Alvies Gateway Grille
2033 Ontario St., Cleveland, OH, USA
Phone: 216/771-5322
$20 to $40
Cleveland
American/Casual

This downtown diner with a counter and bar stools is popular for breakfast and lunch. Specialties include the corned beef sandwich with potato pancakes, homemade soups that change daily, and omelets. AE, MC, V. Closed weekends. No dinner.

Baricelli Inn
2203 Cornell Rd., Cleveland, OH, USA
Phone: 216/791-6500
Over $40
Cleveland
Contemporary

Housed in a 19th-century mansion that's now a seven-room bed-and-breakfast inn, this restaurant in University Circle is known for its veal and fresh fish, but the house specialty is the boneless rack of lamb. The European menu includes salmon with rosemary pesto, scallops with couscous, and veal tenderloin with a muscatel reduction sauce and golden chanterelle mushrooms. Herbs come from the inn's garden. There's an extensive wine list. Open-air dining is available on the front patio. AE, DC, MC, V. Closed Sun. No lunch.

Century
1515 W. 3rd St., Cleveland, OH, USA
Phone: 216/623-1300
$30 to $40
Cleveland
Continental

A railroad theme prevails in this traditionally furnished dining room in the Ritz-Carlton hotel. Shrimp, scallops, roast pork chops, and pastas fill the menu. On Friday evenings international fare is the highlight; a different country or region is showcased each month. There's also a sushi bar and a Sunday brunch. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served daily. Children's menu. Reservations essential. AE, D, DC, MC, V.

Don's Lighthouse Grille
8905 Lake Ave., Cleveland, OH, USA
Phone: 216/961-6700
Over $30
Cleveland
Seafood

Known for its legendary happy hours, this west end eatery across from Eden Park is in a 1929 building with a steeple. The dining room has large windows, a high ceiling, chandeliers, and nautical murals. The catch of the day may be scrod, tuna, or salmon; you'll always find jumbo sea scallops, halibut, and sea scallop ravioli. AE, D, DC, MC, V. No lunch weekends.

Fulton Bar & Grill
1835 Fulton Ave., Cleveland, OH, USA
Phone: 216/694-2122
$20 to $40
Cleveland
Contemporary

Word of mouth spread quickly and steadily about this spot in Ohio City. Vintage photographs of local bars decorate the walls of the second-floor dining room, and serving pieces and flatware are mix-and-match. There's nothing boring coming out of the open kitchen, either - typically innovative is the pasta-crusted salmon in yellow pepper béarnaise sauce, which is served with roasted asparagus and goat cheese salad. AE, MC, V. Closed Mon. No lunch.

Great Lakes Brewing Co
2516 Market St., Cleveland, OH, USA
Phone: 216/771-4404
$20 to $40
Cleveland
American

The traditional grub at this pub southwest of downtown in Ohio City includes calamari, the sausage sampler, chili, black-bean ravioli, and ribs. A specialty is the brewmaster's pie - hot and mild Italian sausage, spinach, and mozzarella and ricotta cheeses, all baked in a flaky pie crust and served on a bed of marinara sauce. Wash it down with one of varieties of beer brewed here. Open-air dining is available in a courtyard with 25 tables. There is a children's menu. AE, DC, MC, V. No lunch Sun.

Guarino's
12309 Mayfield Rd., Cleveland, OH, USA
Phone: 216/231-3100
Over $20
Cleveland
Italian

Owned by the same family for more than 80 years, this cozy restaurant in the Little Italy section of the University neighborhood serves classic Italian fare including many varieties of pasta as well as seafood and beef dishes. Open-air dining is available weather permitting. Children's menu. Reservations essential. AE, D, DC, MC, V.

Heck's Cafe
2927 Bridge Ave., Cleveland, OH, USA
Phone: 216/861-5464
$20 to $40
Cleveland
American

Pub-like and in the historic Warehouse District, this eatery has an open kitchen and glass garden atrium filled with plants. It's known for its bouillabaisse and extensive burger menu. You can dine at tables or in booths. AE, D, MC, V.

Hi & Dry
2207 W. 11th, Tremont, OH, USA
Phone: 216/621-6166
Under $40
Tremont
Contemporary

High ceilings, exposed brick walls, full-story glass windows, and an open kitchen distinguish the dining room of this restaurant in Cleveland's Tremont neighborhood. Venetian glass lamps hang over the bar, where you might want to start with the orange and vanilla bean martini, which tastes like a creamsicle. Main-course flavors are teamed in equally unusual combinations, exemplified by the blackened snapper with black bean hummus and tequila-spiked corn salad. There is outside seating. MC, V. No lunch Sun.

