News & Media

Award-Winning Italian Dining Recognized Across Cleveland & Beyond

Explore the awards, media coverage, restaurant reviews, and culinary recognition that have made Michaelangelo’s a Cleveland dining destination for decades.

Chef Michael Annandono

Chef Michael Annandono

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For decades, Michaelangelo’s has been recognized as one of Cleveland’s premier Italian dining destinations. From national culinary recognition to local media spotlights, our restaurant, wine program, and Chef Michael Annandono have been featured by respected publications, travel writers, and food critics across the country.

Explore recent press coverage, restaurant reviews, awards, and media mentions celebrating the Michaelangelo’s experience.

Awards & National Recognition

JAMES BEARD FOUNDATION AWARDS 2023

James Beard Foundation

2023 James Beard Awards Semi Finalist
Chef Michael Annandono and Michaelangelo’s were recognized among the nation’s top culinary talents in the prestigious James Beard Awards semi finalist list.

BCA - Best Chefs America

Best Chefs America

Chef Michael Annandono Featured in Best Chefs America
Chef Michael Annandono was recognized by Best Chefs America for his contributions to exceptional Italian cuisine and culinary excellence.

24/7 Tempo

These Upscale Restaurants in Cleveland Are Worthy of a Michelin Star
Michaelangelo’s was recognized among Cleveland’s elite dining destinations in this feature highlighting upscale restaurants considered worthy of Michelin-level recognition for culinary excellence, atmosphere, and dining experience.

Zagat Recognition

Consistently Rated Among the Nation’s Top Restaurants
Michaelangelo’s has earned multiple Zagat ratings and recognition for exceptional food, service, and atmosphere. Over the years, the restaurant has been ranked alongside — and at times above — internationally recognized celebrity chefs and dining destinations, including establishments associated with Gordon Ramsay, reinforcing Michaelangelo’s reputation as one of Cleveland’s premier fine dining experiences.


Restaurant Reviews & Spotlights

Cleveland Magazine

An Italian Masterpiece: Michaelangelo’s
A feature highlighting Michaelangelo’s commitment to authentic Italian cuisine, elevated dining experiences, and culinary artistry in Cleveland’s Little Italy.

Cleveland.com

Michaelangelo’s in Little Italy: Review & Photos
A detailed restaurant review showcasing Michaelangelo’s signature dishes, atmosphere, and reputation as one of Cleveland’s top fine dining destinations.

Cork & Journey

A Taste of Italy in the Heart of Cleveland
A travel and dining feature exploring the authentic Italian experience, wine selection, and hospitality that define Michaelangelo’s.

Cleveland Rocks Cleveland Eats

Michaelangelo’s in Little Italy
A local dining review celebrating the restaurant’s atmosphere, handmade cuisine, and longstanding reputation in Cleveland’s culinary scene.

Dish featuring a yellow fish fillet topped with crispy fried shallots, served with green chive garnish and green sauce on a white plate.
Book cover titled "In the Kitchen with Cleveland's Favorite Chefs," featuring a whisk on a white background with a list of chef names below.

In the Kitchen with Cleveland's Favorite Chefs: 35 Fabulous Meals in About an Hour

Author and food enthusiast Maria Isabella
Have you ever wondered what your favorite local chefs cook at home? What they prepare for their own family and friends? What they whip up when truly pressed for time? The secret’s finally out as In the Kitchen with Cleveland’s Favorite Chefs takes you into the private kitchens of 35 local culinary greats to discover what’s really cooking.

Author and food enthusiast Maria Isabella posed the same challenge to each featured chef: If you were suddenly to get a call at home from good friends who wanted to stop by, what would you prepare for them in one hour or less? The answers are as varied as the chefs themselves, who represent an exciting array of gastronomic talent―from celebrity chefs, restaurant chef/owners, and institutional chefs, to caterers, cooking instructors, and researchers. Each chef shares detailed recipes for delicious signature meals that can be prepared quickly and easily at home―119 dishes in all, including a wide range of meat, fish, and vegetarian choices to tempt every palate. Helpful wine pairings are offered as well. Accompanying each recipe are gorgeous full-color photographs featuring both the chefs and their culinary showpieces. Isabella’s profiles of each chef offer fascinating insights into everything from personal life stories to tips for successful last-minute entertaining.

