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Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in University Circle

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30 restaurants available nearby

A photo of La Dolce Vita - Cleveland restaurant
1. La Dolce Vita - Cleveland
4.7
Exceptional(1823)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 27 times today
Welcome to La Dolce Vita Bistro - “The Sweet Life,” a restaurant and bistro created to recapture the bell-époque charm of “The Italian Drug,” opened here by Dr. Anthony Caruso in 1914. In the tradition of the great European bistros, La Dolce Vita is devoted to providing a relaxed and friendly atmosphere for everything from eight course dinners to coffee and Calvino. We strive to prepare the perfect meal, or the perfect cappuccino, and let you enjoy it at your leisure. Our pasta is cooked fresh to order, our sauces and dressing are painstakingly prepared using only the finest ingredients: extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, the freshest vegetables, imported whole tomatoes, fresh basil and Italian parsley... and your table is reserved for the evening.
A photo of Blue Point Grille restaurant
2. Blue Point Grille
4.7
Exceptional(6576)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Downtown Cleveland
Booked 38 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 Friar's Table restaurant
3. Friar's Table
new
4.8
Exceptional(51)
Price: Expensive
• European • Downtown Cleveland
Booked 68 times today
The Friars' Table is steeped in the Franciscan tradition of care and community.Located in Cleveland's Playhouse Square James Beard Finalist Brandon Chrostowski brings a cuisine focusing on Monastic ingredients and techniques in a chic, curated setting. The Friars' Table features dishes including hearty soups and stews, seasonal salads, Salmon St. Celestine and braised lamb shoulder along with wine and cocktails highlighting simplicity and tradition.The Friars' Table was uniquely founded by Brother Phillip Bernier of The Capuchin Ministries of Cleveland in partnership with Brandon Chrostowski of EDWINS Leadership and Restaurant Institute. The mission focus on serving those in our community working to improve life through cuisine and education.
A photo of Morton's The Steakhouse - Cleveland restaurant
4. Morton's The Steakhouse - Cleveland
4.6
Exceptional(2365)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Downtown Cleveland
Booked 45 times today
Morton's The Steakhouse, the nation's premier steakhouse group, specializes in classic, hearty fare, serving generous portions of USDA prime aged beef, as well as fresh fish, lobster and chicken entrees. The menu features a variety of favorite cuts, including a 24 ounce porterhouse, which is the house specialty; a 16 ounce New York Strip and a 12 ounce double cut filet.
A photo of Betts - Cleveland restaurant
5. Betts - Cleveland
4.7
Exceptional(552)
Price: Moderate
• American • Downtown Cleveland
Booked 20 times today
Betts - Cleveland is a neighborhood gem due to its warm, cozy ambiance and exceptional service. Reviewers rave about the fresh, delicious food and its versatility, accommodating a variety of dietary needs. Its location in downtown Cleveland makes it a favorite pre-game or pre-show spot. Its unique blend of American dishes makes it a go-to place for anyone in the area.
A photo of DANTE restaurant
6. DANTE
4.7
Exceptional(3265)
Price: Expensive
• American • Tremont
Booked 37 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 Batuqui - Larchmere restaurant
7. Batuqui - Larchmere
4.7
Exceptional(836)
Price: Expensive
• Brazilian • Shaker Square
Booked 9 times today
Described as "Brazil in Cleveland", Batuqui is in the heart of Cleveland, OH and emphasizes the cuisines of the Bahia and Minas Gerais states of Brazil. Set in a casual but appealing dining room, there is also a full bar with custom cocktails.The menu at Batuqui is full of exciting and unique choices and they are known for their authentically grilled top sirloin steak called Picanha. They offer appetizers like the Frango Passarinho which is fired chicken in a cilantro sauce or the Salgadinhos which are savory hand-rolled Brazilian bar snacks and entrees like the hearty traditional Brazilian party dish called Feijoada. They have fantastic salads and an array of intriguing Brazilian entrees. Choices include fish, vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options in addition to the grilled meats and Brazilian steaks that make Batuqui such an appealing spot. Love desserts? Their homemade chocolate bon bons called Brigadeiros or Coconut Butter Cake are amazing too!
A photo of Taste restaurant
8. Taste
4.4
Awesome(844)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Cleveland Heights
Booked 12 times today
Taste is a neighborhood gem in Cleveland Heights, known for its amazing food, good service, and comfortable atmosphere. Reviewers describe it as a 'neighborhood favorite', 'hidden gem', and 'one of our favorite neighborhood restaurants'. It's a place where you feel welcomed and comfortable from the first moment, serving a diverse menu with an extensive wine list. It's also locally owned and a great place for celebrations.
A photo of House of Blues Restaurant & Bar - Cleveland restaurant
9. House of Blues Restaurant & Bar - Cleveland
4.5
Awesome(1311)
Price: Moderate
• American • Downtown Cleveland / E. 4th Street
Booked 10 times today
House of Blues Restaurant & Bar is now open! We look forward to welcoming you back to our made from scratch, southern inspired cuisine!
A photo of Doc's On Harvard restaurant
10. Doc's On Harvard
5.0
Exceptional(2)
Price: Expensive
• American • Shaker Heights
Booked 2 times today
Doc's On Harvard is the place for connection where hospitality meets great, Chef inspired cuisine. A local neighborhood gem within the historically rich, black neighborhood of Lee-Harvard is known for. Come dine with us and indulge the experience.
‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Marien
    Cancun / Riviera Maya •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    It quite a busy evening with the red hot Cavaliers game happening the same night as our date at the theater, but our lovely server was attentive and kept a great pace for our meal, all the while keeping us informed of the progress of our order. From beginning to end, we were warmly welcomed and thanked for dining with Morton’s. We enjoyed the fillet and crab cake special with bernaise sauce and a loaded baked potato. We finished the evening off with crème brûlée. With an extensive wine list, it’s easy to find one you’ll enjoy. We consistently come here before the theater because we can count of Morton’s to get us out on time.
    More info
    Morton's The Steakhouse - ClevelandPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Downtown Cleveland
    •
    4.6
  • GeorgeVIP
    Cleveland / Akron / Canton •24 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    My wife and I enjoyed dinner before a Playhouse Square show recently. I had the salmon, and my wife had the rigatoni, and both were excellent. The cocktails were also very good, as was their house wine (we had the Pinot Noir). The service was a little spotty but hopefully will get better as time goes on.
    More info
    Friar's TablePrice: Expensive• European• Downtown Cleveland
    •
    4.8
  • TanaziaVIP
    Detroit / Eastern Michigan •20 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Everything was great. We enjoyed ourselves! I tried the sea bass and polenta! Very good. Our waitress was very attentive and on point!
    More info
    Blue Point GrillePrice: Expensive• Seafood• Downtown Cleveland
    •
    4.7
  • TinaVIP
    Cleveland / Akron / Canton •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Jan 2, 2025
    Amazing food and service! We will definitely be going back. Best restaurant we have been to in Little Italy. Reminded me of all the delicious food we had on our last trip to Italy.
    More info
    La Dolce Vita - ClevelandPrice: Moderate• Italian• Little Italy
    •
    4.7
  • Maria
    Las Vegas •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 28, 2024
    Excellent service-Great Ambiance-fine dining at an affordable price -Meal presentation was outstanding and of course the taste
    More info
    Betts - ClevelandPrice: Moderate• American• Downtown Cleveland
    •
    4.7

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