The Most Scrumptious Tapas/Small Plates in Cleveland

Ibiza Mediterranean Restaurant

★★★★★ 4.5 (96) • $$

"Food was delicious service was fantastic. Would definitely recommend to anyone who wants paella !!"

Never Say Dive

★★★★★ 4.7 (31)

"This might be my new favorite spot! Drinks are some of the best I've had in recent memory - really appreciate the elevated rum drinks. The vibe is perfect - you could come rocking Converse or stilettos and not be out of place. Definitely recommend the cheese board - they use Old Brooklyn Cheese Co. and it's fantastic!"

Brim House

★★★★☆ 4.2 (119) • $$

"Chef, and the entire kitchen staff, continue to kill it. If you get a chance, 100% consider participating in a 'Chef's Tasting' dinner. You will *not* be disappointed."

750ml Wines

★★★★☆ 3.5 (63) • $$

"My friend and I live about an hour away from each other so we always look for a place to meet up in the middle and that time this was it!This place is cozy and cute and the wine selection is really good! You can get wine by the glass or chose a bottle from the "store section" on the shelves. The menu is on the smaller side which I personally like because I like to know the food is fresh. My friend and I were very happy with the wine and food and appreciate a quiet cute place to talk and catch up. Next time we get together we will definitely consider this place again!"

Opal on Pearl

★★★★★ 4.7 (38)

"This is a great place for a date or to chill with your friends. Staff is friendly and helpful. Wine is tasty with healthy pours. They've got some dim lighting so you look better to your date especially after a drink or two...Happy hour is from 5p-7p and you can find $5-6 drinks and $3.5-6 dishes. I've only had wine $10 and the charcuterie board $22, but I'd like to try out some of their other food options. Convenient parking lot in the back. Only minor complaint is that it smells like fried grease inside, but your nose gets used to it and the smell fades."

Tiki Underground

★★★☆☆ 3.2 (38) • $$

"My husband and I love the Tiki. It's a great atmosphere with good food and drinks. They have good live music and a nice outdoor area to hang out in. I recommend."

Barrel33

★★★★☆ 3.7 (87) • $$

"Great service delicious brunch. If you're looking for a great place for brunch this is your stop. They have a happy hour menu daily as well till 6. We will definitely return. Bottomless mimosa 8.99 for your first one and 1.95 for each additional mimosa."

H2 Huth & Harris Wine Merchants - Canton

★★★★☆ 4.2 (38)

"Perfect date night location.The best high end cuisine in the city of Canton and frankly you have to go north of Akron to find anything that even compares with the dishes that are coming out of this quaint basement establishment.The owners work the bar and kitchen, they are some of the nicest people in the food industry. (Husband and wife)"

750 Ml Wines

★★★★☆ 3.8 (54) • $$

"Local winery in Fairlawn. The place is cozy and welcoming- it feels like a home. I have been here many times. This place is great to meet girlfriends for girls night and gossips, or see your boyfriend for a romantic light dinner, or you can stop and buy a bottle of wine. Actually, they carry diverse wines ranging from lower prices to very expensive wines such as Caymus. The menu is not rich but still you can choose luscious appetizers, delicious salads and tasty flatbreads. Also, you can throw a private party here and rent all the place. Oh, and I have forgotten to mention their friendly and attentive staff!! They always wait you with the smile and open arms.Check this winery out!"

BLU Jazz+

★★★★☆ 4.1 (69) • $$

"Attention for jazz lovers- a place that you can't skip! One of my favorite spots in Akron! You can come here after the dinner, or you can come to the upstairs restaurant to dine and after walk downstairs to listen jazz or you can come straight to the jazz place and have small entrees and appetizers/salads. Tom, the owner, always makes sure to invite interesting and popular jazz musicians/bands. I come here at least 1-2 times per month! I love jazz and I'm happy that we have this lounge in the neighborhood. Definitely visit!By the way, check out their website to know about musicians or bands schedule or who plays that night."

