Zhug

The 38 Best Restaurants in Cleveland, Ohio | Eater

"At Zhug, chef Doug Katz combines a tempting menu of small plates with a buzzy lounge-like atmosphere. The menu veers from cold-smoked octopus and schmaltz-fried potatoes to curried lamb-topped hummus and eggplant moussaka. All meals include warm pita and fiery zhug. Creative cocktails and a global wine list round out the experience. Know before you go: Zhug does not accept reservations, so wait for your table next door at Parnell’s Pub, a stellar watering hole with great service, beer, booze, and craic." - Douglas Trattner

The 20 Best Restaurants In Cleveland - Cleveland - The Infatuation

"Your budding situationship planned an elaborate scavenger hunt at the Cleveland Museum of Art. One-up them by making a reservation after at Zhug. The muhammara perfectly teeters between spicy and sweet, and you’ll dread going back to grocery store spreads after trying the curried lamb and apricot hummus. As for must-order mains, the curry fried chicken has a great harissa honey sauce, and the braised lamb’s saffron flavor is lined with a little fruitiness, thanks to some dates. Cheers with an arak-infused cocktail while brainstorming your next romantic rendezvous." - kate bigam kaput

Zhug - Review - Cleveland Heights - Cleveland - The Infatuation

"Your budding situationship planned an elaborate scavenger hunt at the Cleveland Museum of Art. One-up them by making a reservation after at Zhug. The muhammara perfectly teeters between spicy and sweet, and you’ll dread going back to grocery store spreads after trying the curried lamb and apricot hummus. As for must-order mains, the curry fried chicken has a great harissa honey sauce, and the braised lamb’s saffron flavor is lined with a little fruitiness, thanks to some dates. Cheers with an arak-infused cocktail while brainstorming your next romantic rendezvous." - Kate Bigam Kaput

The 38 Essential Cleveland Restaurants

"At Zhug, chef Doug Katz combines a tempting menu of small plates with a buzzy lounge-like atmosphere. The menu veers from cold-smoked octopus and schmaltz-fried potatoes to curried lamb-topped hummus and eggplant moussaka. All meals include warm pita and fiery zhug. Creative cocktails and a global wine list round out the experience." - Douglas Trattner

Doug Katz’s lively Middle Eastern spot makes mezze the main event—warm pita, vibrant spreads, and shareable plates that keep the table buzzing. Frequently cited by Eater and celebrated by local critics, it’s a must on the east side.