CLEVELAND, Ohio — The advent of the modern-day restaurant began with a humble dish: soup.
In the 16th century, the French began using the word “restaurant” to refer to the soup sold by vendors in the streets. This soup was advertised as “restoratif” meaning “to restore.”
But where did soup begin?
Anthropologists have found evidence that the earliest soup dates back to 20,000 BC in Xianrendong Cave China where the ancient pottery showed signs of scorch marks, which suggests that the pot must have been making hot soup.
Scientists agree the ancient soup makers simply dug a hole in the ground, lined it with animal skin, and used it to boil water using hot stones. This practice dates back to the Neanderthals who used to boil bones and render fats resulting in a drinkable broth.
With January temperatures in Greater Cleveland usually not getting much higher than 35 degrees, soup is always a good lunch or dinner option.
We partnered with our friends at Yelp Cleveland to find where their reviewers went for the best cup or bowl of soup in Northeast Ohio.
Methodology: This is a list of the top soup restaurants in the Greater Cleveland area for 2020 according to Yelp Cleveland. Yelp Cleveland identified businesses in the soup category, then ranked those spots using a number of factors, including the total volume and ratings of reviews in 2020. This list looked at businesses in the following counties: Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Portage and Summit. We worked directly with Yelp Cleveland on this list to reflect accurate data.
Here are the results, broken down by county:
Cuyahoga County
No. 1
28500 Miles Rd., Solon, 216-231-0922
Yelp rating: 5 stars
Sample review: “Great place! Fresh sandwiches and salads with homemade soups. I had the club sandwich on wheat bread. The bread was soft and tasty. Give this place a try.” – Scot F.
No. 2
3142 Superior Ave., Cleveland, 216-400-6936
Yelp rating: 4.5 stars
Sample review: “…I ordered their soup dumpling as well as their spicy beef noodle soup – my two favorite dishes in Shanghainese cuisine. They were some of the best I’ve ever had…” – Anna L.
No. 3
3710 Payne Ave., Ste. 106, Cleveland, 216-361-2220
Yelp rating: 4.5 stars
Sample review: “I love Map of Thailand. My sister and I stopped here while we were in Cleveland and were overjoyed that we did. I had the drunken noodles (the BEST I have ever tasted!!) and she had coconut soup and the mango fried rice, which were awesome, too. The food was hot, flavorful, and delicious! The service and the workers were very personable, friendly, and helpful…” – Natasha B.
No. 4
11401 Bellflower Rd., Cleveland, 216-791-7880
Yelp rating: 4.5 stars
Sample review: “One of the best restaurants in Cleveland!… The French onion soup is also one of the best I’ve ever had. Portions are huge, too, which is always a plus! The ambiance at L’Albatros is very intimate and the waitstaff is kind and helpful when picking out a meal — very knowledgeable of the menu. Recommend to anyone in Cleveland or visiting Case Westerns campus” – Robinsue B.
No. 5
Souper Market – Midtown
7501 Carnegie Ave., Cleveland, 216-361-1355
Yelp rating: 4.5 stars
Sample review: “Amazing soups. Love the vegan options. Definitely good for cold weather days…” – Jackie S.
No. 6
19215 Hilliard Blvd., Rocky River, 440-333-7890
Yelp rating: 4 stars
Sample review: “The best deli in the Cleveland-ish area. Worth the wait. Food is amazing. Nice staff. Huge portions! I have yet to be disappointed with anything I have ordered. The German dumpling soup … is so wonderful you will want to get a bowl to go, as well. Great desserts, too!” – Christine M.
No. 7
13415 Madison Ave., Lakewood, 216-226-4890
Yelp rating: 4.5 stars
Sample review: “Wait. Hold on. Why haven’t I been eating here every day??? This is the best Thai food I’ve had in at least two years. It is SO GOOD. Please go eat here immediately. I got Tom Kha and Kao Pad for myself, and Pad Thai for my boyfriend. Everything was on point. For sure the best coconut soup I’ve ever had (that’s the Tom Kha). We are so blown away.. thank you!!!” – Allison S.
