When it comes to local dining, Cleveland is the place to be. Here in The Land, culinary masterminds have hailed from and traveled all over the world, empowering them with the knowledge to make authentic and culturally diverse dishes here in their hometown. When it comes to the best ethnic food in Cleveland, you’ll find that the local dining scene is diverse and full of surprises. Prepare your taste buds for excellence, because these dining destinations are irresistible.
- Mallorca
Mallorca/Google Images
Don Mercado/Google Images Do you have a hankering for seafood? Stop by Mallorca for an Iberian-inspired menu full of Spanish and Portuguese favorites like Camarones Enchilados and Langosta Rellena. Don’t miss out on the wine list! Visit this spot at 1390 W 9th St, Cleveland, OH 44113.
- Irie Jamaican Kitchen
Irie Jamaican Kitchen/Google Images
Irie Jamaican Kitchen/Google Images Jamaican food is something of a fusion genre, and boy is it good. It draws comparison to ethnic eats from Chinese and Spanish cultures, but it’s uniquely its own. Irie is a great place to try something totally new, and it’s perfect for carryout. Wouldn’t you love to try every new food in the comfort of your home?! Visit Irie Jamaican Kitchen at 4162 Pearl Rd, Cleveland, OH 44109.
- Barroco
Daniel Pierce/Google Images
Barroco/Facebook Everything is colorful at Barroco, from its milieu to its menu. Here, you can dig into Colombian entrees, plus you’ll find dishes with Mexican and Cuban flair. This eatery is known for its out of this world arepas, though you can get American classics like burgers and brunch at any of their three locations. Visit its Cleveland location at 12718 Larchmere Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44120.
- LJ Shanghai
Shawn B/TripAdvisor
Edsel Little/Flickr Cleveland’s AsiaTown is full of surprises. Unsurprisingly, however, this is the perfect neighborhood in The Land to swing by if you’re in search of authentic Chinese eats. Most Americans are accustomed to U.S.-style Chinese food, but you’ll find all sorts of authentic options at LJ Shanghai. Here, xiao long bao (steamed dumplings) are out-of-this-world delicious. Visit this spot at 3142 Superior Ave, Cleveland, OH 44114.
- Zoma Ethiopian Restaurant
Sarah Al/Google Images
Zoma Ethiopian Restaurant/Facebook With dishes as highly colorful as they are delicious, Zoma Ethiopian Restaurant is perfect for carnivores and vegans alike. If you’ve never tried Ethiopian food, you should know before going in that traditional ingredients include spices like chili pepper, garlic, and ginger are commonly used spices… and many dishes, especially meat dishes, are spiced to perfection. You can dig in at 2240 Lee Rd, Cleveland, OH 44118.
- L’albatros Brasserie + Bar
L’albatros Brasserie + Bar/Facebook
L’albatros Brasserie + Bar/Facebook Ah mais oui, ça c’est toujours delish! Chic and rustic, L’albatros Brasserie + Bar brings a taste of France to the table. On le menu, you’ll find delectable options like soup, escargot, duck confit, and more. There are even vegetarian options! You can find L’Albatros at 11401 Bellflower Rd, Cleveland, OH 44106.
- Balaton Restaurant
Keith Heggelke/Google Images
Todd Esola-Gyongyosi/Google Images Historically, Hungarians and others from Central European countries have found solace and camaraderie in Cleveland. Clevelanders, as a result, have discovered the wonders of European-style comforts like paprikash and schnitzel. Find indulgent ethnic eats like these at Balaton Restaurant, located at 13133 Shaker Square, Cleveland, OH 44120.
- The Harp
Google Images
The Harp/Facebook Irish-style food is always a treat, especially when paired with a great beer. Located in Ohio City, The Harp boasts iconic Irish eats like boxty and corned beef in addition to imported and local beers and wines. Dine on the patio in the summer months for stellar views of the city skyline! Visit The Harp at 4408 Detroit Ave, Cleveland, OH 44113.
- Li Wah
Toney Jiang/Google Images
Lisa Wong/Google Images Located in the same plaza as the incredible Park to Shop Supermarket in AsiaTown (which has killer bakery if you’re craving dessert!), Li Wah is an incredible place to grab a meal. They specialize in dim sum (small plates perfect for mixing and matching) and other Cantonese-style dishes. Dig in at 2999 Payne Ave #102, Cleveland, OH 44114.
- El Jalapeños Authentic Mexican Restaurant
Efrain Leon/Google Images
El Jalapenos/Facebook Mexican cuisine is indulgent, and locals adore the diversity that comes with this style of dining. El Jalapeños Authentic Mexican Restaurant is one of Cleveland’s favorite taco spots, and its diverse selection of margaritas only makes each visit sweeter. Treat your taste buds at 1313 W 117th St, Cleveland, OH 44107.
- Guarino’s Restaurant
Eric Reynolds/Google Images
Celina Mata Cantu/Google Images Over in Cleveland’s Little Italy, you’ll find culture, incredible shopping, and the oldest eatery in the city. Guarino’s has been around for so long that it served liquor during Prohibition and entertained famous guests from Old Hollywood, including Frank Sinatra himself. You’ll find everything from spaghetti to lasagna at this local landmark. Visit it at 12309 Mayfield Rd, Cleveland, OH 44106.
When it comes to searching for the best ethnic food in Cleveland, these restaurants won’t leave you disappointed. There’s much to love about these diverse dining destinations, and each has something special that makes it shine. Which of these ethnic eateries is your favorite? Tell us in the comments!
