You’re driving down Madison Avenue in Lakewood, and if you blink, you might miss it. From the outside, Sarita a restaurant looks like a sturdy, dark brick corner spot. Typical Midwest, right?
Honestly, it’s a bit of a trick. Step inside and the "treasure chest" vibe hits you immediately. We’re talking about a space that feels more like a chic, art-lined gallery in a much bigger city than a neighborhood joint in Ohio. But that’s the thing about sarita restaurant lakewood ohio—it refuses to be just one thing.
The Players Legacy and the New Guard
People in Lakewood have long memories. For years, this exact spot was home to Players on Madison, a legendary pizza and pasta haunt. When it closed, there was a collective gasp.
Chef Anthony Romano and his best friend Sandy Smith didn’t just "take over." They reinvented the soul of the building. Romano, a Culinary Institute of America grad, had been the chef at Players for 16 years. He knew the walls. He knew the regulars. But he wanted to do his own thing.
The name "Sarita" is a double nod. It’s a tribute to a mentor and a reference to a song by The Subdudes, a New Orleans band. You can feel that soul in the room. There’s a 16-foot communal table and a massive chandelier made of kitchen utensils that looks like it belongs in a museum.
It's sleek. It's black and white. It's cool.
Why the Menu Categories are Basically a Puzzle
Most restaurants group things by "Appetizers" and "Entrees." Sarita? Not really. They use a system called "This, That, The Other."
- THIS: These are your starters.
- THAT: Salads and lighter bites.
- THE OTHER: The heavy hitters—the main courses.
It’s a bit quirky, sure. But it forces you to actually read the descriptions instead of just scanning for the word "steak."
One of the weirdest (and best) things on the menu is the Navajo fry bread. You don’t see that often around here. Romano is Italian, Cherokee, and Blackfoot Indian, and he brings that heritage into the kitchen. The fry bread is airy, like an elephant ear but savory. If you see it, just get it.
The Dish Everyone Talks About (For Good Reason)
If you haven’t had the Nonna’s Cavatelli and Meatballs, have you even been to Sarita? It’s the top-selling dish for a reason. They use a prosciutto-pancetta bolognese that is rich in a way that regular meat sauce just isn't.
But the real sleeper hit? The Molten Blue Cheese Encrusted Beef Tenderloin.
It’s served with roasted garlic whipped potatoes and prosciutto-wrapped grilled asparagus. There’s a tomato-bacon jam involved. And balsamic syrup. It sounds like a lot of flavors competing for attention, but they actually play together quite nicely.
Then there's the Chicken Francais. You might think you've had this a million times at every wedding ever. You're wrong. Romano serves it over a wild mushroom risotto with lemon-caper beurre blanc. It’s light but deeply satisfying.
Is It Actually "Healthy" New American?
The restaurant markets itself as "healthy New American."
Look, they use less butter and less cream than traditional spots. They rely on vinaigrettes and natural reductions. But don't come here thinking you're eating at a juice bar.
When you’re face-to-face with a Triple Chocolate Tart or the BBQ Braised Short Ribs with cheddar grits, the word "healthy" is relative. It’s "cleaner" cooking, sure. You won't leave feeling like you need a three-hour nap, but it’s still indulgent.
The Vibe Check: Patio and Service
If the weather is even remotely nice, the patio is the place to be. It’s got this Riviera feel that makes you forget you’re near a busy intersection in Northeast Ohio.
Service here is... intentional. It's not that robotic "Hi my name is Ariel and I'll be your server" vibe. The staff actually knows the menu. They can tell you about the pomegranate mignonette on the oysters or why the Sarita Salad with candied walnuts is a cult favorite.
They won't hover. You can actually have a conversation without someone asking how the first two bites are every five minutes.
Practical Details You Need to Know
Planning to go? Don't just wing it on a Friday night.
- Reservations: Get them. Even though it's a "neighborhood" spot, it fills up fast.
- Parking: It’s Lakewood. Street parking can be a scavenger hunt, but there are lots nearby.
- Dietary Stuff: They are surprisingly great with gluten-free and vegetarian options. Almost half the menu can be adjusted.
- Hours: They're usually closed on Mondays. Most nights they open at 5:00 PM and stay open until 10:00 PM or 11:00 PM on weekends.
What to Do Next
If you’re ready to see what the fuss is about, start with a cocktail. Their bar program is legit—think well-made classics with a slight twist.
Don't skip the Brussels Sprouts. They come with speck and pecorino in a cabernet vinaigrette. Even if you hate sprouts, these might change your mind.
Check the specials board near the host stand. Sometimes they do short rib pierogies in a goat cheese sauce. If those are on the menu, stop reading this and just order them.
The best way to experience sarita restaurant lakewood ohio is to bring a group, order a bunch of things from "This" and "That," and share everything. It’s that kind of place. Simple food, done really, really well.
Go early, grab a seat on the patio if you can, and make sure you save room for the triple chocolate tart. You'll thank yourself later.