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From pierogis to perch, Cleveland has perfected these 20 foods that define the city’s flavor.
Cleveland’s food scene tells the story of its people. Immigrants from Eastern Europe, Italy, Greece, and beyond brought recipes that became hometown staples.
Over generations, those dishes transformed into something uniquely Cleveland. The city doesn’t just copy flavors from elsewhere — it reimagines them, perfects them, and makes them central to everyday life.
Whether it’s pierogis at a church festival, corned beef stacked sky-high at a downtown deli, or perch pulled fresh from Lake Erie, these foods carry tradition and pride.
Here are 20 dishes that Cleveland has truly made its own.
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20 Foods Perfected by Cleveland That Locals Swear By was originally published on newstalkcleveland.com
1. Pierogis
Church festivals and diners serve them best. No city outside Eastern Europe makes them quite like Cleveland.
20 Foods Perfected by Cleveland That Locals Swear By was originally published on newstalkcleveland.com
2. Polish Boys
Sausage, fries, coleslaw, and BBQ sauce. A messy, delicious creation born here.
20 Foods Perfected by Cleveland That Locals Swear By was originally published on newstalkcleveland.com
3. Corned Beef Sandwiches
Slyman’s piles meat so high it makes New York delis jealous.
20 Foods Perfected by Cleveland That Locals Swear By was originally published on newstalkcleveland.com
4. City Chicken
Made with pork, not chicken, and fried golden. A local favorite.
20 Foods Perfected by Cleveland That Locals Swear By was originally published on newstalkcleveland.com
5. Lake Erie Perch Sandwiches
Crispy, flaky, and especially loved during Friday fish fries.
20 Foods Perfected by Cleveland That Locals Swear By was originally published on newstalkcleveland.com
6. Kielbasa
Neighborhood butchers perfect it with unique spice blends.
20 Foods Perfected by Cleveland That Locals Swear By was originally published on newstalkcleveland.com
7. Paczki
Cleveland bakeries go big every Fat Tuesday with stuffed doughnuts.
20 Foods Perfected by Cleveland That Locals Swear By was originally published on newstalkcleveland.com
8. Cassata Cake
Layers of sponge, cream, and strawberries perfected by Little Italy bakeries.
20 Foods Perfected by Cleveland That Locals Swear By was originally published on newstalkcleveland.com
9. Pizza Bagels
Yes, they were invented here. Bagel shops still claim them proudly.
20 Foods Perfected by Cleveland That Locals Swear By was originally published on newstalkcleveland.com
10. Eastern European Soups
Stuffed cabbage soup and borscht remain Cleveland staples.
20 Foods Perfected by Cleveland That Locals Swear By was originally published on newstalkcleveland.com
11. Buckeyes
Homemade versions shine in local candy shops.
20 Foods Perfected by Cleveland That Locals Swear By was originally published on newstalkcleveland.com
12. Gyros
Greek diners keep them authentic and packed with flavor.
20 Foods Perfected by Cleveland That Locals Swear By was originally published on newstalkcleveland.com
13. Walleye Dinners
Lake Erie’s signature fish shows up fried, grilled, or blackened.
20 Foods Perfected by Cleveland That Locals Swear By was originally published on newstalkcleveland.com
14. Polenta
Italian families made it Cleveland comfort food.
20 Foods Perfected by Cleveland That Locals Swear By was originally published on newstalkcleveland.com
15. Haluski
Noodles, cabbage, and butter. Simple, yet perfected here.
20 Foods Perfected by Cleveland That Locals Swear By was originally published on newstalkcleveland.com
16. Potato Pancakes
Eastern European heritage keeps them on diner menus.
20 Foods Perfected by Cleveland That Locals Swear By was originally published on newstalkcleveland.com
17. Apple Fritters
Fall farmers markets crown these fried treats a local classic.
20 Foods Perfected by Cleveland That Locals Swear By was originally published on newstalkcleveland.com
18. Stadium Mustard
This tangy brown mustard is Cleveland’s signature ballpark flavor.
20 Foods Perfected by Cleveland That Locals Swear By was originally published on newstalkcleveland.com
19. Smoked Meats
Cleveland pitmasters put their mark on ribs and brisket.
20 Foods Perfected by Cleveland That Locals Swear By was originally published on newstalkcleveland.com
20. Schnitzel
German kitchens turned it crispy perfection in local taverns.
20 Foods Perfected by Cleveland That Locals Swear By was originally published on newstalkcleveland.com
