Zhug

Fun sharing style menu, boisterous atmosphere, and good service. We had quite a few different bites off the menu. My favorites being the onion hummus, olives, beets, carrots and the braised lamb. Skip the crispy chicken, although the honey sauce was good and the chicken was tender, they were basically glorified chicken nuggets. The sangria had a nice spice to it and was not too sweet. This is our second time eating at Zhug, while in town and it’s worth the wait and price.

Zhug Cleveland is not just a restaurant; it’s a delightful journey through Middle Eastern flavors wrapped in an inviting atmosphere that immediately makes you feel at home. As you enter, you’re greeted by a warm, vibrant decor that blends modern aesthetics with a cozy, inviting vibe. The ambiance is perfect for both intimate dinners and lively gatherings, making it a versatile spot for any occasion. The culinary offerings are truly impressive, beginning with the Smoked Octopus. This dish is a triumph of flavor and technique, featuring octopus that is tender and infused with a rich, smoky essence. Each bite is a celebration of the sea, expertly complemented by a drizzle of zesty sauce that brings the dish to life. It’s a testament to the chef's dedication to sourcing the freshest ingredients and crafting unforgettable flavors. Adding to the experience are the Za’atar Roasted Carrots, which stand out for their unique flavor profile. The natural sweetness of the carrots is beautifully enhanced by the za’atar seasoning, delivering a fragrant, slightly tangy taste that perfectly balances the smokiness of the octopus. This dish not only excites the palate but also showcases the restaurant’s commitment to using high-quality, seasonal produce. The Crispy Brussels Sprouts are another highlight, offering an addictive crunch and a burst of flavor with every bite. Tossed in a tangy chili sauce, they provide a delightful contrast to the other dishes on the table. These sprouts are more than just a side; they’re a testament to Zhug’s ability to elevate simple ingredients into something truly special. Don’t overlook the Leeks and Feta, which add a creamy, savory element to the dining experience. The tender leeks are perfectly cooked, and the feta introduces a rich, salty note that enhances the overall dish. Together, these components create a well-balanced meal that delights the senses. As you savor these exquisite dishes, the atmosphere of Zhug Cleveland enhances the experience. The lively yet comfortable setting, paired with attentive and knowledgeable staff, makes for a memorable dining outing. Whether you're enjoying a quiet dinner or celebrating a special occasion, the ambiance complements the culinary artistry on display. In all, Zhug Cleveland is a must-visit for anyone seeking a rich, flavorful journey through Middle Eastern cuisine. With its exceptional dishes and inviting atmosphere, it’s a dining destination that leaves a lasting impression, encouraging you to return time and time again.

8/27/24 This was definitely a culinary journey to savor. Everything was just better with each plate. My first visit to Zhug was a memorable one, especially with family visiting from out of town. We decided to explore the menu by ordering a variety of shareable plates, and every dish exceeded our expectations. We indulged in a diverse selection that included hummus lamb, kofta, smoked octopus, pickles, crispy chicken, labneh, braised lamb, olives, hummus harissa peanut, cod cakes, Za’atar roasted carrots, and mejadra. Each dish was crafted with care, bursting with unique flavors that beautifully complemented each other. The hummus lamb was creamy and rich, while the smoked octopus had a perfect char, offering a delightful smokiness. The Za’atar roasted carrots and mejadra provided an earthy, aromatic contrast to the bolder dishes. The cocktails were also a highlight, with a wide range of options that paired perfectly with the food. The ambiance at Zhug was another standout feature. The interior was warm and inviting, creating a relaxed atmosphere that made our dining experience even more enjoyable. Our waitress, Katie, was incredibly attentive, ensuring that our table was well taken care of throughout the meal. Overall, Zhug delivered a phenomenal dining experience, from the delicious, well-crafted dishes to the pleasant ambiance and top-notch service. It’s a place I’d highly recommend to anyone looking for a unique and flavorful dining experience.

The octopus was amazing. Loved the muhammara and mejadra rice. The cauliflower was just ok. Highly recommend zhug 1 cocktail.

