Acqua di Dea

"Open for: Lunch, dinner, with a break in betweenPrice range: $$$Acqua Di Dea is that rare special-occasion seafood restaurant that manages to exceed expectations, thanks to owner Lola Jacaj, a restaurant pro who also runs Oliva and Casa La Luna. Set in a drama-filled warehouse space in the heart of downtown that has been around since Grover Cleveland’s first term as president, the restaurant is bright, buzzy, and boisterous when busy. Kick things off with the seafood platter, which is loaded with king crab legs, shrimp, mussels, clams, calamari, scallops, and lobster, all gently cooked in white wine sauce. Crab cakes are loaded with sweet meat, grilled whole branzino is garnished with capers and anchovies, and pan-seared salmon is served with lobster ravioli. Meat lovers can tuck into veal chops, rib eyes, and slow-cooked ossobuco. Know before you go: Come for lunch, when you’ll find budget-friendly pizzas and pastas, alongside some more indulgent seafood dishes." - Douglas Trattner

"Though Cleveland’s fine-dining landscape isn’t as strong as it was pre-pandemic, fortunately, there’s Acqua di Luca, run by the husband-and-wife team behind Luca Italian Cuisine. Set in a century-old warehouse space in the heart of downtown, this seafood-focused eatery is loud, lively, and dripping with drama. Jump right in with the seafood platter, an outsized portion of wine-steamed king crab, shrimp, clams, scallops, and a whole lobster. Go light with the mixed crudo or brawny via the tomahawk. The wraparound sidewalk patio is one of the best outdoor dining spaces downtown." - Douglas Trattner