Guarino's Restaurant

Our Story

For over a century, Guarino's Restaurant has been a staple of Cleveland's Little Italy. Our story began in 1898 when Vincenzo Guarino arrived from Sicily and settled in Cleveland's "Little Italy" to live with relatives. With the money saved from working as a road worker, he purchased a building, which housed a poolroom/tavern with an apartment above. Vincenzo married Mary, a young lady from the neighborhood, in 1918. While he operated the poolroom and tavern, Mary prepared dinners in the back dining room for friends, neighbors, and the clientele of the business, thus starting a family tradition.

Early Years

The restaurant quickly gained popularity, attracting professors and musicians from local institutions, as well as prominent families of Cleveland. Vincenzo and Mary raised three children in the apartment above, with Vincenzo passing away in 1954 while traveling to visit relatives in Sicily. His son, Sam, took over the business after college and operated it for over thirty years, with his wife and children.

Expansion and Renovations

Sam remodeled the restaurant in the Victorian decor that it still reflects today in 1963. The "garden" was built for formal dining, and the trumpet vine brought from Sicily and planted by Vincenzo was still standing. The apartment was changed into private dining rooms, called the Victorian Parlors, which are decorated with antiques, china, and glassware purchased on trips around the East.

The Present

Today, Guarino's Restaurant continues to thrive, with the same family owning and operating it. The menu has remained true to its Italian heritage, with dishes like homemade pasta, sauteed shrimp, and eggplant parmesan. The patio, named to countless "best patio" lists for the city, is a hidden gem in the heart of Little Italy. Visitors can still come by and visit the owners' children, Rachel and Scott, and their oldest grandson, Scott Jr., who still take pride in serving Cleveland for over a century.

Our Menu

Guarino's offers a range of Italian-American dishes, including appetizers, soups, salads, and entrees. From our flavorful marinara sauce to our refreshing piccata, and our decades-old lasagna, the old recipes still speak volumes. Some dishes include:

• Appetizers: Antipasto, Gameberi Al' Guarino, sauteed sea scallops, prosciutto-stuffed olives, and fried mozzarella with marinara.
• Soups and Salads: Italian Wedding Soup, House Salad with homemade Italian dressing, Caprese with fresh mozzarella cheese and basil puree drizzle, Caesar Salad with house croutons and hard-boiled egg, and Artichoke and Eggplant Salad.
• House Favorites: Ravioli with meat or cheese filling, lasagna, manicotti, and eggplant parmesan.

Private Events and Catering

Guarino's Restaurant is also an ideal location for private events and catering. With our private dining rooms, Victorian Parlors, and beautiful patio, we can accommodate events of all sizes. Our experienced staff will work with you to create a customized menu and event plan to make your special occasion unforgettable.