Recently dined here after much anticipation and was left mostly satisfied! The hummus was delicious, along with the fresh flatbread and Zhug (one of our fave parts of the meal). The date braised lamb was also a big standout. The Brussels sprouts were crispy and tender, but the octopus dish we had much anticipated was super greasy/salty and a very small portion so that one left us a bit disappointed. Cocktails were just okay, tasty but nothing super unique. Overall very good but a bit expensive for what you get, but will return for a smaller meal!

There's a decent menu selection for a variety of diets vegan vegetarian carnivore. Our table was a mix and ordered a smattering of all three. Overall everything is excellent. Aunt well presented. The flavor & texture of the dishes sublime. Everyone on the service staff was consistently helpful and assertive. I would recommend the restaurant for anyone wanting to explore the cuisine or find a place for a group go where there will be something for everyone. Looking forward to stopping back in a few months and trying the remaining vegan dishes.

A definite must try in Cleveland! We had a 2 hour wait to get in as they don't take reservations, the wait was definitely worth it. We tried 8 small plates and almost each one was perfect. The octopus, cod, fried chicken were excellent. The vibe inside and the service was great as well. I think it's best to visit this restaurant on the weekdays and show up at 4pm so you don't have a crazy long wait. The cocktails were good too. We will definitely visit again but probably on a weekday!

One of my favorite restaurants. Have been there twice and never fails to disappoint me. Will definitely go there again. Octopus dish is one of the best I have ever had. Chicken tender literally melt in your mouth - A must try too. They don’t take reservation. We went there Saturday around 6pm but ended up waiting 2 hr to get seat. But it’s a worth wait.

Ambiance was very relaxing and laidback. Love the warm lighting that set for a chill or even romantic vibe. Great place to come grab dinner and relax with friends or celebrate after an event. Decor makes the place cozy and comfy. Service was attentive but not overbearing which we loved. Our server was so thoughtful in giving advice on how to pair or eat specific dishes best. Food came out immediately when each were done one by one. It was also hot because of that, which made it taste even better. Food was absolutely phenomenal. Even though it's a tapas restaurant, we all left full and completely satisfied with both taste and service. Curried lamb hummus was one of the best hummus I've ever had and I will definitely be ordering that again and taking my friends who visit from out of town! I absolutely loved the smoked octopus... my favorite! Soft and tender, yet you can taste the Smokey flavor and the dish paired so well with the warm pita bread! I'm already drooling just thinking about how it tasted omg. Highly recommend giving this place a try if you like Mediterranean food and creative dishes!

Was so excited to try this place after eating at Amba but felt Zhug fell short of our expectations. While the service and ambiance of zhug is the same as Amba the food wasn't as good, except for the hummus, which was the best part of the whole meal and was phenomenal. Everything else, eh. The Brussels sprouts were all mushy and after two we get bored and beyond that we felt kind of sick of the taste. The crispy chicken wasn't very crispy and overall bland. The best thing about the chicken was the pickled veggies it came with. The kofte came out pretty late into our meal and by the time it did come out we weren't as enthused but it wasn't bad. Seasoned well and just with it came out earlier/with the rest of our food. If you're debating between trying zhug or Amba, just go to Amba.

Zhug had been in my list of restaurants I've been wanting to try and I'm so glad we went! It was a group of 8 and we kinda just ordered and shared our food as it was small plate style. My bf and I ordered the muhamura, lamb and falafels. The Muhamura was delicious with the bread that came with the table and the falafel was so crunchy and good! The lamb was my favorite as it didn't taste gamey at all and the fried sweet potatoes added an extra touch! The service was great for the most part but we had to ask for bread like 5-6 times because they would only bring one pita bread every time we asked.

We came on a Monday evening (holiday) and were seated right away. The atmosphere is trendy but warm and inviting. The food was all very flavorful and unique. The server told us that all plates are typically shared and recommended about 2 plates per person, but we ordered 7 plates for 4 people and thought that was more than enough. Our favorites were the curried lamb and apricot hummus and the brussel sprouts. Definitely would recommend!

