Looking for a tasty Italian meal near you?
Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top Italian restaurants around Lakewood, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of the best spots for pizza, pasta, gelato and more.
1. Tomori's Pizza & Subs
Topping the list is Tomori's Pizza & Subs. Located at 15621 Madison Ave., it's the highest rated Italian restaurant in Lakewood, boasting 4.5 stars out of 74 reviews on Yelp.
The menu serves up pizza, subs and pasta. Pizzas include the Tomori's Favorite (prosciutto, sausage, tomato, kalamata olives and extra Parmesan, provolone and mozzarella) and the Tuscany Italy (basil, green peppers, steak, shredded mozzarella/provolone and white sauce). (See all the pizzas here.)
Subs include Tomori's Sub (sopressata, peppered salami, prosciutto, Swiss cheese, red onions, tomatoes, arugula and truffle oil) and the Philly (steak or chicken, plus grilled onions, green peppers, fresh mushrooms and Swiss cheese).
Yelper Kristin H. wrote, "Hands down the best pizza in Cleveland. Flatbread crust with fresh basil, tomato, bocconcini mozzarella and prosciutto is light and decadent all at the same time. It would be a hard sell if my family wanted to ever get pizza from anywhere else here in Lakewood."
2. Molto Bene Italian Eatery
Next up is Molto Bene Italian Eatery, situated at 18401 Detroit Ave. With 4.5 stars out of 69 reviews on Yelp, it's also proven to be a local favorite.
The Italian restaurant serves pizzas, pastas, gelato and more. Dishes include the Pollo alla Parmigiana (chicken coated with breadcrumbs and topped with pomodoro sauce and mozzarella, served over penne pasta), the Risotto al frutti di mare (Arborio rice with mussels, calamari, clams, shrimp and pomodoro sauce) and the Ravioli di Aragosta (lobster ravioli with burnt butter and sage). (See the full menu here.)
Katie H., who reviewed it on June 24, said, "This was absolutely the best Italian I have ever had. The atmosphere screams genuine and the food is delicious! There is limited seating, but it's part of what made our experience great. It makes you feel like you're home for a holiday! We had the gnocchi and lasagna and both were fantastic!"
3. Pepper's Italian Restaurant
Pepper's Italian Restaurant, located at 12401 Detroit Ave., is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the Italian spot, which offers pasta, pizza and salads, four stars out of 171 reviews.
On the menu, look for dishes like the veal piccata, Pepper's Signature Lasagna (stuffed with Italian sausage and three cheeses) and the baked manicotti smothered in housemade tomato sauce. (See the full menu here.)
Jaqui G. said, "This is my favorite Italian restaurant! Awesome selection for all different tastes. The lasagna is to die for. The baked ravioli is to die for. The fried mozzarella is awesome. A little on the pricey side, but I think it's worth it."
4. Italian Creations
Italian Creations is another much-loved go-to, with five stars out of 18 Yelp reviews. Head over to 16104 Hilliard Road to see for yourself. It offers carryout, delivery and catering options, notably lacking a dine-in option.
On the carryout/delivery menu, you'll see dishes like eggplant Parmesan (sauteed eggplant layered with fresh basil, ricotta, Parmesan and mozzarella, served with marinara), Nikki's Margherita Pizza and the linguini carbonara (bacon, caramelized onion and sweet peas in a light cream sauce).
Adam T. wrote, "Only the best comes from Italian Creations! The quality of every single item on both the carryout/delivery and catering menus are top notch. And always accompanied by the nicest customer service!"
