What’s the secret to a successful dining experience?
First, it’s a meal you don’t have to cook. Then there’s the appeal of going somewhere (or ordering in if you so choose), whether a past favorite or, for the adventurous, a new gustatory experience.
Last year The Blade visited or revisited 51 restaurants in the greater Toledo area, with a goal of giving our readers insight into quality of food, ambiance and consumer value.
It’s worth noting that how we define a restaurant has changed over the decades, and intensified during the pandemic. Not all restaurants are sit-down affairs. Food trucks were seemingly ubiquitous in 2021, often luring those who needed a little more distance in their dining experience.
This week we recap the eateries that earned four stars or above from our reviewers last year. Many are newer places while others are well established. All rated high on our scale of value for your dollar. While perfection is the brass ring just beyond reach, these dining experiences can closer than most.
As always, check ahead before venturing out. The continued pandemic will likely affect some restaurant hours.
★★★★★
Benchmark Restaurant, 6130 Levis Commons Blvd., Perrysburg, is the place to go if you're seeking a classy upscale restaurant where you'll be treated and fed like a king. Be sure to dress like it, too. The Benchmark chefs like to let the taste of the meat shine through, and more than succeeded. And don't forget the chocolate cake for dessert; it will make you swoon with every bite. $$$-$$$$.
Brim House, 444 N. Summit St. (Renaissance Hotel), has a lot of little touches that add up to an exceptional culinary experience. You won't want to miss out on this celebration of food. The upscale chophouse reopened last spring, after the main pandemic season, and it is not messing around. $$$.
Rockwell's, 27 Broadway St., Toledo, is on the second floor of what was the city's first hotel in 1895. Today it serves up sizzling steaks with a standard presentation that's classic and straightforward, letting the beef speak for itself. A 32 oz. Tomahawk Wagyu ribeye ($135) is the crown jewel here, but the burgers are also some of the best in any town. $$$-$$$$.
★★★★½ stars
M’Osteria Bar & Lounge, 611 Monroe St., Toledo, has polished its status as a downtown staple, with many locally sourced ingredients starring in its unique pastas and traditional pizzas. The space has a great atmosphere with high ceilings that make it ideal for dinner or just drinks and a nosh. $$$.
The Leaf and Seed Cafe, 116 10th St., Toledo. From nachos to two-handed sandwiches, the Leaf and Seed Cafe is full of "plant-based comfort food." It's unique as it is familiar, and it really has something for every diner. $$$.
One Love Jamaican, 2636 Central Ave., Toledo, is a modest takeout and delivery restaurant serving authentic island cuisine. The jerk chicken is perfect, but it might be the third, even fifth best chicken dish on the menu. $-$$$.
5th Street Pub, 105 Fifth St., Perrysburg, specializes in Neapolitan and meatball dishes, and says it's the only APN (associazione pizzaiuoli napoletani)-certified Neapolitan pizzeria in Ohio. But there's so much more. While there's dessert, one's often too satisfied from the other selections on the menu to eat another bite. $$.
Yala Kol, 27151 Crossroads Pkwy, Rossford, means "let's eat," and eat you will. Don't miss the entrees like the Chicken Tawook, the Chicken Galaba, and the Shrimp Kabob at this Mediterranean and Greek gem. The Lavash Chicken sandwich is another must try. $-$$.
★★★★
Focaccia's Deli, located at 333 N. Summit St., has been a downtown staple for years. Most are familiar with its delicious soups, salads, sandwiches, and the wonderful bread it's named for, but the restaurant's expanded hours and menus are worth trying out. $$.
Smokey's BBQ Roadhouse, 2092 Woodville Road, Oregon, is the local barbecue joint that won best local ribs at The Blade's Northwest Ohio Rib Off back in 2018 and 2019. Its everyday menu spans barbecue sandwiches to chicken entrees to seafood, but don't neglect those baby back ribs. They're phenomenal. $$.
The Heights, 444 N. Summit St., is high atop the Renaissance Toledo Downtown Hotel – as its name implies. The views are stunning and the brunch is divine. The dinner menu is somewhat limited but should have something for everyone. $$-$$$.
Earth to Oven, 5758 Main St., Sylvania, is among the most charming cafes you'll find in the area. Fresh ingredients are rightly touted in all its offerings, including soups, salads, and sandwiches made with bread from Zingerman's Bakehouse in Ann Arbor. The bakery case is worth exploring, too. $$.
Condado, 5215 Monroe St., is a bit like the Choose Your Own Adventure games. There's no guarantee that you will be happy with your choice, but you'll be glad for the dining adventure. Some of the musts: the Ooey-Gooey, the Up in Smoke, the Korean Barbeque Pork, the Cali Green, and the Power Plant. Be warned: Two tacos make quite the feast, and for lesser appetites, one taco will be sufficient – especially if you have an appetizer. $-$$.
Sahara Restaurant, 336 W. Dussell Drive, a no-frills, hole-in-the-wall establishment inside a strip mall, has a hefty carry-out business that may cause a bit of a wait. But it's worth it, especially for its hearty sandwiches wrapped in a pita and the baklava. $$-$$$.
Cousino's Steakhouse, 1842 Woodville Road, Oregon. As American as apple pie, the steakhouse with its own tradition of excellence is Cousino's in Oregon, which has been serving customers since 1945. With its comfortable atmosphere, friendly service, focused menu, and attention to presentation, this is among the area's best steakhouses. $$-$$$.
Sexy Taco Food Truck, locations published to Facebook each Tuesday, is painted in a street aerosol style of garish neon pink on black with a tagline reading, "Live Grills." It features hefty, specialty style tacos that are neither common nor truly authentic. And yet they are familiar and often constructed with truly authentic considerations. Each taco is its own carefully orchestrated entity. $$.
Charlie's Homemade Pizza & Italian Cuisine, 6600 W. Sylvania Ave., Sylvania, is among the best Italian food the area has to offer. The Chianti Rose Dinner is some of the best pasta we have ever tried, the Jerk Chicken Alfredo will be a highlight, and pizzas like the Charlie's Super are sure to please. Try the New York Style Cheesecake with homemade whipped cream for dessert. $$.
Life is Sweet, 42 E. Main St., Milan, Mich., is more than worth a trip to the mitten state. The small operation offers up gorgeous (and tasty) cookies, cakes, and pastries. Sandwiches are served on homemade bread with special spreads – like the Bavarian or special offerings like sweet and savory crepes. $.
Cobbler's On The Move, most commonly at Manhattan Plaza, is a food truck that has gone all in on the finer foods. The Salmon Dinner is an extraordinary meal, the Turkey Chop is a unique and delicious offering, and the Fried Chicken – while a little light on the chicken – is an ideal example of the dish. Don't forget to try the Mashed Potatoes, too! $$$.
Tiger Bakery, 4215 Monroe St., is heaven sent for lovers of Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. The eatery celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2021, and with good reason. Don't miss the Hummus (some of the best in the area), Fatayer, or Chicken Tawook. There are plenty of options at this bakery, and you can't go wrong with any of them. $$.
Social House 103, 103 Cabela's Blvd., Dundee, Mich., has found the perfect formula for elevated bar food. With unique offerings like the Peanut Butter and Jelly Tots, the Half Pound Hot Dog with 22 toppings, and the Grown Up Grilled Cheese, there is something new to try on every visit. Don't skip a crafted cocktail, like the Hard Vanilla Rootbeer with on-tap root beer or the Cool Coconut Lemonade. $$-$$$.
First Published January 6, 2022, 4:00 p.m.