John Q's Steakhouse
55 Public Sq., Cleveland, OH, USA
Phone: 216/861-0900
Over $40
Cleveland
Steak

Hardwood floors, cherry wood, brass, and sports memorabilia complement the prime cuts of beef at this downtown chain restaurant known for its pepper strip steak and fresh vegetable sides. It's across the street from the Renaissance Cleveland Hotel. Open-air dining is available on the front patio. AE, D, DC, MC, V. No lunch weekends.

Johnny's Bar
3164 Fulton Rd., Cleveland, OH, USA
Phone: 216/281-0055
Over $30
Cleveland
Italian

Mammoth portions of veal, pasta, and seafood draw diners to this small Art Deco hot spot in a 1917 building in Ohio City. A specialty is the red bell pepper pasta tossed with shrimp and a cayenne-spiked cream sauce. You can eat inside on white linen or, in good weather, have a meal outside on the backyard patio. The place fills up quickly on weekends. Reservations essential. AE, DC, MC, V. Closed Sun. No lunch Mon.

La Dolce Vita
12112 Mayfield Rd., Cleveland, OH, USA
Phone: 216/721-8155
Under $30
Cleveland
Italian

In addition to trendy Italian food, this neighborhood restaurant has an eclectic schedule of musicians that includes strolling mariachis and live opera performers. On Monday nights there's an eight-course meal; on other days, specials include veal, seafood, and risotto dishes. Reservations essential Mon. MC, V.

Lemon Grass
2179 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights, OH, USA
Phone: 216/321-0210
Under $40
Cleveland Heights
Thai

Dine in the casual sunroom or the more formal front room at this Cleveland Heights restaurant. The menu includes lemongrass soup, a Thai hot-and-sour shrimp soup, steamed shellfish with chili powder, curry duck, and pad thai. The seafood choo chee is a medley of shrimp, squid, and scallops with curry and vegetables. Open-air dining is available on a patio surrounded by a brick fence. AE, DC, MC, V. Closed Sun. No lunch Sat.

Lola Bistro & Wine Bar
900 Literary Rd., Tremont, OH, USA
Phone: 216/771-5652
Under $30
Tremont
American

Chef-owner Michael Simon has received national attention from food and wine critics for the creations he describes as "urban comfort food." Read: homey American classics with a novel twist. Best-sellers on the winter menu are seafood pierogi, and macaroni-and-cheese with fresh rosemary, goat cheese, and roasted chicken. Fish and game are first-rate; desserts are out of this world. Reservations essential. AE, D, DC, MC, V.

Luchita's
3456 W. 117th St., Cleveland, OH, USA
Phone: 216/252-1169
$20 to $30
Cleveland
Mexican

With great authentic Mexican food, generous portions, good margaritas, and friendly service, it's no wonder this restaurant with two locations is jammed on the weekends. The menu changes every three months. Other location: 13112 Shaker Sq., PHONE: 216/561-8537. AE, MC, V. Closed Mon.

Metropolitan Café
1352 W. 6th St., Cleveland, OH, USA
Phone: 216/241-1300
Over $20
Cleveland
Seafood

This restaurant is in a 100-year-old building in the historic Warehouse District; floor-to-ceiling windows provide a great view of the Cleveland skyline. The café specializes in seafood cooked on a wood-enhanced grill. Pasta, steak, and chicken dishes are also available. AE, D, DC, MC, V. No lunch weekends.

Morton's of Chicago
1600 W. 2nd St., Cleveland, OH, USA
Phone: 216/621-6200
Over $40
Cleveland
Steak

The downtown Cleveland branch of the well-known chain, in the Tower City Center, has its trademark formal mahogany interior with white tablecloths. Large portions of choice cuts of beef and seafood are accompanied by baked or mashed potatoes, salad, and fresh vegetables. AE, DC, MC, V. No lunch weekends.

Moxie
3355 Richmond Rd. , off I-271, Beachwood, OH, USA
Phone: 216/831-5599
$20 to $40
Beachwood
Contemporary

In the upscale town of Beachwood, 20 minutes southeast of downtown Cleveland by car, this trendy restaurant is a must. It's unassuming from the outside, but once you step into the large, bright room and taste the creatively prepared American fare with a nouvelle twist, you'll understand why they named it Moxie. AE, D, MC, V.

Nate's Deli & Restaurant
1923 W. 25th St., Cleveland, OH, USA
Phone: 216/696-7529
Under $20
Cleveland
Delicatessens

This breakfast and lunch spot on the near West Side serves traditional deli fare as well as Middle Eastern and vegetarian specialties. The creamy hummus may be the best in town. No credit cards. Closed Sun. No dinner.

New York Spaghetti House
2173 E. 9th St., Cleveland, OH, USA
Phone: 216/696-6624
Under $40
Cleveland
Italian

This downtown-Gateway District institution with paintings of New York and Italy covering the walls has been serving classic Italian fare for more than 70 years. Its proximity to the Gateway sports complex brings diners for pre- and post-game meals. The menu includes lasagna, veal Parmesan, and pasta with seafood. AE, D, DC, MC, V.

