Interested in checking out the freshest new spots in Cleveland? From a casual Middle Eastern eatery to a revamped restaurant serving locally sourced fare, read on for a rundown of the newest hot spots to open for business near you.
Sausalito on Ninth
Wander over to 1301 E. Ninth St. and you'll find Sausalito on Ninth, serving locally sourced New American cuisine.
The restaurant's roots go back more than 30 years, starting off as Sweetwater's Cafe and later changing its name to Cafe Sausalito and moving to the Galleria at Erieview, per its website. The re-envisioned Sausalito — now in the IMG Building downtown — has a contemporary vibe and is under the leadership of Saravanan "Babu" Chandrababu.
Start off with fried goat cheese with a beet and arugula salad, Maryland crab cakes and seafood bisque soup. For dinner, try the double bone-in pork chop with pancetta and butternut squash hash, pan-seared walleye with lobster cashew gnocchi or the grilled portobello mushroom stuffed with chipotle-lime quinoa and fire-roasted vegetables.
Sausalito's drink list includes a wide selection of wines, more than a dozen craft brews and signature cocktails like the The Cleveland (CLE Whiskey, Amaro Lucano and bitters).
Albaik Restaurant
On the outskirts of downtown near Cleveland State University, Albaik Restaurant has opened its doors at 2901 Euclid Ave. The casual eatery offers affordable fare and Middle Eastern favorites.
Appetizers include falafel, hummus, stuffed grape leaves as well as several salads. On the menu, look for an assortment of pita wraps and shawarma plates featuring slow-roasted meats and fresh veggies. Wash down your meal with a fruit drink made with strawberries, bananas, oranges and pineapple blended with honey and nuts. A popular spot for carryout, Albaik also delivers.
Chipotle Mexican Grill
On the border of Cleveland and Lakewood, popular fast-casual chain Chipotle Mexican Grill has arrived at 11638 Clifton Blvd.
Famous for its customizable tacos, burritos and bowls, the new Chipotle joins a growing lineup of businesses at the new Shoppes at Clifton, including a Lucky's Market and Landmark restaurant, reports WKYC. Chipotle has been warmly received thus far, with a five-star rating out of two reviews on Yelp.
Desi101
Stroll past 2013 Ontario St. downtown and you'll find Desi101, a new Indian and halal spot near Public Square. The casual eatery is in the spot formerly occupied by Mirch Masala and is across the street from the Jack Cleveland Casino.
The lunch menu caters to nearby office workers, with three combo meals available depending on the size of your appetite. For dinner, look for a wide selection of vegetarian, biryani and tandoori dishes as well as chicken and goat curries, mutton sukha (mutton cooked with Khandeshi garam masala) and paneer butter masala (Indian cheese in a thick, tangy gravy). A buffet is available on weekends.
