Best Restaurants for Spicy Food in University Circle, Cleveland / Akron / Canton

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchMexican

Regions

AkronCantonClevelandYoungstown

Areas

AkronAuroraAvon / Avon LakeBathBeachwoodBrecksville

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeaway only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

100 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Michelson and Morley restaurant

1. Michelson and Morley

4.7

Exceptional(505)

$$$$

• American • University Circle

Booked 4 times today

An American-style bistro featuring a variety of locally source and seasonal small plates, flatbreads, sandwiches and entrees. Michelson and Morley is located inside CWRUs Tinkham Veale University Center.

A photo of Agostino's Bistro & Pub restaurant

2. Agostino's Bistro & Pub

4.2

Awesome(114)

$$$$

• Italian • University Circle

Booked 7 times today

The story began in Calabria, Italy, in the early 1950s. Chef Antonio Gallo traveled to Cleveland, Ohio, bringing his Italian culinary skills to the United States. In the 1980s, Antonio and his son Joe Gallo founded Agostino's Ristorante. For 23 years, Agostino's was rated the top Italian restaurant in Cleveland, known for its authentic Italian cuisine and dedication to tradition. With a focus on selecting the highest quality ingredients, Antonio's legendary sauce will be remembered for generations to come. Mangia!Be sure to check our website frequently for exciting news and updates. We change our menu often and are always offering new items and seasonal specialties.

3. Table 45

4.4

Awesome(1211)

$$$$

• American • Cleveland East

Booked 5 times today

Table 45 offers cutting-edge contemporary dining, emphasizing world cuisine, located in the heart of the city at the InterContinental Cleveland, only minutes from downtown, the Cleveland Clinic and University Circle. The menu features tastes from around the world and home, all created by our chefs from whole ingredients. You can enjoy watching our culinary team from the open kitchen area or elevate your dining experience by booking Table 45, our Chef's Table, directly in the kitchen with a full view of all the action. The warm and vibrant atmosphere will suit those dressed in jeans or couture. Table 45 promises to be unlike any other dining experience in the Midwest. The restaurant's existentialist decor will provide a backdrop for the main attraction, the culinary teams simple, yet exquisite, cuisine and the people who experience it.

4. Il Venetian

4.8

Exceptional(1318)

$$$$

• Italian • Downtown Cleveland

Booked 50 times today

Venetian Born Chef Alberto Leandri prepares flavors from home for Clevelanders at this upscale, modern Italian restaurant. The menu features handmade pastas, fresh fish and seafood, fine meats, and artisan pastries and gelato. Outside patio dining available. Voted top 100 hotel restaurants in the US by Open Table 2025- the only one in the state of Ohio. Located in the heart of downtown Cleveland with convenient valet parking.

5. Sora

4.6

Exceptional(695)

$$$$

• Sushi • Downtown Cleveland

Booked 13 times today

初志貫徹 · Our love letter to Asian culinary tradition: rooted in culture, community, and creativity.4X Silver Spoon WinnerSora is a deliberately thought out plan to bring an elevated sushi experience to the Midwest. Visit us on social @eatatsora for all updates to our menu and events!Sunday through Wednesday we offer a wide variety of sushi and hot-line items until 10pm but our bar will stay open later for guest to enjoy cocktails and the ambiance. Thursday, Friday and Saturday we offer our full menu from 4-11 and a limited "late-night" menu from 11-1 for anyone that is looking for a late bite.Our bar on the weekend is full service until 2am always offering great music, friendly staff and eclectic vibes. Annually a "Best Of" winner. Come and join us!

A photo of The Haunted House Restaurant restaurant

6. The Haunted House Restaurant

4.7

Exceptional(4484)

$$$$

• American • Cleveland Heights

Booked 20 times today

If you are into unique restaurant concepts and love horror movies. The Haunted House Restaurant in Cleveland Heights have created something for you.Senior Executive Chef: SuperChef Darnell FergusonSignature Dish: The Twilight

A photo of Batuqui - Larchmere restaurant

7. Batuqui - Larchmere

4.8

Exceptional(1045)

$$$$

• Brazilian • Shaker Square

Booked 22 times today

Described as "Brazil in Cleveland", Batuqui is in the heart of Cleveland, OH and emphasizes the cuisines of the Bahia and Minas Gerais states of Brazil. Set in a casual but appealing dining room, there is also a full bar with custom cocktails.The menu at Batuqui is full of exciting and unique choices and they are known for their authentically grilled top sirloin steak called Picanha. They offer appetizers like the Frango Passarinho which is fired chicken in a cilantro sauce or the Salgadinhos which are savory hand-rolled Brazilian bar snacks and entrees like the hearty traditional Brazilian party dish called Feijoada. They have fantastic salads and an array of intriguing Brazilian entrees. Choices include fish, vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options in addition to the grilled meats and Brazilian steaks that make Batuqui such an appealing spot. Love desserts? Their homemade chocolate bon bons called Brigadeiros or Coconut Butter Cake are amazing too!

