Business Details
Authentic Italian Dining Experience in Cleveland Since 1898
Guarino's Restaurant has been a cornerstone of Cleveland's Little Italy since 1898, when Vincenzo Guarino established the business as a poolroom and tavern with homemade dinners prepared by his wife, Mary. Over a century of family stewardship has preserved our commitment to authentic Italian cuisine, using generations-old recipes for marinara sauce, lasagna, and piccata. Our historic Victorian dcor, award-winning patio, and private dining parlors continue to host Cleveland's most cherished celebrations, from weddings to family gatherings. We maintain the traditions of Old World hospitality while adapting to modern tastes, serving dishes like scrod al forno and veal saltimbocca alongside classic pasta favorites.Our team, including third-generation members of the Guarino and Phillips families, ensures every guest experiences the warmth and authenticity that have defined our establishment for over 125 years. With live music, seasonal outdoor dining, and a menu featuring both Italian staples and regional specialties, we remain Cleveland's longest-operating restaurant while continuing to evolve.
Services
Appetizers
Entrees
Pasta
Pizza
Cocktails
Private Dining
Catering
Live Music
Valet Service
Outdoor Dining
Highlights and features
- Family recipes perfected over 125 years of continuous operation
- Historic Victorian dcor with private dining parlors and romantic patio
- Third-generation family staff maintaining Old World hospitality
- Award-winning garden patio seating over 100 guests
- Live music and seasonal outdoor dining experiences
What people say
Old World charm
Authentic Italian cuisine
Warm ambiance
Exceptional service
Historic gem
Services
Italian Cuisine
Guarino's Restaurant serves authentic Italian dishes using recipes passed down through generations. Our menu features housemade pasta, seafood, and meat entrees prepared with traditional techniques. From lasagna to veal saltimbocca, each dish reflects our commitment to Old World flavors while incorporating modern culinary standards. The kitchen maintains consistency across both classic and contemporary offerings.
Private Dining
Our Victorian Parlors provide intimate spaces for special occasions, accommodating groups from 8 to 40 guests. Decorated with antique furnishings and china, these rooms maintain the restaurant's historic character while offering modern amenities. The garden patio expands capacity for larger events with seasonal outdoor dining under trumpet vines planted by the founder.
Live Music
Regular musical performances enhance the dining experience, featuring lounge bands and local artists. The acoustics of our Victorian space complement various genres while maintaining conversational comfort. Live entertainment operates seasonally, primarily during warmer months when patio dining is available in Cleveland's Little Italy district.
Catering
Guarinos provides off-site catering using the same recipes and preparation methods as our restaurant service. The menu includes family-style portions of signature dishes for events ranging from corporate functions to private celebrations. Catering maintains the same commitment to authenticity that has defined our dining room since 1898.
Outdoor Dining
The expanded garden patio seats over 100 guests in a landscaped setting featuring trumpet vines brought from Sicily. Seasonal operation allows al fresco dining during Cleveland's warmer months. The space combines historic charm with modern comfort, maintaining the restaurant's reputation as one of the city's most romantic dining destinations.
People
Vincenzo Guarino
Founder
Sicilian immigrant who established the restaurant in 1898, creating the foundation for Cleveland's oldest dining institution through his commitment to authentic Italian hospitality.
Nancy Phillips
Current Operator
Continued the Guarino family tradition after Sam's passing, maintaining the restaurant's historic character while expanding its reputation through modern hospitality practices and third-generation family involvement.
Rachel Phillips
Family Member
Third-generation operator preserving traditional recipes and service standards while adapting to contemporary dining expectations in Cleveland's evolving restaurant scene.
Questions
What makes Guarinos Restaurant historically significant?
Established in 1898 by Sicilian immigrant Vincenzo Guarino, we're Cleveland's oldest continuously operating restaurant, maintaining original recipes and Victorian dcor since our founding.
Does Guarinos offer private dining options?
Yes, our Victorian Parlors accommodate 8-40 guests with antique furnishings, while our garden patio seats over 100 for seasonal outdoor events in Little Italy.
Are there parking options near the restaurant?
Valet service available across the street ($8) with street parking alternatives, though availability may be limited during peak hours in Little Italy.
Does Guarinos provide catering services?
We offer catering using the same recipes and preparation methods as our restaurant, serving both traditional Italian dishes and modern adaptations for off-site events.
What live entertainment options exist?
Regular musical performances feature local artists and lounge bands, complementing our Victorian ambiance with diverse genres while maintaining conversational comfort.
