Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great coffee
- Great wine list
oChef » Etna – Cleveland
Etna - Cleveland
Photo from Etna
Etna at a glance
Cleveland Little Italy
- 🍝 Italian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 89 of the guests
#20 out of 62 places to eat in Cleveland
#2 Italian Restaurant out of 2 in Cleveland
Good
7.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
517
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic cuisine
- Attentive staff
- Intimate setting
Frequently criticized
- Service inconsistency
- Limited space
- Price concerns
The restaurant Etna invites you to experience authentic Italian dining right in the heart of Cleveland’s vibrant Little Italy. This charming Italian restaurant is renowned for its exquisite culinary creations, offering you a taste of Italy without leaving the city.
You’ll find yourself immersed in an atmosphere that perfectly blends upscale elegance with cozy comfort. And for those with a sweet tooth, prepare to be delighted by their great dessert selection, a perfect end to any meal.
Overview: Introducting Etna
Etna offers a taste of authentic Italian cuisine, with many praising the food for its genuine flavors and careful preparation. Guests often appreciate the attentive service and the cozy, intimate ambiance that evokes a Tuscan inn.
It’s a spot where the culinary experience often shines through. However, some experiences at Etna have been less consistent, with reports of slow service and a somewhat cramped dining area.
While the overall culinary journey is often positive, a few find the value for certain dishes to be a point of contention.
Good
7.8
out of 10
517
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
94
negative
25
neutral
398
positive
Etna generally earns a solid reception, reflected in its 7.8 Restaurant Score and 77% Customer Satisfaction. This indicates a largely positive experience for many diners.
With 517 total opinions, including 398 positive and 94 negative, there’s a clear lean towards satisfaction, though some areas could see improvement. Diving deeper, the Food (8.0) is a definite highlight, frequently described as authentic and well-prepared.
Service (7.9) also performs strongly, with many appreciating the attentive staff. The Ambience (7.4) contributes positively, often noted for its cozy feel.
However, Value (5.2) presents a more mixed picture, suggesting that while the quality is there, some find the pricing a bit steep for what’s offered.
What people like
- Authentic Italian food
- Attentive service
- Cozy ambiance
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service
- Cramped seating
- Questionable value
Etna presents a compelling option for those seeking genuine Italian flavors in a charming setting. With a strong 8 Recommendation Score, it’s clear many find the experience worthwhile, especially for the quality of the food and the generally attentive service.
If you prioritize authentic cuisine and a cozy atmosphere, Etna is certainly worth considering. Be mindful of potential service inconsistencies and the intimate, sometimes cramped, dining space.
It’s a place that delivers on taste, but managing expectations on space and value is key.
Similar Restaurants in Cleveland
- Italian Restaurant
8.8
out of 10
out of 10
733
90.6%
- $$
- Downtown Cleveland
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on Etna
Food (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark, earning a solid score of 8 and a customer satisfaction of 80.2%, which is quite good! Based on 210 positive remarks out of 262 total opinions, many rave about the authentic Italian food, squid ink pasta, delicious specials, and the excellent food overall. It seems like a culinary journey awaits!
However, not every dish is a perfect ten, with 39 negative comments pointing out some areas for improvement. Some diners were disappointed by tiny shrimp in pasta dishes, penne from a box, issues with food temperature, and occasionally a fishy tomato sauce. These are definitely things to keep in mind.
Food
262
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
39
negative
13
neutral
210
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Italian food
- Excellent pasta dishes
- Delicious daily specials
What people don't like
- Small shrimp portions
- Inconsistent food temperature
- Non-fresh pasta
Often praised
- foodWe had a party of six and ordered a variety of food, and no one left unhappy. The food was not rushed, was steaming hot, and prepared with serious care. Our server was great, and the bartender even came to the table to check on the quality of the cocktails.
- authentic Italian foodmost authentic Italian food in Little Italy
- wine listThe wine list is quite good too
- Italian foodMy experience at this restaurant was wonderful. It's a lovely, cozy little place that serves delicious, genuinely authentic Italian food. I highly recommend booking a table in advance as it's a compact place with limited space.
- authentic foodIncredible authentic food from southern Italy!
- pastaMy experience at this restaurant was truly wonderful, making me feel like I was in Italy. I enjoyed a delicious array of antipasto, salads, pasta, and risotto, all complemented by excellent wine. While the space was a little cramped, it added to the authentic atmosphere.