8. Sunset Kitchen

3.5

Very Good(18)

$$$$

• American • University Circle

Booked 2 times today

Located in the heart of the prominent cultural hub of University Circle; where we're elated to call Case Western Reserve University, MOCA, Cleveland Orchestra and University Hospital our neighbors. Sunset Kitchen & Lounge promises an inclusive, safe, vibrant atmosphere coupled with crafted cocktails and exquisite foods. We look forward to hosting you soon for brunch, happy hour, dinner and any other celebratory occasion

A photo of The Centro- Cleveland restaurant

9. The Centro- Cleveland

4.3

Awesome(464)

$$$$

• Modern European • Downtown Cleveland

Booked 11 times today

The Centro, located inside the Metropolitan at the 9 Hotel, offers a delightful dining experience in the heart of Downtown Cleveland's Gateway District. Enjoy dinner before or drinks after a show at Playhouse Square or a ball game at the arena or stadium. As a stand-out destination, indulge in weekly brunch, daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Prepare for a culinary journey filled with tantalizing appetizers and mouthwatering main courses. From the rich flavors of Bone-In Filet Mignon, House-Made Lobster Raviolo, and delicate Chilean Sea Bass, these delicacies will ignite your taste buds. Pair your meal with a selection from Centro's extensive wine list, or sip on a handcrafted cocktail. Private space is available for an intimate dinner, meeting, or special event. Staying at the hotel is not necessary to indulge in this memorable dining experience. The Centro is a must-visit for food enthusiasts eager to experience the finest flavors Downtown Cleveland has to offer.

A photo of Fahrenheit - Cleveland restaurant

10. Fahrenheit - Cleveland

4.5

Awesome(3605)

$$$$

• Contemporary American • Downtown Cleveland

Booked 22 times today

Located in Downtown Cleveland, Chef Rocco Whalen's Fahrenheit is two spectacular stories of unforgettable flavors and gorgeous, sparkling interiors. This fresh new take on Cleveland’s beloved restaurant will blow you away. Fahrenheit is the perfect hotspot for the sharp dressed crowd and anyone looking for a culinary wonderland of mouthwatering mains, fresh shellfish towers, and innovative daily offerings. With unmatched views of downtown's action-filled city-center, the restaurant features luxurious furnishings and instagram-able scenes. Available for lunch and dinner, Rocco's cuisine will delight your senses with its Mediterranean and Asian accents and curated cocktails. Fahrenheit boasts a stunning bar, curved banquettes, scalloped ceiling, action-filled chef’s table, and a private dining room. Take the sweeping staircase and meet us on the second floor to elevate your night life with our exclusive rooftop menus and artistic energy. Become part of the buzzing new destination

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

A
Ashley
Cleveland / Akron / Canton •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Such a pretty restaurant with really good food. Would definitely go back!
More info
Sora$$$$• Sushi• Downtown Cleveland
•
4.6
OT
OpenTable Diner
Cleveland / Akron / Canton •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Bar Italia is always a great experience. It’s my favorite restaurant… food and drinks are delicious and the prices are really affordable.
More info
Bar Italia Lakewood, Ohio$$$$• Italian• Lakewood
•
4.8
K
Kaitlyn
Cleveland / Akron / Canton •1 review
5.0
Dined on 30 May 2026
This is the first time we went there. There was a very kind, knowledgeable sommelier that greeted us. Our waiter was able to ask any questions we had. The food runner instructed us how to get the best enjoyment out of our meal. Drink and wine were delicious we ordered the pear five spice and the spring blossom. We started with the variety dumpling platter and the China Hot wings. Nothing was too overpowering with spice, although we both enjoy spicy food. For the main course we ordered the Dan Dan noodles, lamb shank and tempura veggies. Everything was still light and delicious. We thought dinner was very affordable and worth the amount for what we received in ambience, service and food.
More info
Abundance Culinary$$$$• Chinese• Cleveland Heights
•
4.8
J
JaneGold
Cleveland / Akron / Canton •144 reviews
5.0
Dined on 22 Apr 2026
The server was excellent and food DELISH!!!!!!!!!!!!!
More info
Agave & Rye - Cleveland$$$$• Mexican• Downtown Cleveland
•
3.8

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