Dining Guide: 23 Can't

AvonAntica Italian Kitchen & BarWhy we love it: Coming from the owners of Hecks Cafe and located next to its Avon branch, this newer modern Italian spot with a patio in the center of Avon serves up all the usual suspects, including pizza, pasta, antipasti and cocktails. Try this: Grab a friend (or maybe you'll need a few) and share the unique chicken Parmesan “pizza” ($33), where breaded chicken is covered with San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, Parmesan and arugula salad. 35568 Detroit Road, Avon, 440-517-0096, anticacleveland.com

(Photo courtesy Antica Italian Kitchen & Bar)Avon Brewing Co.Why we love it: “If you come for the beer, you’re going to stay for the food,” says Mathias Hauck, co-owner and brewmaster of the family-owned brewpub. “If you come for the food, you’re going to stay for the beer.” The brewery features a beautiful patio in the historic French Creek district. Try this: Co-owner and chef Brian Weaver recommends the Sachetti ($24), a dozen pieces of cheese-stuffed pasta in a white truffle cream sauce, finished with Parmesan and fig Vincotto. 37040 Detroit Road, Avon, 440-937-1816, avonbrewingcompany.com

Bar NovaWhy we love it: Spell “Avon” backward and you’ll uncover the name of this casual neighborhood restaurant from the same owners as Nemo Grille. You'll enjoy wood-fired flatbreads and burgers next to an impressive bourbon selection and a large patio. Try this: Opt for the homemade Italian meatballs ($15) to start, with tomato sauce, topped with a blend of Italian cheeses finished in the wood-fired oven. 36816 Detroit Road, Avon, 440-695-1083, barnovaavon.com

Fujiyama Steak HouseWhy we love it: This long-running hibachi and sushi favorite whips up all your favorite flavorful Japanese dishes in a classic atmosphere. Try this: Experience the shrimp hibachi ($24.95) served with soup, salad, vegetable, shrimp appetizer and fried rice. 35840 Chester Road, Avon, 440-937-3888, fujiyama.weebly.com

Hecks CafeWhy we love it: This Cleveland staple for casual-chic American fare and top-notch burgers that began in Ohio City makes for an easy pick to satisfy all palettes with its seasonal and locally sourced menu. Try this: Stay true to the city and order the Avon burger ($16) with balsamic candied onions, blue cheese, truffled potato sticks and baby arugula. 35514 Detroit Road, Avon, 440-937-3200, heckscafe.comIn Forno PizzaWhy we love it: Recognized nationally for its Old World Neapolitan-style, wood-fired pizzas, this simple family-run Italian joint follows all the pizza “laws” of the Associazione Vera Pizza Napolitana, meaning it crafts pies topped with fresh vegetables from local farmers and growers in an unassuming storefront. Try this: Devour the signature In Forno ($17) pizza topped with grated mozzarella, fresh mozzarella, sausage, bacon and jalapeno. 35840 Chester Road, Avon, 216-394-9784, infornopizza.com

(Photo courtesy In Forno Pizza)

Istanbul Mediterranean GrillWhy we love it: Located in a strip mall, this popular restaurant doesn’t look like much from the outside, but inside, guests find some of the most authentic halal Mediterranean and Turkish cuisine around. In a casual bright dining area decorated with art from the region, enjoy fresh hummus served with delectable homemade bread for dipping. Try this: The entire menu is perfectly spiced and flavorful, but the grilled filet mignon kebabs ($27.99), served with rice pilaf, stands out. 35840 Chester Road, 440-937-0733, istanbulgrillavon.com

Mezquite Mexican Kitchen and BarWhy we love it: Grab traditional Tex-Mex food at this newer, bright, modern hotspot in Avon Commons. Try this: Bring a pal for chicken and steak fajitas for two ($31) served with all the fixings from bell peppers and mushrooms to onions and tomatoes, served with rice and beans. 35846 Detroit Road, Avon, 440-695-0779, mezquiterestaurante.com

(Photo courtesy Mezquite Mexican Kitchen and Bar)

Nemo GrilleWhy we love it: This fine-dining staple housed in the historic 1850 Alten House whips up globally influenced American cuisine with some inventive twists. Try this: Regulars love the Maple Leaf Farms duck breast ($29) with caramelized onion mashed potatoes, grilled asparagus and black mission fig-marsala sauce. 36976 Detroit Road, Avon, 440-934-0061, nemogrille.com

Strip Steakhouse Why we love it: The historic 1850s Ewers Barn might not be the first place you’d look for aged steaks, seafood and delicious pretzel bread, but in Avon, Strip brings on unique rustic-elegant vibes and an idyllic patio. Try this: Bring your appetite for the massive 22-ounce bone-in cowboy ribeye ($59) or another one of chef Ron Larson’s dishes. 36840 Detroit Road, Avon, 440-934-9900, stripsteakhouse.com

(Photo courtesy Strip Steakhouse)

Two BucksWhy we love it: Originally named for low menu prices, this no-frills concept is a local favorite, with a basic beer and cocktail menu, alongside burgers, wings and famous macaroni. Try this: You can’t go wrong starting out with the fried pickles ($9), hand battered and served with ranch. 36931 Detroit Road, Avon, 440-937-8647, twobucks.us/avon

Veranda Bistro & BarWhy we love it: “We have the best patio, bar none, on the West Side,” says chef and owner Matt Heller. The restaurant, found inside a historic home, focuses on elevated American bistro cuisine with a chef-driven menu of chops, steaks, seafood and pasta. Try this: Definitely try the veal osso bucco ($32) made with red wine-braised veal shank, fresh herb risotto and seasonal vegetables. “People tell us that it’s the best around,” says Heller. “You don’t see it on many menus.” 32045 Detroit Ave., Avon, 440-471-7459, verandabistrobar.com