No. 8
3211 Payne Ave., Cleveland, 216-875-7000
Yelp rating: 4 stars
Sample review: “Best Chinese food in Cleveland. Order the shrimp wonton soup with noodle and baked salt and pepper pork. If you haven’t tried these items, you haven’t actually eaten here.” – Maggie T.
No. 9
24961 Detroit Rd., Westlake, 440-871-3445
Yelp rating: 4.5 stars
Sample review: “Had a Reuben and bean soup and Italian wedding soup. All excellent. Also broccoli salad which was very fresh. All great.” – Phil B.
No. 10
Mizu Japanese Sushi Restaurant
10219 Brookpark Rd., Parma, 216-898-0098
Yelp rating: 4.5 stars
Sample review: “This was crazy good. I’ve never had crab rangoon like theirs…a hearty portion of crab meat with a little blob of cream cheese. Would definitely recommend it. And the Japanese cheese cake? I don’t normally order dessert, but I’m so glad I did! We got a variety of sushi, miso soup, some shrimp noodle dish, vegetable fried rice… Everything tasted so fresh and homemade. Will definitely be back if ever in Cleveland again!” – Suzzanne M.
No. 11
15118 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216-226-4401
Yelp rating: 4.5 stars
Sample review: “A vegan and vegetarian’s paradise, the Root Cafe offers a delightful array of options from a light meal or a post-workout carb load and refreshing beverages. The restaurant offers choices for making your own calzone or pizza. We ordered a coconut curry vegetable soup, which had a nice kick to it from the curry powder. The staff is professional and the place gives a San Francisco/Portland vibe. This place is a true gem in Cleveland.” – Dhanesh S.
No. 12
2644 W. 41st St., Cleveland, 216-961-7087
Yelp rating: 4 stars
Sample review: “Great Italian food, lovely atmosphere and overall good dining experience. The Italian wedding soup was delish.” – Nancy W.
No. 13
7600 Chippewa Rd., Brecksville, 440-526-9292
Yelp rating: 4 stars
Sample review: “Always a winner! Get the clam chowder on Fridays and don’t fall for “I will taste yours….” You will want it all for yourself!!… Prepare for a wait for excellent service, family-friendly atmosphere and knock-out desserts!” – Sue C.
No. 14
3030 Superior Ave. E., Cleveland, 216-664-1152
Yelp rating: 4 stars
Sample review: “Small, cute Korean restaurant. The tteokboki and the soft tofu soup are must gets. Mind-blowing. I also got the hoe-deopbap which is a nice switch-up and is like a Korean poke bowl. Definitely one of my favorite restaurants in Cleveland.” – Derick Z.
No. 15
Townhall – Ohio City
1909 W 25th St., Cleveland, 216-344-9400
Yelp rating: 4 stars
Sample review: “Everything was delicious…We had the deviled egg and nachos for starters. Both delicious! Special and yummy! Then my partner had a beef bone broth concoction he loved while I had the Thai peanut bowl. SO good. DO NOT LEAVE without having the butter cake. So homey and toasty and fresh all at the same time.” – Chris M.
No. 16
8072 Columbia Rd., Olmsted Falls, 440-427-5400
Yelp rating: 4 stars
Sample review: “…We love this place…Wedding soup is top-notch. We had scallops, eggplant and seafood pasta. All were amazing!!! – Debbi T.
No. 17
13101 Triskett Rd., Cleveland, 216-671-0430
Yelp rating: 4.5 stars
Sample review: “This place always has the best service. You get a ton of food for a low price. I got the walleye fish with french fries. It came with a small cup of coleslaw and soup. I got the Rosa Maria soup which is really good.” – Kathy M.
No. 18
Stone Oven Bakery Cafe – Cleveland Heights
2267 Lee Rd., Cleveland, 216-932-3003
Yelp rating: 4 stars
Sample review: “Real simple…don’t miss the opportunity to eat here! The food is delicious and the employees are so kind and nice. Plenty of indoor and outdoor areas to eat. The gazpacho soup is heavenly!! Don’t miss this place!” – Matt S.
