Looking to satisfy your appetite for Eastern European fare?
Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top Eastern European restaurants in the Cleveland area, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of the best spots to fill up on paprikash, schnitzel and more.
1. Sokolowski's University Inn
Topping the list is Sokolowski's University Inn, a cafeteria-style restaurant that specializes in Polish fare. Located at 1201 University Road in Tremont, it's the highest rated Eastern European restaurant in Cleveland, boasting 4.5 stars out of 421 reviews on Yelp.
Calling itself "Cleveland's oldest family-owned restaurant," the eatery has been in business since 1923 and was a recipient of the James Beard "American Classics" award in 2014, per Cleveland.com. Line up for favorites like the Salisbury steak, smoked kielbasa and sautéed pierogies.
2. Balaton Restaurant
Next up is Balaton Restaurant, situated at 13133 Shaker Square. With four stars out of 100 reviews on Yelp, the Hungarian spot is a neighborhood classic that first opened its doors in 1964.
Stop by for an Old World meal of Wiener schnitzel, chicken paprikash, stuffed cabbages or beef goulash served with dumplings. Yelp reviewer Darin S. says Balaton is not to be missed: "If you are looking for old-school Cleveland and Hungarian homestyle cooking, Balaton will make you weep for more."
3. Olesia's Place
Venture south to Olesia's Place in North Royalton for a taste of traditional Ukrainian cuisine in an inviting, modern space. Located at 11204 Royalton Road, Yelpers give the popular restaurant four stars out of 95 reviews.
Raised on a farm, owner and Ukrainian native Olesia Butan's passion for cooking was inspired by her grandmother, the eatery explains on its website. On the menu, look for red borscht served with sour cream, beef stroganoff made with slow-braised short rib and the sampler of mushroom, potato and sauerkraut pierogies.