(Photo courtesy Veranda Bistro & Bar)

Winking LizardWhy we love it: Besides the real-live lizard, the most interesting thing about the Avon branch of this regional bar food and beer haven is the array of wings, burgers and pizzas alongside a giant draft and bottled beer menu. Try this: The savory white bread pizza ($11) is a real sleeper hit, with garlic oil, herbs, mozzarella and provolone cheeses. 2125 Center Road, Avon, 440-937-7612, winkinglizard.com

Avon Lake

Cafe MelissaWhy we love it: When you’re looking for a bright, modern spot with a slightly elevated casual American menu, visit this small Avon Lake staple for basic fresh fare. Try this: Stop by for brunch and order up the Cali Benedict ($12) featuring poached eggs, Canadian bacon, avocado, tomato, hollandaise, scallion and an English muffin. 32950 Walker Road, Avon Lake, 440-933-9400, cafemelissa.com

Fratello’sWhy we love it: A true mom-and-pop style Italian restaurant is a regular rotation for many on the North Shore, whipping up delicious pasta, seafood and other homemade recipes since 1992. Try this: Go for the signature chicken Fratello ($23) with sauteed chicken breasts with Fratello’s sauce and marsala mushrooms. 32085 Electric Blvd., Avon Lake, 440-933-3380, fratellos.net

Ibiza MediterraneanWhy we love it: Restaurant veteran Anthony Ponce crafts beautiful dishes with Spanish and Portuguese influence, many highlighting fresh sea fare. Try this: The paella Valenciana ($32) features fresh seafood in rice with chicken and sausage. 33481 Lake Road, Avon Lake, 440-653-5953, ibizacleveland.com

(Photo courtesy Ibiza Mediterranean)

Jake’s on the LakeWhy we love it: Although it’s not actually on the lake, this basic, family-owned seafood and American joint is popular alongside Avon Lakers for its fresh sea fare, burgers and other joys, along with its casual, friendly ambiance. Try this: The Lake Erie perch dinner ($20.95) comes with a half-pound of fresh fillets dipped in homemade batter, fried golden brown and served with hand-cut fries, homemade coleslaw and tartar sauce. 32485 Lake Road, Avon Lake, 440-933-8304, jakesonthelake.com

Parker’s Grille and TavernWhy we love it: Ten years ago, owner James Mowbray was looking to create a Cheersbar in Avon Lake. “It’s become that spot,” he says. Parker’s serves up hand-cut steaks, fresh seafood, burgers, flatbreads and a big wine list. It's as perfect for the family as it is for a date. Try this: “Slow-roasted, scratch-made BBQ ribs ($25) is a fan favorite,” Mowbray says. You’ll dig the fall-of-the-bone tender, sweet and smoky ribs served with coleslaw and fries. 32858 Walker Road, Avon Lake, 440-933-9400, parkersgrilleandtavern.com

Plum Asian Fare & SushiWhy we love it: This chic, modern eatery opened last year debuting its take on traditional Asian and innovative Taiwanese cuisine. Try this: Choose from a meat or tofu Hunan ($15) served with broccoli, zucchini, mushrooms, carrots, snow pea pods and Chinese cabbages in a hot, spicy brown sauce. 32730 Walker Road, Suite C3, Avon Lake, 440-930-2623, plumasianfareandsushi.com

Thai ChiliWhy we love it: This small husband-and-wife-run, carry-out shop serves up authentic Thai food that locals go crazy over. “It’s just us two,” says owner Tom DeGirolamo. “Pretty much she does all the cooking.” Each order is done individually and is customizable. Try this: “Pad Thai ($16) is the most popular,” says DeGirolamo. “It’s all about the (homemade) sauce.” The dish (choose from vegetarian, tofu, chicken or pork) consists of rice noodle with celery, carrot, egg, bean sprout and green onion topped with ground peanut. Pro tip: Call in your order in advance. 32730 Walker Road, Suite D3, Avon Lake, 440-933-8424, thaichiliavonlake.com

Old School Pizza & Wings by Parker’sWhy we love it: The Parker’s team introduced its classic American pizza shop in 2020 with a relaxing dining room complete with arcade games and checkered tablecloths. Try this: Fried pepperoni ($8) makes for a unique and zesty starter, served with French onion dip. 445 Avon Belden Road, Avon Lake, 440-961-0892, oldschoolavonlake.com

Salad KrazeWhy we love it: Build your own salads with all the fixings you could dream of at this popular cafe also specializes in other fresh healthier fare, including soups, subs, smoothies and wraps. Try this: Design your own salad ($7.50, large) with vegetables, cheese, meats, dressings and other toppings. 690 Avon Belden Road, Avon Lake, 440-933-9123, saladkraze.com

Taki’s Greek KitchenWhy we love it: “I’ve been going to Greece every year since I was a little boy,” says chef and owner Taki Diamantis. “Everything that I’ve seen in Greece I wanted Northeast Ohio to experience.” And that he does this through authentic fish, chops and other traditional dishes of Greece. Try this: Order the braised lamb shank ($33) with orzo, tomatoes and kefalotyri. “What really makes it is we put grated cheese on top of it that makes the whole dish kind of pop.” 377 Lear Road, Avon Lake, 440-930-8888, takisgreekkitchen.com

In need of more tasty guidance? Check out more recommendations here.

Start your day the best way by signing up for our free daily newsletter. Arriving in your inbox every morning to keep you in the loop on the best guides, home and style tips, and news briefs for all things Cleveland. Click here to subscribe.

food & drink

8:00 AM EST

August 26, 2023