Best Date Night Restaurants in Downtown Cleveland / Playhouse Square

Very very nice restaurant The service was excellent…friendly efficient and server knowledgeable. Food delicious! The only comment I have is (and the server warned us) they are a steakhouse but my son ordered pasta and the serving was extremely small and not inexpensive. Would like to see larger portioned non-meat entrees on the menu.

We enjoyed our first experience at the Ghost Light Restaurant. Our server, Tekesha, was attentive, although it was obvious that she was overly busy. We had plenty of time before our show, so it was not an issue. The food was delicious and plentiful —I had the butternut squash soup and the fish and chips and it was so good. My companions had the short rib and the chicken and gnocchi and both loved their choices. I like the openness of the room and the absence of tvs—made for easy conversation and a more relaxed atmosphere. We will definitely include this restaurant in our pre-theater choices in the future.

Our visit to The Centro in Cleveland was nothing short of delightful! From the moment we stepped inside, we were captivated by the warm and glowing atmosphere and the kindness of the hosting staff. The venue is beautifully designed, integrating the past of the Cleveland Trust and the stylish decor of the present. The staff were incredibly friendly and attentive, ensuring that all of our needs were met. They even gave us a personalized menu to acknowledge us celebrating our anniversary! The menu at The Centro is impressive and made with local ingredients. We enjoyed the crispy polenta cubes appetizer. We both ordered from the house specialty section of the menu. My husband ordered the braised short ribs and I ordered the chicken parmesan with homemade pasta. Every bite was a testament to the culinary skills of the team. The drink menu was equally impressive, showcasing a variety of inventive cocktails, wine, and beer. My husband ordered a spicy concoction that was on their drink special list and I had the Black Manhattan made with Basil Hayden dark rye whiskey. I wish we had saved room for dessert because the selection was delectable!

Decent food but not outstanding. Service was very good and timing to get us to the show was great. I just think the food could be a bit better

I enjoyed an exceptional dining experience at a recommended restaurant; Fahrenheit... The decor, cuisine, and service were outstanding—I truly struck gold tonight! Here’s how it went. Fahrenheit opens with a small loaf of focaccia that sets the bar high: served warm, accompanied by honey, truffle oil, and olive oil subtly spiced with chili pepper flakes. Each bite of this rich, aromatic bread hints at the culinary creativity to come. When I requested fresh-squeezed lemonade, they delivered with a perfectly tart and refreshing glass—a gesture that signals the level of hospitality here. The best places always accommodate, and Fahrenheit makes it effortless. Their take on Mexican street corn? A reimagined soup, velvety like a corn chowder but brimming with depth. Corn, sour cream, shaved parmesan, bacon, and a medley of onions, cilantro, jalapeño, and spices—all come together in a luscious blend that’s as visually appealing as it is bold in flavor. For the main course, I opted for the Vietnamese Pork Chop. The meat was tender and flavorful, and when paired with the lemongrass fried rice and sautéed mango, the plate became a playground of textures and flavors, striking that perfect balance between complementary and contrasting. Imagine the thrill of fireworks on your taste buds. Despite a satisfying meal, the dessert menu was too tempting to ignore. I decided to linger, making space for the Sizzling Blueberry Cobbler. Served warm with a cornmeal cake biscuit, sweet blueberry compote, vanilla bean gelato, and a bourbon-brown sugar Chantilly, this dish crowned the meal in indulgent style. Garnished with edible flowers, it was almost too beautiful to eat—almost.