- wineMy experience at this restaurant was truly wonderful, making me feel like I was in Italy. I enjoyed a delicious array of antipasto, salads, pasta, and risotto, all complemented by excellent wine. While the space was a little cramped, it added to the authentic atmosphere.
- wine selectionThe service is always friendly and responsive, and the restaurant boasts tons of atmosphere. If you're looking for a date night spot with delicious food and a great wine selection, Etna is the place for you!
- antipastoDelicious antipasto
- chefis a great chef
Frequently criticized
- pastapasta was average and didn't taste homemade
- plate of pasta25$ for a plate of pasta with red sauce and a couple of olives
- Caprese saladCaprese salad didn't have fresh tomatoes
- CioppinoCioppino had less seafood and shrimp had shells still on the tails
- FoodFood:1
- Gelatothey did not have any Gelato
- Italian foodpretty ordinary Italian food
- Red sauceRed sauce has almost no seasoning
- anchoviesended up with fishy tomotoe sauce
- anchovy tomato capers olive pastaended up finding an anchovy in the sauce
If youre craving authentic Italian flavors and dont mind a few minor inconsistencies, this place is definitely worth a try. The highlights suggest a truly delicious experience, especially with their pasta and specials. Just be mindful of your dish choices, and you'll likely have a great meal.
Service (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 81% of the guests
Overall, the service here seems to hit the mark, with a good score of 7.9 and a good customer satisfaction rating of 79%. Many of the 109 positive remarks praise the attentive staff, friendly staff, and excellent service, often highlighting the professionalism and helpfulness of the servers. Guests frequently mention great experiences with specific staff members and smooth reservation processes.
However, it's not all smooth sailing, as 26 comments point to some bumps. Issues like slow service, waiting list even with reservations, poor manners, and not enough staff occasionally crop up. Some diners experienced lengthy waits and a lack of attentiveness, suggesting inconsistencies in the service delivery.
Service
138
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
26
negative
3
neutral
109
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Excellent, professional service
- Smooth reservation process
What people don't like
- Slow, indifferent service
- Long waiting times
- Lack of attentiveness
Often praised
- serviceVisiting Cleveland on a business trip, Etna was recommended by a colleague. My experience was very positive, with very well prepared food and great service. Although we didn't have a reservation, we had no problem getting seats at the bar.
- serverMy experience at this restaurant was exceptional. Our server was amazing, though I wish I could remember her name. 🙁 Everything we had, from the martini to the tiramisu, was outstanding.
- bartenderbartender even came to the table to check on the quality of the cocktails
- reservationWe were VERY LUCKY to find a parking spot right in front of the restaurant on a rainy night. Our reservation was confirmed, and we were taken to our table. Service was prompt and very attentive all night.
- staffThe staff was dressed in a manner fitting a nicer venue
- reservationsmake reservations ahead of time
- serversMy experience at the restaurant was a mix of positive and negative. The food was good, and the servers were friendly. However, there was a waiting list, even for those with reservations, which gave me a mix of feelings.
- waiterThe waiter we had was very nice and helpful
- BenBen was not only great with his service
- ServiceOur reservation was confirmed, and we were taken to our table. Service was prompt and very attentive all night. The food was well prepared and delicious.
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was marked by extremely slow and indifferent service. It felt like a Manhattan tourist trap.
- staffstaff who look like they dislike their jobs
- waitressMy experience at the restaurant was marked by food served at 1000 degrees, which took 20 minutes to cool down and ended up burning my mouth. The waitress couldn’t care less about our experience. The manicotti was the dish in question.
- ParmesanServer didn't offer Parmesan
- ServiceService:1
- bar reservationbar is reservation only
- customer servicecustomer service is also non-existent
- espresso machineThe espresso machine was on the fritz
- mannersThe first visit was in winter, and the second in July. While the food was decent, the poor manners and lack of politeness from the staff significantly detracted from the experience. A suggestion for improvement would be to train staff on how to deliver information to customers in a way that encourages repeat business.
- parmesan or pepperThe restaurant was small and cramped, contributing to an uncomfortable atmosphere. The service was poor; there was no offer of parmesan or pepper, and the server asked us to move aside plates to make space for the appetizer due to the small table. Overall, the food was disappointing, the service was lacking, and the atmosphere was cramped.