This is one of my new fave restaurants in Cle! They serve super yummy Mediterranean small plates best shared family style. Obsessed with their octopus, honey roasted beets, and muhammara! They don't take reservations so would recommend getting there early. Free parking lot across the street behind the Firestone.

8/27/24 This was definitely a culinary journey to savor. Everything was just better with each plate. My first visit to Zhug was a memorable one, especially with family visiting from out of town. We decided to explore the menu by ordering a variety of shareable plates, and every dish exceeded our expectations. We indulged in a diverse selection that included hummus lamb, kofta, smoked octopus, pickles, crispy chicken, labneh, braised lamb, olives, hummus harissa peanut, cod cakes, Za'atar roasted carrots, and mejadra. Each dish was crafted with care, bursting with unique flavors that beautifully complemented each other. The hummus lamb was creamy and rich, while the smoked octopus had a perfect char, offering a delightful smokiness. The Za'atar roasted carrots and mejadra provided an earthy, aromatic contrast to the bolder dishes. The cocktails were also a highlight, with a wide range of options that paired perfectly with the food. The ambiance at Zhug was another standout feature. The interior was warm and inviting, creating a relaxed atmosphere that made our dining experience even more enjoyable. Our waitress, Katie, was incredibly attentive, ensuring that our table was well taken care of throughout the meal. Overall, Zhug delivered a phenomenal dining experience, from the delicious, well-crafted dishes to the pleasant ambiance and top-notch service. It's a place I'd highly recommend to anyone looking for a unique and flavorful dining experience.

I've been super excited to try Zhug and although this experience didn't hit it out of the park for me, I'm excited to return. I stopped in alone on a Friday night after a show nearby. It was about 10 pm and they closed at 11 and I saw that the kitchen was starting to clean up. I sat at the bar and was immediately greeted by a friendly bartender. I asked a few questions about non-alcoholic wines and mocktails and she assured me that if I didn't want either of the two mocktail options they had listed, she could whip me up something good. I ended up choosing one that had a gin alternative and af chardonnay. It was tasty and refreshing, but served in a super small glass and with lots of ice, so I finished it pretty quickly. The menu is all small plates, great for getting a lot of different things to share with others. Since it was just me, I decided to get two things, the roasted carrots and the braised lamb. They both pretty much came out at the same time, which was fine. The lamb was delicious. It was super tender and I could taste the saffron flavor. The sauce from the lamb had a sweet date flavor that was amazing. They give you warm pita bread with this dish and I basically soaked every bit of meat dripping up with my bread! It also came on a bed of ricotta, which was cooling I guess and some crispy sweet potato chips. The chips were light and added a good crunch to the dish, but they weren't seasoned at all. Some type of Zatar seasoning on then could have been cool. I was very excited for the roasted carrots but they were only okay. Again, they lacked seasoning and were kind of over roasted making them a little dry. Salt could have gone a long way here. I did really enjoy the honey and the walnut crumbles that were on top and then the whipped feta on the bottom. Both dishes were a good size for the price and since I wasn't super hungry, I took the rest home. While I wasn't necessarily wowed by anything, I do recognize that towards the end of the night, you might not get the best of the best. The service was good and quick and the ambiance is beautiful. Perfect for a date night or nice family dinner. There was good music playing which definitely created a vibe. I'm looking forward to returning with friends at a later date and trying more dishes.

Zhug is a hidden gem perfect for an intimate date night. This cozy spot, with its warm decor and inviting atmosphere, immediately sets the mood for a memorable evening. I recently visited Zhug with my boyfriend, and it was an unforgettable experience. We were welcomed with friendly smiles and excellent service. The ambiance, with its dim lighting and soft music, created a romantic setting that felt like our own little retreat. We started with the falafel, which was crispy on the outside and moist on the inside. The star of the night was the curried lamb hummus - rich, flavorful, and utterly delicious. The crispy chicken rounded out our meal perfectly, each bite offering a burst of flavor that left us wanting more. The shared experience of trying these delightful dishes together made the evening special. For dessert, we indulged in the tahini ice cream, a sweet and satisfying end to a perfect date night.

