Looking to uncover all that Shaker Square and nearby businesses have to offer? Get to know this Cleveland neighborhood by browsing its most popular local restaurants, from a Brazilian spot to a Hungarian haunt.
Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top places to dine in Buckeye-Shaker, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of neighborhood businesses. Read on for the results.
1. Batuqui
Topping the list is Brazilian restaurant Batuqui, which is in a restored Victorian home at 12706 Larchmere Blvd. Opened by a Brazilian couple in 2015, it's the highest rated business in the neighborhood, boasting 4.5 stars out of 98 reviews on Yelp.
On the menu, look for traditional items like mussels sautéed in white wine and butter sauce; fried pork belly with yucca; grilled soft cheese drizzled with honey; chickpea salad with cucumber, quinoa and lime dressing; roasted chicken with Key lime sauce and fried plantains; and Brazilian-style sirloin topped with sautéed onions.
2. Fire
Next up is New American spot Fire, situated at 13220 Shaker Square, which specializes in local and sustainable cuisine. With four stars out of 241 reviews on Yelp, it's proven to be a local favorite.
Noteworthy menu items include the chickpea fritters with cashew and mint chutney; the meatball pizza with Berkshire pork; Hawaiian ono with green curry and black rice; and a selection of farmstead cheeses and artisanal meats.
"I love this place," Yelper Lisa P. said. "It has an upscale feel to it with fairly priced menu items. Our waitress was extremely kind and came back multiple times to make sure we were enjoying our meal. The drinks and my frittata were amazing."
3. Felice
Cafe, bar and New American spot Felice is another top choice. Yelpers give the business, located at 12502 Larchmere Blvd. in a turn-of-the-century Victorian home, four stars out of 150 reviews. The restaurant has its own garden, outdoor patio and space for private events on the third floor.
Start off your meal with cured meat and cheese plates, baked goat cheese or pan-roasted wild mushrooms. Larger plates on the menu include hanger steak with balsamic sauce, Gorgonzola tater tots and grilled green beans; seafood stew with fish, clams, mussels, shrimp, saffron and tomato; and fish tacos with avocado crema, pickled jalapeños and house-made flour tortillas.
4. Balaton Restaurant
Balaton Restaurant, a Hungarian spot, is another neighborhood go-to, with four stars out of 103 Yelp reviews. It's been a Cleveland staple since 1964. Head over to 13133 Shaker Square to try it for yourself.
Look for menu items like Wiener schnitzel, battered and fried veal served with applesauce and spaetzle; sliced chicken breast covered and fried in potato pancake mix, and served with smoked cheese and sour cream; and Hungarian-style crepes filled with ground veal, chopped mushrooms and gravy.
5. Sasa
Then there's Sasa, which has earned four stars out of 94 reviews on Yelp. You can find the Japanese izakaya and bistro at 13120 Shaker Square.
The dinner menu features a wide selection of sushi along with sesame-crusted ahi tuna, caviar donburi (a rice bowl dish) and beef brisket ramen. Finish off your meal with a dessert like the seasonal galette, red wine-glazed chocolate cake or the berry gazpacho with Thai basil.
"Sasa is always on point," wrote Yelper Mac A. "Some of the best sushi in town, phenomenal ramen and deliciously authentic small plates. If you haven't had them, Sasa fries are game changers."
