44 Best Italian Restaurants near Independence

“We have enjoyed Delmonico’s twice now and they do not disappoint! Exquisite Dining! Absolutely delectable dishes! The Lobster Bisque is made with love and the feature, Japanese Wagyu was absolutely divine! We ordered the Béarnaise sauce but the steak did not need it at all! I don’t think I’ve ever experienced such a divine cuisine! Definitely recommend! I wish we lived closer!“

“First time old fashioned place
..good pie somewhat like a Sicilian... Somewhat like a Brooklyn pie and a little characteristic of old Forge style.. I would definitely ask for lighter on the cheese next time but we will be back next time we are in town...“

“We loved it! they've had a couple NEW owners in the past couple years. THESE NEW OWNERS ARE GREAT, PERSONABLE, EFFICENT AND THE FOOD IS GREAT. THEY HAVE A NICE LIQUOR SELECTION AS WELL“

“I have been working in the area staying in Independence and have enjoyed their pizza many times. I have a gluten allergy so I was happy to find they have two gluten free crust options. They have a delicious raised edge cauliflower crust and a thin crispy rice crust. They are 12 inch pizzas. Last night I ordered one of each topped the same for comparison. I enjoyed both. Depending if you want a thinner more crispy or a raised edge slightly thicker both are great !!! Thank you Augies for providing options for people who have a legitimate gluten allergy.
Your pizza is great !!!“

“Absolutely love doing our celebrations at LockKeepers! We've celebrated our Birthdays and anniversaries here through the years and it was always such a wonderful experience each time! Jackie was the best server! She really took good care of us and made sure we were happy during and after our meals. She's absolutely the best server one can ever hope for! We always had a very good gastronomic experience here at LockKeepers! Definitely coming back soon to celebrate more milestones! Thank you! Keep up the great work that you do! 👍“

“My Favorite Italian Restaurant in town! Best food, wine, service and great atmosphere! Omg and did I mention desert ?! The most delicious! Valerio & Stella go above and beyond for their customers which they treat as a family! Highly recommend A +“

“We took our son for his 18th birthday and they really made it special! The food was fantastic! Our server was impeccable and birthday message and puff pastries was the perfect touch! Thank you for such an amazing experience!“

“I cannot say enough about Palazzo!!! Whether it is dine in or ordered to go, we have never had a bad experience here. Wait staff is amazing and the owner is one of the nicest people I've met! Lobster cooked beautifully, steaks cooked to perfection, the pasta was so flavorful and the salads were perfect. It's a quiet little spot but once you find it, you will be back!! Definite must do for our family!“

“4 of us visited Bruno’s Sunday for dinner with a 6:45 reservation. Greeted immediately upon walking in. Bar area seats abt 10-15 and reservations can be made for bar seating as well! Within a minute of being seated our server had our drink order and returned with them. Appetizers ordered: Hot sausage stuffed peppers These weee absolutely awesome. Served with peppers and onions with a light marinara. Menu says “spicy”; they are medium hot but amazing flavor Artichoke The couple with us ordered these ?breadcrumb” battered and fried portion. Also sauced in hous made marinara. Entrees ordered: chicken parm, spaghetti marinara, scallops and pasta. All were tremendous! Our server Martha was spot on with everything, meal was very nicely paced. I spoke with the gentleman in charge to compliment him on his food and staff. This was our first visit but definitely not our last! This is a definite 10/10.“