Fantastic meal with the family close to the university. We enjoyed every dish. The children was very tender and the hummus and babaaganoush really hit the spot . We will certainly come back . Great ambience and service!

I have been waiting to try zhug for years and so happy I finally got a chance. COME EARLY! They don't do reservations and we came around 530PM Saturday for two and it was only a 20 min wait which was impressive for the crowd that was already eating there. The staff was so friendly and food arrived very quick. Must have is the PEANUT HUMMUS! I could come back and only eat plates and plates of this. The creamy smooth hummus with the crunchy peanuts was a palate bomb. FYI extra pita is free, just ask for more! The smoked octopus was tasty and not chewy, the carrots had a good flavor but a little soft for my taste, and the crispy chicken hot honey sauce was so tasty but I do wish the chicken was crispier. I was shocked by the bill because 4 tapa like dishes for two was plenty of food but the bill was approximately the price of two nice entrees. Can't wait to come back!

This is a hidden gem in Cleveland. Great cozy ambiance, perfect for a relaxing evening with amazing mezze menu. We ordered 2 plates per person and had a fantastic dinner enjoying creative and perfectly seasoned sharable plates that made a memorable night. I need to be back to try everything else on the menu because every single thing we had was amazing. Service is espetacular. I would also recommend this to anyone looking for a romantic date. Please order the slow roasted lamb, it was not only delicious but also beautiful set. Can't recommend this enough. Go there and have a great night with friends or family.

Great food. Bad ventilation. Service was five star. Bar was great too! We had a couple of drinks, the butter shrimp and the hummus. All was first rate! Bar was good. Cocktails on their list were a little too eclectic. We went with standards but they were impeccably made. Service was excellent. Parking was surprisingly good!

Beautiful atmosphere and delicious small plates perfect for sharing with a group of friends! Perfect to go with a group so that you can try all the variety of plates and possibilities that they offer. Their hummus, chicken and rice were delicious as well as their cocktails. Their pita bread is incredibly addictive although they are a bit stingy with it.. we had to keep ordering more and they would bring it very little by little which was a bit annoying Everything was really tasty though and will recommend although it can get a bit pricey with all the different dishes adding up quickly

Came here during the Thanksgiving holiday season, to treat our Moms to this unique restaurant concept. For the four of us, we ordered six shareable plates and that seemed to be just enough food for this crew. We ordered the following items: labneh, warm white beans, za'atar roasted carrots, eggplant moussaka (very spicy), Yemenite curry fried chicken, smoked octopus. I think our two favorites at the table were the labneh and the octopus. That labneh was soooo creamy and spooned out onto fresh pita made for a terrific meal starter. And those tender, smokey octopus bites were what dreams are made of! Running a close runner-up had to be the Yemenite curry fried chicken and its addictive dipping sauce. The space is tight and the atmosphere boisterous...but we had a wonderful evening and meal experience.

My sister highly recommended this spot so we finally went to to try it and it was a 10/10! The food and experience was amazing. The food is shared plates so I would recommend 1 dish a person unless you're getting dips then I would get 2 per person, but also depends on how hungry you are. We were 3 people and the 4 dishes we got we perfect! The hummus was literally so fresh and creamy and honestly peanut sounded odd but so yum! The chicken was cooked to perfection and the sauce it came with added so much flavor. The carrots were very soft which is not how I'd prefer them but the taste was so good! Finally, the lingcod cakes were basically like a crab cake and was really good - didn't have much of a seafood taste which I appreciated. We didn't have any room for dessert but will definitely try it the next time I'm visiting. The service was amazing and quick and the food always came out hot so that was great. There is a decent amount of seating inside and I didn't see any outdoor seating - but normally there is a wait time if you come during peak hours, however you can get lucky if you come on a random night of course :) They don't take reservations but it's so worth checking it out!

Fabulous place! Stopped by here for dinner. The staff are kind and courteous. I was seated promptly. The decor is very nice as is the music. The cheese and leeks appetizer is amazing! The fried chicken was so good: tender and flavorful. The chocolate cheesecake was also a hit.

