1898, Vincenzo Guarino arrived from Sicily and settled in Cleveland’s “Little Italy” to live with relatives. With the money saved from working as a road worker, he purchased a building, which housed a poolroom/tavern with an apartment above. Vincenzo married Mary, a young lady from the neighborhood, in 1918. While he operated the poolroom, and tavern, Mary prepared dinners in the back dining room for friends, neighbors, and the clientele of the business … Thus a restaurant was born. They served dinners for many family occasions of their clientele from baptisms to weddings. Homemade wine and liquor was served in coffee cups during prohibition as the strings of beads hung from the ceiling to shield the bar from the police in the streets. The clientele grew to include professors and musicians from the local institutions as well as prominent families of Cleveland. Vincenzo and Mary raised three children in the apartment above. They helped operate the family business while attending school and college. In 1954, while traveling by boat to visit relatives in Sicily, Vincenzo passed away outside Lisbon, Portugal. Vincenzo’s only son, Sam, decided to make a career in the restaurant business after his graduation from college and ran the operation for over thirty years with his wife and children. In 1959, the “garden” was built for formal dining as it is today. Still standing is the trumpet vine brought from Sicily and planted by Vincenzo. In 1963, Sam remodeled the restaurant in the Victorian décor that it still reflects today. The restaurant clientele continued to grow from the original patrons to include artists, Metropolitan Opera stars, actors, local television and radio personalities as well as politicians and clergy. Sam Guarino passed away in 1987. A life-long friend, Nancy Phillips, along with Sam’s wife, Marilyn, took over the business and started a new tradition. Sam’s children left the family business for other careers while Nancy’s children and grandchildren stepped in to carry on the traditions. The apartment was changed into private dining rooms called the Victorian Parlors which are decorated in Victorian style with antiques, china, and glassware purchased on trips around the East as well as personal items from home. The main parlor can accommodate up to forty people and has been used for meetings, showers, weddings and of course, family dinners. The garden has been expanded and now seats over 100 people comfortably and was named to countless “best patio” lists for the city. The trumpet vines continue to enhance the beauty and charm of what some call “the most romantic patio in Cleveland!” With many changes throughout the years, the American-Italian cuisine remains the same! From our flavorful marinara sauce to our refreshing piccata, the old recipes still speak volumes. To this day, you can still come by Guarino’s and visit Nancy and her family who still take pride in serving Cleveland for nearly a century.
Our MENU
Guarino’s Restaurant proudly offers a full menu for “take-out” options as well. With free and easy on-site parking, bringing Cleveland’s original Italian dinner home from our family to yours is easier than ever. Since 1918, Cleveland families always choose Guarino’s.
MAMA MIA THIS AUTHENTIC ITALIAN IS DELICIOUS!
Mama Mia this authentic Italian is delicious! The manicotti was one of the best dishes I’ve had in Little Italy. The ricotta was creamy and delicious, and the sauce was perfect for my taste buds.
My partner had the Chicken Piccata and was pleased with the dish. I wasn’t a fan of the garlic bread and cheese as the garlic was a bit extreme and the cheese was lacking, although I’ve been told that’s how true Italian garlic bread is served.
The service was good, and the restaurant has its own parking lot which is a rarity in this neighborhood.
Dana W.
CATERING & PRIVATE EVENTS
Cleveland’s Oldest Restaurant is always happy to host your large group gathering, and we can do so, in our fabulous garden (rain or shine with our tent system**.) From 20-100 guests, we’ve had fabulous events in our garden including weddings, bridal showers, graduation parties, and more.
DELIVERY AT YOUR FINGERTIPS
You can now have your favorite Cleveland restaurant delivered to your door step. You’re just a click away.
Visit Us
- 12309 Mayfield Road. Cleveland, OH 44106
- guarinos1918@aol.com
- (216) 231-3100
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© All rights reserved Guarino’s restaurant. 2019