CELEBRITY
Where do you think is the best spot in Cleveland for a dinner date… well, at least one that would live up to Taylor and Travis’s standards? Here are the 13 GREAT restaurants Travis Kelce needs to take Taylor Swift to on a date in Cleveland
Travis Kelce may play for the Kansas City Chiefs, but his Cleveland roots make him a hometown gem to folks in Northeast Ohio.
Kelce has swiftly become a household name thanks to his recent relationship with pop star Taylor Swift. The two dominate the tabloids and beyond, whether they’re at a concert, NFL game or relaxing on a night off.
Kelce recently surprised Cleveland by swinging by Geraci’s Slice Shop during a quick visit to town. He wasn’t joined by his A-list girlfriend, but it seems like only a matter of time before he brings her home for a visit.
To help encourage Kelce to bring Swift to Cleveland, we came up with 13 restaurants, bars and cafes he needs to take her on a date when in town. It will show her some of the best (and tastiest) offerings that the city has to offer.
Marble Room
Marble Room Steaks and Raw Bar is about as upscale as it gets in Cleveland. It has private dining spaces, such as its exclusive The Vault experience. The menu features classic caviar service, prime cuts of steak and a robust sushi menu, for the pop star that often frequents the world’s best sushi establishments.
Sora
Speaking of sushi, Sora is a downtown spot with an exclusive aesthetic that makes it feel like it belongs in a city like Las Vegas. It’s another restaurant with private dining, but we recommend Sora for Swift for its omakase offering. The omakase private dining experience must be booked in advance so that the tasting menu can be carefully curated bites that are unlike any other rolls in the city.
Cordelia
For Swift to get a real taste of Midwest flavor with a refined edge, Cordelia is the only answer. The East 4th Street restaurant already had a lot of buzz in the foodie world that’s only been recently amped due to Chef Vinnie Cimino making it as a finalist for the James Beard Awards. It’s truly the perfect place for Swift to learn key elements of Northeast Ohio cuisine, like what jojos are.
Geraci’s Slice Shop
603 Prospect Ave. E., Cleveland
It’s only right for Swift to visit her boyfriend’s favorite hometown pizza shop. Kelce recently stopped by Geraci’s Slice Shop downtown for a quick slice to-go. It seems like only a matter of time until he brings Swift along so she can see what the hype is about.
AffoGATO Cat Cafe
761 Starkweather Ave., Cleveland
Swift is known as a lover of both cats and coffee, so it’s only right for her boyfriend to take her to AffoGATO Cat Cafe. She could try out coffee, dubbed “Pawfee” drinks like the Fra-Purr-Ccino or a Catpawccino while hanging out with Cleveland’s coolest cats.
Casa La Luna
2100 Superior Viaduct, Cleveland
Luca Italian Cuisine, recently renamed Casa La Luna, is an ideal romantic date night for any couple, even the international It couple. It has all of the old-school Italian charm with food that tastes like it was made by someone’s Nonna. Outdoor dining at the year-round patio is a must so Swift can take in a picturesque view of the Cuyahoga River.
Jade Steak and Sushi
1048 Old River Rd., Cleveland
Jade is another optimal sushi spot that could allow Swift to check out the Flats district. Jade has a second-floor private dining space that’s chic enough for Swift with exceptional city views. The menu features posh bites like crispy lobster tacos and truffle fries.
Rowley Inn
1104 Rowley Ave., Cleveland
It’s only fitting for Kelce to take Swift by the famous “Christmas Story” house during a full tour of Cleveland. While they’re in the neighborhood, Swift can get a classic neighborhood bar experience at Rowley Inn. Sure, it might not be a five-star steakhouse or sushi bar, but Rowley Inn’s menu never misses. Plus, the pop star needs to try Cleveland culinary classics like pierogi and corned beef during her visit.
Ginko
2247 Professor Ave., Cleveland
A sushi option outside of downtown for Swift is Dante Boccuzzi’s Ginko in Tremont. It has a cozy lounge vibe where Swift and Kelce could remain lowkey. Ginko also offers an omakase tasting for them to indulge in during date night.
Brewnuts
6501 Detroit Ave., Cleveland
Swift is an avid baker so she can appreciate a sweet treat. Brewnuts would be a great dessert stop for Kelce to take her for one of the most unique donuts in town. The shop in Gordon Square celebrated Swift’s birthday last year with themed donuts and drinks, so they would undoubtedly make something special for her visit.
Il Venetian
100 St. Clair NE., Cleveland
Another sophisticated date-night spot for Italian food, which seems to be another favorite cuisine for Swift, is Il Venetian. The restaurant has two private dining spaces, valet parking and a romantic ambiance. Standout menu items include Waygu beef carpaccio or Chef Alberto’s Pasta Trio for two.
Zhug
12413 Cedar Rd., Cleveland
Located right in Kelce’s hometown of Cleveland Heights is Zhug, one of Doug Katz’s must-try restaurants in Cleveland. The menu filled with Mediterranean sharable plates is a fresh and interesting take for anyone, even a pop star who has eaten all over the globe. It’s the kind of place Swift would likely be surprised to find in Cleveland until she starts getting better acquainted with the food scene.