If you're looking for a place where service generally shines, this spot is worth considering, especially given the high praise for its attentive and friendly staff. Just be prepared that on occasion, you might encounter slower periods or a waiting list, so making a reservation is definitely a smart move.
Ambience (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 69% of the guests
The ambience at this spot generally hits the mark, earning a good score of 7.4 and a good customer satisfaction of 71.7%. Many of the 76 positive opinions rave about the authentic atmosphere and cozy and intimate feel, often highlighting the chic decor and intimate setting that creates a truly special vibe. It’s often described as a little gem with a lovely vibe.
However, its not without its quirks. Among the 24 negative pieces of feedback, some customers found the space a bit cramped with crowded seating, noting that the small table setup can make it quite loud' when busy. The intimate size, while charming to many, can sometimes feel a bit too small for comfort.
Ambience
106
Reviews
71%
Satisfaction
24
negative
6
neutral
76
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic atmosphere
- Cozy, intimate feel
- Chic decor
What people don't like
- Cramped seating
- Can get loud
- Small space
Often praised
- atmospherecozy and intimate restaurant with the atmosphere of a Tuscan inn
- ambianceMy experience at this restaurant was absolutely delightful! It's a true Italian gem with exceptional flavors and a warm ambiance. The top-notch service made the evening even more enjoyable.
- barsit at the bar, which is lively and intimate
- noise levelNoise level:Quiet, easy to talk
- placeMy experience at this restaurant was wonderful. It's a lovely, cozy little place that serves delicious, genuinely authentic Italian food. I highly recommend booking a table in advance as it's a compact place with limited space.
- spaceThe space is small and intimate
- Italian ownerreal Italian owner, and you can tell.
- ambienceMy husband thoroughly enjoyed his Pasta Bolognese and Chocolate Hazelnut Gelato. I would highly recommend this restaurant for its deliciously prepared Italian cuisine and beautiful ambience. Thank you for providing us with a very relaxing evening.
- authenticmakes it more authentic
- authentic atmosphereI love the authentic atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- placeAbsolutely nothing special about the place
- seatingThe seating is a bit crowded
- tablesmight not have any tables available
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:2
- Manhattan tourist trapfelt like i was in a Manhattan tourist trap
- Parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
- atmosphereatmosphere feel cramped
- crampedA little cramped
- date nightNot optimal for a date night.
- dining areaExtremely small dining area
If youre seeking a cozy, intimate spot with an authentic feel and dont mind a potentially lively, close-quarters experience, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared that its charm comes with a smaller, sometimes louder, footprint.
Value (5.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 9% of the guests
Looking at value, some guests found fair prices and even exceptional value, especially when a dessert is on the house. These positive sentiments, appearing in 3 out of 11 comments, contribute to an average 5.2 score, though customer satisfaction for value is a poor 27.3%, suggesting a noticeable split in opinions. However, the value proposition often falls short for others.
Many expressed frustration over an auto-gratuity and significant markup on wines, with some feeling the price was too high, particularly for a pasta dish costing over $20. These concerns were voiced in 5 negative remarks, indicating that many found the quality didn't match the cost.
Value
11
Reviews
27%
Satisfaction
5
negative
3
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fair pricing
- Good value
- Free dessert
What people don't like
- Automatic gratuity
- High wine markup
- Overpriced dishes
Often praised
- dessert is 'on the house'he told me that the dessert is 'on the house'.
- fair pricesMy wife and I were passing through Cleveland, and after many Italian restaurant experiences around the world, we finally found professionalism, kindness, and politeness. Beyond that, the food was excellent and the prices were more than fair. We will keep a beautiful memory.
- valueexceptional value
Frequently criticized
- price25$ for a plate of pasta with red sauce and a couple of olives
- $20 for a pasta dishfor over $20 for a pasta dish, I would expect more.
- auto-gratuityThe pasta sauce was watered down, and the service was mediocre at best. To add insult to injury, there was an auto-gratuity of 20% for parties of 5 or more, and a 400% markup on common table wines. There was absolutely nothing special about the place; it was poor all around.
- markup on winesThe pasta sauce was watered down, and the service was mediocre at best. To add insult to injury, there was an auto-gratuity of 20% for parties of 5 or more, and a 400% markup on common table wines. There was absolutely nothing special about the place; it was poor all around.
