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Middle Eastern mezze & desserts, plus wine & cocktails presented in a minimalist setup.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 12413 Cedar Rd, Cleveland Heights, OH 44106
Phone: (216) 862-2508
Website: https://zhugcle.com/
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Zhug: Home
Zhug is a new concept by chef Douglas Katz that offers Middle Eastern Mezze in a casual, high energy urban space at Cedar Fairmount in Cleveland Heights.
Zhug | Restaurant (@zhugcle) · Cleveland Heights, OH – Instagram
14K followers · 1.2K+ posts · Mediterranean Spot On Cedar Hill in Cleveland Heights ~no reservations~
Zhug | Cleveland Heights OH – Facebook
Zhug, Cleveland Heights. 3978 likes · 20 talking about this · 1977 were here. Middle Eastern Mezze Bar.
Reviews
ROSE
Overall we had a great night!
Our server was very attentive and kind, took care in talking us through dishes/drinks and our allergies. She was fabulous!
LOVED the curied lamb hummus, beef kofte and the no.23 cocktail.
The drinks were all very good. My only issue was with the food this evening. I’ve been here a couple times before, and every other time everything was very flavorful and delicious. This time however, I felt like some dishes were bland? The rice, calamari and carrots were all incredibly bland. We did opt out for olives on the calamari, but the flavor of the calamari itself was just smoke and nothing else also it didn’t have the best texture. The mejadra was bland and the fried onions weren’t very crisp they were more chewy? The carrots were just carrots, still good but I feel like they could have used some salt or something. Also my partner and I disagree about the free naan, he loved it but I thought the texture was strange this time. A little too soft and crumbly, almost like GF bread?
Overall tho, had a great time! Just a little disappointed in SOME of the dishes (:
… moreOur server was very attentive and kind, took care in talking us through dishes/drinks and our allergies. She was fabulous!
LOVED the curied lamb hummus, beef kofte and the no.23 cocktail.
The drinks were all very good. My only issue was with the food this evening. I’ve been here a couple times before, and every other time everything was very flavorful and delicious. This time however, I felt like some dishes were bland? The rice, calamari and carrots were all incredibly bland. We did opt out for olives on the calamari, but the flavor of the calamari itself was just smoke and nothing else also it didn’t have the best texture. The mejadra was bland and the fried onions weren’t very crisp they were more chewy? The carrots were just carrots, still good but I feel like they could have used some salt or something. Also my partner and I disagree about the free naan, he loved it but I thought the texture was strange this time. A little too soft and crumbly, almost like GF bread?
Overall tho, had a great time! Just a little disappointed in SOME of the dishes (:
Chelsea Lael
This place is a 10/10! Everything we ate was hot, fresh, and delicious. Our hostess was incredible and all the staff was friendly. We went around 6:15 on a Friday night and we only had to wait for 10 minutes for a table. When you do come know that parking is street parking or there are a few spots in garages but it is limited. Overall definitely will be back! Perfect for date night, girls night or just a solo dinner.
… moreRich G
Excellent. Small shareable plates. We had 6 people and split about 14 small plates and everything was wonderful. Lamb, hummus, lentils, eggplant, cauliflower, chicken, moussaka, leeks, pita… and more, all wonderful. The only small plate that was not good was the rice that was super dry. We had lots of excellent cocktails and the service was top notch quick and friendly. We got sat immediately along the comfy bench, at the back wall. Food came out quick, in waves, and hot and fresh. Strongly recommend.
… moreCarmella Juarbe
The food was small portions the server wasn’t able to tell us what spices were used, she said around 15 types spices. The music was okay but kinda loud and not really Middle Eastern vibe. There was NO nutritional/calorie information available either.
Honestly go to Sittos much better food and much more reasonably priced. Can say I been there done that. Wouldn’t recommend if you want the full feeling without going broke. Drank water and what you see w/out tip was $75.00+ dollars!
… moreHonestly go to Sittos much better food and much more reasonably priced. Can say I been there done that. Wouldn’t recommend if you want the full feeling without going broke. Drank water and what you see w/out tip was $75.00+ dollars!
Mariana Naka
I regret not discovering this place sooner! We arrived late, with no hope of being seated since the restaurant was about to close—but to my surprise, they welcomed us in. We ordered three dishes: the za’atar roasted carrots, the honey roasted beets, and the beef kofte. Everything was phenomenal — I’d even say it was the best kofta I’ve ever had. It practically melts in your mouth and is incredibly well seasoned.
The presentation of the dishes is beautiful, and the atmosphere is warm, cozy, and stylish.
If you’re passing through Cleveland or looking to try an excellent restaurant, make sure to visit Zhug.
