27 Best Little Italy Restaurants in Cleveland in 2025
Exploring the fantastic array of Little Italy restaurants in Cleveland is like eating your way through America's heartland. This stretch of city between Mayfield Road and Murray Hill Road has kindled the Italian spirit since its establishment in 1885, due in no small part to the incredible food.
Having so much historic variety to choose from means each of the finest Little Italy restaurants in Cleveland has its own special magic to add to your dining life. Which spots among the Little Italy restaurants in Cleveland are your safest bets for enjoying the city’s most sumptuous fare?
This list pulls together 27 of the finest eateries in the area to create a snapshot of Little Italy restaurants around Cleveland for satisfying your hearty hunger for Old World cuisine and new world epicurean creativity. From pasta like Nonna used to make to one-of-a-kind creations you'll only find among the Little Italy restaurants in Cleveland, these establishments should be at the top of your list of places to try.
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The 27 Little Italy restaurants in Cleveland
1. Guarino's
There's no question that the story of Little Italy restaurants in Cleveland starts with Guarino's. It's not just the oldest of the Little Italy restaurants in Cleveland; it’s the oldest restaurant in all of Cleveland, opened by Vincenzo Guarino after he immigrated to the city from Italy in 1898.
Now, it's a classic. The ancestor of all other Little Italy restaurants in Cleveland, still serving up incredible seafood, pasta, pizza and more.
The Vibe
Luxe supper club décor makes the affordable plates feel like upper-crust dining.
What to Order
House favorites like eggplant Parmigiana, lasagna and chicken picatta are a hit parade of classic creations.
Guarino's | 12309 Mayfield Road, Cleveland, OH 44106 | $$
2. Mia Bella
With a blend of exceptional service and top-tier ingredients, Mia Bella gives the other candidates for the most hospitable Little Italy restaurant in Cleveland a run for their money. Owner and chef Gerti Memeti is a native of Albania who learned his craft in Italy before relocating to Ohio to dazzle diners with his lush reproductions of Mediterranean favorites.
The Vibe
Linen tablecloths and cozy brick walls project understated elegance at every corner.
What to Order
Mia Bella's Especiale combines chicken with peppers, zucchini and sun-dried tomatoes resting on a nest of tender linguine, a collection of deliciously different flavors.
Mia Bella | 12200 Mayfield Road, Cleveland, OH 44106 | $$
3. Trattoria Roman Gardens
The world of Euro-Mediterranean flavors might seem a little overwhelming at Trattoria Roman Gardens, but don't let that scare you away; this is the Little Italy restaurant in Cleveland for experiencing an authentic Italian meal. This stylish spot is ideal for enjoying a glass of wine and a plate of sheer culinary joy.
The Vibe
Modern interiors and flashy mural art outside pair with an authentic menu for an eclectic mix of eras.
What to Order
Eggplant Parmigiano is the restaurant's most popular item on the menu. But a sure winner for anyone who loves pasta is the cheese-filled tortellini in a creamy Bolognese sauce.
Trattoria Roman Gardens | 12207 Mayfield Road, Cleveland, OH 44106 | $$
4. Mama Santa’s
The history and heritage you'll find at Mama Santa’s make this spot the best Little Italy restaurant in Cleveland for learning about the neighborhood's rich and storied past. The eatery's first chef was owner Nancy Scaffidi's actual mother, Mama Santa. Her name was bestowed upon what would become a family-owned and operated staple among Little Italy restaurants throughout Cleveland for more than six decades and counting
The Vibe
It's the neighborhood restaurant feel that brings folks in, but it's the warm family atmosphere that keeps them coming back.
What to Order
Try a meatball or sausage sandwich to take a bite out of what makes the Little Italy restaurants in Cleveland noteworthy among soulful foodies who know what's good.
Mama Santa’s | 12301 Mayfield Road, Cleveland, OH 44106 | $
5. La Dolce Vita
Load up on delicious antipasti, fabulous wines and amazing entrées at La Dolce Vita, which is among the sweetest Little Italy restaurants in Cleveland to celebrate peak life moments. Owner Terry Tarantino puts his various talents to create a unique combination of modern wit and retro gloss in a Little Italy restaurant where Cleveland eaters can savor sensational cuisine.
