Dining in Cyberspace (Cleveland Style)
The idea to present a virtual "restaurants of the web" tour came to me one night when my stomach reminded me that I needed nourishment to survive. I expected to find a plethora of delectable and edible pages, but instead found myself surfing with an empty tank. For a thriving place like Cleveland, my initial results were disappointing.
My determination (and grumbling tummy) refused to let me down, so I grabbed a bigger surf board and dove deeper into the Web. Join me now as I guide you through the tastiest web sites in Cleveland.
This was originally written in 1997, and as you can imagine the restaurant websites have changed dramatically since then. Back then it was rare to find a restaurant with a decent website, and these days a website complete with a current menu is expected. I left the old introduction for those of you that remember the original article.
Local Restaurants
Aladdin's Baking Company
Aladdin's famous pita bread is baked right here in Cleveland. They sell their products in the store and on their website. They also offer fresh stuffed pitas, desserts, and more in their downtown bakery.Aladdin's Eatery
Fantastic, healthy, mediterranean food with several locations around Northeastern Ohio. They specialize in vegetarian cuisine, and everything on the menu is available for carryout.Alesci's
Alesci's has a full restaurant downtown. The Web site includes the full menu, as well as information about their catering service and other locations.AURA Global Cuisine
Taste the globe with their wide assortment of cuisine from around the world! The Website includes the menu, directions, online reservations, and more.Ballentine
Ballentine is one of the newest features in downtown Willoughby. They appear to be very popular, but unfortunately I didn't see anything on the menu for vegetarians. My mother says this place serves overpriced bar food. I'd love to hear other opinions.Buca di Beppo
They have several locations in our area and offer authentic Italian cuisine. They also take reservations, which is a nice change from the other chain restaurants that make people wait in line for a meal. My son loves the place because of the family-style service and the chocolate cake.Dino's Restaurants
The atmosphere is cozy and the food is like the best Italian home cooking. The Eggplant Parmigiano is to die for. They have locations in Willoughby and Wickliffe, and they are the exclusive caterers for Pine Ridge Country Club.Flannery's Irish Pub
The full menu and entertainment schedule are included on the Web site as well as directions to this downtown restaurant and bar.Grand Rodeo
They offer authentic Mexican cuisine and a nice vegetarian menu, too. There are several locations around our area, but I was unable to find a real company website. This link has a coupon offer good at several of their locations.Macaroni Grill
This is a fun place to go with the family. It's an chain restaurant with a few locations in our area. The food is good, and the environment is casual and cozy. Make sure you arrive early, or you may have a wait as there are no reservations. There are a few vegetarian options on the menu, but either call ahead or ask your server for recommendations as nothing is labelled.Mallorca Restaurant
Delicious looking images highlight the full online menu. Prices are reasonable and they have received high praise from restaurant critics for their wonderful spanish cuisine and great service.Max and Erma's
Max and Erma's has several locations around the Cleveland/Akron area. They offer a casual family atmosphere, and a fun ice cream bar that the kids will love. They only have a few vegetarian items, however.Mc Donald's
The site has nutritional info, fun stuff for the whole family, job opportunities and sells Mc Donald's merchandise online.Molinari's Restaurant
The site includes detailed directions to their two locations and listings for their best wine and cigar selections. Also included are special events hosted by Molinari's.
Pearl of the Orient
Definitely a Cleveland favorite for Chinese Cuisine with a lovely Website as well. The site includes both carryout and dine in menus, catering information, a dining club, online ordering of gift certificates and a detailed map.The Station Restaurant
This is a fantastic restaurant in Berea. They have a great menu complete with a few vegetarian dishes and a nice atmosphere.Subway
Subway has a very extensive site with everything you could want to know about subs, a Subway locator, contests, nutritional info and even and entertainment guide.Sussex Seafood & Grille
Taco Bell
Sussex is a very casual, family-type restaurant. They have been an Eastside favorite for many years.
They have locations all over our area and the site includes nutritional information. They do have a variety of vegetarian options on their menu and they are always good about making vegetarian versions of their menu items. Chalupas made with beans instead of meat are fantastic!T.G.I.Friday's
Friday's, a national chain, offers a site to match their atmosphere. You can play online games, order gifts, find nearby locations, and apply for a job online.Time Out Grille
This is a fun little neighborhood place with lots of tasty sandwiches named after neighborhood streets. I'd love to see more vegetarian options, but I was happy to see that they offer a very tasty veggie burger for those of us that don't eat meat. They have two locations, Cleveland and Willowick.Vittorio's Buon Appetito
We are fortunate to have so many great family restaurants in our area. This spectacular Wickliffe restaurant authentic Italian cuisine in a nice, friendly setting.Winking Lizard
The site is fun and easy to navigate, with terrific descriptions of the full menu items, location information and it is up to date. The Tavern is just as fun as the menu.Yours Truly
This is a fantastic family retaurant. They have several vegetarian options and you can get a gardenburger served any way you like it. The atmosphere is friendly and casual and they have several locations in our area.
Local Restaurant Guides &smp; Services
Cleveland Scene Restaurants
The Cleveland Scene website has a really nice local restaurant search that includes detailed reviews.Deliver Me Food
A unique service that will deliver food from a variety of Cleveland area restaurants and even pick up a few things for you at the store, while they are at it.Food Fetchers Restaurant Delivery Service
They deliver from many area restaurants to homes and businesses all across our area. They add a delivery fee, an automatic 15% gratuity, and there is a minimum order.Northeastern Ohio Vegetarians
Your guide to vegetarian living in the Greater Cleveland area.Open Table
Open Table offers reviews of local restaurants and an online reservations service.