Cleveland Food Renaissance

Chefs are turning heads on the North Coast

It's no longer a "mistake on the lake": Cleveland and its suburbs are enjoying a serious food renaissance. Here's where to go now.

B Spot Megachef Michael Symon's fourth local restaurant (pictured) brings gourmet burgers to a tony suburban mall. His patties are thick, juicy and perfectly cooked, and he may just ignite a new trend with his thick-sliced fried-bologna sandwiches. Pickle lovers can fill up on sweet green tomatoes and classic dills at the condiment bar, and beer geeks will have a field day with the list. 28699 Chagrin Blvd., Woodmere; 216-292-5567 or bspotburgers.com

The Greenhouse Tavern Just blocks from Q Arena and Progressive Field, chef Jonathon Sawyer butchers his own pigs, sources local ingredients and offers an incredible list of artisanal spirits, boutique wines and craft beers. He takes gutsy risks like pairing clams with brown butter and foie gras, and it pays off; you'll want to slurp the juice right out of the bowl. 2038 E. Fourth St., Cleveland; 216-443-0511 or thegreenhousetavern.com

L'Albatros Located near the Cleveland Museum of Art, this stylish restaurant would stand out in any bustling metropolis. Chef Zach Bruell modernizes traditional French brasserie food for the Midwestern palate: His onion soup has a perfectly browned Gruyère crust, escargots are tender and garlicky, and charcuterie–sausages, pork rillettes and veal terrine–is all made on the premises. 11401 Bellflower Rd., Cleveland; 216-791-7880 or albatrosbrasserie.com