The Vibe
Live music in a splashy, light-filled dining room creates a sense of spirited nostalgia.
What to Order
The Sweet Life Trio merges three house favorites - one meatball, one Hungarian hot pepper and one order of eggplant parmesan - in a sampler plate that awakens the senses. End your meal with a delicious tiramisu.
La Dolce Vita | 12112 Mayfield Road, Cleveland, OH 44106 | $$
6. Angelo's Nido Italia
A “nido” is a nest, and Angelo's Nido Italia does its darndest to offer a cozy nest-like spot among Little Italy restaurants in Cleveland to huddle up for a tasty bite. The atmosphere makes patrons feel like they're walking onto a film set, one where warm family-style Italian joy abounds and fantastic food is standard!
The Vibe
With earthy textured walls and oversized linen-covered tables, the formal feel inspires visitors to dress nicely and bring their manners.
What to Order
The jumbo meat or cheese ravioli in your choice of sauce is a bite too big and bodacious to pass up, so make sure you show up to this Little Italy restaurant in Cleveland hungry!
Angelo's Nido Italia | 12020 Mayfield Road, Cleveland, OH 44106 | $$
7. Maxi's Bistro
There may be no better place to celebrate a birthday anniversary for Italian food lovers than at Maxi's Bistro. This is the plushest Little Italy restaurant in Cleveland for making the special moments in life even more spectacular.
The Vibe
Swanky cocktails and upscale plates lend a sheen of chic sensibility that modern diners will eat up.
What to Order
Maxi's Pizza is a minimalist masterwork that tops handmade crust with mozzarella, tomato and basil sauce, Kalamata olives and fresh basil. The description alone is enough to cause cravings!
Maxi's Bistro | 12113 Mayfield Road, Cleveland, OH 44106 | $$
8. Etna
Named for the famous site of the ancient volcanic tragedy, Etna serves up a slice of history as the coziest Little Italy restaurant in the Cleveland Wine Bar and Café category. Don't let the petite interior fool you; the menu is deep and rich and features some of the most authentic Italian flavors in town.
The Vibe
Steeped in Old World spirit, the comfortable corners here are perfect for hiding out with friends and family.
What to Order
Pollo in salsa eoliana is an Italian way of describing boneless chicken in wine sauce, flavored with tomatoes, mushrooms, capers and olives - all the best bits of the regional diet.
Etna | 11919 Mayfield Road, Cleveland, OH, 44106 | $$$
9. Cent'Anni
The name Cent'Anni means "one hundred years" in Italian, a toast to longevity and happiness in the Old World. With its classic stylings and joyous spirit, this cultural bastion lends an air of historic class to the Little Italy restaurants of Cleveland.
The Vibe
Moody lighting, dark wood and art deco wallpaper make this Little Italy restaurant in Cleveland feel like a sumptuous big-city speakeasy.
What to Order
Start with a wood-fired ricotta dip. For your main, a plate of tagliatelle al ragu gives pasta lovers a supreme twist of rippling noodles soaked in meaty tomato sauce.
Cent'Anni | 12403 Mayfield Road, Cleveland, OH 44106 | $$
10. Valerio's Ristorante
Load up on delicious antipasti, fabulous wines and incredible entrees at Valerio's Ristorante, among the best Little Italy restaurants in Cleveland, to turn small moments with your favorite people into monumental culinary experiences. Owner Valerio Lorio and his devoted wife Stella set the tone for sweet romance, keeping this sweet Little Italy restaurant in Cleveland operating for an incredible thirty years.
The Vibe
Cozy tables and an inviting bar offer true trattoria style to this tidy neighborhood nook.
What to Order
Orecchiette alla salsiccia plates up orecchiette, or ear-shaped pasta, with sausage robed in creamy tomato sauce.