Urban Pine Winery

★★★★☆ 4.1 (58) • $$

"The inside was very nice and cute! Wish we got to sit outside but it was windy and in the shade. It is next to the road so I wonder if it's loud. Our server was very nice and food came quick. We got wine flights and all the wines were good. Would def go back for wine and nibbles. The food was alright. I got the portobello melt. Flavors were good but the bread was a bit soggy. I would go back and try another dish. Everyone in the place seemed like they were having a great time."

Sunset Kitchen

★★★☆☆ 3.2 (6)

"Sunset Kitchen is at a prime location right in University Circle. We got the Shrimp & Grits. It's so creamy and the cajun gravy on top is incredibly flavorful, full of spices, shrimps were cooked and seasoned so well. This is definitely comfort in a bowl!We also really enjoyed the French toast. They use challah bread for a local bakery, topped with powdered sugar, a drizzle of syrup, strawberries, and grapes. There was a DJ there spinning beats too!"

Lava Lounge

★★★★☆ 4.1 (93) • $$

"Back for my Pulled Pork sandwich listening to NWAs F*** the Police. Love the dark atmosphere here and PAXn up. This place has earned its right to this short review. Nuff said."

The Heights

★★★☆☆ 3.1 (204) • $$$$

"Came here for a quick dinner with my partner after a long drive. We were greeted instantly and sat right away. The restaurant itself has a really cool decor, and if you want, you could even sit in the igloos outside with a certain minimum amount. Might come back for that one day! I ended up getting the steak frites and my partner got the burger with bison blend. The food was delicious! It is one of the best steak frites, I've had, the meat was tender and perfectly cooked. I also appreciated that the steak was medallions versus the cubed cuts I sometimes get. The burger was extremely tasty and flavorful. Would definitely recommend if you're in the area!"

The Reserve

★★★★★ 4.5 (26)

"Don't sleep on this place! Came here with hubby for a date night. Very small space. Half is bar seating. We sat at the bar and enjoyed the cocktails and watching the bartender/server make cocktails. A unique experience. The many was varied and unique. Small plate style with moderate amount of options. Everything we ate was enjoyable. I thought the hot dog was pretty fun. Definitely recommend for an intimate meal!"

Porco Lounge and Tiki Room

★★★★☆ 4.3 (465) • $$

"Porco is one of my new favorite places in Ohio Coty. It has a great tiki bar ambience, but it's also so much more than that. The liquor selection--bourbon, tequila, rum, and just about anything else you could want--is phenomenal. And they have delicious mixed drinks too. Although a little bit pricey and small, I also really enjoyed my chorizo sliders. Finally, the owner and the bartenders are extremely personable, I had great conversations with them and cannot wait to come back. Overall, Porco is one of my favorite places to go in Ohio Cory for a night out. If you're looking to go to a bar, I highly recommend Porto"

Amazonia

★★★★☆ 4.3 (43)

"I've been wanting to visit Amazonia for a while, so I was pleasantly surprised that there was a 5:30 reservation available on a Saturday night. Upon arrival you may question whether you're in the right space. There's no obvious sign or door to be seen from the street, but if you're cool, you'll figure it out eventually. The space is small and dark with red lighting throughout. The vibe is definitely cozy, mysterious, and sexy. There's a small bar as soon as you walk in, which I didn't expect. We were seated at a small two-top table with one side utilizing a large leather couch for seating. Very cozy and fun, but I think it made eating and drinking slightly difficult because it was pretty low. We ordered cocktails and a few appetizers to share. The ceviche was AMAZING. I enjoy all kinds of ceviche, but this was great. It was more of a cream base in addition to the acid/citrus, Peruvian style. The shrimp was perfectly cooked amongst some red onions, avocado and pineapple. I honestly could have drank the broth like soup. We also got the guacamole, which was also tasty. Super fresh avocados. Last, we shared a margherita pizza. The sauce was light and the crust was perfectly cooked but soft. Obviously not a ton of cheese, just the mozzarella, but I didn't miss it at all. I know the cocktails are supposed to be the focus of this place, but the food was definitely an unexpected star. I got the Mezcal cocktail, Cactus Flower. Good and had a pretty orange peel ice cube. I also got a paloma, that was refreshing and true to form. I can't wait to go back!"