Divine dining in Cleveland Heights! My friend and I had our eye on Zhug for weeks pending my weekend trip to Cleveland, and we were so lucky to have scored bar seats on a bustling Saturday night! Drinks were well-balanced, diverse, and numbered for simplicity. I enjoyed the zhug no. 18, a juicy blend of tequila blanco, spiced hibiscus, mezcal, and lime that went down a little too easily.... while my friend enjoyed the zhug no. 1, a unique libation of white rum, carrot juice, mango juice, ginger, turmeric, and lemon. If you needed an idea for a brunch cocktail, this would totally be IT. The food was what we came for - and what we can't stop talking about. The subtly spicy yet creamy harissa peanut butter hummus. The za'atar roasted carrots with honey, whipped feta, and walnut dukkah. The crispy potato tostones that melt in your mouth. The yemenite curry fried chicken. The beef kofte. Every dish that landed in front us what more salivating than the next. Definitely check out Zhug for a romantic date or a night out with friend - a special place to converse over fantastic food while being treated like royalty.

One of the best restaurants in Cleveland Heights. They serve Mediterranean small plates meant for sharing. We ordered five dishes (the burnt onion hummus, the potato tostones, the beef, the carrots, and the Brussels sprouts) for three people, which was more than enough and had some leftovers. Everything was amazing and came out quickly. My favorite was the beef and the potatoes. Zhug does not take reservations and gets pretty crowded, so I'd definitely recommend getting there early, especially on the weekend!

The servers are very nice and the music has a very festive feel. Makes it feel like you have escaped to another land, which is nice on a dreary Cleveland Monday. A good place to come to lighten up the day. I like the different way they serve the drinks. Gives it a little pizazz. Crispy sweet potatoes is a fun play on a standard I usually don't see unless I am on the East or West coast. The lamb was good, but if you are in the mood for lamb, does not stand out to me the way it is made. Still a good dish, just takes out the flavor of lamb for me.

Awesome music. Loved the mocktails and the food was fantastic. Sat at the bar and had a great date night.

This place has such a cozy and warm atmosphere--perfect for a small gathering with friends, family, or even a first date. The service is on point and super friendly and timely, which is a huge plus. The food? Absolutely delicious--fresh and flavorful. Honestly, some of the best Mediterranean dishes you'll find in town. And don't sleep on the drinks either; they're impeccable! Highly recommend this spot if you're looking for great food and a relaxed, inviting vibe.

I have been to zhug before 2 years ago when I first moved here but recently went and was super impressed! The peanut hummus blew my mind, not too strong of a flavor and easily finishable with the unlimited naans (you just have to ask :)) The chicken curry was deceiving, and looked dry but was surprisingly moist and full of flavor! We were fighting over those chicken pieces near the end. The carrots were delicious if you love soft and steamed vegetables like i do. The cod also was a light addition with good flavor to the dinner. The service was speedy- we got lucky and didn't have to wait but normally they don't take reservations so you can end up waiting a while. The place itself is dim and has high ceilings and perfect for a date night or just with family/friends, but definitely on the classier side. There is also bar seating.

Our first night in Cleveland and my wife found this place which is not too far from our hotel. We called them up and was told there is free parking in a lot right behind Bridgestone tire store across the street. Walking in, it is quite spacious with high ceiling and very modern look and feel. Not realizing what type of dishes or portion size, we were told by our waitress that it is more tapas style where each person should pick 2 selections. So dish wise, we got the grilled octopus which was nothing like what I tasted before. The texture is quite interesting yet very tender for octopus. We also got beef kofte which is comprised of 3 beef meatballs over a bed of onions. Amazing dish. Also got brussel sprouts which again didn't look like the typical brussel sprouts we get from restaurants but taste oh so fresh. We got the crispy chicken tenders which was well fried yet extremely tender and none of the fat. Ordered gluten free flatbread which came in 2 pieces. Lastly, we got the white beans and that too was very unique yet tasty. All in all, very innovative food and presentation is top notch. Only minor complaint is we received the first 3 dishes in a jiffy, but the latter 3 took some time with the place not super packed at that hour. Overall, we would recommend.