Valerio's Ristorante | 12405 Mayfield Road, Cleveland, OH, 44106 | $$$
11. Luna Bakery and Café
With Luna Bakery and Café waiting a short six-minute trip away from the heart of the neighborhood, the Little Italy restaurants in Cleveland have a first-rate European pastry shop nearby to call their own. Handmade treats, specialty sandwiches and salad house platters offered here are the epitome of sweet dining.
The Vibe
Black and tan is more than a coffee order; it's the palette that makes this Little Italy restaurant around Cleveland such a soother.
What to Order
For something savory, try the Black Forest ham panini. You might regret missing your opportunity to nosh on a Nutella and banana panini, so make sure to give it a spin.
Luna Bakery and Café | 2482 Fairmount Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44106 | $
12. Corbo's Bakery
Some of the most noteworthy Little Italy restaurants in Cleveland are just outside the boundaries of the neighborhood, a description that fits Corbo's Bakery. This pizza and pastry shop is a perfect place for picking up classic European pastries, ordering custom cakes and snagging a cookie or two to enjoy while you shop.
The Vibe
The gleaming pastry case overflowing with gem-like treats is a throwback treasure trove that demands exploration.
What to Order
Pick up boxes of macarons and Italian wedding cakes, and toss in a few chocolate chip cannoli to make your order complete.
Corbo's Bakery | 12210 Mayfield Road, Cleveland, OH 44106 | $
13. Michelangelo's
Expect masterpieces of culinary art at Michelangelo's, one of the ultimate Little Italy restaurants in Cleveland for gourmet dishes served in a setting as luxurious as the food. This is the place you pick for a milestone birthday dinner in Cleveland, an anniversary that calls for the utmost in deluxe dining or a romantic escape with your sweet someone.
The Vibe
A cigar lounge near the fireplace with a full wine case in the background summons the soothing luxury of a bygone era.
What to Order
Try the wild mushroom risotto with black truffle tartufata and grilled portabella, topped with rosemary and Parmigiano Reggiano to make the moment richer.
Michelangelo's | 2198 Murray Hill Road, Cleveland, OH 44106 | $$$$
14. Borgata Bar
Sweet community vibes become a vital part of Little Italy restaurants in Cleveland thanks to Borgata Bar. Think of this spot as the Cheers of the region, a place where everyone who enters is part of the family.
The Vibe
Gaming machines and live music add sizzle to this unfussy brick-and-mortar escape.
What to Order
Enjoy a 1/3-pound Borgata Burger featuring sopressata, provolone and capicola to taste this spot's signature creation.
Borgata Bar | 12501 Mayfield Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44106 | $
15. Mitchell's Ice Cream Uptown
Take a two-minute drive to Mitchell's Ice Cream in its Uptown location and discover a spot near the Little Italy restaurants in Cleveland for timeless homemade treats in a cup and cone. All your favorite flavors are on ice behind the gleaming glass. What more could you ask from Little Italy restaurants in Cleveland?
The Vibe
The surprisingly spacious interiors give ice cream parlors an unexpected sense of luxury.
What to Order
Grab a waffle cone or a cup with a scoop of peanut butter chocolate pretzel yogurt to get a wild swirl of sweet and salty.
Mitchell's Ice Cream | 11444 Uptown Ave., Cleveland, OH 44106 | $$
16. Algebra Tea House
A café like Algebra Tea House seems an unlikely find among the Little Italy restaurants in Cleveland, but it's a community gem you won't want to sleep on. A singular blend of tea and art that brings Palestinian street food instead of Italian street food to the region gives the other Little Italy restaurants in Cleveland a neighbor offering delicious diversity with a hearty helping of intercultural appreciation.
The Vibe
Rustic charm here translates to brick exteriors that open into a market and dining space rich with Mediterranean influences.
What to Order
The falafel sandwich is a house specialty, served with silky hummus for a tasty touch that shows off the savory cultural depth of Cleveland food.
Algebra Tea House | 2136 Murray Hill Road, Cleveland, OH | $
17. Affettati
You couldn't leave a sandwich shop like Affettati out of a catalog of the finest Little Italy restaurants in Cleveland, even if it is a simple concept spot. Place your order and discover the delight of a deli-style eatery that keeps the food straightforward, delicious and ready to grab at a moment's notice.
