Lunch doesn't always get enough attention. This midday meal can be a great opportunity to take a break from work, converse with friends, and try some new cuisines. If you're in the mood to focus more on lunch, the perfect opportunity is just days away. April 13 is National Make Lunch Count Day, and we recommend celebrating at one of these top-notch Northeast Ohio restaurants.
1400 W. 6th St., Cleveland, OH 44113
Taza Lebanese Grill is a wonderful place to stop for lunch in downtown Cleveland. The word "Taza" means fresh, and indeed, this restaurant uses the freshest ingredients. They even make their pita bread in-house, using their traditional Lebanese stone oven.
The rolled pitas are a popular lunch option at Taza. Choose from lamb, kabob, Kafka, and falafel fillings. On a chilly spring day, you may want to pair your pita with a bowl of lentil soup. If you're in the mood for something lighter, the Taza Chicken Salad is a wise choice. Featuring dates, red grapes, and roasted pine nuts, it comes tossed in an incredible cilantro-mango dressing.
777 Starkweather Ave., Cleveland, OH 44113
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Lucky's Cafe has won awards for their brunch, but they're a great place to stop for lunch, too. They source their ingredients from local Ohio farms whenever possible, and they make all of their bread and pastries by hand.
One of the top items on Lucky Cafe's lunch menu is the Mac-N-Cheese. Made with cheddar, brie, and parmesan, it's both gooey and flavorful. Guests also love the Curried Chicken Salad Sandwich and the Triple B Salad, made with beets, blue cheese, and bacon.
13228 Shaker Square, Cleveland, OH 44120
Whether you follow a plant-based diet or are just trying to eat more healthy foods, The Vegan Club is a lovely place to enjoy a delicious lunch in Cleveland. They only serve 100% plant-based items in-house and offer many gluten-free and nut-free dishes.
Start your lunch with an appetizer to share. The Okra Fries are delicious and come with a cilantro-lime dipping sauce. As your main course, you may want to try the Oyster Mushroom Po'Boy or the BLT—made with vegan bacon, of course. And for dessert, you can't go wrong with a Berry Apple Strudel or Apple Tart.
23 S. Main St., Akron, OH 44308
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Chameleon Cafe is a simple, welcoming, locally-owned staple in Akron, Ohio. Their menu is brimming with delicious lunch options to please all palates. The Powerbowls, which are loaded with kale, quinoa, and your choice of protein, are fantastic. Guests especially love the Korean BBQ Chicken Powerbowl. For something lighter, you may want to try the Chicken Caprese or Harvest Salad.
Chameleon Cafe also offers a selection of creative grilled cheese sandwiches, wraps, and toasted croissants. They're open Monday-Friday until 4 pm, making them a great place to stop for a workday lunch.
105 N. Main St., Akron, OH 44308
If you're in the mood for Italian food, then Luigi's Restaurant can't be beat for lunch. They open at 11 am Monday-Friday. You'll find all of the Italian favorites on the menu, including pizzas, pasta, and salads. Their Pizza Bianco, a white pizza made with cheese, garlic, and onions, is a fan favorite. You also can't go wrong with the Italian Sub.
Luigi's has several lunch specials, which they serve until 3 pm. With options like homemade lasagne and basked rigatoni, you may want to order a second portion to take home.
326 S. Main St. #1204, Akron, OH 44308
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Cilantro was voted to have Akron's Best Thai & Asian Food in 2020. The restaurant has a fresh, modern vibe and a dedicated lunch menu. Start with an appetizer to share, such as the Chicken Satay or Cilantro Crab Cakes. For your entree, the Pad Thai is a classic choice. Guests also love the Singapore Noodles, which are flavored with curry powder.
Make sure you save room for dessert when you dine at Cilantro. Their F.B.I, which stands for Fried Banana & Ice Cream, is an incredible way to end your lunch. They also serve Mango Sticky Rice when mangoes are in-season.
4223 Tuscarawas St. W., Canton, OH 44708
Pete's is a classic American restaurant offering favorites like burgers, club sandwiches, and wraps. The casual, family-friendly atmosphere will make you feel welcome and comforted. Some of the top items to try here include the House Burger, which comes topped with grilled onions, peppers, and mozzarella cheese. The Pot Roast Sandwich is also delicious.
Pete's has a kids' menu, and they also serve breakfast all day. So if you're in the mood for pancakes or French toast at 1 pm, this is the place to go.
6113 Whipple Ave. NW, North Canton, OH 44720
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Table Six Kitchen + Bar is a modern gastropub serving unique interpretations of American comfort food dishes. The atmosphere is casual but classy. This would be a great place for a business lunch.
Table Six has a whole street food section of their menu. The Glorious Shrimp Tacos, made with jalapenos and pineapple mango salsa, are an incredible choice. You can't go wrong with the Chicken Tacos either. For larger appetites, the Famous Chicken & Waffles make a great lunch. The chicken is hand-breaded, fried to perfection, and served over fluffy waffles with butter and bourbon maple syrup.
816 Harrison Ave. SW, Canton, OH 44706
Athens Restaurant is a traditional Greek restaurant offering a delicious selection of sandwiches, salads, and wraps. Guests love their gyro platters, which come with tender pita bread and plenty of feta cheese. The Grilled Chicken Wrap is another good choice if you're looking for something lighter. Athens Restaurant also has a kids' menu with appealing options like grilled cheese and spaghetti.
Don't leave this lunch spot without trying the baklava, even if you take it home for later. It's tender, flaky, and oozing with sweet honey sauce.
What will you order on National Make Lunch Count Day?
Photo courtesy of Arthur's Cafe
For one of the best burgers in Cincinnati, you have to check out Arthur's Cafe. This casual and laid-back spot is the perfect place to grab a bite to eat on your lunch break — or pretty much any other time! They have a great selection of local craft beers on tap, as well as some carefully crafted cocktails. We recommend the delicious black bean burger with a side of Arthur's homemade pink salsa!Photo courtesy of Thunderdome Restaurant Group via The Eagle Food & Beer Hall
The Eagle Food & Beer Hall serves up some truly mouth-watering dishes. Their all natural chicken is fried to perfection and served with their signature housemade hot honey. Make your meal even better with some of their southern sides like mac & cheese, collard greens or spoonbread. If you're in the mood for something a bit healthier, they also offer delicious salads topped with unique ingredients like green beans, frisee and figs!Photo courtesy of Sleepy Bee Cafe
If you're looking for traditional comfort food made with locally sourced ingredients, you have to try Sleepy Bee Cafe. They are open for breakfast and lunch every day and offer a wide variety of seasonal dishes along with some vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options. We recommend their Moroccan Chicken Salad, which is dairy-free and oh-so-delicious.Photo courtesy of Hangover Easy
Hangover Easy is a diner that features playful twists on classic dishes. Whether you're looking to cure a hangover, keep the party going, or have a productive lunch date with a coworker, Hangover Easy is here to help. They serve delicious breakfast classics all day, as well as carefully crafted sandwiches and salads.Photo courtesy of Camp Washington Chili
Chili is sacred in Cincinnati and restaurants are constantly vying for the title "Best Chili in Cincinnati". In our opinion, Camp Washington Chili may actually hold it! For 24 hours a day, six days a week, Camp Washington Chili is serving up their famous "5 Way" full of all natural ingredients and a whole lot of love.