The city of Cleveland, Ohio places a large emphasis on its cultural heritage, hosting events that highlight a variety of music and arts, as well as museums that celebrate cultures from around the world. One of the biggest cultural centers in Cleveland is Little Italy, which features restaurants, art galleries and performances that celebrate Italian heritage. There you will find fine Italian cuisine in multiple places.
Massimo de Milano Italian Bakery features a variety of selections for lunch during the week, and specializes in parties and events like weddings.
Lunch is served buffet-style Monday through Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The buffet includes combinations of salads, pasta, pizza, vegetables and a variety of main entrees like meatballs, chicken, meatloaf and fish. The buffet also features a soup of the day and pastries and pudding for desert. You can pay to dine-in for an all you can eat buffet, or to take out a selection for a less expensive price. Parties of 15 people or more can dine at the buffet for $10 per person; the price includes tax, gratuity and drinks. Special groups can also request unique deserts like strawberry amaretto cake.
Buffet packages for groups and parties include choices of antipastos (snacks and appetizers), pastas, sides and main entrees. Beverage tables for buffets include coffee and sodas; wine and beer can be served for an extra price.
Wedding receptions include cutting and serving the cake, a dancing area and a desert buffet.
Massimo de Milano
1400 W. 25th St.
Cleveland, OH 44113
216-696-2323
massimos.net/
Trattoria on the Hill has been open for more than 20 years in the heart of Cleveland's Little Italy. The restaurant strives to make each diner feel like he or she is just part of the family.
The restaurant makes a lot of its own pasta, including ravioli, lasagna, gnocchi and cavatelli. Entrees include lamb chops, veal, scallops chicken and orange roughy, as well as grill steak and baby back ribs.
Pizzas at the trattoria aren't you usual pies; toppings include artichokes, prosciutto ham, shrimp and eggplant. Order a specialty pizza or make one of your own by choosing up to five toppings.
Party rooms at the trattoria can be reserved for larger groups, and meals include coffee or tea, bread, salad, entrée and Italian spumoni for desert.
You can order Trattoria's pasta sauce or Italian salsa from the restaurant directly, to get that taste of authentic Italy in your own home.
Trattoria on the Hill
12207 Mayfield Rd.
Cleveland, OH 44106
216-421-2700
trattoriaromangarden.com/index.htm
Gusto was voted Cleveland's best Italian restaurant in 2004, and continues to serve Little Italy prime Italian food and drink.
The restaurant and bar are both closed on Mondays. The restaurant serves dinner from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, until 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday and until 9 p.m. Sunday. The bar keeps the party going until midnight Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday and until 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday.
The menu features fresh beef, squid, shrimp, chicken and lamb combined with Italian vegetables and sauces to delight the palate. The full bar serves wines and mixed drinks with Italian liquors.
The private room at Gusto can seat up to 30 people, and special groups receive menus that contain seasonal specials that contain a variety of appetizers, salad, seafood, meat and pasta.
Gusto Ristorante Italiano
12022 Mayfield Rd.
Cleveland, OH 44106
216-791-9900
gustolittleitaly.com/