In the Kitchen with Cleveland’s Favorite Chefs also allows readers to mix and match the recipes to create their own customized menus. For a delicious appetizer, one might start with Jonathon Sawyer’s “Devils on Horseback” or Eric Williams’s “Guacamole Tradicional.” For an impressive meal, try Michael Symon’s “Roasted Rack of Pork” with “Five-Spice Pumpkin Purée” and “Cilantro Salad” or Dante Boccuzzi’s “Mustard-Crusted Lamb Cutlets with Garbanzo Beans & Frisée.” For decadent dessert options, consider Jonathan Bennett’s “Gingered Apple Tarte Tatin,” Zachary Bruell’s “Greek Yogurt with Berries & Honey,” or Karen Small’s “Fig Scones.”

Filled with informative tips and clear step-by-step instructions using local ingredients and familiar techniques, In the Kitchen with Cleveland’s Favorite Chefs gives busy home cooks and foodies alike the tools and confidence they need to entertain just like the pros.

A page from a magazine or booklet featuring a profile of Michael Annandono, including a color photograph of him smiling and holding a knife and a red item in a kitchen. The text discusses his culinary background and achievements.

Best Of Lists & Culinary Recognition

Cleveland Scene

Best Italian Restaurant
Michaelangelo’s was recognized by Cleveland Scene readers and editors as one of the area’s top Italian dining destinations.

Cleveland Scene

Pasta Perfect
A feature celebrating the handmade pasta dishes and culinary craftsmanship that continue to define the Michaelangelo’s dining experience.

Cleveland.com

Highest-Rated Fine Dining Restaurants in Cleveland According to Tripadvisor
Michaelangelo’s was included among Cleveland’s highest-rated fine dining destinations.

Secret Cleveland

Best Italian Restaurants in Cleveland
A roundup of Cleveland’s best Italian restaurants featuring Michaelangelo’s as a must-visit dining destination.

Cozymeal Magazine

Best Little Italy Restaurants in Cleveland
Michaelangelo’s was featured among the top Little Italy restaurants in Cleveland for authentic cuisine and exceptional dining experiences.

BW Travel Zone

Top Restaurants in Cleveland’s Little Italy
Michaelangelo’s was highlighted as one of the premier dining experiences in Cleveland’s historic Little Italy neighborhood.


Local Media & Community Features

Cleveland.com

Taking the Chill Off: Cozy Cleveland Restaurants
Michaelangelo’s was featured among Cleveland’s top cozy and romantic dining destinations.

Cleveland Scene

The Upside of Outside
A feature highlighting outdoor dining and the restaurant experience at Michaelangelo’s.

Cleveland.com

An Easter Feast for Chef Michael Annandono
A personal culinary feature centered around Chef Michael Annandono and his passion for Italian traditions and family dining.

'The Plain Dealer' from April 4, 2012, featuring a large photo of a cooked lamb's leg with rosemary, and smaller photos showing people making ravioli and children at dinner.

An Easter Feast for Chef Michael Annandono


Television & Media Appearances

Cleveland 19 News

Recipe: Spaghetti Carbonara
Chef Michael Annandono shares Michaelangelo’s classic Spaghetti Carbonara recipe as part of Cleveland 19’s “Cleveland Cooks” feature segment.

FOX 8 Recipe Box

Tagliolini with Heirloom Tomatoes and Buffalo Mozzarella
Chef Michael Annandono shares one of Michaelangelo’s signature recipes on FOX 8.

Display of a magazine page featuring NorthperOhioLive, including a chef preparing food, and an article about culinary experiences and dishes.
A magazine page featuring an article about an Italian chef named Michael Angelo. The page includes a cover image of a blue Mediterranean island with the title 'Continental June 2009' and several smaller images, including a picture of a chef in a kitchen, a dish labeled 'Cleveland,' and a wine rack. The article discusses the chef's background, culinary style, and restaurant in Cleveland.
Newspaper page featuring Michaelangelo's Italian restaurant. Contains photos of chef Michael White and staff, dishes like veal tenderloin, grilled prawns, ravioli, and eggplant terrine, and the restaurant's contact info and hours.