Hungry Ghost, an intimate Latin American restaurant, has quietly slipped into the basement of Willoughby House, the restored 1902 stone estate just off Euclid Avenue in Willoughby. Tucked below street level, the new dining room operates separately from the inn’s main-floor restaurant and is set up as a small, reservation-driven dinner option for both overnight guests and nearby residents. It joins Julia’s 1902 as the second sit-down restaurant on the property.
According to Crain's Cleveland Business, Hungry Ghost opened this week and is positioning itself as an intimate Latin American spot in the Willoughby House basement. The report, by Elizabeth Schanz, highlights the restaurant’s low-key debut and tucked-away setting.
Historic Estate Adds a Secluded Supper Space
Willoughby House is a restored 1902 estate that now functions as a ten-suite inn, with Julia’s 1902 serving as the main on-site restaurant on the ground floor. The property’s website promotes a “Weekend In Willoughby” package that specifically includes dinner at Hungry Ghost as part of the stay, signaling that the basement dining room is folded into the inn’s overall guest experience. Willoughby House showcases the package alongside its two dining options.
What Diners Will Find Underground
Crain's Cleveland Business describes Hungry Ghost as a compact, Latin American-focused dinner room set below the main house, with service geared toward intimate, small-party dining rather than big, boisterous crowds. The coverage frames the basement restaurant as a quieter, more private complement to the busier main-floor operation.
Upstairs Chef, Latin Roots
Upstairs, Julia’s 1902 is led by Executive Chef José Coronado, who has said his menu is rooted in his Guatemalan background and broader Latin American influences. Both the restaurant and the inn reopened following a multi-month renovation overseen by the property’s new owners, who have emphasized a mix of historic preservation and hospitality in the refresh. News 5 Cleveland has profiled the restoration work and the culinary team behind the project.
For now, the Willoughby House website is focused on listing bookings and packages and directing diners to its reservation tools. Guests curious about Hungry Ghost are encouraged to check the inn’s events and reservation sections for open dates and details. The Willoughby House's events page is currently the best jumping-off point for up-to-date information.
