocho



If you can’t find your favorite tequila at Momocho, you won’t be able to find it anywhere. Sipping something new is never an issue, and if you show up for happy hour you can even dine on half price taquitos. We recommend the Barriga, Chancho and Machaca (crispy pork belly, braised wild boar, and coffee + chile ancho braised beef brisket, respectively), but all of the options are great.

3. Empress Taytu Ethiopian



There are not a lot of authentic Ethiopian restaurants in the Cleveland area, and Empress Taytu is certainly both. Locals and visitors to Cleveland equally fall in love with this delicious cuisine, so good that it’s highly recommended that you make a reservation – the word is out already. Start with some Sambusa or Ambasha. For mains, the Dorowat (chicken) is the house special, and the chicken and shimp tibs are also fantastic. If you dare, try your hand at the Gored-Gored – cubes of raw lean beef spiced with awaze sause, jalepeno peppers and cottage cheese. It packs a punch.

2. Chez Francois

Maine lobster stuffed with lobster, with a George Banks scallop, topped with a Normandy wine sauce. #chezfrancois #clambake A photo posted by Kara Justice (@kara0ke) on Oct 8, 2015 at 10:12pm PDT



Chez Francois features a creative French menu that soucres local ingredients. A fantastic wine list and great service help make this one of the best places to eat in Cleveland, with a menu that rotates throughout the seasons. Their center cut filets, pate maison, and roasted duck breast are all great options. If you love French food, this is the place to go in Cleveland.

1. Sokolowski’s University Inn

Polish and Central European food awaits patient guests who stand up to an hour to select cafeteria style the best hearty food Cleveland offers #cafeteria #polish #polishfood #cleveland #clevelandohio #sokolowskisuniversityinn #tremont A photo posted by @marcpoloswiss on Mar 4, 2016 at 6:27pm PST



Cleveland’s oldest family run restaurant, Sokolowski’s University Inn was established in 1923 and has been a local favorite for decades. They specialize in Polish and Eastern European dishes, including indulgent favorites like Salisbury steak, stuffed cabbage, chicken paprikash, and sauteed pierogi. Once you experience Sokolowski’s, you’re sure to be back for more. With food that tastes this good, it’s no wonder why this restaurant is so beloved.

I’m drooling just looking at this photo.

#sokolowskis #heaven A photo posted by Zach Gress (@zach_g86) on Sep 22, 2015 at 10:04am PDT

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