This is a gem in Cleveland heights. The ambience is amazing. There's a good variety of specialty cocktails that were tasty. We tried the gazoz no. 8 and Zhug no. 19. Food is mostly meant to be shared. Highly recommend the curried lamb and apricot hummus, smoked octopus, grilled chicken, and falafel. The braised lamb left a lot to be desired for a lamb dish but the overall experience was delightful and would definitely go again.

Back in town for work. Had to try this place that friends recommended. Service was Mediocre. Had to flag down the waitress a dozen times for water, and drinks. The bar had a vibe. Great drinks. The food was tapas style. Small plates, lots of olive oil, but lacked flavor. Needed more garlic and spice. Ordered the hummus which was ok. The lentils were a bit overcooked. Loud and tight restaurant with minimal seating.

Beautiful restaurant, attentative staff, and the food was a work of art. One in our party had a poultry allergy and had no problems eating here, which was very refreshing. We love the small plate concept, so this was perfect. I definitely recommend trying them out!

Wow Zhug is THAT restaurant. Exclusive, curated, thoughtfully executed. We arrived around 7:30 and waited about an hour for a table. Patience people, it's worth it. I ran into a friend who said she always calls ahead and gets the wait time before actually showing up. Tonight it paid off for her as she showed up much later but knew that there was no wait. I'm a big pottery girl and the decor is well done with artisan pots when you enter. The high ceilings are showcased with these vase tapestries that look really nice on the wall. Vibes. Felt like going out to party because the music was loud, lively and eclectic. Okay let's get into the food. Chef Ben, you DID the dang thing. Wow wow wow. I tried a mocktail and went with Katie (with the tattoos) recommendation of gazoz no. 6 and was told to stir it up! She helped my husband pick out a Sauvignon Blanc as well. Both were fresh and delicious! Everything is served FAMILY STYLE which means you're sharing a bunch of moderate sized dishes. We got 4 which was more than enough for us two. First out was the burnt onion hummus and the zucchini salad. The zucchini salad was a flavor adventure! Probably my second favorite thing I got. We also had a spicy green ZHOUG dropped off at this point and I thought it was so flavorful and unexpectedly respected the note of ?cardamom? in there! Next came the potato tostones which were perfectly comforting along with the piéce de résistance, the eggplant moussaka. The melty feta on top really was the cheesy cherry on top. We finished that dish no problem! Although we did take home some leftover, I appreciate the compostable containers. Overall Zhug did not miss anywhere and proves the saying that sometimes the best stuff is worth waiting for! Thanks for a great date night.

Visited Zhug with a friend in January 2024 and it certainly lived up to the expectations. Luckily my friend has been to Zhug before and knew some of the great things from the menu, including: 1. curried lamb and apricot hummus (star of the meal) 2. crispy brussels sprouts 3. butter roasted shrimp For dessert we had the tahini ice cream sundae with *extra* hot fudge and it was delicious. gazoz no.8 sparkling pear shrub, cardamom (non-alcoholic) cocktail was also a star

Zhug is the best in Cleveland. The food is always gorgeous and the drinks are strong and unique.

I REALLY liked this place. I ate a couple years ago and moved from Cleveland but the flavors were so good I do think of it from time to time. Service was good, location on Cleveland heights was good, and there was a small lot to park in just behind the place. It's a cute area and again, the flavors were excellent! I only knocked off one star for price/value ratio being a little skewed (it's pricey but portions are small). Overall I would definitely recommend it despite the price point, you can try a lot of delicious and diverse food in one lovely spot here!

Our food was delicious! We ordered takeout since we knew it would be busy inside. Everything was packaged really well - no spilling on the way home. :) Will definitely be making a return trip in person!

I literally keep coming back here. I'm probably here at least once a month, and if I have out-of-town visitors, I always bring them here. The place is just so cute and the perfect vibe to have good food and conversation. Service is always quick and friendly. And of course, the food is always fantastic. The dishes I order every time include the leks and feta, nigella seed burnt onion hummus, brussels sprouts, and the shrimp. I try other things here and there and everything has just been wonderful!

The service is always so quick and our server was very attentive. The food is high quality and delicious and comes with unlimited pita. While the restaurant can be a little loud at times, it is still a solid place for a nicer meal.