Julius

★★★★★ 5 (2)

"Excellent food with a great atmosphere and one-of-a-kind Mexican fusion. Nothing else quite like it in Erie. Owned by the former owner of Latino's."

The River Merchant

★★★★☆ 4.4 (169) • $$

"We were blown away by the river merchant. Excellent service from start to finish. Great selection of drinks and great beers on tap. Full bar. Wait staff is attentive and very knowledgeable. All of our dishes were excellent from appetizers to main to dessert. Highly recommended. We will be back."

Market Avenue Wine Bar

★★★★☆ 4.3 (125) • $$

"We walked in and were immediately welcomed by the bartender. He was very nice and personable. We did not get food here but it looked like they had a good selection of charcuterie boards. The wine was great. It's a cute little wine bar with some outdoor seating."

TUSK

★★★★☆ 4.3 (20)

"We've been here several times for lunch or dinner and have always had great service and delicious food. Their pickles are AMAZING! We've had the Falafel Smash, Burgers, BBQ Pork sandwich, Fish sandwich, Tuna melt sandwich, and the Apple and blueberry goat cheese salad, and have thoroughly enjoyed every bite. Fresh cut fries are wonderful too. Highly recommend checking them out."

The Pompadour

★★★★★ 4.6 (107) • $$

"This place was not at all what I was expecting. The food was absolutely delicious. My husband and I met my brother and wife for dinner and a time was had. We ate. Then ate. And ate some more and was already talking about when we go back next time. Very small quaint little spot like something you'd find in New York. The hostess/owner and her husband/chef is amazing. The Punk Rock Chicken was so good I almost ordered it twice. The Burrata Cheese was strangely delicious. The Short rib just melts in your mouth. It was hard to decide and I definitely want to try more."

Swirl Wine Bar

★★★★☆ 3.9 (115) • $$

"Great service. Friendly staff. Good food. Was a lot bigger than I thought would be inside. Cozy, clean and nicely decorated. Large selection of wine as expected. Selection of beer choices and alcohol.The menu changes apparently. The chef makes things from scratch. Will definitely be following and be back to try whatever else they come up with. The sauce from the fungi pizza was amazing."

Circle Of 5ths

★★★★☆ 4.2 (6)

"The bartender really knows his craft. We had the pisco sour, In Perfect Thyme, The 5th G, and Chiramente il Vino. All were well balanced and smooth. Inspired and creative cocktails, carefully crafted for the ultimate balanced experience. They have big plans for the place, and we're looking forward to seeing it evolve over time! Follow their Facebook page for updates on guest chefs and bartenders. It's a perfect stop if you're headed to the club or just want to grab a few drinks and a snack."

Astoria Cafe & Market

★★★★★ 4.5 (368) • $$

"I visited for the first time towards the end of January 2024 after viewing the new apartments across the street.They have a small market that is attached to the restaurant so you can shop for some Italian spices, sauces, snacks, wine, etcPIZZAS -- Their pizzas are probably one of the best that I've had in Cleveland. Soft and rich. Flavourful. I ordered the Pizza Margherita ($15 during happy hour time) which consists of herb-roasted tomatoes , fresh mozzarella cheese, and basil with a garlic sauce. This pizza is soooo flavourful and just perfect. No meat is even needed. Normally, I don't like to eat cheese neither do I really like sole cheeses or I hardly eat cheese but the mozzarella cheese in this pizza did not make my stomach hurt and it tasted fresh. Earlier this morning, I came across my photo of the margherita pizza and I'm craving to order it tonight - that's how delicious it is. I recently had a dry and hard pizza from a pizza restaurant in Lakewood but Astoria Cafe has one of the best pizzas in the city of Cleveland. I also tried their pepperoni and mushroom pizza and those were really.I also ordered the Chicken Avgolemono Soup ($7) as a starter before the pizzas arrived and this was a nice soup but it needed some more flavour besides salt.I'll definitely be back to Astoria Cafe to try other menu items and to buy the Biscotello cookies from their small market.****GOAL of 150 reviews in 2024- 10/150 total reviews in 2024- 660 total overall Yelp reviews- Reviewed on Friday, 15 March 2024"

Poco Piatti

★★★★☆ 3.7 (158) • $$

"As a vegan, I give this restaurant 5 stars! I had the veggie kabobs, seasons potatoes, and french fries. My son, who is also vegan, had the cauliflower and the madajura (sp). My daughter had chicken sliders and a root beer. My son and I both loved our food and would eat there again. Our server had great energy and let us know that she made the kitchen staff aware of our food restrictions. Everyone was so kind."

