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  3. Cleveland / Akron / Canton
  4. Cleveland
  5. University Circle
Maxi’s Bistro, Cleveland, OH

Maxi’s Bistro

4.6
4.6
336 Reviews
$30 and under
Bistro

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 9 times today
  • Neighbourhood gem
  • Charming
  • Good for special occasions
Nestled in the heart of Cleveland’s Historic Little Italy, Maxi’s embodies a vibrant atmosphere and a welcoming ambiance. We are open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner.

Our main level offers guests the opportunity to interact in a casual and upbeat setting or to partake in the dynamic liveliness of the bar. The cozy and intimate upstairs level seats 50 people comfortably and can be booked for events such as meetings, rehearsal dinners, birthdays, graduations, presentations and more. Our fully enclosed and heated garden patio provides a relaxed and comfortable dining experience while the sidewalk tables allow for a most spectacular view of Little Italy.

Whether you are looking for a place to dine before going to The Cleveland Orchestra concert or searching for the perfect location to share a conversation, Maxi’s welcomes you to enjoy dinner, an appetizer, a glass of wine at the bar, a Peroni while the game is going on, or even an espresso with a San Pellegrino for a caffeine push.

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Bistro
  • Hours of Operation
    Mon–Thu 11:00–22:00 Fri, Sat 11:00–23:00 Sun 11:00–21:00
  • Phone number
    (216) 421-1500
  • Website
    http://maxisbistro.com/
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress

Menu

Appetizers

  • Little Neck Clams (One Dozen)US$17.00

    Sauteed in a white wine and garlic sauce or in a fresh tomato basil sauce

    • CalamariUS$16.00

      Lightly dusted with flour & flash fried, then sauteed in olive oil with fresh garlic, oregano, lemon juice, and fresh tomato basil sauce

      • Bruschetta Classico (5 Pieces)US$12.00

        Garlic toast with tomatoes, red onion, parsley, olive oil, and lemon juice

        • Bruschetta Rustica (5 Pieces)US$14.00

          Garlic toast, with roasted red pepper coulis, goat cheese, kalamata olives, and parmesan cheese

          • Bruschetta al Salmone (5 Pieces)US$15.00

            Garlic toast, with Mascarpone cheese, capers and smoked salmon

            • Fried Fresh Mozzarella (8 Pieces)US$15.00

              Breaded and served on a bed of fresh tomato basil sauce, topped with Parmesan cheese

              • Stuffed Hot Banana Peppers (2 Peppers)US$15.00

                Stuffed with Italian Sausage, breadcrumbs, and parmesan cheese, served on a bed of fresh tomato basil sauce

                • Stewed TripeUS$15.00

                  With Carrots and celery, finished in a fresh tomato basil sauce, topped with parmesan cheese

                  • Sauteed Frog LegsUS$16.00

                    Sauteed with fresh & roasted garlic, parsley, and butter

                    • Escargot de BourgogneUS$15.00

                      With garlic, parsley, butter, and portabella mushrooms

                      • MusselsUS$16.00

                        Sautéed in a white wine and garlic sauce or in a fresh tomato basil sauce

                        • CauliflowerUS$14.00

                          Roasted and tossed with jalepeno sauce

                          • Sauteed EscaroleUS$14.00

                            In olive oil with fresh garlic, fresh tomato basil sauce, and Parmesan cheese

                            • Prosciuttto PlatterUS$17.00

                              Prosciutto di Parma, Asiago cheese, Sicilian green olives, garlic Toast

                              Salads

                              • Fresh Mozzarella, Tomato & Basil SaladUS$13.00

                                Tossed with balsamic vinaigrette

                                • Tomato, Red Onion & Caper SaladUS$10.00

                                  Tossed with balsamic vinaigrette

                                  • Mixed MesclunUS$10.00

                                    Young, small greens with sun dried tomatoes and a side of balsamic vinaigrette

                                    • Arugula SaladUS$12.00

                                      rugula, red onion, pecorino romano, tossed with oil and lemon vinaigrette

                                      • Burrata CheeseUS$14.00

                                        Served with sliced tomatoes, drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and fresh basil vinaigrette

