Top Five Cleveland (and Greater Cleveland) Restaurants for Valentine's Day or a Special Date Night

As we near Valentine's Day, I always think of my favorite date night restaurants--if Terry took me to my absolute favorite place, where would it be?

Now, if you are like us, maybe you don't go out on actual Valentine's Day (too crowded or too hard to get reservations) but maybe you go another night that week. But regardless of Valentine's Day or another date night reservation, here are my top five favorite restaurants for these types of occasions.

Now, keep in mind, this is only my opinion based on what I think is tasty. I will also admit that I haven't been to EVERY restaurant in Cleveland (there are a ton--Cleveland is known for food), but I have been to quite a few. Regardless of what is trendy or new, I tend to love classic and timeless places that have stood the test of time and offer high quality, excellent meals that are classic dishes and not something completely off the wall.

In addition, I'm not doing a review of the restaurant but am simply listing and briefly summarizing some of my favorite date night places.

5). Morton's the Steakhouse in Downtown Cleveland

You're probably thinking--what's so special about Morton's? It's pretty much a chain restaurant and in every major city. But let's face it--chain or not, the quality of food and service is top notch. If you ask me, "Kristen, we are going for steak. Where do you want to go?" I pick Morton's downtown every single time (Hyde Park is a pretty close second). It's classy, and I'm a red meat girl. I may even still choose it over some of the local Cleveland steakhouses! The wine, apps, steaks--excellent. It's a great choice to keep both sexes happy.

4) Jekyll's Kitchen in Downtown Chagrin Falls

Now, if you're not from Cleveland, you may not realize that Cleveland (or Greater Cleveland) consists of Downtown Cleveland, City of Cleveland, and the surrounding suburban areas. We all consider ourselves from the Cleveland area, even if we don't have a Cleveland zip code. Greater Cleveland is spread out, and Chagrin Falls is on the East Side.

As a West Sider, I don't get out to the East Side too much, but I tried this place for the first time last winter and fell in love. The wine was great, the food was excellent, and the atmosphere was trendy. If you go on Valentine's Day, you won't get to enjoy the beautiful deck, but you will still get a view of beautiful Chagrin Falls. Give it a try--you won't regret it.

3) Pier W in Lakewood

Pier W has continually been named one of the most romantic restaurants in Cleveland, and with this view, it's easy to see why. The restaurant hangs over Lake Erie like a pier, you are practically eating over the water, and you get this gorgeous view of Downtown Cleveland.

On top of the unique setting, this seafood restaurant has a great bar, happy hour, and delicious food. Even if you don't like seafood, there is something for everyone.

2). Downtown 140 in Hudson, Ohio

I ate at this restaurant for the first time in August 2017 and immediately fell in love. It was probably one of the best meals I had eaten in a long time. The service was exceptional, and our waiter was well versed in all the dishes, wines, and what wine to pair with our food. The cheese board was excellent and unique, and the food was cooked perfectly and very flavorful.

Hudson is south of Cleveland in Summit County (not far from Akron or Lebron James), so although it may not be Cleveland, it is still Greater Cleveland/Northeast Ohio to me. It is located in a basement like setting and is quite small, but it gives off that secret, "we're so good you need to be special to know we are here" vibe. It's cozy and romantic. Like many of these restaurants, it is on the pricy end, so be prepared! But it is a dining experience you will never forget.

1) Don's Pomeroy House in Strongsville, Ohio

Now, I'm not sure if it's because this was the first ever, high end restaurant I went to when my parents took me as an elementary school student, but this still tops my list. The atmosphere in the main restaurant area is classic, elegant, and cozy. The food is excellent--every meal has topped my list!

In the winter, if you don't want to go to the main dining area, head downstairs to the Pub which is also very cozy and has excellent bar food. (The patio is great in the summer--but we are talking Valentine's Day here!)

Regardless, depending on your Valentine's Day date, either option is great. Plus, this is a historical site--it was actually part of the Underground Railroad!

Let me know if you try out any of these places on my list or what your favorite restaurant is!