Best Upscale Italian Restaurants in Cleveland | Upscale Italian Food

14 restaurants in Best Upscale Italian Restaurants in Cleveland | Upscale Italian Food

• Maker — Italian: Maker pulses with a sleek, urban energy where the rhythmic sounds of a busy kitchen and the intoxicating aroma of blistered, yeasty crusts create an atmosphere of focused craftsmanship. Each plate arrives as a masterclass in balance, pairing bold, unconventional ingredients with time-honored techniques to redefine the boundaries of elevated comfort food.
• Il Rione — Italian: Housed in a beautifully restored space where industrial grit meets neighborhood warmth, this lively pizzeria hums with the spirited energy of a classic New York corner spot. The air is thick with the aroma of bubbling mozzarella and charred, thin-crust dough as artisanal pies with perfectly blistered edges are whisked from the oven to marble-topped tables. Whether you’re perched at the sleek bar with a crisp cocktail or tucked into a cozy booth, the experience captures a timeless urban charm that invites long, leisurely evenings of shared plates and conversation.
• 56 Social — American: Bathed in the glow of neon lights and the hum of spirited conversation, this vibrant urban retreat offers a stylish backdrop for sun-drenched terrace drinks and lively late-night gatherings. The air carries the enticing scent of charred, wood-fired pizzas and sizzling gourmet burgers, perfectly complemented by a curated selection of craft cocktails that keep the energy high long after the sun sets.
• Trattoria On the Hill — Italian: Perched atop a scenic overlook, this charming retreat invites guests into a sun-drenched dining room where the golden glow of sunset spills over rustic wooden tables and the gentle clink of wine glasses. The air is thick with the comforting scent of slow-simmered ragù and toasted focaccia, setting the stage for a meal centered on the soulful simplicity of hand-rolled pastas and vibrant, seasonal flavors. It is a sanctuary of warmth and authentic charm, where every lingering bite feels like a hidden escape from the bustle of the world below.
• Pizzazz On The Circle — Italian: Perched on the town’s bustling central hub, this vibrant eatery pulses with energy, drawing guests into a space where modern flair meets the timeless charm of the circle. The air carries the irresistible scent of blistered crusts and bubbling cheeses emerging from the oven, while each plate arrives as a colorful celebration of bold, artisanal flavors. It is a spirited destination where the lively atmosphere and creative culinary touches transform a simple meal into a stylish, memorable occasion.
• Rascal House Pizza — Italian: Step into a lively neighborhood cornerstone where the air is thick with the comforting aroma of hand-tossed dough and bubbling mozzarella. Golden, oversized crusts emerge from the ovens piled high with savory toppings, offering a nostalgic slice of classic Americana that satisfies every craving. The bustling atmosphere and generous portions create a sense of timeless, community-driven warmth, perfect for a quick midday bite or a late-night feast shared among friends.
• Lago East Bank — Italian: Floor-to-ceiling windows frame sweeping views of the Cuyahoga River, where the industrial charm of the Flats meets a sleek, high-energy dining room bathed in golden light. The air hums with sophisticated energy as guests indulge in velvety handmade pastas and signature meatballs, each dish celebrating bold Italian flavors reimagined for a modern urban palate. Whether sipping a crisp cocktail on the breezy waterfront patio or sharing a celebratory meal amidst the chic interior, every moment feels like a vibrant escape into the heart of the city’s revitalized waterfront.
• Carmino's — Italian: Carmino’s invites diners into a warm, candlelit sanctuary where the intoxicating scent of roasted garlic and slow-simmered ragù drifts from a bustling open kitchen. Hand-rolled pastas and golden-crusted specialties are served with a flourish, creating a timeless experience where the clink of wine glasses and the hum of shared stories turn every meal into a spirited celebration.
• Napoletana Pizzeria — Italian: The centerpiece of this vibrant space is a roaring wood-fired oven that casts a warm, golden glow over diners while the intoxicating aroma of charred dough and bubbling mozzarella fills the air. Each hand-stretched pie emerges with a perfectly blistered crust and bright, garden-fresh toppings, offering an authentic slice of Naples that invites guests to linger over a glass of wine in a lively, communal atmosphere.
• Joey's Bistro Bar — Italian: Joey’s Bistro Bar pulses with a vibrant energy where the rhythmic shake of artisanal cocktails and the warm glow of amber lighting set the stage for a spirited social gathering. The kitchen transforms seasonal ingredients into bold, soul-warming plates that bridge the gap between casual comfort and refined culinary artistry, creating an inviting haven where every meal feels like a celebration of the neighborhood.
• La Dolce Vita — Italian: Bathed in the warm glow of flickering candlelight and the spirited hum of conversation, this charming escape captures the effortless elegance of a sun-drenched Mediterranean afternoon. Plates of silk-smooth pasta and vibrant, seasonal ingredients arrive at linen-draped tables, inviting guests to linger over every bite while the scent of fresh basil and toasted garlic drifts through the air. It is a sanctuary where time slows down, celebrating the simple joy of a perfectly chilled glass of wine and the timeless, soulful allure of the sweet life.
• Stino da Napoli — Italian: This intimate enclave transports diners to the sun-drenched spirit of Southern Italy, where the warm glow of candlelight dances across white linens and the air hums with the conviviality of a family gathering. Each plate captures the soulful essence of Naples, from the delicate chew of house-made gnocchi bathed in vibrant, simmering sauces to the rich, slow-cooked flavors that evoke a sense of timeless culinary heritage.
• Piada Italian Street Food — Italian: The vibrant energy of an Italian marketplace comes alive in this modern, open-concept space where the aroma of stone-grilled flatbreads and fresh herbs fills the air. Skilled hands craft customizable piadas and vibrant pasta bowls using seasonal ingredients, offering a contemporary, fast-paced journey through the authentic flavors of Rimini's streets.
• Tavern of Little Italy — Italian: This spirited neighborhood gathering spot captures the timeless charm of a classic social club, where the clinking of wine glasses and the hum of friendly chatter fill a space adorned with warm wood and vintage accents. The kitchen breathes life into heritage recipes, sending out plates of silk-smooth pastas and savory, slow-simmered sauces that fill the air with the comforting aromas of garlic and fresh basil. It is a place where the soulful flavors of the Old Country meet the vibrant energy of the city, offering a dining experience that feels both celebratory and deeply familiar.