Astoria Cafe & Market — Restaurant in Cleveland

Astoria Cafe & Market 🔥

Last night we took Den's father Glenn and his wife Karen out to this absolutely fantastic space! It was a perfect Cleveland evening to sit on their patio, which is large and not cramped at all! It creates a romantic feel with its ivory covered neighbor building and string lights hanging throughout! It's also pupper friendly and we got to see a few floofs during dinner! 🐕‍🦺🐾

Our reservation was at 6p and we were sat immediately. They seem to get busy closer to 8p so keep that in mind! There is the host stand at the patio entrance and inside, where the other portion of the dining room is along with their market store, where you can purchase amazing cheeses, wines, and other delicious foods! 🤤

We started off with one of their cheese boards, These Are A Few Of Our Favorite Things. They offer both meat and non-meat boards so that the whole table is happy! Our cheeseboard contained not only amazingly rich cheeses but also spicy sweet mini peppers, strawberry rhubarb jam, golden raisins, plump sunflower seeds, and cashews! We also ordered Saganaki, which is kasseri cheese, pan seared and served with crostini. They also give each table complimentary more crostini and olive oil with cracked pepper! 🌶️

While the rest of the table enjoyed only fresh Lake Erie Cocktails, we opted for the non-alcoholic menu! Our minds were BLOWN when we saw they offered CBD beverages (the non-addictive part of hemp). At only $4 each (for dine-in or take home), they were so light, crisp, and refreshing! 🍹

Our entrees were honestly nothing short of amazing! They even have kids chicken and potatoes, which Grayson said was "AH-MAZING." They also offer a wide variety of pizza, which is a safe option for the littles as well!

Glenn opted for a pizza, the simple yet delicious pepperoni with red sauce! Den said their could have been a little more sauce on it but overall Glenn and Den enjoyed this pizza!

Karen decided on the Dolmades, or grape leaves. Y'all know those are my fave! Karen said they were good but was full of our apps that she couldn't eat more than one of them due to their larger-than-average size! I tried one as well and these are served cold! These were not my favorite grape leaves but they are a great vegetarian option!

Den went for the Octopus 🐙 and WOW was it delicious. It does not have a fishy taste and we were delightfully surprised on a slight grill flavor (they also do grilled watermelon?!). It's presentation was as lovely as the taste! Grayson even tried it, which surprised the whole table! He didn't care for it, but we're proud he tried! 💕

Being a seafood lover, I chose the Sea Scallops and Crab. The Crab came in form of a dill-crab salad served chilled with 2 plump and delicious scallops! These scallops were perfectly sauteed and were tender and buttery 😍 it came with a delicious creamy polenta as well chef's kiss

Did we even have room for dessert after this fantastic mean? We absolutely did!

Glenn and Karen decided to order the Portokalopita, which is a blood orange cake. The flavor was fantastic, although Karen and I agreed it was crumbly and kind of awkward to eat (crumbs found their way into my lap).

Den, Grayson, and I split the Mocha Pot de Créme, which was a mousse-like chocolate topped with fresh whipped cream and crushed toasted macadamia nuts. WOW! It was so rich and the absolute perfect ending to this entire meal.

Thank you Astoria for this incredible meal! Our overall rating is a 10/10! The whole family was happy with all of the options and the fully flavorful food we all enjoyed! We'll be back 👏🏽

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Astoria Cafe & Market is a vibrant culinary gem that brings the flavors of the Mediterranean to life in a warm and inviting setting. Located in a bustling area, this café and market is known for its diverse menu and high-quality ingredients, making it a popular destination for food lovers seeking an authentic Mediterranean experience.

One of the standout dishes at Astoria is the grilled octopus. Expertly prepared, the octopus is tender and flavorful, grilled to perfection with a slight char that enhances its natural sweetness. It’s often served with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, making it a delightful starter that is both elegant and satisfying.

The charcuterie boards are another highlight, beautifully arranged with a selection of cured meats, artisanal cheeses, and house-made spreads. This is a perfect option for sharing and pairs wonderfully with a glass of wine. The combination of flavors and textures creates a delightful tasting experience, allowing guests to enjoy a variety of Mediterranean delicacies in one dish.

For mains, the lamb dishes at Astoria are not to be missed. Whether you opt for the lamb gyro or the grilled lamb chops, you’ll be treated to succulent, marinated meat that’s full of flavor. The lamb is expertly seasoned and cooked to the desired level of doneness, served alongside fresh vegetables and aromatic sauces that elevate the dish to new heights.

The seafood offerings are equally impressive, showcasing a variety of fresh, flavorful options. The seafood paella is a crowd favorite, featuring a vibrant mix of shrimp, mussels, and calamari, all cooked in a saffron-infused rice that absorbs all the rich flavors. It’s a hearty dish that transports you straight to the Mediterranean coast with every bite.

Additionally, the café offers a variety of fresh salads that complement the main dishes beautifully. The Mediterranean salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives is refreshing and pairs well with the richer lamb and seafood options.

Astoria’s ambiance is casual yet sophisticated, making it an ideal spot for any occasion—from a relaxed lunch to a festive dinner with friends and family. The staff is friendly and attentive, always ready to provide recommendations or share insights about the dishes.

Overall, Astoria Cafe & Market offers a delightful journey through Mediterranean cuisine, featuring standout dishes like grilled octopus, charcuterie boards, succulent lamb, and fresh seafood. Whether you're dining in or grabbing ingredients from their market, you’re sure to leave with a satisfied palate and a desire to return for more...

My recent dining experience at Astoria Cafe was nothing short of exceptional. Nestled in the heart of a bustling city, this Mediterranean gem offers a menu that's truly a culinary adventure. The first course set the tone for the evening as we indulged in a magnificent cheese board. The selection of cheeses was truly remarkable, showcasing a range of flavors and textures that delighted the palate. It was a fantastic way to start the meal, and it left us excited for what was to come.

For the main course, I decided to try the Ratatouille, and it turned out to be an excellent choice. The dish was a culinary masterpiece, with rich and complex flavors that danced on the taste buds. The texture was perfect, and it was incredibly filling, making it a hearty and satisfying option. It was a pleasant surprise to see how Astoria Cafe caters to vegetarians and vegans with such a variety of delectable dishes on the menu. It's evident that they put a lot of thought into creating options that cater to different dietary preferences.

As if the exceptional food wasn't enough, Astoria Cafe offers more to enhance the overall experience. The on-site market is a treasure trove of products and drinks, perfect for taking a piece of the experience home or as thoughtful gifts. This added dimension makes the visit even more memorable.

While the food, atmosphere, and service were top-notch, it's worth noting that Astoria Cafe leans toward the pricier side. However, the quality of the dining experience and the remarkable food justifies the cost. The ambiance was wonderful, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The servers were attentive and knowledgeable, enhancing the overall dining experience.

In conclusion, Astoria Cafe is a Mediterranean haven for food enthusiasts. From the exquisite cheese board to the delightful Ratatouille and the extensive vegetarian and vegan options, this restaurant offers a memorable culinary journey. Although it may be a bit on the expensive side, the exceptional food, inviting atmosphere, and attentive service make it well worth the visit. Whether you're looking for a special night out or simply want to savor the flavors of the Mediterranean, Astoria Cafe is...