Came here on a Monday night after work and it was pretty busy but we managed to snag one of the remaining last tables. It was our first time here and the waitress gave some recommendations and a rundown of the menu. The dishes are meant to be shared so for 2 people, she recommended 3 to 4 items. The decor and ambiance of the restaurant is nice. We ended up getting: curried lamb and apricot hummus ($16), crispy brussels sprouts ($12), yemenite curry fried chicken ($19) and potato tostones ($12). Then for dessert, we got tahini ice cream sundae ($12) and vegan coconut custard ($11). Hummus comes with unlimited naan which was super soft and tasty. I really enjoyed the curried lamb and apricot hummus, the Yemenite curry fried chicken and coconut custard. Curry wasn't overly powerful. The crispy brussels sprouts weren't crispy and a bit too oily.

This place had a nice vibe with comfy pillows and warm service. We ate some really delicious bites here. Loved the carrots, beans, Muhammara, and hummus. The only thing it was lacking was unlimited bread. We quickly devoured our pieces with all the dips and they didn't keep it coming. The cocktails were stunning though and very tasty.

This restaurant is always one of my Cleveland favorites. It has some of the tastiest small plates around, and is perfect for sharing. From vegetarians to carnivores you can keep everyone happy while enjoying a full bar in a really striking space. On my most recent visit the service was a little brash - but that's never been the case before. They just didn't seem to like our style of ordering lots of food, which I found to be bizarre since they're a restaurant that's all about sharing, but we ordered what we wanted and it was very much worth it. The food came out as requested and despite a tiny bit of attitude all was good. The lamb and hummus is so stellar, the labneh so good, and the carrots are just flavorful and so worth it. I would keep coming back and ordering anything that shows up on the menu, but truly everything is good, and when the sauces and the proteins come together it's perfect. I don't know why they give you zhug in such small amounts if it's the namesake of the restaurant, but I always get more and it's such a tasty treat.

Great taste. Pretty busy for early weekday afternoon. Portions are bigger than you think. Nothing was left behind. Every bit was delicious and eatable.

Zhug is definitely cute on the inside, and the vibes are very uppity New York with both the service and the clientele. The service was excellent and the drinks were good and strong. It's a tapas style restaurant. We ordered the crispy chicken, leeks and feta, brussel sprouts, honey roasted beets, and pacific lingcod cakes. The food was fine, but nothing exceptional in my honest opinion. Especially with the amount of great mediterranean restaurant in Cleveland, I feel like coming here is mostly for the vibes over anything else.

I recommend this place to anyone interested in enjoying a refined meal at incredibly modest cost. This is one of my favorite spots. The menu is designed to be delicious, the staff couldn't be more friendly, and the cocktails rock. The tahini ice cream dessert makes me happy to be alive. Truly such a joy.

My family of 4 adults went to Zhug's off of the reviews and a recommendation and we were not disappointed. We were not sure how to order, so we ordered two plates each and shared each plate. The hummus was probably the best I have had in a long time and the bread was hot, delicious, and it did not run out. It was enough for the four of us. The food was so flavorful, the rice was amazing. They had a great variety of wines to choose from and water for the table. The service was consistent and super pleasant! The overall atmosphere was relaxed and we really enjoyed our evening! Definitely would come back.

Tasty food, small sizes. Wine selection below the average. Recommend elevate pairing wine selection with more choices. Wines are simple, and food is complex, so it's not a match.

I was really excited to try Zhug, as it's been hyped on social media recently, but I walked out feeling disappointed. This is definitely a fancier place with dimmed lights and an intimate atmosphere. There is a long-tailed list of red and white wines, and for those who are not wine drinkers, there is a small menu of cocktails available. Food offerings are all very unique and nothing like any place I've dined at before. Out of the dishes that we ordered and shared, the Yemenite curry fried chicken was probably the dish we both liked, but the flavor of curry was just alright. Very light in curry flavor, so thank goodness for the harissa honey sauce that came with it. All other dishes were just "meh."