Quintaesencia

★★★★★ 5 (3)

"A great Venezuelan tapas restaurant that just opened in Parma. I was pleasantly surprised how well appointed the bar area was. I dined at the bar and had the steak chimichurri and mummy shrimp. Both were fantastic! The service was very prompt and friendly. For drinks, we enjoyed a Caipirinha. They also have an espresso machine where fresh espresso is ground for a great espresso martini. We will definitely be back!"

Jimmy’s Place Upstairs

★★★★★ 4.9 (8)

"Delicious food, especially the lobster bisque! Fun cocktails, highly recommend the smoked Manhattan. Great atmosphere and service. Catch Ava performing, she's fantastic!"

El Rinconcito Chapin

★★★★☆ 4.4 (87) • $$

"My friend and I decided we wanted street tacos. We pulled up and it looked closed so we were like should we try? We drove past and saw people inside so we pulled up to the drive thru. We weren't able to see the signage very well so I pulled over to look at the menu online. We opted for chips and salsa, she got a chicken taco and I ordered two carnitas tacos. The salsa has a kick to it. I love spicy stuff so it was fine with me. The chicken taco had onion and lots of cilantro. The carnitas has a a mango salsa. The tacos are stuffed to the brim especially for being street tacos. I could only finish one. It was really good. We will definitely be back for tacos when the craving hits. The drive thru lady was super friendly. Also FYI the speaker for the drive thru doesn't work so just drive up to the window and they they will help you there. They also have a menu at the window if you still don't know what you want. The place itself looks hella sketch but those are always the best places. I would recommend this place. The chips taste like store bought but the salsa is good. Oh and the verde salsa bomb!!"

W XYZ Bar

★★★★☆ 3.5 (10)

"Sorry I'm not sorry--I'm a major fan of this hip new lounge in CLE. Not only have I been waiting for what seems like forever for a new, boutique hotel in downtown Cleveland, but I've also been waiting for a non-sleazed out, upscale lounge with delicious cocktails and zero dance-club vibe. These two things just happened to come together in one package, which I adore. First off, this lounge is in the lobby of the new Aloft Hotel and honestly, you feel a little like an out-of-towner when you're here--in the best way possible. It's trendy without the douche-factor that almost every CLE lounge eventually gets. It boasts modern, high-end decor and interesting guest. I admit, I haven't been back in a little over 2 months, but when I was there I was so relieved to find reprieve from booty-grinding 22 year olds and overly tanned Affliction shirt-wearing gym rat dudes. Thank you, Jesus. Yes, Cleveland. We can have a nice, classy cocktail lounge without it becoming completely ruined by drunken idiots, inappropriate behavior and pucker shots. At least that's my hope for this spot. Secondly--the balcony connected to W XYZ is fantastic. It's not huge, but in the summer it is really cool to stand out there, sip a cocktail and watch boats on the Cuyahoga, lit up bridges, the Rapid zipping by and the slow rebuild of The Flats. Again, you start to feel like you're out of town.There's also tons of lounge space indoors with trendy, comfy seating and a late night menu that brags gourmet grilled cheese and tomato soup, veggie flatbreads and other delicious-looking items. I haven't eaten here, yet, but I intend to. If you're looking for a change of pace from brewpubs, hipster bars, townie traps, dives, douchey dance clubs, cover charges and carbon copies of the same places--I'd check out W XYZ at Aloft."