… moreThe presentation of the dishes is beautiful, and the atmosphere is warm, cozy, and stylish.
If you’re passing through Cleveland or looking to try an excellent restaurant, make sure to visit Zhug.
vikram karthik
Great ambiance and amazing food! I’ve visited a few times now, and the quality has always been excellent and consistent. The team takes feedback seriously and addresses any concerns with care and professionalism. I’ll definitely be back. And their Tahini ice cream is an absolute must-try!
… moreRemy Schultz
Zhug is the perfect dining experience! We loved the large open windows and al-fresco feeling. I recommend the zhug no.1 and gazoz no. 8 cocktails, the honey roasted beets, and the coconut custard. Amba ✔️ Zhug ✔️ can’t wait to try Kiln!
… moreMac McDonnell
Very interesting experience in my opinion. Apologies in advance, is been a week since we went so names may be wrong. Let me start off by saying if you’re GLUTEN FREE and looking for a nice place to go out, this is the place.
Got there around 4:45, and had not wait at all. Thought it was strange that we were not greeted by a host or server.
The food was genuinely fantastic. You order all the food at once, which was nice. They take your order and than send you dishes as they see fit. We started off with the nigella seed and burnt onion hummus, which was incredible and the perfect appetizer. We then got garilc green beans and potato tostadas, which both were also incredible. The garlic oil that topped the green beans was great and the aoili/dip that came with the tostadas was super flavorful and hearty. The first near miss with the food was the beef kofte. Don’t get me wrong, it was good; not great. If it wasn’t for the plate dressings like the feta and radish, it probably wouldn’t have tasted much different from something I could find at the local store. We also got a dessert, I believe it was the labneh cheesecake (which has nuts so be wary), which I thought was great. My girlfriend did not enjoy it however, so proceed with caution.
Now here is where the experience was sort of ruined for us. The best and only way I could accurately describe the service we got from our server was… weird? Disinterested? Cold? It was a very strange experience. I’ve eaten at Waffle House a billion times and never felt less cared about than at Zhug. Every single time we said something to our server, we were met with some sort of estranged nod, as if we just said something back breaking. It may be that I don’t get the concept of the restaurant. It may be that fine dining is malaligned with what I enjoy. But is this it? OKay wait but here’s the kicker. Not a single personal converation was every struck up between us and them, even after I told the server that this dinner was my girlfriend and I’s three year anniversary dinner. Not a single questions towards us UNTIL it came to tipping for the meal. As soon as that tip screen came down, “So… I heard it was your three year anniversary… you guys doing anything elese tonight?” Hey, I get it. You need tips to live in this restuarant buisiness. It’s how we live. I get it. But damn, try at least a little bit to make us feel welcome. I felt wrong for being there, not something I love feeling when you get $120 dollars for good food and poor service.
I am rating this place a four out of five out of respect for the other people at Zhug but I do not see myself coming back to this restaurant.
… moreGot there around 4:45, and had not wait at all. Thought it was strange that we were not greeted by a host or server.
The food was genuinely fantastic. You order all the food at once, which was nice. They take your order and than send you dishes as they see fit. We started off with the nigella seed and burnt onion hummus, which was incredible and the perfect appetizer. We then got garilc green beans and potato tostadas, which both were also incredible. The garlic oil that topped the green beans was great and the aoili/dip that came with the tostadas was super flavorful and hearty. The first near miss with the food was the beef kofte. Don’t get me wrong, it was good; not great. If it wasn’t for the plate dressings like the feta and radish, it probably wouldn’t have tasted much different from something I could find at the local store. We also got a dessert, I believe it was the labneh cheesecake (which has nuts so be wary), which I thought was great. My girlfriend did not enjoy it however, so proceed with caution.
Now here is where the experience was sort of ruined for us. The best and only way I could accurately describe the service we got from our server was… weird? Disinterested? Cold? It was a very strange experience. I’ve eaten at Waffle House a billion times and never felt less cared about than at Zhug. Every single time we said something to our server, we were met with some sort of estranged nod, as if we just said something back breaking. It may be that I don’t get the concept of the restaurant. It may be that fine dining is malaligned with what I enjoy. But is this it? OKay wait but here’s the kicker. Not a single personal converation was every struck up between us and them, even after I told the server that this dinner was my girlfriend and I’s three year anniversary dinner. Not a single questions towards us UNTIL it came to tipping for the meal. As soon as that tip screen came down, “So… I heard it was your three year anniversary… you guys doing anything elese tonight?” Hey, I get it. You need tips to live in this restuarant buisiness. It’s how we live. I get it. But damn, try at least a little bit to make us feel welcome. I felt wrong for being there, not something I love feeling when you get $120 dollars for good food and poor service.