“Fantastic food and service!“

“Great meal“

“Everyone was nice food was great salad looked bomb and was even better“

“5 star review The DAOU February Wine Dinner at Carrabba’s was nothing short of a culinary and sensory triumph. This was not simply a themed dinner. It was a carefully curated tasting journey, thoughtfully composed from first course to final pour, executed with remarkable precision and heart. The evening opened with the Strawberry Goat Cheese Crostini, a deceptively elegant starter that set the tone immediately. The whipped honey ricotta and goat cheese delivered a creamy, tangy foundation, beautifully balanced by the brightness of strawberry and the depth of balsamic glaze. The basil chiffonade added a subtle herbal lift, keeping the dish light, fresh, and refined. It was a perfectly calibrated opening note. Course two, the Tuscan Strawberry Salad with Shrimp, showcased exceptional balance and restraint. The strawberries were ripe and vibrant, offering natural sweetness against the savory depth of wood-grilled shrimp. The strawberry vinaigrette tied everything together with precision, while gorgonzola added just enough richness and complexity without overpowering the plate. Paired with the DAOU Rosé, this course was refreshingly sophisticated and brilliantly composed. The Garlic Lemon Herb Linguine with Grilled Chicken marked a beautiful transition into richer territory. The “Liquid Gold” sauce lived up to its name, coating each strand of pasta with silky depth while remaining remarkably clean on the palate. Bright citrus notes cut through the richness, and the grilled chicken was juicy, tender, and expertly seasoned. This course demonstrated technical control and thoughtful layering of flavor, elevated further by the Sauvignon Blanc pairing. The centerpiece of the evening was undoubtedly the Filet with Crab and Shrimp Crocchetta. The filet was cooked with impressive accuracy, tender and deeply flavorful, with a beautifully charred exterior. The crispy crocchetta added textural contrast and indulgent seafood richness, while the roasted red pepper sauce brought subtle sweetness and acidity. The supporting elements, garlic mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus, were executed flawlessly and grounded the dish. Paired with the DAOU Cabernet Sauvignon, this course was bold, luxurious, and immensely satisfying. Dessert, the Strawberry Sogno, was a masterful finale. Layers of dense chocolate brownie, airy mousse, and strawberry cream created a balanced interplay of richness and brightness. The presentation was elegant, and the flavors were indulgent without becoming heavy. The Pessimist Red Blend pairing amplified the cocoa notes while enhancing the fruit components, closing the experience on a high, memorable note. Throughout the evening, the pacing was impeccable. Each course arrived at exactly the right moment, allowing guests to fully appreciate every pairing and transition. The experience felt intentional, immersive, and expertly orchestrated. A special recognition goes to Laura and Crystal, whose service elevated the entire night. Their knowledge, attentiveness, and genuine hospitality made the experience feel personal and seamless. They anticipated needs, explained pairings with confidence, and created an atmosphere of comfort and refinement that complemented the cuisine perfectly. This dinner delivered the sophistication of a boutique winery tasting combined with the warmth and consistency Carrabba’s is known for. For the price point, the value was extraordinary. The quality, execution, and overall experience far exceeded expectations. This was not just a great meal. It was a thoughtfully designed culinary event that demonstrated respect for ingredients, technique, and the guest experience. An outstanding achievement. I would return without hesitation.“

“Vito is a hottie“

“I had a wonderful birthday dinner with my wife on Saturday. The food was outstanding and the service even better! Jose brought me out a piece of tiramisu cake with a candle! Thank you everyone for adding to my wonderful birthday! We will definitely be back!! ❤️“

“The service was amazing, our waiter was so friendly and the food was great. Highly recommend!!“

“This place was awesome. Service, food and ambiance just what you’d expect in Little Italy. I had fusilla (spellcheck) puntenesca excellent!! We will be back.“

“We got take out tonight for the first time and it was excellent!!! The Brussel Sprouts were out of this world delicious and the salads were big and delicious! I can’t wait to eat more of this food!“

“Thank you for the lovely dinner! We had a fantastic time while visiting Cleveland. I’ll definitely be back.😘 Exceptional Italian food! 🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹“

“Everytime I go there the food always good and the worker Alway cool I love going their Thanks Jennifer 😍🤪🤪“

“Pizza was ok nothing that made me say oooh delicious sauce was flavorless (took a bite with no pepperoni), pepperoni over powering that couldn't even taste the sausage and greasy. The mozzarella too expensive and cold, I live 2min away if that so it wasn't the drive time.“

“great food and vibe.m.want more!!!“

“We had Ashley as our server and she was great!!! Attentive, but not overly!  The only complaint for my food was the asparagus was impossibly tough on the bottom quarter of it, leading me to think they didn't snap it off. No big deal  because the other 3/4 what's delicious (and a lot!! ) Still one of my favorite places!“

“We got a last minute reservation on a Friday night after a recommendation. We weren’t sure what to expect, and we were VERY happy! I had a delicious classic Paper Plane cocktail and hubby ordered a bottle of red wine. We started with frog legs as an appetizer…lightly fried, and so much garlic and lemon…perfection! I had the chicken pitta, my husband had veal parm (our server Tony suggested it as it would go great with the wine he chose). Both dishes were so plentiful we each took half home. The amount of artichokes and red peppers on my piccata was very generous, they don’t skimp on anything! We ended the night with Affogato and it was also wonderful. Bottom line is the whole experience was great! We can’t wait to be back in Cleveland and come back…don’t miss out.“

