Maxi's Bistro — Restaurant in Cleveland

Maxi's Bistro in Little Italy, Cleveland, is a true gastronomical haven for Italian cuisine aficionados. Every dish seems to carry the soul and richness of traditional Italian cooking, served with a flair that only Maxi's can offer.

Starting with the appetizers, the Calamari at Maxi's is a showstopper. Expertly fried to a crispy golden hue, it's neither rubbery nor oily. Each bite reveals tender squid encased in a crunchy shell, served with a side of zesty marinara sauce that adds a delightful tang to the dish.

The Bruschetta Classico is an experience to savor. It showcases perfectly toasted bread, robust with the flavors of garlic, which is then topped with a refreshing mix of tomatoes, basil, and olive oil. It's a harmony of textures and flavors that sets the tone for the culinary journey ahead.

The star of the show, however, is the Lobster Ravioli. It's a plate of tender pasta pillows filled with a rich lobster mixture, bathed in a creamy and subtly seasoned sauce. Every bite of this dish is a celebration of flavor, with the seafood's inherent sweetness perfectly complemented by the savory richness of the sauce.

No meal at Maxi's is complete without their desserts. The Cannoli and Tiramisu are the epitome of classic Italian sweets. The Cannoli is impeccably crispy with a slightly sweet, creamy ricotta filling, while the Tiramisu is a symphony of espresso-soaked ladyfingers, creamy mascarpone, and a dusting of cocoa that leaves you craving for more.

What makes the dessert experience even more enjoyable is their fantastic Cappuccino. With its smooth texture, rich flavor, and the perfect ratio of espresso to milk, it pairs wonderfully with the desserts, enhancing their sweetness and providing a well-rounded end to your meal.

However, the parking situation at Maxi's leaves something to be desired. Parking, especially during dinner hours, can be difficult to find and costly, adding a layer of stress to an otherwise enjoyable culinary experience. Maxi's Bistro is nestled in a bustling part of Little Italy, and while this lends a vibrant atmosphere, it does make parking a challenge.

In conclusion, Maxi's Bistro is an Italian cuisine gem, delivering on flavor, authenticity, and some of the best Cappuccino in town. However, the parking scenario can dampen the overall dining experience. Even with the parking troubles, the quality of the food and drinks makes Maxi's a worthy spot for an Italian...

Absolutely worst possible service I've ever experienced. We booked the Maxi’s Banquet room for our wedding rehearsal dinner. Excited to show off Little Italy to our wedding guests, we chose Maxi’s because they offered us private banquet room for our group of 25 out of town guests.

We worked with the restaurant manager, Fatian, 8 months in advance to book the space and select a customized menu well in advance. When we arrived, the hostess told us the room was not ready- they had booked another rehearsal dinner in the banquet room just before ours. They said the other group was “wrapping up” and asked us to wait a few minutes.

So, there we were….25 of us, all dressed up for a rehearsal dinner, standing on the curb of Maxi’s in Little Italy crowded around the little hostess stand. After 20 minutes of waiting, we were anxious. After 30 minutes, we were frustrated. After 50 minutes of waiting for a banquet room we booked well in advance, and when the restaurant manager finally came to even acknowledge us, he asked us to “wait just a little longer”. He was completely clueless. Fed up and frustrated, not just because we were already waiting nearly an hour, but also because the other party wasn't even done with their dinner yet. Clearly, we weren't getting into the banquet room any time soon and yet Fatian kept asking us to "just wait".

Luckily, we were able to take our 25 guests across the street to Gusto! Ristorante Italian where they took us in, sat us, and make a delicious meal in no time. The Accordian even played for us to provide upbeat entertainment.

Huge thank you to Gusto for saving the day, and a huge disappointment in Maxi’s and their incredibly slow and completely not...

While in town for our son’s wedding shower, our gracious hosts posed a deceptively simple question: What kind of food do you like? As any true food lover knows, that’s a loaded inquiry. We offered up “Italian” as a favorite, and without hesitation, they ushered us to the heart of the city’s Little Italy district—an enclave so charming I couldn’t help but wonder why Minnesota doesn’t boast a neighborhood like this of its own.

Our destination: Maxi’s, a beloved local institution known for its generous menu and warm, familial energy. Thanks to a bit of insider magic—our host Don’s nephew secured us a prime table—we were seated in the rear terrace. Despite the midday heat (a sweltering 85 degrees), the patio was astonishingly comfortable thanks to their discreet but effective air conditioning system. It was a thoughtful detail that set the tone for the rest of the experience.

The menu at Maxi’s is sprawling but curated with care—classic Italian comfort dishes alongside a few modern interpretations. Service was attentive without being intrusive, striking that delicate balance between hospitality and ease.

In short, Maxi’s delivered everything one hopes for in a neighborhood Italian spot: flavorful food, genuine warmth, and an atmosphere that makes you want to linger just a little longer. We’ll gladly return—next time with more room in our schedule, and perhaps our...