When you order from zhug a drink with no ice, they give you half a glass, so cheap do better. Other than that the food was good but this drink situation really irks me

Absolutely delicious food, would highly recommend! We love this cuisine, and tapas style food so wanted to check it out. The wait was probably the worst part of hr experience here because we waited for almost two hours. Great food, really good service!

Excellent, delicious food full of flavor and varied options. We are gluten free and their gluten free bread for the hummus was scrumptious, we ordered more! Will definitely return.

Zhug is a slightly more upscale neighborhood spot that serves a large variety of Mediterranean small plates. It's a great place to take a date or a couple friends. The interior is pretty small, so it probably isn't ideal for a large group of people since they don't take reservations. My boyfriend and I were initially overwhelmed by the menu because it is quite large, so we actually looked through other Yelp reviews to make our decision. The Nigella seed and burnt onion hummus was fragrant and flavorful. The eggplant moussaka was packed full of flavor and texture I couldn't fully identify but thoroughly enjoyed. The smoked octopus was so tender and paired wonderfully with the potato it came with. We will definitely be back to try more menu items !

Excellent as usual. Highly recommend the Zhug sangria, it's a red wine sangria and so refreshing. The curry fried chicken is one of our go tos, though I personally find the dipping sauce too sweet. The patatas have had a bit of a makeover and are now smashed potatoes (I think before they were cubed/quartered?) which have an excellent texture, and the aioli is so delicious.

Just wow! This place is definitely my style. Simple, modern, clean cut. I had the pleasure at eating at their bar. My husband and I both got drinks because they had specialty drinks that were pretty unique. I had their #20, which is their take of an old fashion (not too special to make it stand out, but good). My husband got #3 (it was so freaking good!!!- highly recommend - very light with the fennel flavor, but must've enhanced other flavors) If I could have purchased the whole menu, I would have, but I wanted to keep some money in my bank account. I had 5 items: Hummus- imagine an everything bagel in hummus form with amazing flavorful olive oil. We paired it with the Flatbread (the fluffiest Naan I've ever had) and their zhug (a lovely spicy sauce that is encouraged to put on everything- which we definitely did! And loved) Smoked octopus- out of this world good. The right amount of smoke, salt, and texture. Kofte- the kofte, fennel, sauce along the plate, and radish were sooo good! The meat itself was so flavorful itself. The additionals just emphasized the experience in my mouth. The fennel and radish added a nice crunch factor. Chocolate Truffle- spicy but in a good way! I highly recommend this place! The only con is that I just didn't have enough.

I have mixed feelings about Zhug and here is why: a lot of people LOVE it here and I understand why - the ambiance is great and if you are a fan of Mediterranean food, the Mediterranean-inspired menu offers a fun and unique small plates experience. However, most of the dishes I have tried from Zhug have only been so-so. This might be my own fault - I know I don't love Mediterranean food as much as others, but I do still enjoy it a fair amount, and I haven't expected to be so disappointed. I have been a few times with a friend and we've ordered a variety of dishes, but there's always something that is off. For example, when I got the smoked octopus, it was incredibly oily and felt uncomfortable in my stomach. The lamb in the saffron and date braised lamb was cooked nicely but it was way too sweet. The drinks were unique but almost weird (?), to the point where I couldn't tell if I enjoyed them or not. With all that being said, Zhug has a saving grace: the nigella seed and burnt onion hummus. This is literally the best hummus I have ever eaten. I have ordered it to go just on its own before, despite being $13 for a pretty small portion because it is that good. I could eat it on its own just with a spoon (and with the amount that I will scoop onto a small piece of bread, I basically do). This hummus bumps Zhug up from a 3 to a 4 for me, and honestly if someone asked me to go with them to Zhug I probably would say yes even though I don't love it, just for this hummus. I have also heard that the tahini ice cream sundae is one of the stars of Zhug but the only time I tried to order it their freezer was broken so they couldn't serve any ice cream. Zhug is beautiful and worth visiting if you think you will like the flavors of the menu. I wouldn't personally recommend a lot of their dishes, but maybe I just haven't gotten the right things thus far, maybe it just isn't my taste.