                                        Pastas & Entreés

                                        • Linguine with MeatballsUS$18.00

                                          In a fresh tomato basil sauce with beef & pork meatballs. Topped with parmesan cheese

                                          • Calamari PastaUS$22.00

                                            In a light tomato basil sauce with linguine, escarole, roasted red pepper and fresh garlic. Topped with parmesan cheese

                                            • Clams PastaUS$22.00

                                              Tossed with linguine, in a white wine and garlic sauce, or in a fresh tomato basil sauce

                                              • Spinach RavioliUS$20.00

                                                Stuffed with spinach and ricotta cheese, in a tomato basil & cream sauce. Topped with parmesan cheese

                                                • Penne Pasta CarbonaraUS$22.00

                                                  In a cream sauce with sweet peas & proschiutto, topped with parmesan cheese

                                                  • Mussels PastaUS$20.00

                                                    Tossed with linguine, in a white wine & garlic sauce or in a fresh tomato basil sauce

                                                    • Shrimp MarinaraUS$22.00

                                                      Tossed with fettuccine in a tomato basil sauce. Topped with fresh basil

                                                      • Fettuccine Alfredo with ChickenUS$22.00

                                                        In a nutmeg cream sauce with grilled chicken breast. Topped with parmesan cheese

                                                        • Bolognese with PapparedelleUS$22.00

                                                          Pork, beef and pancetta based sauce, tossed with papparedelle and topped with Parmesan cheese

                                                          • Lobster RavioliUS$25.00

                                                            Tossed in a Cognac cream sauce with fresh tomatoes and basil. Topped with Parmesan cheese

                                                            • FarfalleUS$22.00

                                                              With Italian sausage, hot banana peppers, red & green bell peppers, garlic & tomato basil sauce. Topped with Parmesan cheese

                                                              • Cavatelli with MeatballsUS$18.00

                                                                In a fresh tomato basil sauce with beef and pork meatballs. Topped with Parmesan cheese

                                                                • Penne Pasta alla FlaviaUS$22.00

                                                                  In a vodka, cream, and tomato basil sauce, with shrimp and hot crushed red pepper. Topped with Parmesan cheese

                                                                  Pizzas

                                                                  14 inches, with 8 slices

                                                                  • Margherita PizzaUS$18.00

                                                                    Butter, garlic, and herb sauce with sliced tomatoes, and shredded provolone and mozzarella cheese

                                                                    • Funghi PizzaUS$18.00

                                                                      Butter, garlic, and herb sauce with fried garlic, portabella mushrooms, roasted red peppers, and shredded provolone and mozzarella cheeses

                                                                      • Carciofi PizzaUS$18.00

                                                                        Butter, garlic, and herb sauce with artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, fried garlic and shredded provolone and mozzarella cheeses

                                                                        • Meatball PizzaUS$19.00

                                                                          Fresh tomato basil, sliced beef and pork meatballs, and shredded provolone and mozzarella cheeses

                                                                          • Quattro Formaggio PizzaUS$18.00

                                                                            Fresh tomato basil sauce, Gorgonzola, Parmesan, shredded mozzarella and goat cheese

                                                                            • Traditional Pepperoni PizzaUS$18.00

                                                                              Fresh tomato basil sauce, sliced pepperoni and shredded provolone and mozzarella cheeses

                                                                              • Arugula PizzaUS$19.00

                                                                                Fresh tomato basil sauce, arugula, Kalamata olives, cherry tomato and prosciutto

                                                                                • Maxi's PizzaUS$18.00

                                                                                  Fresh tomato basil sauce, fresh mozzarella, Kalamata olives and fresh basil

                                                                                  • Gilbert's PizzaUS$19.00

                                                                                    Fresh tomato basil sauce, ricotta cheese, prosciutto, and Kalamata olives

                                                                                    • Smoked Salmon PizzaUS$20.00

                                                                                      Butter, garlic and herb sauce with red onions, smoked salmon, capers, and shredded provolone and mozzarella cheeses

