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jaja is one of Cleveland’s most distinctive dining destinations. Led by Executive Chef Logan Abbe, jaja celebrates Western Mediterranean (“Med-West”) cuisine through inventive, shareable dishes that reflect Abbe’s refined yet approachable style. The menu is anchored by thoughtfully crafted, shareable signature plates, paired with a reimagined, dynamic beverage program. Located near the iconic West Side Market, jaja is set within a jewel-box rooftop dining room that feels both transportive and intimate. The atmosphere is energetic yet welcoming. Its elevated rooftop setting offers a cozy, tucked-away escape while remaining connected to the energy of the neighborhood.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 2050 Gehring Ave, Cleveland, OH 44113
Phone: (216) 998-5353
Website: http://www.jajacleveland.com/
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Order and Reservations
Reservations: opentable.com
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Jaja Cleveland
jaja celebrates Western Mediterranean (“Med-West”) cuisine. The menu is anchored by thoughtfully crafted, shareable signature plates, paired with a …
Jaja Cleveland (@jajacleveland) – Instagram
25K followers · 33 posts · Mediterranean flavors. Midwestern hospitality. _ Tues-Thurs: 5pm-10pm Friday-Saturday: 5pm-11pm.
Jaja | Cleveland OH – Facebook
Jaja, Cleveland. 1430 likes · 31 talking about this · 2397 were here. Mediterranean Restaurant.
Reviews
Jessica Grigg
Went on opening night which is usually a bit high-stress for most spots, but not Jaja! They had such a great handle on things and functioned great as a team, working like a well-oiled machine. We had an AMAZING experience and cannot wait to return.
With Jaja finally back, it had some big shoes to fill. My husband and I were regulars before it closed down, and were very excited to secure an opening night reservation once we heard Jaja was reopening. And as good as the old Jaja was, Jaja 2.0 blew it out of the water.
From delicious small plates and shareables to spectacular service, we’ll be raving about Jaja for the foreseeable future.
Now onto food and drinks.
COCKTAILS:
My husband ordered BARBOLETA, which tasted like a margarita’s smooth, upscale, older sibling. I, looking at the menu, felt inspired to ask the mixologist (Jason) to create something custom to my palette, giving just a few hints as to my preferences (e.g. enjoy g&t, florals, citrus). My husband’s drink was great but the magic that came together with my drink was BEYOND. My husband even ended up ordering himself one as well. I’d come back for this alone! The details escape me but there was some butterfly pea flower, chamomile, jasmine, lime, ginger… They named it “LA VIOLETA”, in case anyone’s looking to try it as well 1000% would recommend!
FOOD:
We opted for the SHORT RIB TARTAR, the SCALLOP CRUDO, the BASQUE MUSHROOMS, and SEARED RED SNAPPER. Each dish was exceptional. The sauce for each is what really pushed it over the edge for us, especially for the tartar and the mushrooms. We could’ve only eaten those two and the night would’ve still been a great success!
DESSERT:
We didn’t have much room left, but desserts sounded too good to pass up. We ended up trying the BASQUE CHEESECAKE & the PISTACHIO TRES LECHES. Either of these could top the list for my favorite dessert in Cleveland, but having both be so outstanding skyrocketed Jaja to my favorite dessert spot in Ohio. The honey crisps and honey sauce work marvelously to elevate the classic basque cheesecake to the next level. Similarly, the blend of tres leches with pistachios and pomegranate arils transformed a traditional cake into a work of art, blending sweet, nutty, and sour flavors in unimaginable ways.
ALL THAT TO SAY, if Michelin ever finally decides to include Ohio, I wouldn’t be shocked if this is among their first stops. In fact, I could bet on it!
We had the most wonderful time and can’t wait to return. Especially looking forward to introducing friends to this absolute gem of a restaurant and the amazing staff that complete the experience. From Jacob and our servers to Logan, Jason, and everyone else, a great big THANK YOU for such a fun night celebrating Jaja’s reopening and CHEERS to a successful opening night!
… moreWith Jaja finally back, it had some big shoes to fill. My husband and I were regulars before it closed down, and were very excited to secure an opening night reservation once we heard Jaja was reopening. And as good as the old Jaja was, Jaja 2.0 blew it out of the water.
From delicious small plates and shareables to spectacular service, we’ll be raving about Jaja for the foreseeable future.
Now onto food and drinks.
COCKTAILS:
My husband ordered BARBOLETA, which tasted like a margarita’s smooth, upscale, older sibling. I, looking at the menu, felt inspired to ask the mixologist (Jason) to create something custom to my palette, giving just a few hints as to my preferences (e.g. enjoy g&t, florals, citrus). My husband’s drink was great but the magic that came together with my drink was BEYOND. My husband even ended up ordering himself one as well. I’d come back for this alone! The details escape me but there was some butterfly pea flower, chamomile, jasmine, lime, ginger… They named it “LA VIOLETA”, in case anyone’s looking to try it as well 1000% would recommend!
