Cleveland Restaurant Week is here, and for independent restaurants like ours, it means a lot more than a promotion or a discount menu. It’s a reminder of the work, the people, and the daily challenges that go into creating a space where guests feel taken care of.

Running a restaurant is rewarding, but it is also has its challenges. Anyone who works in this industry knows the rhythm. Early mornings. Late nights. Constant problem-solving. Prices change. Supply chains shift. Staffing remains one of the hardest parts. And the cost of food, labor, and operations continues to climb, sometimes week to week.

We do it anyway because we love hospitality. We love seeing guests gather around a table. We love watching a room fill with conversation. We love creating something that feels like a place you want to return to.

Restaurant Week is a chance to support the restaurants that make our communities feel like home. The ones where you know the people, recognize the faces, and feel welcomed without having to say anything at all.

We hope you’ll support places that matter to you, whether that’s us or any of the restaurants that bring life to their neighborhoods.

Here are a few of our personal favorites:

Vincent William Wine (Madison, Ohio)
Our place, of course — but here’s what makes it matter to us. It’s the combination of the lake, the old mansion, the vineyard, and the intention behind every detail. It’s the feeling of settling in for a long dinner, staying the night, and waking up to the sunrise over the water. We built this place to feel personal and human, and we hope that comes through every time someone walks in.

Ninja Sushi (Mentor, Ohio)
Fresh, consistent, and humble in the best way. Ninja has been quietly doing excellent sushi for years. No gimmicks. No “scene.” Just clean flavors, good fish, and a team that clearly cares. It’s our go-to when we want something unfussy and always good.

Amba (Cleveland)
Bold flavors and atmosphere that has real identity. Amba feels like a restaurant that knows exactly what it wants to be. The dishes come out layered and expressive, the cocktails match the energy of the room, and you leave talking about what you ate. We love that confidence in a kitchen.

Vero Pizza (Cleveland Heights)
A masterclass in doing one thing very well and doing it with respect. Vero’s wood-fired pizzas are simple on the surface, but the balance, technique, and attention to dough and heat are the reason it stands out. You can taste how much discipline is behind each pie. We admire that.

Nights and Weekends (Ashtabula Harbor)
A place with personality — the kind that doesn’t try too hard. It feels lived-in, loved, and local. The cocktails are thoughtful without being precious, the food has a point of view, and the energy shifts beautifully from early evening to late night. We love how it’s become a true gathering place for the Harbor. It feels like the kind of spot you end up staying at longer than you planned, in the best way.

Rennick Meat Market (Ashtabula Harbor)
Classic in the right ways. Rennick treats meat with craft and care, and it shows. The historic building gives the room a warmth that feels grounded, not staged. It’s the place you go when you want something satisfying, done properly, and held to a standard. We appreciate that level of pride.


This week, wherever you choose to dine, choose local. Choose handmade. Choose the places where the owner is probably in the room, the chef is plating the dishes, and the team is doing their best to make your night feel special.

Thank you for supporting independent restaurants. It matters more than you know.