historic little italy in cleveland

nchaffin

The atmosphere, the history--it brings me back to growing up days. My family and I came here all the time. The favorites are Mama Santa's for pizza. Great food and service and cheap pizza (cheap in price, not quality). Trattoria has great tiramisu and if you're craving gelato, head to Anthony's.

261GregP

Almost all the big cities have a neighborhood they call little Italy but this one is for real. My grandmother used to take me there over 60 years ago and they will still catch conversations among the locals in Italian. I recommend two places most of all. Presti's bakery for some great bread (Try the Eppi bread for sure) and pastries. The other best place for pastries and the best cassata cake you will ever eat is Corbos at the other end of the street.Ask where the art galleries in the old school building is and enjoy. There are also little art galleries on the side streetslCome back the week of August 15th, the feast of the assumption of Mary into heaven, and you will be at a festival you will never forget, be sure to catch the parade, the best part,Parking is a challenge. There is valet service at most restaurants, on street parking in the back blocks but there are also two big garages before you get to the main street north of the railroad tracks on Mayfield road off of Euclid avenue.

Toniorecchio

You can walk to and visit several different galleries. Pizza, pasta, traditional Italian or eclectic Italian. My favorite is Guarino's, the oldest operating restaurant in "the neighborhood". Corbos or Presti's for dessert? Hmmm try something at each place.

rac-columbus

We have been here before, and parking is always difficult, at best. But the last time was several days after a very heavy snow. The streets were a total disaster, had not even be touched, parking was next to impossible even after driving around in circles for 30 minutes. Potholes everywhere, so be careful where you drive. When we did find a parking space, we were limited to about 30 minutes, so we really did not take time in the two shops we visited. The only parking lots seem to be owned by restaurants, so you cannot park in them. The city really needs to do something about parking in this area if they expect visitors to spend any time. And very few businesses bother to shovel their sidewalks, either.

Lulu2828

The first time I came to Cleveland, I wanted to check out its Little Italy. Being of Italian descent myself, I was very impressed with the authenticity of this small town. The feast of the assumption, held annually in August, is a perfect time to visit the area and dine on samples from all neighboring restaurants. Or just take a stroll and walk around and pick on of their great restaurants to eat in, and then grab some dessert at Corbo's. There is something for everything here. Great antique shops too - highly recommend visiting here.

Klohr

Step onto the sidewalks and smell Italy. Food is great, people are great. A day visit trip for couples or family.

160bettyw

This area always has something going on. Festival's, art walks, street fairs. Great shopping, food and culture. Don't mis Trattoria on the hill and Presti's bakery.

dcpacker

Little Italy, situated on Mayfield Rd and East 120 / 125th, is a flourishing and important part of Cleveland's history. There are many storefront style restaurants, bakeries and boutique shops all within about six city blocks. Situated very close to Case Western University and several hotels, the part of town is very walkable. This destination should be on everyone's list to visit as often as possible.

SharonH83

Mama Santa's is the very best pizza you may ever eat & people watching at a side walk cafe on a warm summer night is one of the best things to do in Clevland!

JamesA546

Cleveland's Little Italy is as good as any major city. There are heaps of restaurants, bakeries and coffee shops here to be enjoyed. It's just East of the University Circle so as soon as you leave a museum there you can head over here to eat. I tries about five different places here for food and coffee and they were all great. The only issue you'll have here is finding a parking space and if you do it's usually only good for an hour or less! Have a great time in this area of Cleveland. Enjoy!

106craigs

As others have stated its a few short blocks, but has more than enough choices for places to eat. We went to Maxi's as we just wanted a bar to sit at to watch bowl games and get some light food. The apps and pizza were great, very good selection of wine as one would expect from a Little Italy. The bakeries and cafes have good deserts and coffee for after dinner. Definitely worth checking out if you are already in university circle or by the Cleveland Clinic. I think it really adds to the upscale, quaint aspect of this section of what is largely viewed as a blue collar/rustbelt city.

Estebon

Its not a long stretch of Mayfield Road but its all about being or eating Italian in Little Italy. There are a dozen excellent and very good restaurants and some galleries too. Its very close to Case Western Univeristy, The Cleveland CLinic, the Art Museum - you get the drift. Especially nice in the spring and summer for people watching. Presti's Bakery is a must after dinner.

marcopolo111

Unfortunately Little Italy has been curtailed by the expansion of Case Western and University Hospital. Most of the people leaving there have moved to the suburbs over the last thirty years. What is left is essentially four blocks with a few shops, bakeries and restaurants (mostly mediocre, none excellent). By contrast a few blocks away the University Circle with the Orchestra, half a dozen of world class museums is probably one of the best attractions.

sylvass

Great food, Bakery, Presti's Bakery Café, they have delicious deserts, coffee, sandwich, always busy you have to get in line, but fun café to spend your time, to meet friends, and spend your evening or afternoon. Thumbs up.

sandyh509

Not enough shops, too many restaurants. Would like to have seen a shop to do a wine tasting and select a nice bottle of wine. there were only wine bars or wine in coolers in little markets