Cleveland's Little Italy

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A travel journal to Cleveland by jan&ray

Feast of the Assumption Photo - Feast of the Assumption, Cleveland, Ohio

Quote: Cleveland's Little Italy is one of its designated Historic Districts. While other ethnic neighborhoods have lost their their identities, this one has remained distinct from its surroundings.

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Cleveland's Little Italy

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Overview

Quote:

Located on Cleveland's East Side, Little Italy is bordered by University Hospitals, Case Western Reserve University, University Circle and Lakeview Cemetery. 'The Neighborhood' is now home to generations of Italian Americans, artists and students. All of Cleveland knows that this is a great place to eat (the pasta, sausage, cannoli and lemon ice are legendary), find interesting art or jewelry (galleries and studios are everywhere) buy a great cigar or just people watch. Quick Tips: Parking here is generally free, but it can be a hassle. Be prepared to walk a little or pay for valet parking at a fancier restaurant. Traffic moves slowly here, so allow a little extra time to pass through th...Read More

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Mama Santa Restaurant & Pizzeria

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Restaurant | "Mama Santa's Restaurant"

Quote:

When Clevelanders think of Little Italy, they invariably think of Mama Santa's Restaurant. You won't find this as an entry in a Mobil Guide or AAA TourBook, but this is clearly the Neighborhood's most popular restaurant. The clientele here ranges from families to college students to pre- and post-Cleveland Orchestra patrons. On weekends, the line to get a table can extend out the door. Mama Santa's consistently receives high marks in local readers' polls. What makes this place so popular? Good Sicilian-style pizza and pasta at low prices. No attempt is made to be gourmet here. The emphasis is on the basics. The pasta and sauce here are homemade. The thin crust pizza is one of Cl...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on August 28, 2000

Mama Santa Restaurant & Pizzeria
12305 Mayfield Road
Cleveland, Ohio 44106
(216) 231-9567

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Salvatore's Restaurant

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Restaurant | "Salvatore's Ristorante"

Quote:

It makes sense that Cleveland's best Italian restaurant would be found in Little Italy. Located off the main drag, at the corner of Murray Hill and Cornell, Salvatore's is the winner of the Northern Ohio Live Reader's Poll for Best Italian Restaurant for 2000. This is one of the Neighborhood's bistros, serving fine food in a upscale atmosphere. During the summer months, this small establishment expands its capacity by placing tables on the sidewalk for al fresco dining. Everything here is freshly prepared and has a gourmet touch. The menu is not classically Italian, but it is authentically Italian. We come here for special Italian meals. For starters, try the Calamari appetizer (th...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on August 30, 2000

Salvatore's Restaurant
2181 Murray Hill Road
Cleveland, Ohio 44106
+1 216 231 7670

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Feast of the Assumption

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Attraction | "The Feast of the Assumption"

Quote:

August 15th is the celebration of the Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. Little Italy has turned this religious Feast Day into a multi-day neighborhood celebration. Little Italy's main street, Mayfield, is closed to traffic from the top of the Hill (at the Cleveland Heights border) to the bottom (Euclid Avenue), creating Cleveland's largest street fair. Thousands come daily to enjoy the edibles and entertainment. Every imaginable kind of food is sold on the street. Pizza, pasta, meatballs, sausage sandwiches, mussels, lobster, fresh squeezed lemonade, tira misu, lemon ice and cannoli are sold from booths all along the Hill. While some restaurants close for the celebration, ...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on August 22, 2000

Feast of the Assumption
Mayfield Hill - Little Italy
Cleveland, Ohio

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Corbo's Dolceria

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Attraction

Quote:

Corbo's Dolceria is a true Italian Bakery. This small and unpretentious storefront, located at the corner of Mayfield and Murray Hill, satisfies Little Italy's sweet tooth.

Corbo's is best known for two things: cassata cake (a multilayered cake filled with custard and fresh strawberries) and lemon ice (like lemon sherbet, only icier). Buy these anywhere else in town and you are just buying an imitation. The display cases also contain a wide variety of cookies that could only come from an Italian oven. (My favorite is blond and covered with pine nuts.) Most are sold by the pound. The selection is especially good at Christmas time. Buy an assortment and find your own favorite!

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on August 30, 2000

Corbo's Dolceria
12200 Mayfield Road
Cleveland, Ohio 44106
+1 216 421 8181

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Mayfield Smoke Shop

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Attraction | "The Mayfield Smoke Shop"

Quote:

If you are a non-smoker (like me) do not be put off by the name of this little store. The Mayfield Smoke Shop is a place for smokers and non-smokers alike. Opened by proprietress Nicole Laurienzo (a third generation Little Italy resident), in 1997 to catch the cigar wave, this is a shop for smokers who appreciate the finest. The cases are filled with premium brand name cigars such as Partagas and Macanudos. The knowledgeable staff is happy to make recommendations to the uninitiated. Durning the Feast of the Asumption, Nicole brings in a cigar roller from Tampa. You can watch an expert hand roll cigars right at the store. Need a gift for a smoker? A wide variety of lighters, cutters...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on August 28, 2000

Mayfield Smoke Shop
12307 Mayfield Road
Cleveland, Ohio 44106
(216) 229-1588