No. 19
EDWINS Leadership and Restaurant Institute
13101 Shaker Sq., Cleveland, 216-921-3333
Yelp rating: 4.5 stars
Sample review: “Made reservations for our anniversary at this cute little restaurant. The food was awesome, so beautifully plated, we ordered apps (salad and lobster bisque) and dessert. The Bananas Foster was phenomenal, they even cooked it in front of you! The service was great and attentive. The soup and salad were so delicious, we’ll be back!” – Melissa P.
No. 20
1400 W. 6th St., Cleveland, 216-274-1170
Yelp rating: 4.5 stars
Sample review: “Taza is SO GOOD. I recommend everything. Fattoush, hummus, vegetable soup, loubieh, chicken shawarma – you name it!” – Sof B.
No. 21
12210 Madison Ave., Lakewood, 216-226-4450
Yelp rating: 4 stars
Sample review: “My boyfriend and I were craving Thai food today. We found Thai Kitchen and went in to eat some dinner. Everything was seriously so delicious!! We got satay, fresh rolls with shrimp, sticky rice, shrimp tom yum noodle soup, and shrimp pad thai. We ate every last drop of food. I also got a strawberry bubble tea smoothie which I wasn’t too sure about since it was a smoothie but it was so good I drank it all. The service was great and the atmosphere is very cute. Highly recommend:)” – Sara C.
No. 22
5359 Mayfield Rd., Cleveland, 440-684-1982
Yelp rating: 4.5 stars
Sample review: “Love this place. Amazing food and great service. Everything is outstanding — love the coconut soup, crab rangoon, giant egg rolls. Always a great meal.” – Denyse C.
No. 23
19110 Old Detroit Rd., Rocky River, 440-331-0800
Yelp rating: 4 stars
Sample review: “Tartine Bistro had a very cute atmosphere… We then got the regular french onion soup, which I highly recommend if you come for dinner. The broth had a lot of flavor! I’d give the soup itself 5 stars… Don’t skip dessert, the creme brûlée was amazing!!” – Kathleen F.
No. 24
Pacific East Japanese Restaurant
1763 Coventry Rd., Cleveland Heights, 216-320-2302
Yelp rating: 4 stars
Sample review: “This is literally the best sushi I have ever had. I cannot imagine sushi being better…The miso soup was also incredible. The service is friendly and fast. I couldn’t believe how fast they made the sushi. All the sushi was a very good size and the price considering was fair. I highly highly recommend this restaurant!” – Jeff M.
No. 25
2061 E. 4th St., Cleveland, 216-344-2020
Yelp rating: 4 stars
Sample review: “Love this place!! They offer many Asian styles, and that is a bonus. From egg rolls to pho. Their wonton soup is the bomb!! Yummy and friendly.” – Jack S. M.
Geauga County
No. 1
141 Main St., Chardon, 440-214-9011
Yelp rating: 4 stars
Sample review: “Great burgers and fries, the Road Trip series burgers have been so good. Soups here are really outstanding. The chef is very talented and makes a lot of great dishes. There is also a good beer selection and very good mixed drinks.” – Daniel D. M.
Lake County
No. 1
Mario Fazio’s Italian Restaurant
34400 Chardon Rd., Willoughby Hills, 440-585-3883
Yelp rating: 4.5 stars
Sample review: “Food was amazing. The service was great. Can’t wait to go back. The chicken parm was so good and the Italian wedding soup was to die for.” – Brian K.
No. 2
8900 Mentor Ave., Ste. A, Mentor, 440-701-6102
Yelp rating: 3.5 stars
Sample review: “Best thing in the house is the matzo ball soup. It’s worth a trip just for that….” – L.E.
No. 3
9853 Johnnycake Ridge Rd., Ste. 4, Mentor, 440-350-1458
Yelp rating: 4.5 stars
Sample review: “We needed a quick place to stop and pick up our food. We were in and out and the customer service was great! The food was great. The Tom Kha Soup and yellow curry were great.” – Dane S.
No. 4
30150 Lake Shore Blvd., Willowick, 440-943-5900
Yelp rating: 4 stars
Sample review: “Peties always has amazing food and reasonable prices. The portions are always big, and I’ve never tasted better wedding soup.” – Brian W.