                                                                                      • Quattro Stagioni PizzaUS$20.00

                                                                                        Fresh tomato basil sauce, artichoke hearts, Kalamata olives, portabella mushrooms, prosciutto and shredded provolone and mozzarella cheeses

                                                                                        • Alex PizzaUS$20.00

                                                                                          Fresh tomato basil sauce, stuffed hot pepper with Italian sausage and shredded provolone and mozzarella cheeses

                                                                                          • Darcy PizzaUS$18.00

                                                                                            Butter, garlic and herb sauce with hot banana peppers and Kalamata olives, shredded mozzarella and provolone cheeses

                                                                                            • Gina's PizzaUS$20.00

                                                                                              Butter, garlic and herb sauce with prosciutto, sliced tomatoes, and shredded provolone and mozzarella cheeses

                                                                                              • Little Italy PizzaUS$18.00

                                                                                                Fresh tomato basil sauce, Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and hot crushed red pepper

                                                                                                Meat & Poultry

                                                                                                • Chicken PicattaUS$26.00

                                                                                                  Sauteed in a lemon butter sauce, with capers, and roasted red peppers. Served with a side of penne with fresh tomato basil sauce

                                                                                                  • Chicken MarsalaUS$26.00

                                                                                                    Sauteed in a Marsala wine and de-glace sauce, with portabella mushrooms and roasted red peppers. Served with a side of penne with fresh tomato basil sauce

                                                                                                    • 12 oz Strip SteakUS$38.00

                                                                                                      Grilled, topped with portobella mushrooms. Served with roasted red skin potatoes

                                                                                                      • Chicken CacciatoreUS$26.00

                                                                                                        Sauteed in a tomato basil and de-glace sauce, with artichoke hearts, portabella mushrooms and Kalamata olives. Served with a side of penne with fresh tomato basil sauce

                                                                                                        • Chicken ParmesanUS$26.00

                                                                                                          Traditional chicken parmesan. Served with a side of penne with fresh tomato basil sauce

                                                                                                          • 18 oz Bone-In-RibeyeUS$45.00

                                                                                                            Grilled, served with sauteed portabella mushrooms and onions. Served with a side of roasted red skin potatoes

                                                                                                            • Veal Scaloppini PicattaUS$27.00

                                                                                                              Sauteed in a lemon butter sauce, with capers, and roasted red peppers. Served with a side of penne with fresh tomato basil sauce

                                                                                                              • Veal Scaloppini MarsalaUS$27.00

                                                                                                                Sauteed in a Marsala wine and de-glace sauce with portabella mushrooms and roasted red peppers. Served with a side of penne with fresh tomato basil sauce

                                                                                                                • Veal SaltimboccaUS$27.00

                                                                                                                  Prosciutto di Parma, mozzarella, sauteed mushrooms, and onion, prepared with a white wine garlic sauce. Served with a side of penne with fresh tomato basil sauce

                                                                                                                  Last updated: 24 May 2022

                                                                                                                  What 336 people are saying

                                                                                                                  Overall ratings and reviews

                                                                                                                  Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

                                                                                                                  4.6
                                                                                                                  4.6 based on recent ratings
                                                                                                                  • 4.6Food
                                                                                                                  • 4.7Service
                                                                                                                  • 4.6Ambience
                                                                                                                  • 4.4Value

                                                                                                                  Noise • Moderate

                                                                                                                  Review summary

                                                                                                                  AI-generated from verified diner reviews
                                                                                                                  Maxi's Bistro offers a delightful Italian dining experience in Little Italy. Known for its "fantastic food" and "first-class service," guests rave about the "amazing" lobster pasta and "outstanding" calamari. The lovely patio adds to the charming ambiance. With attentive staff and flavorful dishes, it's a must-visit spot!

