Celebrating Italian American Heritage Month in Cleveland
Cleveland’s Italian Roots Run Deep
October is Italian American Heritage Month, and Cleveland wears its Italian pride like a badge of honor (or maybe more like a sauce stain on your favorite white sweater). From the smell of bread baking on Mayfield Road to the sound of church bells echoing through the hills, Little Italy is timeless.
It’s where families have gathered for generations, mine included. My husband and I were married at the Italian Cultural Garden, surrounded by marble statues, fountains, and our closest family and friends. Our reception? At Guarino’s - Cleveland’s oldest restaurant. The kind of meal you think about years later and make an excuse to go back to celebrate your anniversary every. single. year. (at the very least)
You don’t need to be Italian (or fluent in carb-loading) to celebrate. Whether you’re planning a family day that’s educational, edible, or both - Cleveland’s Italian heritage has you covered.
Learn & Explore: Italian American Museum of Cleveland
📍12111 Mayfield Road, Cleveland
Start your celebration at the Italian American Museum of Cleveland (IAMCLE), a space dedicated to honoring the history, culture, and contributions of Cleveland’s Italian community. It’s filled with stories, photos, and exhibits that bring the neighborhood’s roots to life.
💡 Want to plan a bigger cultural day? Find more local favorites in our Museums Guide.
Eat & Indulge: Little Italy Classics
If Italian American Heritage Month isn’t the perfect excuse to eat your way down Mayfield Road, I don’t know what is.
My forever favorites:
Guarino’s: Cleveland’s oldest restaurant, full of old-world charm and legendary dishes. The veal saltimbocca? Life-changing. The calamari? The best in the city. (Don’t @ me.)
Mia Bella: Warm, cozy, and the kind of place where you have to order the cheese tortellini. (If you know, you know.)
Afetatti: I’m not exaggerating when I say these are the best sandwiches of all time. Ever. The kind you think about midweek and seriously consider driving back for.
Sweet memories (literally):
Presti’s Bakery: A Cleveland staple and part of my childhood. I remember going here as a kid on “take your daughter to work day” and getting to pick out donuts with my mom.
Corbo’s Bakery: My wedding cake came from here. Cassata, obviously. Layers of sponge cake, strawberries, and cream, honestly chef’s kiss. And don’t even get me started on the Italian ice. You can usually find a quart of it in my freezer.
Experience the Culture
Italian heritage isn’t just about food (though, let’s be honest, that’s a big part of it). It’s about family, faith, and community (and yes, probably more food).
Little Italy Art Walks: For when you want to pretend you’re cultured and get steps in before dinner.
Feast of the Assumption: The city’s unofficial carb marathon every August.
Savor the Scene: Because in Little Italy, the vibes and views are as good as the desserts.
Even if there’s no big event happening, just walking through Little Italy feels like a celebration - the flags, the murals, and the smell of freshly baked bread that follows you home.
Extend the Experience: The Italian Cultural Garden
Right up the hill from Little Italy sits one of Cleveland’s most beautiful landmarks, the Cultural Gardens. It makes my heart happy to drive down East Boulevard and look at all of the beauty. And obviously, the Italian Cultural Garden will always hold a soft spot in my heart. Designed to celebrate Italy’s art, architecture, and influence on the world, it’s a peaceful spot that feels like stepping straight into Europe.
Beyond Little Italy: Cleveland’s Italian Favorites
If Little Italy is the heart of Cleveland’s Italian heritage, the rest of the city is the extended family, full of Italian gems scattered across town, all ready to feed you like you haven’t eaten in weeks. Because if you can’t make it east, the west side has plenty of Italian comfort waiting (minus the parking headaches). Here are some of our faves:
Il Rione: Cozy, cool, and one of the best pizzas in Cleveland. Small menu, big flavor, and a vibe that’s effortlessly classic.
Stella Mia: A west-side staple where everything tastes homemade and the service makes you feel like part of the family.
Arrabiata’s: Laid-back but special. The kind of place that makes even a random Tuesday night feel like an occasion.
And if you’ve ever spent Labor Day weekend at St. Rocco’s, you already know: the sausage sandwiches and zeppoli alone could be considered their own food group.
💫 Keep Exploring
Italian American Heritage Month might be in October, but Cleveland celebrates its roots all year long through food, family, and community.
Keep the exploration going with our Museums Guide because when it comes to Cleveland, there’s always more to discover.