I am rating this place a four out of five out of respect for the other people at Zhug but I do not see myself coming back to this restaurant.
Hayley Di Naso
Fun sharing style menu, boisterous atmosphere, and good service.
We had quite a few different bites off the menu. My favorites being the onion hummus, olives, beets, carrots and the braised lamb.
Skip the crispy chicken, although the honey sauce was good and the chicken was tender, they were basically glorified chicken nuggets.
The sangria had a nice spice to it and was not too sweet.
This is our second time eating at Zhug, while in town and it’s worth the wait and price.
… moreWe had quite a few different bites off the menu. My favorites being the onion hummus, olives, beets, carrots and the braised lamb.
Skip the crispy chicken, although the honey sauce was good and the chicken was tender, they were basically glorified chicken nuggets.
The sangria had a nice spice to it and was not too sweet.
This is our second time eating at Zhug, while in town and it’s worth the wait and price.
Cody Reed
⭐ Zhug – Vibrant Mediterranean Mezze in Cleveland Heights
Tucked into the lively Cedar‑Fairmount corridor of Cleveland Heights, Zhug is the latest hunger-inducing concept from chef Douglas Katz and Edgewater Hospitality partner Todd Thompson. It’s a Mediterranean mezze spot with generous portions, bold flavors, and a welcoming, high‑energy vibe .
Ambiance & Atmosphere
Zhug greets you with a casual but lively environment—perfect for a date night, drinks with friends, or a spontaneous dinner. With generous natural light, modern decor, and an upbeat soundtrack, it absolutely hums with energy. Plus, there’s no reservations needed, meaning you can stop in day or night without planning weeks ahead  .
️ What to Order
The menu is mezze-forward, ideal for sharing and experimenting. Highlights include:
• Hummus trio: Nigella seed, burnt onion, curried lamb & apricot, and harissa peanut—creamy with unexpected depth.
• Vegetable plates: Za’atar roasted carrots, muhammara, eggplant moussaka, crispy cauliflower in spiced coconut sauce—all balanced, artful, and vegetarian‑friendly .
• Proteins: The saffron‑and‑date braised lamb over crispy sweet potatoes with ricotta is a standout—sweet, savory, and oh-so-memorable. Don’t skip the beef kofta, crunchy shrimp, or lingcod cakes either—each has its own flair and flavor punch .
Drinks & Desserts
The cocktail list is playful and inventive: try Zhug No. 22 (gin, coconut-washed amaro, rosemary) or No. 6 (rye, za’atar honey, nutmeg). They also offer non-alcoholic “gazoz” sparkling shrubs and zero-proof cocktails with all the complexity of spirits .
Desserts like vegan coconut custard with coconut cardamom flavors and the tahini‑ice cream sundae make for a satisfying sweet finish .
… moreTucked into the lively Cedar‑Fairmount corridor of Cleveland Heights, Zhug is the latest hunger-inducing concept from chef Douglas Katz and Edgewater Hospitality partner Todd Thompson. It’s a Mediterranean mezze spot with generous portions, bold flavors, and a welcoming, high‑energy vibe .
Ambiance & Atmosphere
Zhug greets you with a casual but lively environment—perfect for a date night, drinks with friends, or a spontaneous dinner. With generous natural light, modern decor, and an upbeat soundtrack, it absolutely hums with energy. Plus, there’s no reservations needed, meaning you can stop in day or night without planning weeks ahead  .
️ What to Order
The menu is mezze-forward, ideal for sharing and experimenting. Highlights include:
• Hummus trio: Nigella seed, burnt onion, curried lamb & apricot, and harissa peanut—creamy with unexpected depth.
• Vegetable plates: Za’atar roasted carrots, muhammara, eggplant moussaka, crispy cauliflower in spiced coconut sauce—all balanced, artful, and vegetarian‑friendly .
• Proteins: The saffron‑and‑date braised lamb over crispy sweet potatoes with ricotta is a standout—sweet, savory, and oh-so-memorable. Don’t skip the beef kofta, crunchy shrimp, or lingcod cakes either—each has its own flair and flavor punch .
Drinks & Desserts
The cocktail list is playful and inventive: try Zhug No. 22 (gin, coconut-washed amaro, rosemary) or No. 6 (rye, za’atar honey, nutmeg). They also offer non-alcoholic “gazoz” sparkling shrubs and zero-proof cocktails with all the complexity of spirits .
Desserts like vegan coconut custard with coconut cardamom flavors and the tahini‑ice cream sundae make for a satisfying sweet finish .