                                                                                                                  336 Reviews

                                                                                                                  1. Sanda

                                                                                                                    Tucson

                                                                                                                    2 reviews

                                                                                                                    5.0

                                                                                                                    2 reviews

                                                                                                                    Dined 1 day ago

                                                                                                                    1. Overall 5
                                                                                                                    2. Food 5
                                                                                                                    3. Service 3
                                                                                                                    4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                                    We moved to Cleveland last March. We chose this restaurant for our anniversary last May. We loved it. Yesterday, we returned to celebrate my husband's birthday. The food was great and plentiful, so we have another dinner for tonight! Our server was clearly fairly new. She was super nice and we enjoyed her service. We love this restaurant so much. We recommend it highly!

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                                                                                                                  2. Kristie

                                                                                                                    Cleveland

                                                                                                                    3 reviews

                                                                                                                    5.0

                                                                                                                    3 reviews

                                                                                                                    Dined on 17 November 2024

                                                                                                                    1. Overall 5
                                                                                                                    2. Food 5
                                                                                                                    3. Service 5
                                                                                                                    4. Ambience 4
                                                                                                                    Food was delicious! Service was outstanding! Thank you!

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                                                                                                                  3. Rebekah

                                                                                                                    Cleveland

                                                                                                                    5 reviews

                                                                                                                    5.0

                                                                                                                    5 reviews

                                                                                                                    Dined on 16 November 2024

                                                                                                                    1. Overall 5
                                                                                                                    2. Food 5
                                                                                                                    3. Service 5
                                                                                                                    4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                                    Wonderful food, desserts, wine and atmosphere. Perfect for a date night, and a great location before a concert/event in University Circle. $10 cash parking in church parking lot close to restaurant, or valet is also an option.

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                                                                                                                  4. Rick

                                                                                                                    Jacksonville

                                                                                                                    7 reviews

                                                                                                                    vip
                                                                                                                    2.0

                                                                                                                    7 reviews

                                                                                                                    Dined on 12 November 2024

                                                                                                                    1. Overall 2
                                                                                                                    2. Food 2
                                                                                                                    3. Service 4
                                                                                                                    4. Ambience 3
                                                                                                                    The food was very average. American Italian, not very well presented. Very nice people at the restaurant. And a nice decor. Parking was a nightmare. We spent only an hour there, but the parking charge for the valet across the street was $18. Would not return. 

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                                                                                                                  5. Ray

                                                                                                                    Western NC

                                                                                                                    6 reviews

                                                                                                                    5.0

                                                                                                                    6 reviews

                                                                                                                    Dined on 10 November 2024

                                                                                                                    1. Overall 5
                                                                                                                    2. Food 5
                                                                                                                    3. Service 5
                                                                                                                    4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                                    Celebrating your Mom's 92nd Birthday can be challenging unless you eat lunch at Maxi's! Tarek was an outstanding server, the food was over-the-top delicious, and the ambiance was befitting of what one might expect of a steady player in the community of Little Italy. The muscles in white wine and garlic sauce, as were the tantalizing thin slivers of garlic in the broth, were steamed to perfection. I'm not sure if Mom had ever eaten a muscle before, yet once tempted, she crushed half of the appetizer with a huge grin on her face. It seemed as if she was a kid in a candy store...... The sauteed Escarole was even better. Thankfully, there was plenty of fresh Italian bread to sop up the "pot licker" or broth from the muscles and delicious remnants from the Escarole. Each one of us had different salads consisting of a mixed greens salad with fresh garden vegetables and thinly sliced smoked salmon, a beautiful marriage of tiny mozzarella balls with tomatoes, basil, EVO, and balsamic vinegar, and a similar salad consisting of vice ripe tomatoes, capers, red onions and the same delightful anointment of the salad components with EVO and balsamic vinegar. Tarek and his support team provided outstanding service, including beverages that never needed refilling, prompt removal of dirty plates, the presentation of clean flatware for each course, and respectful Birthday salutations for Mom. This kitchen crew highlighted their ability to finesse outstanding ingredients onto the individual plates. The kitchen appeared well-run, clean, and filled with professional culinarians. So many places fail to see the simplicity of marrying outstanding, high-quality ingredients in reasonable quantities with simple preparations. Maxi's GETS IT! BRAVO!!