FOOD:
We opted for the SHORT RIB TARTAR, the SCALLOP CRUDO, the BASQUE MUSHROOMS, and SEARED RED SNAPPER. Each dish was exceptional. The sauce for each is what really pushed it over the edge for us, especially for the tartar and the mushrooms. We could’ve only eaten those two and the night would’ve still been a great success!
DESSERT:
We didn’t have much room left, but desserts sounded too good to pass up. We ended up trying the BASQUE CHEESECAKE & the PISTACHIO TRES LECHES. Either of these could top the list for my favorite dessert in Cleveland, but having both be so outstanding skyrocketed Jaja to my favorite dessert spot in Ohio. The honey crisps and honey sauce work marvelously to elevate the classic basque cheesecake to the next level. Similarly, the blend of tres leches with pistachios and pomegranate arils transformed a traditional cake into a work of art, blending sweet, nutty, and sour flavors in unimaginable ways.
ALL THAT TO SAY, if Michelin ever finally decides to include Ohio, I wouldn’t be shocked if this is among their first stops. In fact, I could bet on it!
We had the most wonderful time and can’t wait to return. Especially looking forward to introducing friends to this absolute gem of a restaurant and the amazing staff that complete the experience. From Jacob and our servers to Logan, Jason, and everyone else, a great big THANK YOU for such a fun night celebrating Jaja’s reopening and CHEERS to a successful opening night!
Melissa S
Seriously great vibes at Jaja. So many details attended to. The wallpapers, the lighting, the bar that looks like an oasis, the unique plates and vintage silverware, the glass roof that can open, the impeccably decorated and clean bathrooms. Oh, and then there’s the food. Rolls, rigatoni, and basque cheesecake to share. So delicious, beautifully presented, and just the right portion size. Two hostesses greeted us. Four servers attended to us, but never interrupted conversation. A very impressive restaurant. Hope they stick around for a long time and inspire others to aim higher!
… moreAidan Hammer
I had an outstanding experience at JaJa this evening. My girlfriend was in town from college for the weekend, and we were hoping to secure a last-minute reservation. Manager Julie was an absolute pleasure to work with and went above and beyond to accommodate us with a table.
From the valet to the hostess at the elevator, every member of the staff was warm, attentive, and professional. Our server consistently checked in on us, and the overall level of service throughout the restaurant was exceptional. My water glass was never less than half full without someone promptly refilling it — a small detail that truly reflects their attentiveness.
We also had the opportunity to work with the on-floor sommelier, who was incredibly knowledgeable and helped us select the perfect wine to pair with our meal.
The food itself was truly memorable. We started with the milk bread rolls, which were incredibly soft and paired beautifully with the pear jam served alongside them. The grilled heirloom carrots were outstanding, complemented by a sauce so unique and flavorful it’s difficult to put into words. The smashed potatoes had a subtle kick of heat that tied the dish together perfectly. Our favorite of the evening was the rigatoni — I had never experienced rigatoni prepared with squash before, and the way the flavors blended so seamlessly was exceptional.
To finish, we ordered the pistachio tres leches for dessert, and the sommelier thoughtfully returned to recommend a dessert wine pairing that elevated the experience even further. Overall, the food was some of the best I’ve had in quite some time.
JaJa is truly a must-visit for anyone spending time in the Cleveland area. We will absolutely be returning and look forward to our next visit.
… moreFrom the valet to the hostess at the elevator, every member of the staff was warm, attentive, and professional. Our server consistently checked in on us, and the overall level of service throughout the restaurant was exceptional. My water glass was never less than half full without someone promptly refilling it — a small detail that truly reflects their attentiveness.
We also had the opportunity to work with the on-floor sommelier, who was incredibly knowledgeable and helped us select the perfect wine to pair with our meal.
The food itself was truly memorable. We started with the milk bread rolls, which were incredibly soft and paired beautifully with the pear jam served alongside them. The grilled heirloom carrots were outstanding, complemented by a sauce so unique and flavorful it’s difficult to put into words. The smashed potatoes had a subtle kick of heat that tied the dish together perfectly. Our favorite of the evening was the rigatoni — I had never experienced rigatoni prepared with squash before, and the way the flavors blended so seamlessly was exceptional.
To finish, we ordered the pistachio tres leches for dessert, and the sommelier thoughtfully returned to recommend a dessert wine pairing that elevated the experience even further. Overall, the food was some of the best I’ve had in quite some time.
JaJa is truly a must-visit for anyone spending time in the Cleveland area. We will absolutely be returning and look forward to our next visit.