“Food and service were excellent. I recommend.“

“The food is always fresh and delicious!“

“Great Food, Great Location, Friends, and Heritage“

“I have had the pleasure of ordering from here since they have opened. The specials lately have been phenomenal love the change up! I ordered the Firebird Sandwich and The Pickled Pig Pizza, amazing I hope they keep both. Also always order the focaccia bread, you won’t be disappointed.“

“My first visit to this Italian restaurant today - I ordered carry out …my chicken parm was sooo delicious my compliments to the chef…I will tell all my friends and relatives about this amazing restaurant! I will definitely be back!“

“Guarino’s in Little Italy 🇮🇹 within God’s Country Ohio, aka Cleveland, is the BEST dining establishment and experience in the United States. Of course, everyone has their favorites, but this is without exception the most exceptional location anywhere. And I’ve been around this globe several times. There is not another group of dedicated family (both descendants of the Guarinos and the team members that became family throughout the years) that care as deeply for the people that dine with them and the food that serve us. It is World Class in every way. Ted“

“The best food in the world, the best martinis in the world world, the best, the best, the best, the best the best lemon drops ever“

“The best outdoor dining area in area. Atmosphere is number one food is number one people are number one. The experience here is just fantastic.“

“Our favorite family restaurant. The best in little Italy, hands down. we've been coming here for decades and it never disappoints. Angelo & his staff are top notch.“

“Amazing food and staff!!! They go above and beyond for their guests! Beautiful and elegant atmosphere!“

“I tried the Italian beef for the first time. Its delicious and huge. The bread looks like its homemade, some of the best I have ever had on a sandwich. I also ordered the onion rings and they were amazing. I want to come back and try the spicy sausage sandwich.“

“I ordered the spicy vodka pasta and it was delicious! My mom ordered the salad and that was also very good.“

“We always have an amazing time when we visit Stancatos! 😊 The atmosphere is welcoming and the staff are incredibly friendly, making sure we never have to wait long for anything. The restaurant has two different areas, which is really nice — you can enjoy a quiet, relaxed dinner with family or sit closer to the bar and have a fun time with friends. 🍝

The food is truly authentic Italian and always tastes fresh and full of flavor. I especially loved the warm fresh bread and the marinara sauce — it was absolutely delicious! 😋 My wife and I were really impressed with the beef Bolognese. It was unlike any Bolognese I’ve tried before — very unique and perfectly prepared.

And the dessert was the perfect ending to the meal! 🍰 Everything about the experience was wonderful, and we will definitely be coming back again. Highly recommend this place to anyone who loves great food and great service! ⭐“

“I've been going to this location for many years now, and I've never had a negative experience. Kind staff, quick service when possible, yet I've never felt rushed. Today, I went with some of my family and we had the privilege of being served by Andi! He was so nice, patient, and came back to our table to see how we were doing the perfect amount of times.“

“The red headed black male chef that served me today was condescending and rude. I was expecting great service since he was the chef and only two people in front of me. He was too busy correcting me on menu item names to make my order correctly. This location needs better service from the chef. No napkins and 2 forks left at the drink station that needs cleaning as well.

Went back 12/11 and had a wonderful experience with a different chef, Chef Geovanni. He was kind and efficient. I’ve updated my review based on that!“

“Went to Pepper’s for the first time and I have to say it was the best experience! From the service to the apps to the food to the drinks it was just phenomenal! Will absolutely be back!“

“Words cannot accurately explain how great our experience was tonight! I decided to celebrate my mom’s 78th birthday here due to the fact my mom loves Antonio’s pepperoni nuggets and she’s never been here before. We had 14 people in our party and Megan K. was an absolute rockstar! Everyone was so welcoming and gracious to my mom on her special day! Food was FANTASTIC!! Thank you all for a wonderful evening!“

“Great meatballs!!! Dini was wonderful. Fantasioso server!!!! 1st trip here. We will be back.“

“I can’t believe I’ve never been here. I got the homemade meatballs and gnocchi, it was absolutely delicious. My husband had the shrimp Alfredo which he loved. The bread and salad were yummy too. Great service and you can’t beat the price!“

“Visiting from Maryland, and read good reviews about Danspot. Glad we came. Dinner was fantastic. I had the Shrimp Piccatta, and my wife had Pipette pesto pasta with chicken. Both were outstanding. And our server Jake, was wonderful. Friendly and attentive. If you're in the area of the MGM Northfield, be sure to stop at Danspot. You will be glad you did.“