The Vibe
Checkerboard lining in the sandwich case sets off the woodsy textures with old-fashioned whimsy.
What to Order
Mozzarella and prosciutto on fresh-baked bread is a combination that never disappoints.
Affettati | 12401 Mayfield Road, Cleveland, OH 44106 | $
18. Lounge Leo
You'd be forgiven if you mistook Lounge Leo for someone's home instead of one of the coolest Little Italy restaurants in Cleveland. Not every pub in the area emanates hip-yet-homey comfort while serving beverages worth savoring, but this sweet haven has it on lock.
The Vibe
Jazzy red bar fixtures and stylish black walls make this bôite a standout among the Little Italy restaurants of Cleveland.
What to Order
Beer on tap and custom cocktails will get your evening off to a buzzy start.
Lounge Leo | 2161 Murray Hill Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44106 | $
19. Zhug
Nearby Zhug may be the best restaurant around Little Italy, Cleveland, for dining in high style without feeling the need to wear a tuxedo or gown. Offering Mediterranean mezze plates in a soothing atmosphere where comfort is encouraged, it's an ideal destination that's just a quick four-minute ride from the streets of the neighborhood itself.
The Vibe
Earthy, no-frills minimalism features bench seating with endless pillows to cushion you.
What to Order
Eggplant moussaka heralds a different Mediterranean flavor, with lentils, mushrooms and oregano creating irresistible culinary harmonics.
Zhug | 12413 Cedar Road, Cleveland Heights, OH 44106 | $$
20. Blue Sky Brews
The cosmopolitan sheen of Blue Sky Brews highlights the thoughtful Little Italy restaurants of Cleveland, where friends can gather and chill out in comfort. Check out the array of amazing brews — meaning both beer and coffee — while catching up with your inner circle on the latest happenings.
The Vibe
Glossy and contemporary fixtures shine in the presence of an artful Mondrian-esque statement wall, an artful novelty among Little Italy restaurants in Cleveland.
What to Order
A piping-hot cortado and an oversized muffin from the pastry case is a perfect set to get your morning started.
Blue Sky Brews | 2187 Murray Hill Rd, Cleveland, Ohio 44106 | $$
21. Home Bistro
New American cuisine presented among Little Italy restaurants in Cleveland is what Home Bistro is known for. The menu may be more than just Italian, but the string lights and cozy seating will remind you that you're in the heart of the old neighborhood.
The Vibe
A tight and tidy space glowing with ochre walls, embossed tin ceilings and sun-splashed brick accents.
What to Order
With ricotta gnocchi, you can sample tender dumplings topped with crumbled sausage, tomatoes and authentic Italian aromatics.
Home Bistro | 12022 Mayfield Road, Floor 1, Cleveland, Ohio 44106 | $$
22. La Pizzeria Little Italy
Comfort food in the form of pizza and pasta comes to a pinnacle among prime Little Italy restaurants in Cleveland at La Pizzeria Little Italy. Choose one of the prepared combinations or arrange your own circular sensation; either way, your taste buds will thank you for your fantastic judgment!
The Vibe
There's nothing fussy about this familiar corner pizzeria, which makes it a no-brainer for fun things to do in Cleveland with your fellow pizza aficionados.
What to Order
A house specialty pizza delivers a white sauce-dressed crust studded with strips of baked chicken surrounded by onions, roasted red peppers, Kalamata olives and tomatoes.
La Pizzeria Little Italy | 2188 Murray Hill Road, Cleveland, OH 44106 | $
23. Rosso Gelato
There's no leaving out a restaurant dedicated to Italian ice cream from a collection of the best Little Italy restaurants around Cleveland, which makes Rosso Gelato a natural fit for the round-up. Creamy gelato and refreshing sorbetto in a variety of flavors means you'll likely need more than one visit to suss it all out!
The Vibe
Cheerful and charming, with airy indoor and outdoor seating and an ice cream case displaying swirls of sugar-filled enchantment.