Lauren Shepard
I went with a group of friends to the grand reopening, and the menu is incredible. So is the staff and the decor. They have really fun wallpapers throughout the venue, even in the elevator and the restrooms.
… moreChris
Some of the food was good but the portions are too small to share with a group (sharing is encouraged). Overall the food was slightly above average, but I thought the bolognese tasted like vinegar. If you place a high value on unique cuisine, this might be a good choice for you. However, the overall quality was not anything special or excellent.
The restaurant reopened a couple weeks ago. If you are looking at older reviews, I do not believe it is the same menu.
… moreThe restaurant reopened a couple weeks ago. If you are looking at older reviews, I do not believe it is the same menu.
James Marlowe
Our experience at JaJa was awesome. The service and staff were very friendly and knowledgeable. We had a variety of appetizers with no complaints. The entrees were incredible. Definitely a five star restaurant. You will not be disappointed. We will definitely return.
… moreandy laudato
I think a lot of restaurants here lack making dining at their establishment an Experience instead of a transaction. But Jaja hit all the key points to an amazing Experience. I truly never had service anywhere in cleveland like how i did at Jaja, the workers were so knowledgeable and the food was soooo good. I’m so glad they reopened and put a great name to the cleveland dining scene. I will recommend this restaurant to anyone!
… morestephanie rogers
We went to JaJa for a Sunday brunch to celebrate my engagement (a bit over a year ago). We did make our reservations online and in advance. There was valet parking out front, which I highly suggest, and they allow you to pay with Venmo!
It was nothing short of amazing! The atmosphere, the vibe, the service, the food, EVERYTHING!
There is a small elevator you take up to the restaurant and it has a fun wallpaper and blacklight. Once you get upstairs, it’s just stunningly beautiful! The decor, the plants, the natural light and airy feel. Once it got a bit warmer, they opened up the window ceiling and it was just a whole different feel. It felt like you were outside but completely indoors.
The buffet was next level. So many options and everything was so good! We were very full upon leaving.
Our server even brought over complimentary champagne toast to help us celebrate the engagement. Just the little things on top of an already amazing experience really blew us away.
It is a bit pricey, but for the experience (and it being in Ohio city), i think it was so worth it and we cannot wait to come back!!
… moreIt was nothing short of amazing! The atmosphere, the vibe, the service, the food, EVERYTHING!
There is a small elevator you take up to the restaurant and it has a fun wallpaper and blacklight. Once you get upstairs, it’s just stunningly beautiful! The decor, the plants, the natural light and airy feel. Once it got a bit warmer, they opened up the window ceiling and it was just a whole different feel. It felt like you were outside but completely indoors.
The buffet was next level. So many options and everything was so good! We were very full upon leaving.
Our server even brought over complimentary champagne toast to help us celebrate the engagement. Just the little things on top of an already amazing experience really blew us away.
It is a bit pricey, but for the experience (and it being in Ohio city), i think it was so worth it and we cannot wait to come back!!
Joe Modzski
Located in Ohio City just across the bridge from downtown jaja is not just a restaurant, it’s a culinary experience and it’s my new standard for what I think a 10/10 dining experience should be. The ambiance was mid century with South American flair all brightly lit and airy thanks to a full ceiling greenhouse roof that I’m told was retractable .
The service was impeccable, from the moment we got off the elevator we were greeted by the attentive wait staff who were very knowledgeable about the menu and offered genuine recommendations. Every aspect of the dining experience is thoughtfully executed.
The menu had so many carefully crafted dishes, even the flavors that would seem like a bad pairing melded together perfectly on the taste buds. I am happy it was a small plate serving style so we could try as many dishes as we could. I was most impressed with the goat cheese dates and Eggplant spread.
I would recommend jaja to anyone looking for a date night spot or a small group gathering, their menu also denotes which dishes contained dairy, gluten, and nuts.
… moreThe service was impeccable, from the moment we got off the elevator we were greeted by the attentive wait staff who were very knowledgeable about the menu and offered genuine recommendations. Every aspect of the dining experience is thoughtfully executed.
The menu had so many carefully crafted dishes, even the flavors that would seem like a bad pairing melded together perfectly on the taste buds. I am happy it was a small plate serving style so we could try as many dishes as we could. I was most impressed with the goat cheese dates and Eggplant spread.
I would recommend jaja to anyone looking for a date night spot or a small group gathering, their menu also denotes which dishes contained dairy, gluten, and nuts.
Mei-Lin Bafaloukos
Loved the ambience. We were seated at the patio and on a perfect weather day, it’s amazing. The cheesecake is awesome, probably the best in the area. Loved the red snapper, polenta, pork velly and pickled veggies. Everything we ordered including drinks and dessert were great other than the lamb albondigas. It may have been overcooked, some parts were black and was very dry. Great customer service, awesome recommendations were provided. Overall great.
… more