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Best Historic Restaurants in University Circle

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12 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Maxi’s Bistro restaurant
1. Maxi’s Bistro
4.7
Exceptional(360)
Price: Moderate
• Bistro • University Circle
Booked 5 times today
Nestled in the heart of Cleveland’s Historic Little Italy, Maxi’s embodies a vibrant atmosphere and a welcoming ambiance. We are open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner.Our main level offers guests the opportunity to interact in a casual and upbeat setting or to partake in the dynamic liveliness of the bar. The cozy and intimate upstairs level seats 50 people comfortably and can be booked for events such as meetings, rehearsal dinners, birthdays, graduations, presentations and more. Our fully enclosed and heated garden patio provides a relaxed and comfortable dining experience while the sidewalk tables allow for a most spectacular view of Little Italy.Whether you are looking for a place to dine before going to The Cleveland Orchestra concert or searching for the perfect location to share a conversation, Maxi’s welcomes you to enjoy dinner, an appetizer, a glass of wine at the bar, a Peroni while the game is going on, or even an espresso with a San Pellegrino for a caffeine push.
A photo of Johnny's Downtown restaurant
2. Johnny's Downtown
4.1
Excellent(671)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Cleveland West
Booked 3 times today
Johnny’s Downtown, opened in 1993, is similar to the original Johnny’s Bar on Fulton Road, featuring pasta, veal and fish. The setting, a refurbished 1860’s Warehouse District building, formerly a general store, is the drinking and dining spot of locals and business people alike. Joseph Fall, the executive chef, oversees the food operations and is responsible for our crafting our signature dishes and creating daily specials. There are several wines by the glass to choose from and the wine list has nabbed an Award of Excellence from the Wine Spectator. There is piano music in the bar featuring Mike Petrone Monday-Friday, and Cliff Habian on Saturday evenings.
A photo of DANTE restaurant
3. DANTE
4.7
Exceptional(3273)
Price: Expensive
• American • Tremont
Booked 22 times today
Enjoy Michelin-starred chef Dante Boccuzzi"s signature restaurant DANTE. Located in a historic bank building in Tremont, DANTE restaurant has become one of Cleveland's premier dining spots. The decor features designs and works of art from local artists. Guests may choose from an a la Carte Menu or a Chef's Tasting Menu. Experience the excitement of dining in the kitchen as Chef Dante prepares and serves you a multiple course tasting menu.
A photo of Acqua di Dea restaurant
4. Acqua di Dea
4.1
Excellent(965)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary Italian • Downtown Cleveland
Booked 9 times today
Our award winning Jola Eat Global Restaurant Group opened a third location in 2021. Since then, it has become a downtown hotspot with a trendy approach to the modern fine dining experience. Offering a unique combination of modern and classic coastal aesthetic in a sleek and rustic warehouse setting. Located in Cleveland's Historic Warehouse District in the heart of Downtown, Acqua Di Luca has an innovative Italian menu with remarkably fresh seafood, unique pasta dishes, extraordinary steaks and much more.We are excited to announce some significant changes within our restaurant family.Acqua di Luca located at 500 W. St. Clair Avenue will be renamed Acqua di Dea.​These changes reflect our commitment to offering fresh and elevated dining. Acqua Di Dea will continue operations and ownership by Lola Jacaj.For private events contact a.george@jolaeatglobal.com
A photo of Cloak & Dagger restaurant
5. Cloak & Dagger
4.9
Exceptional(1094)
Price: Expensive
• Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service • Tremont
Booked 27 times today
A cocktail lounge with focus on hospitality and craft located next to Lincoln Park in the historic Tremont neighborhood of Cleveland.
A photo of SASA restaurant
6. SASA
4.9
Exceptional(932)
Price: Moderate
• Sushi • Shaker Heights
Booked 5 times today
Located at historic Shaker Square, SASA is a Japanese Izakaya restaurant. SASA's menu reflects global inspiration while maintaining the tradition and beauty of Japanese cooking. Enjoy handcrafted cocktails, an extensive sake list, and craft beers on tap. Whether a night out with friends, dinner with family, or a business dinner, SASA will create a memorable evening. SASA has a REME HALO® indoor air purification system that uses U.V. filtration & hydro-peroxide plasma to inactivate bacteria & viruses to make our indoor dining room safer than ever.We welcome you to SASA!