What to Order
Chocolate-covered strawberry sorbetto and pumpkin mascarpone gelato are the flavors you didn't know you needed in your life.
Rosso Gelato | 12409 Mayfield Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44106 | $$
24. Presti's Bakery
Every neighborhood worth its salt should have a bakery loved by all, and as far as the Little Italy restaurants in Cleveland are concerned, that spot is Presti's Bakery. It’s a treat just to explore the eye candy behind the glass; tasting the actual sweets and treats that await takes the experience to a whole new level of enjoyment.
The Vibe
Corner-market character with embossed ceilings and deep cases displaying an array of artful indulgences give this bakery a retro lilt.
What to Order
Pick up a savory stromboli, a personal-size blueberry cheesecake and a lemon bar to sample the happiness in all its glorious forms.
Presti's Bakery | 12101 Mayfield Road, Cleveland, OH 44106 | $
25. Otani Noodle
Not all of the best restaurants near Little Italy, Cleveland, serve Italian food, a concept best represented by Otani Noodle, which is a quick two-minute hop from the neighborhood. This ravishing ramen house turns the notion of a simple bowl of noodle soup on its ear, filling your dish with hearty proteins, savory veggies and a slew of enticing seasonings.
The Vibe
Think of this Little Italy restaurant around Cleveland as a pasta joint with an Asian twist! Black walls adorned by vibrant art pieces give the open seating arrangement a funky urban feel.
What to Order
Katsu curry don will fill your belly with your choice of fried chicken or pork in Japanese curry seasoning, served with carrots and peas on a bed of fluffy white rice.
Otani Noodle | 234 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44114 | $
26. Tutto Carne
For meat-lovers in search of a carnivorous wonderland while checking out Little Italy restaurants in Cleveland, make a stop at Tutto Carne for cuts and chops of the highest quality. This boutique-style eatery serves up just as much hospitality as first-rate dishes for discerning gourmets to sink their teeth into.
The Vibe
Luxury appears in the details here, from the pristine white table cloths adorning the tables to the ivy-lined walls hemming in the patio.
What to Order
Pair a plate of handmade pumpkin ravioli with a bottle from one of your favorite Italian wine regions for a dinner you'll remember long after you pay the bill.
Tutto Carne | 2181 Murray Hill Road, Cleveland, OH 44106 | $$$$
27. Tavern of Little Italy
Take a break from your busy day and grab a table at Tavern of Little Italy, a sweet sidewalk spot that proves some of the coolest Little Italy restaurants in Cleveland are also the most relaxed. It's a perfect locale for hanging after a hectic week and regaining your composure while sampling dishes that blend old neighborhood vibes with beachy, waterside verve.
The Vibe
Chilled-out energy permeates this breezy Little Italy restaurant in Cleveland, whether you're seated inside at the bar or hunkered down under an umbrella at a table on the patio.
What to Order
You're in for a great time with chicken Parmesan, where your spaghetti comes piled atop the zesty marinara and bubbly browned cheese.
Tavern of Little Italy | 12117 Mayfield Road, Cleveland, OH 44106 | $
More Culinary Experiences in Cleveland
Beyond visiting the selection of Little Italy restaurants in Cleveland, there's a host of food-centered activities to whet your appetite for the region's special flavors. Try cooking classes in Cleveland to learn top-shelf techniques and inspiring recipes from five-star chefs around the city.
Bring the flavors of Little Italy restaurants in Cleveland home by finding Italian cooking classes in Cleveland that celebrate the historic heart and soul of this cherished enclave. And for premium dining moments that don't require you to lift a finger except to ask for seconds, private chefs in Cleveland are on hand to share gourmet wonders that rival the best Little Italy restaurants in Cleveland.
Seeking out first-rate Little Italy restaurants in Cleveland provides an opportunity to get to know the area a whole lot better. Even if you're familiar with the dining scene in the city, zeroing in on the most special stops can help you match your special occasions to the Little Italy restaurant in Cleveland that suits the moment. With such a tempting collection of Little Italy restaurants in Cleveland waiting to be tried, your new favorite may be waiting just around the corner!
For even more ways to explore Cleveland and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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