No. 5
Hook & Hoof New American Kitchen and Cocktail
4125 Erie St., Willoughby, 440-571-5312
Yelp rating: 4.5 stars
Sample review: “The chef here is the REAL DEAL. Short ribs might be the best in Northeast Ohio. Lamb belly meatballs are delicious. His take on french onion soup is off the charts. Service was an A-plus. Decor is very cool. Felt like we were in the lower village in NYC.” – Guy T.
Lorain County
No. 1
32730 Walker Rd., Ste. D3, Avon Lake, 440-933-8424
Yelp rating: 4 stars
Sample review: “6 STARS! When I’m able to order my meal with a choice of protein, spicy level, and veggies…I am down!! The tom yum soup could cure the worst hangover. Bring back those chicken egg rolls.” – Jack S. M.
No. 2
690 Avon Belden Rd., Avon Lake, 440-933-9123
Yelp rating: 4.5 stars
Sample review: “Salads are always super fresh! Their chicken paprikash soup is perfection, too! I’ve tried a different salad each time I’ve gone and they’ve all been really good.” – Megan J.
No. 3
36976 Detroit Rd., Avon, 440-934-0061
Yelp rating: 4.5 stars
Sample review: “…I started with the crab bisque soup which was so good on this cold evening. I also had the mushroom gnocchi and it was amazing. It was a light fluffy gnocchi that was done well. can’t wait to come back with a bigger appetite!” – Laura T.
No. 4
36840 Detroit Rd., Avon, 440-934-9900
Yelp rating: 4 stars
Sample review: “This place is the real deal. We go a couple of times a year. It is always the tops. We went again today and as usual, it was outstanding. Great service, signature drinks, wine, starters, lobster bisque to die for, salads. entrees and deserts. The whole package.” – A.S.
No. 5
917 N Leavitt Rd., Amherst, 440-984-2583
Yelp rating: 4 stars
Sample review: “This place has awesome food at good prices and you get a lot. We frequent here at least 3 or more times a week and it’s always good. They have different specials every day that are delicious. Our favorites are the prime rib hoagie sandwich, chicken parmesan sandwich, and the green pepper soup (on Thursdays).” – Cynthia R.
No. 6
6620 Lake Ave., Elyria, 440-324-3711
Yelp rating: 4 stars
Sample review: “Most people come for the Oh Boy but for me, it’s the clam strips with oh boy sauce!! They also have delicious soups and mama joes pies…They also sell the sauce in larger tubs for home!” – Michelle V.
Medina County
No. 1
452 Pearl Rd., Brunswick, 330-460-6213
Yelp rating: 4.5 stars
Sample review: “We got takeout with tom kha (shrimp, medium spicy), tofu larb (spicy), and tofu kaprow (spicy). Our order was ready on time, and their curbside pickup was fast and convenient. The flavors were really on point, not many concessions were made to the western palate. The dishes we wanted spicy were hot, but not overwhelming. The shrimp in the tom kha were large and tasted fresh…Compares favorably to Thai restaurants in any major city. Come out and support a great family business!…” – Aashiq D.
No. 2
Thyme2
113 W. Smith Rd., Medina, 330-764-4114
Yelp rating: 4.5 stars
Sample review: “Had a great meal here on Saturday evening…It was the first time for me, but my parents are huge fans of coming here. Now I can see why! I started with the bourbon smash (delicious!) and the roasted tomato soup, which was flavorful and not too heavy despite it being a warm summer day. The rest of my party had salads, which they said were really tasty. For entrees, we all had the filet mignon. My steak was cooked perfectly, and the sides were absolutely fantastic… a little twist on the usual steak and potatoes. The potato and cheese croquettes were crispy but light, and I always love to see rainbow chard — especially when it’s cooked with bacon. Our service was excellent, too. All in all, it was just a terrific meal and I hope to come back.” – Kat S.
No. 3
891 N. Court St., Medina, 330-722-6135
Yelp rating: 3.5 stars
Sample review: “We ordered mu shu pork and General Tso’s with crab rangoon and egg drop soup. The food was, as always, delicious!…” – Jim H.