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                                                                                                                  6. Kathleen

                                                                                                                    Cleveland

                                                                                                                    2 reviews

                                                                                                                    3.0

                                                                                                                    2 reviews

                                                                                                                    Dined on 3 November 2024

                                                                                                                    1. Overall 3
                                                                                                                    2. Food 3
                                                                                                                    3. Service 5
                                                                                                                    4. Ambience 4
                                                                                                                    Good service . Good choices from pizza to pasta to entrees.

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                                                                                                                  7. tracy

                                                                                                                    Cleveland

                                                                                                                    2 reviews

                                                                                                                    5.0

                                                                                                                    2 reviews

                                                                                                                    Dined on 2 November 2024

                                                                                                                    1. Overall 5
                                                                                                                    2. Food 5
                                                                                                                    3. Service 5
                                                                                                                    4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                                    Stuffed peppers, calamari and Bolognese Pappardelle were all phenomenal 😊

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                                                                                                                  8. William

                                                                                                                    Cleveland

                                                                                                                    7 reviews

                                                                                                                    5.0

                                                                                                                    7 reviews

                                                                                                                    Dined on 1 November 2024

                                                                                                                    1. Overall 5
                                                                                                                    2. Food 5
                                                                                                                    3. Service 5
                                                                                                                    4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                                    The food was absolutely fabulous. The service was great

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                                                                                                                  9. Elizabeth

                                                                                                                    Cleveland

                                                                                                                    12 reviews

                                                                                                                    vip
                                                                                                                    4.0

                                                                                                                    12 reviews

                                                                                                                    Dined on 26 October 2024

                                                                                                                    1. Overall 4
                                                                                                                    2. Food 4
                                                                                                                    3. Service 4
                                                                                                                    4. Ambience 4
                                                                                                                    Very enjoyable evening. Loved people watching from our table. Shrimp pasta was very good. Mozzarella/tomato salad was disappointing. Too many tomatoes and not enough mozzarella. I would definitely return.

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                                                                                                                  10. Sally

                                                                                                                    New York City

                                                                                                                    3 reviews

                                                                                                                    vip
                                                                                                                    4.0

                                                                                                                    3 reviews

                                                                                                                    Dined on 20 October 2024

                                                                                                                    1. Overall 4
                                                                                                                    2. Food 5
                                                                                                                    3. Service 5
                                                                                                                    4. Ambience 4
                                                                                                                    Always a treat when we head to the Hill. We went For an early lunch/dinner. Cocktails were perfect, the hot peppers are some of the best and I was hankering for a great meatball. Spot on with food and service!

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                                                                                                                  FAQs

                                                                                                                  Maxi’s Bistro offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (216) 421-1500.

                                                                                                                  Maxi’s Bistro is rated 4.6 stars by 336 OpenTable diners.

                                                                                                                  Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

                                                                                                                  Make a booking

                                                                                                                  2 people
                                                                                                                  19:00
                                                                                                                  Booked 9 times today

                                                                                                                  Order delivery or takeout

                                                                                                                  Google Map for Maxi’s Bistro

                                                                                                                  12113 Mayfield Rd, Cleveland, OH 44106-1923

                                                                                                                  Dining areas

                                                                                                                  Additional information

                                                                                                                  • Area
                                                                                                                    University Circle
                                                                                                                  • Hours of Operation
                                                                                                                    Mon–Thu 11:00–22:00 Fri, Sat 11:00–23:00 Sun 11:00–21:00
                                                                                                                  • Price
                                                                                                                    $30 and under
                                                                                                                  • Cuisines
                                                                                                                    Bistro
                                                                                                                  • Dining style
                                                                                                                    Casual Dining
                                                                                                                  • Dress code
                                                                                                                    Casual Dress
                                                                                                                  • Parking details
                                                                                                                    Street Parking
                                                                                                                  • Payment Options
                                                                                                                    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
                                                                                                                  • Additional
                                                                                                                    Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeaway, Wine
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