by Josh Jones Forbes
Josh (he/him) is marketing director at Cleveland Neighborhood Progress, and he believes strong neighborhood pride gives residents the power to envision and own their futures. Josh is founder of a fitness studio in the Detroit Shoreway neighborhood, and he is a proud graduate of Kent State University.
Romance is not cookie-cutter, so you need that unique spot to really feel the love. Cleveland neighborhoods are full of meaningful places to eat, relax, or be amazed.
Check out these recommendations by our team of locals! On top of being charming, these 13 spots are actually in the city of Cleveland.
Batuqui Brazilian Restaurant
📍 GREATER BUCKEYE
Batuqui welcomes everyone into authentic Brazilian cuisine. After 10 years, Chefs Carla and Gustavo have moved their restaurant one door over to this stunningly renovated church. Now the setting feels as rich as the food. Plus, you can explore the stacks of Loganberry Books just two blocks away before your reservation.
Chateau Hough Winery
📍 HOUGH
Chateau Hough is a community vision made real: a vineyard in the middle of the city! Come sample their red Frontenac and white Traminette, both from cold-hearty grapes. For Valentine’s Day 2026, you can join their Dip & Sip event to pair chocolate-covered fruit with your wine. And if you like live music, The Sixty6, a brand-new venue, is just three blocks away.
Rockefeller Park Greenhouse
📍 GLENVILLE
Lush plants, tropical palms, bubbling fountains – even in deep winter. The City of Cleveland’s official greenhouse, FREE to visit, is perched just above the Cultural Gardens. Stroll or rest among the flowers and leaves. Then leave by 4PM closing and get dinner in nearby University Circle.
Opal on Pearl
📍 OLD BROOKLYN
Come for the wine and librations bar, stay for the small plates that are carefully designed with seasonal freshness. The comfy interior makes a very warm first impression, too. For Valentines + Galentines on Feb. 15, 2026, at 1PM, they’re hosting a brunch & bubbles tasting.
FIYAH Korean BBQ & Hot Pot
📍 ST. CLAIR SUPERIOR
Modern and exciting, FIYAH puts the grill right on your table. Get hands-on to cook your own fusion of Korean, Japanese, Cambodian, and Vietnamese dishes. The experience is as memorable as the flavors, and the next time you’ll want to make it a double or triple date.
The Palazzo
📍 CUDELL
On a bustling street is a handsome building full of Italian excellence. Find your new favorite pizza or pasta at The Palazzo. Neighborhood locals know this place has been underrated for years, but they won’t mind you sharing the secret.
Doc’s on Harvard Restaurant & Lounge
📍 LEE-HARVARD
The Doc’s story is beautiful. Dr. Walker was the neighborhood’s dentist for generations. Today, his family has transformed the beloved space for fine dining at an intimate scale. Chef Kolnita will wow you with her signature whitefish and Maui-inspired banana bread crumble. Reservations recommended.
The Aviator
📍 WEST PARK
The romance of getting away…just without leaving the city. The Aviator’s large restaurant faces the Cleveland Airport, so every dinner has a show full of take-offs and landings. But your attention will be pulled away by the delicious menu and friendly team. They make every table (or patio igloo!) feel special.
Maltz Performing Arts Center
📍 UNIVERSITY CIRCLE
You’ve been to author readings, classical performances, and choir concerts…but have been to the Maltz, yet? This awe-inspiring venue is the historic Temple-Tifereth Israel. Today, it is a state-of-the-art venue run by Case Western Reserve University for its music and theater departments and regional groups. Performances in 2026 include Cleveland’s Jazz Orchestra, Pride Band, and Classical Guitar Society.
La Dolce Vita
📍 LITTLE ITALY
Little Italy keeps old-world traditions going strong. La Dolce Vita’s tomato-rich menu is so satisfying, but leave room for some sweet-and-simple desserts. Plus, with a little planning, you could enjoy live music with your date during one of their opera nights.
The Pivot Center – Community Art Center
📍 CLARK-FULTON
Looking for something different or kid-friendly? The Pivot Center is a west-side hub for arts, dance, and theater. The famous Cleveland Museum of Art opened its Community Arts Center / Centro de Artes Comunitarias here as an airy, creative space. Drop in for FREE art-making every Saturday and Sunday, 1-4PM. Take time to be wowed by towering Parade the Circle puppets and costumes, too.
Soho Chicken + Whiskey
📍 OHIO CITY
Same beloved restaurant, new space on Lorain Avenue! Soho gets creative with its chicken and fixings (and despite the business name, tofu is a menu staple, too). You’ll also be just three blocks away from Visible Voice Books, another recent relocation inside a cleverly restored theater – worth a wander.
LULO Kitchen & Bar
📍 DOWNTOWN
Even more surprising than the health-focused food is the dramatic lower level of LULO. Send photos of the chic decor to your friends, and they’ll reply, “WHERE is that??” This Latin-fusion spot, tucked away on West 9th Street in Downtown Cleveland, is an escape in the middle of it all.