Portage County
No. 1
Twisted Meltz – Kent
164 B E. Main St., Kent, 330-968-4104
Yelp rating: 4.5 stars
Sample Review: “Absolutely delicious tomato bisque! And the grilled cheese really hit the spot. A must-stop whenever I come up here. Service was great and I appreciated the attention to sanitizing the tables between customers.” Kristen M.
Summit County
No. 1
378 S Main St., Akron, 330-762-5877
Yelp rating: 4.5 stars
Sample review: “I am obsessed with the “On the Road Again” sandwich. The matzo ball soup is delicious as well. I crave the sandwich.” – Suzanne M.
No. 2
3226 Kent Rd., Stow, 330-686-3000
Yelp rating: 5 stars
Sample review: “Great lentil soup and food generally, great service with smiling faces. Glad I stopped here.” – Mehmet D.
No. 3
1970 State Rd., Cuyahoga Falls, 330-926-9774
Yelp rating: 4.5 stars
Sample review: “Delicious food. Clean restaurant. Best tomato soup I’ve ever had! The grilled blue cheese sandwich with chicken and bacon was amazing! Chicken and waffles were also very tasty.” – Misty H.
No. 4
1947 W. Market St., Ste. 104, Akron, 330-794-5444
Yelp rating: 4.5 stars
Sample review: “My twentysomething and I agree on Nikos every time we get stuck on what to eat. She loved the combo special (”Niko Goes to CA” and matzo ball soup) and I tend to go for the big fat Greek salad. Always tasty and freshly made.” – Nancy P.
No. 5
3767 Darrow Rd., Stow, 330-615-7997
Yelp rating: 4.5 stars
Sample review: “Visiting from Atlanta, stopped in and ordered wonton soup. Best ever! – Don D.
No. 6
Rice Paper
3867 Medina Rd., Akron, 330-466-0499
Yelp rating: 4.5 stars
Sample review: “Amazing people! Have taken care of me and my family for years. Amazing Thai food is truly the best in the area. The red chicken curry level 3 is amazing!! So is the shrimp in a blanket and the tom yum soup. Everything’s amazing.” – Amaya H.
No. 7
1702 Merriman Rd., Akron, 330-864-0722
Yelp rating: 4 stars
Sample review: “We have eaten here a handful of times. And it’s good every time. Nice authentic Greek place with very friendly staff and a very clean dining area. The food is great! I’ve had salad, gyro, hummus, flaming cheese, lemon soup, baklava, and it’s all fresh and delicious. Can’t go wrong with a to-go or dine-in. Plenty of parking and prices are reasonable. Good portions, too. Good experience and we will continue to go back.” – Michelle O.
No. 8
21 W. North St., Ste. TL 1, Akron, 234-900-8277
Yelp rating: 4.5 stars
Sample review: “Really enjoyed the food, service, and beer…We started with the hot tater kegs on the starters menu. These were excellent. They had a nice kick to them and the cheese sauce was really good…My wife ordered the cauliflower soup and said it was excellent. Looked to have olive oil drizzled on top and sprinkled with some chili powder…” – Don W.
No. 9
3960 Broadview Rd., Richfield, 234-400-0288
Yelp rating: 4 stars
Sample review: “I took my parents here to celebrate their anniversary. Its decor was lovely and the staff was very friendly. We started with happy hour in the bar. Some highlights were: the pierogies, the meat pies and the short rib sliders! I tried the beet vodka martini which was unique and refreshing. For dinner, I highly recommend the pork schnitzel and the stuffed cabbage. We also tried the lobster bisque — so yummy with big chunks of seafood! We really enjoyed the Ukrainian dishes! Can’t wait to return!” – Aleece O.
No. 10
Cilantro Thai and Sushi Restaurant
326 S. Main St., Akron, 330-434-2876
Yelp rating: 3.5 stars
Sample review: “High-quality Asian food! The Thai beef noodle soup and seafood hot pot are excellent, as well as the sushi.” – Kenneth P.
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