24 Hard-to-Get Cleveland Restaurant Tables That Are Totally Worth It

Zaytoon Lebanese Kitchen

1150 Huron Rd., 216-795-5000

Zaytoon is located downtown near Playhouse Square, so it's a great spot to show up early at on the night you’re also going to a performance (as they don't take reservations). This Lebanese eatery has great cuisine that’s hard to find elsewhere; be sure to check out their spinach pie.

Photo from Scene archives

Vero Pizza

12421 Cedar Rd., Cleveland Heights, 216-229-8383

Vero doesn’t take reservations, and this pizza spot in the former Gelateria fills up fast. The food is delicious and the atmosphere is cozy, so give this Heights restaurant a shot on a weekday when you’re craving pizza.

Photo via hispourwife/Instagram

Ushabu

2173 Professor Ave., 216-713-1741

This Japanese eatery is nestled in Tremont and is known for its shabu-shabu, which is Japanese-style fondue of meat and seafood. They also serve various Japanese delicacies, which pair well with their extensive sake menu.

Photo by Emanuel Wallace

Umami

42 North Main St., Chagrin Falls, 216-247-8600

A sleek and stylish venue make Umami great for date nights. They nabbed a spot on Open Table’s list of the 100 Best Restaurants in America in 2015, and with good reason. The national-recognition has made them a reservation-must-have.

Photo via btbuckeye/Instagram

Tremont Taphouse

2572 Scranton Rd., 216-298-4451

The Tremont Taphouse is the first gastropub in Cleveland, and they’ve taken the trend to new heights. Starting with the formula beer + food, they've elevated it to fit the upscale ambiance. If you’re looking to grab a table, avoid peak hours, but luckily they’re open until midnight most days.

Photo courtesy of Tremont Taphouse

The Plum

4133 Lorain Ave., 216-938-8711

The Plum is a gorgeous space with an airy patio that books up fast, especially when the weather is nice. The menu consists of “thoughtfully composed plates,” which change regularly.

Photo by Emanuel Wallace

Slyman’s

3106 St Clair Ave., Cleveland

Slyman’s is utterly without pretension, letting its famous menu do the heavy lifting. The corned beef is as-perfect as your friends and neighbors have warned you; unfortunately, it's not exactly a secret, so getting a table during peak times at this pocket-establishment can be tricky.

Photo via zegreg68/Instagram

Sichuan Hot Pot

2162 Rockwell Ave., Cleveland
Sichuan Hot Pot is a relatively new space that doesn’t even have a website, but that doesn’t mean it's not jam-packed all the time due to rave early reviews. Be sure to swing by this Asiatown joint when you think the traffic has ebbed, because it's absolutely worth checking out.

Photo via thecharmedkitchen/Instagram

Salt

3120 Bridge Ave., Cleveland
Salt’s Chef Jill Vedaa is a James Beard semi-finalist this year, and a deserving candidate for the coveted cooking prize. Salt absolutely lives up to the prestige. The bad news? You’re definitely going to need to call ahead and make a reservation, especially on weekends.

Photo via chefbrandonwilliams/Instagram

Rising Grill Korean BBQ

3709 Payne Ave., 216-465-3561

Rising Grill opened to rave reviews recently, so they’re often packed, but Korean barbeque is a rarity locally and Rising Grill absolutely delivers. The premise, if you’re not familiar, is grilling your own meat at your table, and customize your meal.

Photo from Scene archives