A photo of Literary Tavern restaurant
7. Literary Tavern
4.7
Exceptional(276)
Price: Moderate
• American • Tremont
Booked 14 times today
Come visit our newly updated location at 1031 Literary Road, in Cleveland's Tremont neighborhood. With a brand new kitchen, we are serving entrees, appetizers and sandwiches 6 days a week. We are open for lunch Monday through Friday and Happy Hour is from 3 - 6 pm.A favorite of area locals for many years, we are located in one of the oldest buildings in Tremont. We have worked hard to preserve the character of the historic location and offer an intimate atmosphere, inventive cocktails and a variety of wine and beers, chef made entrees and appetizers.
A photo of Blue Point Grille restaurant
8. Blue Point Grille
4.7
Exceptional(6617)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Downtown Cleveland
Booked 31 times today
Blue Point Grille, located in the heart of The Historic Warehouse District, is renowned for serving the highest quality seafood sourced daily from both coasts. Its elegant dining rooms feature expansive windows offering sweeping views of the downtown skyline, creating a sophisticated ambiance. Just a short stroll from the convention center, premier hotels, and Public Square, guests can enjoy acclaimed dishes such as lobster bisque, freshly shucked Blue Point oysters, and the signature Nag's Head Grouper. Since its inception in 1998, Blue Point Grille has consistently been voted Cleveland's top seafood restaurant, known for its fresh seafood, award-winning wine selection, and exceptional service delivered by true professionals.
A photo of Cleveland Chop restaurant
9. Cleveland Chop
4.7
Exceptional(2201)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Downtown Cleveland
Booked 23 times today
We are Cleveland's & Favorite Steakhouse offering a premium experience at an affordable price. Situated in the Historic Warehouse District, the Cleveland Chop is located at 824 West St Clair between W 6th and W 9th street. We are minutes away from downtown hotels, Rocket Mortgage Field House, Progressive Field, Browns Stadium and the Convention Center. We offer dinner, lunch, and our award winning Sunday brunch menu. Please refer to our website for current menu offerings.We will be offering our Easter & Mothers Day Brunch! Please contact the restaurant regarding private functions.
A photo of Johnny's Bar restaurant
10. Johnny's Bar
4.9
Exceptional(846)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • Cleveland West
Booked 9 times today
The original Johnny's serving fine Northern Italian Cusine. Opening in the 1920’s as Louise’s Garden, a restaurant that would flourish into the most reputable dining establishment in Cleveland. Renamed Johnny’s Bar in 1952, this neighborhood eatery located on Fulton Road serves authentic Italian food in an inviting atmosphere with private dining and patio dining available weather permitting.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • SalvatoreVIP
    Los Angeles •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Unique tasting dinner. Not over flavored ,but perfect unusual blends. All tasted fresh and elegant presentation with successful use of color.
    More info
    DANTEPrice: Expensive• American• Tremont
    •
    4.7
  • Tristina
    Cleveland / Akron / Canton •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    This was the best night out in awhile. The ambiance was everything we could have asked for. Dark and moody with low ambient light and REAL candles. A library even. It was cozy and intimate, sexy and sultry. The dishes were amazing the drinks were even better. Service was great and we were greeted with complimentary shots to start our evening. We Will definitely be going back!
    More info
    Cloak & DaggerPrice: Expensive• Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service• Tremont
    •
    4.9
  • Heather
    Cleveland / Akron / Canton •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    We got a table immediately with our reservation. The host was super friendly only to be followed by our great service from our server. I’m sorry I forget their names! My husband and I had an appetizer, salad and two entrees with a boozey cappuccino for dessert! Fabulous! Thank you for a great date night before the show!
    More info
    Maxi’s BistroPrice: Moderate• Bistro• University Circle
    •
    4.7
  • Tom
    Cleveland / Akron / Canton •13 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Food and service from Noah was amazing. We had a great time for dinner and it was our first time for most of us.
    More info
    Johnny's DowntownPrice: Expensive• Italian• Cleveland West
    •
    4.1
  • Aubrey
    Cleveland / Akron / Canton •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Feb 15, 2025
    We had a fantastic experience at Acqua Di Dea! The ambiance was modern and inviting, setting the perfect tone for our night. We opted for the Valentine’s Day tasting menu, and every course was artfully presented and absolutely delicious. Our server was incredibly knowledgeable, explaining each dish in detail and making spot-on wine recommendations. From start to finish, it was an unforgettable dining experience—we can’t wait to return!
    More info
    Acqua di DeaPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary Italian• Downtown Cleveland
    •
    4.1

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