Registry Bistro

★★★★☆ 4.2 (173) • $$$

"Date night Saturday night. Our reservation was for 7pm, but we were falling asleep, so luckily they were able to accommodate at 6:15. :) Only a few tables were occupied. Tall ceilings, nice ambiance, would have maybe liked some additional lighting such as candle light (or faux candle light). The weather outside was lovely and they opened the doors which gave way to French doors with iron railing. they were pretty!Our server mentions that the menu changes pretty frequently so we may not see on the menu what we read online. Fine by me, as you know from my reviews, I'm always up for a food adventure. I had a gin based cocktail which tasted balanced. Spring Mushroom Mousseline, Pistachio and Drunken Fruit with Date & Pecan bread. - Mousseline served in a glass votive like ramekin (much like you'd see foie), was tasty, creamy, albeit a little gritty from the pistachios. The bread came like a small loaf, almost precut (could have been sliced all the way through), with macerated cherry/cranberry compote. For a vegetarian option like foie, we were pleased and ate the entire portion. Scotch Olives with Saffron Aioli. These olives were HOT. No joke. A bit of, could you please blow on this before I burn my tongue? But, they were briny on the inside, with a perfectly coated fried crunch outside, and so yum once the heat dissipated. Nice touch on the aioli. Only 4 of them unfortunately... that's 2.25 each!Rosemary Grilled Lamb Chops with Seedy Broccolini Salad with Cherries. Wood grilled carrots and pomegranate molasses. $39. Nice presentation. Crunchy but soft carrots, broccolini cooked perfectly. Seemed a bit on the small side as far as meat goes. Two double lollipops. Cooked perfect, and beautiful gamey taste, just not too much bang for the buck. Grilled Sturgeon, warm rice salad, fiddlehead ferns, snap peas. Not a fan of the glaze ontop, the fish portion was fine, but lackluster. I'm a huge sucker for fiddlehead ferns, and I also know that they can be overcooked within seconds, which these were just slightly overcooked, lacked the snap in your teeth you get from a bright green cooked correctly one. Oh well. With everything in one bite, it was good, just not amazing.We shared the Mexican hot chocolate warm brownie/cake in a cup. The foam was nice, but the inside really reminded me of a fudgy cake you can buy in the grocery store, add water, and nuke in the microwave. Next time, happy to go back just for drinks and apps. Skip the more expensive "main" courses on their menu."

The Vault Wine Bar

★★★★☆ 4.4 (54) • $$

"My husband and I came to The Vault on a Wednesday evening for our anniversary. We were surprised how crowded it was for a Wednesday night but we soon understood why. There were several seats at the bar so we decided to take those.The Vault is in an old bank and the interior of the restaurant is very inviting and has a wonderful aesthetic.It was national beer and pretzel day and it was super cool that they had a specific beer flight special with pretzel pairing. We were amazed at how well the pairings worked with one another!We ordered the bruschetta but unfortunately it didn't come out as an appetizer but rather with dinner. Our waitress noticed this and took it off of our bill. The service from that standpoint was on point!For dinner my husband and I shared the piggy bank pizza and the brisket burnt ends. The pizza was a typical, but good bar pizza. The burnt ends were very tasty. They had so many menu options we know we have to come again to try more!"

Vue

★★★★☆ 4.2 (16)

"The food is so creative and tasty.Wonderful ambiance - can't beat the view.Service is very personal and helpful."

W XYZ Bar

★★★★☆ 3.6 (10) • $$

"This bar is inside the Aloft Hotel. Sometimes you have people working on their laptops in the lobby of the bar area so it's got an interesting vibe, definitely not your typical bar. They also have live music so you can come and listen to some good music (today was an acoustic duet) while you drink your gin and tonic. They also have outdoor seating, but I'm not sure if they allow you to take your drinks out there or not. Overall not a bad place! Not sure about the prices, I didn't drink anything, just enjoyed the show."

Tino's Italian Kitchen

★★★★★ 4.8 (8)

"I kept hearing rave reviews about the food here, so I made the trip from Boardman to give it a try and boy was I not disappointed! I ordered one of the Friday specials- the "Haddock Tino". It's an Italian breadcrumb seasoned piece of haddock topped with Italian fried greens and peppers and oil. It was great! The staff was friendly and the unsuspecting piece of white Italian bread was amazing. I will be back to try some pasta!"