If youre looking for a deal, this place might be a gamble, as opinions on value are quite divided. While some find fair prices and nice touches like free dessert, others are put off by high markups and automatic gratuities. Go in with your eyes open, especially if youre sensitive to pricing.
How are the prices at Etna?
On average, you’ll spend around $46 per person – from 89 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $41–$50 category. For an Italian Restaurant, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Looking at what people actually spend, we see a good mix. While the average is $46, many diners find options in the $21–$30 and $31–$40 ranges, suggesting a nice blend of more affordable and slightly higher-end dishes.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 89 reviews.
A comparison of value for money (price vs. Score) for this restaurant against similar spots in Cleveland.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for an Italian Restaurant in Cleveland, especially given the variety of price points available. It seems like you can tailor your experience to your budget.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Etna
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Excellent Food and Service!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic. I was visiting a friend at the Clinic and decided to stop in on a whim before heading back to Columbus. The food was excellent, particularly the puttanesca and Etna salad, which paired perfectly with the gavi.
For dessert, the tiramisu with espresso was a delightful end to the meal, providing both satisfaction and the necessary jolt for my drive south. The service was also outstanding; Ben was incredibly attentive not only to me but to all the other guests at the bar. The atmosphere was rated highly, contributing to a pleasant dining experience.
- food10
- puttanesca9
- Etna salad9
Price per Person
- $71–$80
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Authentic Sicilian Gem with Warm Service
My experience at this restaurant was truly wonderful. The service was incredibly friendly, and the atmosphere felt cozy and warm, making it feel like eating with family. The food was authentic Sicilian Italian, which was a delightful experience.
While it was pricey, the overall package was worth it. The noise level was quiet, allowing for easy conversation.
- service10
- atmosphere9
- food8
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
8
Great Italian Food, Loud Atmosphere
My experience at Etna, a great little Italian restaurant in Cleveland's Little Italy district, was largely positive. They offer a great selection of authentic Italian dishes and their service is great. The wine list is also a strong point.
However, the tables are close together and the noise level can make it challenging to have a conversation across the table. Despite the noise, it remains one of my two favorite Italian restaurants in the Cleveland area. Parking is convenient with both valet and a nearby church lot available.
- authentic Italian dishes10
- service10
- wine list9
- tables3
- noise level2
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
1
Authenticity Lacking, Food Disappointing
My experience at this restaurant was the worse ever. The chicken piccata was dry and not authentic at all, not what it’s supposed to be. The tiramisu was watery and mushy, truly awful.
My husband found the froth on his cappuccino to be sour and disgusting. Having visited Italy several times, I can confidently say this food is NOT authentic. If you're looking for good Italian food, I recommend going to Crostatas in Highland Heights.
- chicken piccata1
- tiramisu1
- cappuccino froth1
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Authentic Italian, Will Return!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was truly Italian cooking at its finest. I was so impressed that I WILL RETURN 4 MORE.
The service was excellent, and the atmosphere was very pleasant and very quiet.
- Italian cooking10
- service10
- atmosphere10
What Etna offers
Planning
- Reservations required
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Table service
- Dessert
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Trendy
FAQs
What parking options are available when you visit Etna in Little Italy?
When you plan your visit to Etna, you’ll find several convenient parking options. You can utilize the paid parking lot, or look for free street parking and paid street parking nearby. This ensures you have choices for where to leave your vehicle while you enjoy your meal.
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Etna, and do you need reservations?
At Etna, you can expect an upscale, romantic, and cozy dining experience, ideal for dinner with table service. Outdoor seating is also available. Reservations are required, and dinner reservations are highly recommended to secure your spot at this popular Italian restaurant.
What is the overall rating for Etna and what are its key strengths?
Etna holds a strong Restaurant Score of **7.8** with **77%** Customer Satisfaction. Its main strengths lie in its **Food** (8.0) and **Service** (7.9), followed by its **Ambience** (7.4). **Value** (5.2) is considered average.
What kind of dining experience can I expect at Etna?
You can expect an authentic Italian dining experience with delicious, well-prepared food. Many describe the **ambiance** as cozy, intimate, and reminiscent of a Tuscan inn, making it a pleasant setting for a meal.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks at Etna?
Some diners have noted **inconsistent service**, with occasional reports of slow or indifferent staff. The dining area can also feel **cramped** or crowded, and some find the **value** for certain dishes to be a bit high.