The Palazzo
10031 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, OH, USA
Phone: 216/651-3900
Under $30
Cleveland
Italian

The third generation of the original owners prepare northern Italian cuisine in this romantic hideaway. Whether turning out updated versions of her recipes or new dishes inspired by annual trips back to Italy, they do their grandma proud. AE, D, MC, V. Closed Sun. and Mon.

Parker's
2801 Bridge Ave., Cleveland, OH, USA
Phone: 216/771-7130
Over $40
Cleveland
French

White tablecloths and a warm fireplace dominate this French bistro in Ohio City. Local ingredients are used extensively, so the menu changes with the harvest and the season. Whenever possible, organically grown vegetables are selected. Popular dishes include free-range chicken, pork tenderloin, grilled fillet of beef, and roasted salmon. For dessert, try the lemon soufflé. Parker's is no-smoking. AE, D, MC, V. Closed Mon. Lunch Fri. only.

Pier W
12700 Lake Ave., Lakewood, OH, USA
Phone: 216/228-2250
Over $30
Lakewood
Seafood

Shaped like a ship, this restaurant in Lakewood, about 5 miles west of downtown Cleveland, juts out over Lake Erie, offering a good view of the city skyline and the water. The menu includes seafood dishes, fresh catch from Lake Erie, and beef and chicken entrées. There's entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights and brunch on Sunday. AE, D, DC, MC, V. No lunch Sat.

Players on Madison
14523 Madison Ave., Lakewood, OH, USA
Phone: 216/226-5200
Over $30
Lakewood
Italian

Patrons create their own gourmet pizzas at this neighborhood trattoria-style restaurant in Lakewood, about 5 miles west of downtown Cleveland. More than 50 toppings are available. The menu also includes innovative pasta dishes, like ravioli filled with acorn squash, ricotta, and pine nuts, and free-range poultry dishes. AE, D, DC, MC, V. Closed Sun. No lunch.

Sans Souci
24 Public Sq., Cleveland, OH, USA
Phone: 216/696-5600
$20 to $40
Cleveland
Mediterranean

Sophisticated seafood dishes and contemporary Mediterranean cuisine are served in a comfortably elegant dining room overlooking Public Square. Reservations essential. AE, D, DC, MC, V.

Sushi Rock
1276 W. 6th St., Cleveland, OH, USA
Phone: 216/623-1212
Over $30
Cleveland
Pan-Asian

This lively pink-and-purple hot spot is in the downtown Warehouse District. The illuminated pictures of New York may add to your general confusion as you try to categorize the cuisine: Crab-lobster tater tots keep company with the house-famous dragon roll (a tumble of shrimp tempura, surimi, cucumber, avocado, and eel) as appetizers, and entrées range from spice-rubbed pork to roasted sea scallops, served with tomato, cucumber, onion, and ginger salad. AE, MC, V. Closed Sun. No lunch on Sat.

Sweetwater's Café Sausalito
1301 E. 9th St., Cleveland, OH, USA
Phone: 216/696-2233
$20 to $40
Cleveland
Mediterranean

A popular spot before the theater, this bright downtown restaurant has lots of windows and a large mural of a San Francisco bar scene. The wine selection covers a wall. The emphasis on the menu is on seafood and pasta; there's lobster and potato pierogi with caramelized onions and saffron cream and Hungarian-style chicken breast with noodles. A pianist performs Friday and Saturday nights. AE, D, DC, MC, V. Closed Sun.

That Place on Bellflower
11401 Bellflower Rd., Cleveland, OH, USA
Phone: 216/231-4469
Over $20
Cleveland
Contemporary

Cozy nook-and-cranny dining rooms are filled with modern art at this restaurant in a 1890 building in University Circle. The place is known for its seafood and pasta, but popular dishes also include salads, beef Wellington, fresh Great Lake walleye, and chicken breast in a champagne cream sauce with almonds. Open-air dining is available on the back patio. Kids' menu. AE, DC, MC, V. No lunch Sun. No dinner Mon.

Tommy's
1824 Coventry Rd., Cleveland Heights, OH, USA
Phone: 216/321-7757
Under $20
Cleveland Heights
Vegetarian

A vegetarian institution on hippie-tinged Coventry Road in suburban Cleveland Heights, Tommy's serves hefty salads and sandwiches, and embarrassingly large but delicious milk shakes made with Cleveland's own Pierre's ice cream. MC, V.

Watermark
1250 Old River Rd., Cleveland, OH, USA
Phone: 216/241-1600
$30 to $40
Cleveland
Seafood

In a converted warehouse on the banks of the busy Cuyahoga River in Cleveland's Flats district, the Watermark serves a mix of fresh seafood specialties and local products like Ohio Italian chicken sausage. AE, D, DC, MC, V.