Definitely have reservations!
Great food and service. I had the farefalle pasta with Italian sausage, hot banana peppers, Greene and red peppers, and tomato basil sauce.
It was outstanding in taste and portion. The bread and dipping sauce went well with the mesclun salad and balsamic dressing.
Food came out in a timely manner and the server was very attentive.
I would recommend to anyone going to the Cleveland area stop by Maxi's in little Italy �
I had the tripe this past weekend, one of the best ever. I know tripe is a treat that many people say they do not like the smell when it is cooking. While that is why you need to try it here. Something you will never forget. Thanks so much!!
Great Lunch. Wife had pizza, I had sausage and peppers with bowtie pasta. We were both very pleased with the meal. Would definitely come back if in the area again (we live 25 miles away). We'll be having the leftover pizza for dinner.
Great Place. Best calamari in town. Great wine selection
Love it!!!. Traveled to Cleveland for work and had Maxi's Bistro for dinner and could not be happier!. The food was a little high priced but it was so worth it!!. I enjoyed every bite of everything I ate!!!! Next time I am in Cleveland I will make sure to venture to Maxi's
Had the most excellent calamari.
In the heart of it all on Mayfield Road, they offer a couple of outdoor tables, an expansive bar and small casual dining area downstairs, and then a more formal dining room upstairs. We just saddled up to the bar, and had excellent service from the bartender throughout
The food was pretty good & reasonably priced. We especially loved the atmosphere! If you have objections to eating at the bar, be sure to make reservations. It’s a small/quaint place so it fills up quickly!
10/10 recommend!
Homemade bread & oil with Parmesan and pepper flakes- amazing!
Frog legs - large portions and perfectly paired with squeezed lemon
Fried mozzarella- sauce is absolute bliss point of salt/sweet/tang ratio.
Chicken fettuccine Alfredo- smooth and creamy sauce, not overly salted, and hints of nutmeg
Linguine and meatballs- smaller portion, but perfect amount if ordered with appetizer. Meatballs are divine.
This is our second visit and Maxi’s has exceeded our (already high) expectations!!
P.s we love to be able to eat first class food while dressed casually :)
A welcoming and delicious Italian restaurant. We were seated quickly, sat on the patio out back, and had service on the spot. We split the ‘Maxi’s Pizza’, and Calamari Pasta, and both were exceptional (and came out fast). The pasta was cooked perfectly and salted just right...I don’t even like pasta normally, but my mouth is watering as I write this review. We took home the last two slices of pizza and reheated then in the oven today - still great!
Parking: we found an open spot on the side street (1 min. walk), free on the weekends.
Party of six. Everyone loved their meal. Apps, main course, desserts all exceptional. No rush dining experience. We will be back!
I experienced one of my favorite dining experiences all summer at Maxi’s. Friendly bar, superb selections of wine and cocktails and coffees. I had the Bolognese Pappardelle , and it compared to food I ate in Italy. Doesn’t look like a lot from the street, but the bar and gorgeous outside patio in the back is worth the visit.
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 culinary adventure.
Huge slice of past and present awaits you. Family aspects evident in the staffing. FRESH foods, great presentation, and ample seating (inside, front patio, back patio). Main and back bar areas.
Enjoyed hearing their voice intonation and native language. Their Calamari is light and refreshing - not overdone. Spinach arugula salad exceptionally fresh.
Lil Italy in Cleveland. Very good Italian food. The service was excellent 👌. We went with friends. Had a great time.
We went to this restaurant for an early dinner with some friends. I would give this place a five star review, but they had NOTHING for kids/toddlers. No high chairs, no kids menu, no plastic/ smaller cups for kids to use. Since we were there with our 2 year old (and our friends had a 1-1/2 year old) this was very inconvenient. However, the food was amazing, our server was so kind and was so understanding of our kids & did his best with what the restaurant had for our kids.
This was a great experience from start to finish! Our server, Fatian, has worked here for 14 years and he took great care of us. We had pizza as an appetizer and it was incredible, perfect crust, perfect cheese, perfect sauce, every bite was fabulous! We split linguine and meatballs, as you can tell by the picture, it was perfect, what you can’t tell from the picture is that it was delicious! Totally authentic Italian. You have to try this place!!!
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