Looking to uncover all that the University District has to offer? Get to know this Cleveland neighborhood by browsing its most popular local businesses, from a casual Greek eatery to an ice cream parlor offering 35 flavors.
Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top places to visit in the University District, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of neighborhood businesses. Read on for the results.
1. L'Albatros
Topping the list is upscale French restaurant L'Albatros. Located at 11401 Bellflower Road, it's the highest rated business in the neighborhood, boasting 4.5 stars out of 568 reviews on Yelp.
Offering traditional and contemporary French fare, L'Albatros features an outdoor patio and a full-service bar. Try hors d'oeuvres like smoked salmon and oysters before an entree of mussels, hanger steak or duck confit with sweet potato purée.
The bar offers an extensive wine list and signature drinks like the Fiona Apple, complete with apple and clove-infused scotch and dehydrated apple. (The full menu can be seen here.)
2. Mia Bella Restaurant
Next up is Mia Bella Restaurant, a family-owned Italian restaurant with a Mediterranean twist. Located at 12200 Mayfield Road, the eatery has proved to be a local favorite, boasting 4.5 stars out of 435 reviews on Yelp.
On the menu, offerings include Italian pizzas and pastas, with gluten-free versions available. Start off with the sautéed calamari, spicy mussels or smoked pork belly appetizers before indulging in entrees like the linguini Bolognese with veal and beef, lobster ravioli or the Chef's Favorite pizza (chorizo, onions, peppers and smoked mozzarella on pesto).
3. Simply Greek
The counter-service Simply Greek is another top choice. Yelpers give the Greek and Mediterranean eatery, located at 11454 Uptown Ave., 4.5 stars out of 129 reviews.
Simply Greek says it prepares all of its marinades, sauces and dressings in-house. The eatery features Greek classics like gyros and lamb chops as well as American fare like burgers and chicken wings. On the menu, standout items include the hefty Spartan gyro (grilled chicken, applewood smoked bacon, feta, American cheese, greens, onions and tzatziki sauce on two pitas) and the Grilled Aegean (marinated shrimp, provolone, tzatziki and Greek dressing). Libations include cocktails, wine and eight beers on tap.
4. Presti's Bakery
Established in 1903, the family-run Presti's Bakery has been a Cleveland institution for over a century. Just east of University Circle in Little Italy, the bakery and cafe at 12101 Mayfield Road is another neighborhood go-to, with four stars out of 305 Yelp reviews.
All of Presti's baked goods are made by hand, from the bread, cookies and cakes to the assortment of Italian pastries like Amaretto rolls and ricotta-filled chocolate cannoli. The business, which added dine-in and carryout options in 1999, has expanded to include a full deli, offering salads, pizzas, stromboli and more.
Hungry? Try a meatball sub or Sicilian eggplant salad, then round out your meal with a peanut butter brownie, cream puff or Italian cheesecake from the bakery. Coffee, cappuccino and espresso featuring Ghirardelli chocolate are also available.
5. Mitchell's Homemade Ice Cream
Looking to beat the heat with a cool treat? Check out popular Northeast Ohio chain Mitchell's Homemade Ice Cream, which has earned 4.5 stars out of 93 reviews on Yelp. You can find the spot to score handcrafted ice cream at 11444 Uptown Ave.
Mitchell's sources many of its ingredients locally, from the free-range eggs and grass-fed dairy to the organic berries, per its website. The shop features 35 flavors of ice cream and also offers cakes and pies. Try classics like vanilla bean, chocolate and butter pecan, or branch out with unique flavors such as black raspberry chocolate chunk or Geauga maple walnut.
