First meal in Cleveland - where should we go? (Lakewood: school, college)

[KMHFoster]

We both like Italian, but he also loves a good steak and I'm also for that type of place as long as they have a good fish option.

Where would you go? It is our first dining experience in Cleveland!

[Peregrine]

Best Steak I have ever had:

Steak on a Stone

All 3 locations are a bit out of the way. North Olmsted would be closest to downtown.

[Steve36]

For Italian check out the thread "Best Restaurants in Little Italy" my recommendation would be Gusto!.

But for the first dining experience in Cleveland I'd recommend either Johnny's Downtown (Johnny's Downtown, 1406 West Sixth St Cleveland, Ohio 44113 216.623.0055) or Michael Symon's Lola on E. 4th (Michael Symon: Lola and Lolita). Even though I've had better meals at other places, Johnny's and Lola are both Cleveland dining institutions representing the best of the old school and the new school. Either would get you off to a great start.

While this won't matter if you go to Johnny's or Lola, you should know that college football kicks off tonight including Ohio State playing and the Browns have a preseason game tonight at home. More causal dining spots with TVs will be more crowded than on a normal Thursday and downtown might be a little more lively than a usual weeknight.

Steve

[KMHFoster]

We're not in town until Saturday, so this would be for Saturday night. I've also heard good things about Valerio's, Angelo's Nido Italia.

Thanks everyone! You're always so helpful.

[Steve36]

I just realized you are the folks moving to Rocky River. For good nearby steak try O'Malley's on Wooster, they have good seafood as well. For a seafood place that does steak well try Salmon Dave's on Lake near Detroit.

Also, there is a place called Three Birds on Detroit right across the river in Lakewood that is awesome.

Steve

[WeSoHood]

Originally Posted by KMHFoster

We're not in town until Saturday, so this would be for Saturday night. I've also heard good things about Valerio's, Angelo's Nido Italia.

Thanks everyone! You're always so helpful.

Stino Da Napoli is a nice Italian restaurant right in Rocky River.

Stino Da Napoli - Rocky River | Urbanspoon

[Peregrine]

Steak on a Stone. I am telling ya'! It's FREAKING AWESOME(!!!!) and quite a unique experience. I know it sounds nuts cooking your own steak on a stone. It's incredibly good! Don't blame me if it spoils you for steak from anywhere else. The North Olmsted location is not far from Rocky River.

And for once I disagree with WeSoHood. A co-worker from River told me that Stino's was awesome and I must try it.
I wasn't impressed. I always try and give an Itialian joint a second chance but haven't yet in this case.
(Italian is my favorite).

[WeSoHood]

Oh yeah, you said fish option as well.. so Salmon Daves in Rocky River is a must.