Bar Italia Lakewood — Restaurant in Lakewood

We felt racially profiled. We walked in at 3:30 on Saturday with 11+ tables opened. We were asked if we had a reservation. We didn't... when asked how long the wait would be, the hostess stated that we couldn't wait because all the reservations were taken. We went on OpenTable and every time slot was open in 15 minute increments. So we booked the reservation. Went back inside and said we have a reservation now. The hostess said she would have to check with the manager first. She came back and said the manager said it was ok only because someone else canceled and we were seated. But we could hear him rudely say fine... let them in. She only said that someone cancled to not look stupid. Not even 5 minutes later another group of 5 ppl walked in and they were seated without issue. I happened to be by the bar and asked one of the guys that just came in if they had a reservation and they said no. So what am I missing? At the end of our meal we tipped our waitress over 20% because we respect the food industry and she was really sweet. We explained to her what happened earlier, she stated that it's a common issue and that the hostesses are being directed by the manager to control atmosphere. 🤔 What am I missing? I am a business owner and I understand the impact reviews can leave, but what else am I suppose to think is going on? If they would of said hey we have 15-30 min wait ok I understand. But we weren't allowed to wait, reservation only. We were a party of 4, neatly dressed but a party of 5 with no reservation walks in with zero problem? We never raised our voice ,were polite and respectful. My husband is a Marine and he does not deserve to feel profiled. If your curious we are Latino but it shouldn't matter. The 7 tables or so that were seated were all white. I lived in lakewood for 7 years and never had an encounter like this. It's been bothering me all week which is why I waited til now to...

Maybe it’s not, but this place is SO underrated. In CLE, little Italy gets all the fanfare from the suburbs, but those who know, KNOW that bar Italia is a small elegant and approachable restaurant.

Indoor and summer outdoor seating, a large display bar, and 1/2 display kitchen make this place an interesting place to dine.

Should you prefer, the interior layout lends itself well to an intimate dinner for two, or an entertaining people watching session over drinks. You’ll feel at ease in either case.

The menu is an agreeable classic menu. It’s well suited to the couple on a special date, the friends on that weekly meetup, or the small group for a celebration dinner. You could make a strong case here for drinks after work as well.

Drinks are worth driving for. Best Paloma I’ve had in CLE, five stars, not even close. Also on THAT list are certain other downtown neighborhood upscale seafood restaurants, which shall go nameless here, but left us missing the Bar Italia Paloma for her and the Negroni for me.

Food, this is my favorite lasagna in Cleveland. I went off course and ordered the Lemon Chicken Primavera priced at $18. I’ve found a new favorite dish. The lady ordered a Garganelli Diavolo with Shrimp priced at $19. It’s a spicy, but definitely high on quality, flavor complexity, and overall taste.

Also, get the bread with Whipped Ricotta. 5/5 this is a great way to start off the evening.

No pictures this time, go see for yourself, trust me...

Sometimes you get blown away about a new restaurant you try. We were blown away in all aspects. atmosphere! safety! service - A1 and the food....sigh. the food was amazing. choosing from the menu was hard. I knew I wanted more than I could handle and had to dial it back. Our server recommended the shrimp scampi appetizer. This was large enough that I didn’t get a meal. from the menu - SHRIMP “AQUA PAZZA” SCAMPI charred tomato in a spicy “crazy water” reggiano, calabrian peppers, grilled country bread. I finished it and immediate wanted to order it again. My wife got the GARGANELLI #pasta with SUNDAY SAUCE (GF) our marinara sauce, short rib, sausage, veal. it was piping hot and sumptuous. the sauce and the pasta were on point. large portions. Two drinks were ordered only because after the first which was really well constructioned - ITALIAN SUNSET amaretto disaronno, orange juice, soda, luxardo cherry juice we saw the Melon Bellini. boom Drink Envy! MELON BELLINI midori, prosecco, orange juice, peach puree. By far a highlight!! for dessert and I am glad I saved room and my wife didn’t. SPUMONI chocolate, black cherry, pistachio ice cream, starlino cherry sauce. The picture of the dessert doesn’t do it justice. please make reservations and please try this...