🌿 Zhug | Cleveland's Boundary-Defying Flavor Sanctuary

Tucked inside the eclectic Cleveland HeiHei complex on the city's near west side, Zhug is a bold, unapologetically creative, and utterly transportive dining destination. This is not a restaurant bound by cuisine labels; it's an ever-evolving, ingredient-obsessed culinary adventure helmed by Chef Doug Katz, offering a constantly changing menu inspired by the vibrant spices, ferments, and cooking traditions of the Middle East, Mediterranean, and beyond. ✨ The Zhug Experience: The atmosphere is effortlessly cool and intimate—think warm wood, open kitchen, and the quiet buzz of diners discovering something new—creating a relaxed yet deeply engaging setting. The menu, named after the fiery Yemeni hot sauce, changes constantly based on what's seasonal and what inspires Chef Katz. Expect bold, shareable plates like house-made pita served with transformative spreads, perfectly blistered seasonal vegetables, expertly prepared fish with bright herbaceous sauces, and imaginative lamb and grain dishes. The fermentation program is exceptional, and the wine list is thoughtfully natural-leaning. It's a place designed for curiosity, for trusting the chef, and for experiencing Cleveland dining at its most inventive and soulful. 📝 Short Social Media Caption: “Cleveland, meet your new obsession. 🔥 Zhug at HeiHei is pure culinary creativity—bold flavors, incredible ferments, and dishes that keep you guessing. Chef Doug Katz is doing something truly special here. A must-visit. #Zhug #ClevelandEats #HeiHeiCLE #DougKatz #MiddleEasternFood #Fermentation #ClevelandRestaurants #OhioCity #ShareablePlates #CulinaryAdventure