Mallorca/Google Images
Don Mercado/Google Images
Do you have a hankering for seafood? Stop by Mallorca for an Iberian-inspired menu full of Spanish and Portuguese favorites like Camarones Enchilados and Langosta Rellena. Don’t miss out on the wine list! Visit this spot at 1390 W 9th St, Cleveland, OH 44113.
Irie Jamaican Kitchen/Google Images
Jamaican food is something of a fusion genre, and boy is it good. It draws comparison to ethnic eats from Chinese and Spanish cultures, but it’s uniquely its own. Irie is a great place to try something totally new, and it’s perfect for carryout. Wouldn’t you love to try every new food in the comfort of your home?! Visit Irie Jamaican Kitchen at 4162 Pearl Rd, Cleveland, OH 44109.
Daniel Pierce/Google Images
Barroco/Facebook
Everything is colorful at Barroco, from its milieu to its menu. Here, you can dig into Colombian entrees, plus you’ll find dishes with Mexican and Cuban flair. This eatery is known for its out of this world arepas, though you can get American classics like burgers and brunch at any of their three locations. Visit its Cleveland location at 12718 Larchmere Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44120.
Shawn B/TripAdvisor
Edsel Little/Flickr
Cleveland’s AsiaTown is full of surprises. Unsurprisingly, however, this is the perfect neighborhood in The Land to swing by if you’re in search of authentic Chinese eats. Most Americans are accustomed to U.S.-style Chinese food, but you’ll find all sorts of authentic options at LJ Shanghai. Here, xiao long bao (steamed dumplings) are out-of-this-world delicious. Visit this spot at 3142 Superior Ave, Cleveland, OH 44114.
Sarah Al/Google Images
Zoma Ethiopian Restaurant/Facebook
With dishes as highly colorful as they are delicious, Zoma Ethiopian Restaurant is perfect for carnivores and vegans alike. If you’ve never tried Ethiopian food, you should know before going in that traditional ingredients include spices like chili pepper, garlic, and ginger are commonly used spices… and many dishes, especially meat dishes, are spiced to perfection. You can dig in at 2240 Lee Rd, Cleveland, OH 44118.
L’albatros Brasserie + Bar/Facebook
Ah mais oui, ça c’est toujours delish! Chic and rustic, L’albatros Brasserie + Bar brings a taste of France to the table. On le menu, you’ll find delectable options like soup, escargot, duck confit, and more. There are even vegetarian options! You can find L’Albatros at 11401 Bellflower Rd, Cleveland, OH 44106.
Keith Heggelke/Google Images
Todd Esola-Gyongyosi/Google Images
Historically, Hungarians and others from Central European countries have found solace and camaraderie in Cleveland. Clevelanders, as a result, have discovered the wonders of European-style comforts like paprikash and schnitzel. Find indulgent ethnic eats like these at Balaton Restaurant, located at 13133 Shaker Square, Cleveland, OH 44120.
Google Images
The Harp/Facebook
Irish-style food is always a treat, especially when paired with a great beer. Located in Ohio City, The Harp boasts iconic Irish eats like boxty and corned beef in addition to imported and local beers and wines. Dine on the patio in the summer months for stellar views of the city skyline! Visit The Harp at 4408 Detroit Ave, Cleveland, OH 44113.
Toney Jiang/Google Images
Lisa Wong/Google Images
Located in the same plaza as the incredible Park to Shop Supermarket in AsiaTown (which has killer bakery if you’re craving dessert!), Li Wah is an incredible place to grab a meal. They specialize in dim sum (small plates perfect for mixing and matching) and other Cantonese-style dishes. Dig in at 2999 Payne Ave #102, Cleveland, OH 44114.
Efrain Leon/Google Images
El Jalapenos/Facebook
Mexican cuisine is indulgent, and locals adore the diversity that comes with this style of dining. El Jalapeños Authentic Mexican Restaurant is one of Cleveland’s favorite taco spots, and its diverse selection of margaritas only makes each visit sweeter. Treat your taste buds at 1313 W 117th St, Cleveland, OH 44107.
Eric Reynolds/Google Images
Celina Mata Cantu/Google Images
Over in Cleveland’s Little Italy, you’ll find culture, incredible shopping, and the oldest eatery in the city. Guarino’s has been around for so long that it served liquor during Prohibition and entertained famous guests from Old Hollywood, including Frank Sinatra himself. You’ll find everything from spaghetti to lasagna at this local landmark. Visit it at 12309 Mayfield Rd, Cleveland, OH 44106.
Love ethnic eats like pierogies? You’ll love the creative pierogi dishes hiding throughout Cleveland.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: 1390 W 9th St, Cleveland, OH 44113, USAAddress: 4162 Pearl Rd, Cleveland, OH 44109, USAAddress: 12718 Larchmere Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44120, USAAddress: 3142 Superior Ave, Cleveland, OH 44114, USAAddress: Lee Rd, Cleveland, OH 44118, USAAddress: 11401 Bellflower Rd, Cleveland, OH 44106, USAAddress: 13133 Shaker Square, Cleveland, OH 44120, USAAddress: 4408 Detroit Ave, Cleveland, OH 44113, USAAddress: 2999 Payne Ave #102, Cleveland, OH 44114, USAAddress: 1313 W 117th St, Cleveland, OH 44107, USAAddress: Guarino’s Restaurant, 12309 Mayfield Rd, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
