Sergio's University Circle

Recommends

toxreviewer

Joined 5 years ago

Great tapas, crowded seating. We decided to try Sergio's after visiting the museum of art. Our server was excellent, as was the food! We tried 2 tapas (chorizo and crabcakes) and 2 entrees (cavatelli and gumbo). Everything was great - the chorizo and cavetelli were unique experiences especially. We decided to end the feast with dessert, since Sergio's also has unusual offerings there (try the lemon polenta cake and the chocolate frangipane torte with gelato; the day we were there the flavor was caffe..mmm).

Recommends

belo1007

Joined 6 years ago

Best Tapas, menu variety,wine list. If you love Italian, spanish, mediteranean, you'll love Sergio's. The delicious Chorizo appetizer, or CAVATELLI SAN MARZANO ,a delicious, classic Italian combination of pecorino cheese, butter, and fresh basil in a san marzano tomato broth, topped with crisp sage and fennel sausage. My wife tried and loved the WOODS HOLE SEA SCALLOPS, and our other friend devoured the whole STEAK FRITES:

char grilled center cut rib steak with herbed butter,asparagus and onion home fries. Ryan the manager makes knowledgeable wine suggestions and has great cheeses to choose from. Warm friendly staff, and a great patio that I look forward to returning to soon. I heard travellers at a table next to us (who were staying at the Glidden House, next door) say this restaurant was as good as any they had experienced in Europe! FIVE STARS!

Doesn't Recommend

abwong

Joined 6 years ago

Bland, boring and overpriced food.. I went to this restaurant for a birthday in April and I was SO dsappointed! I've been to it's sister restaurant, Sarava, and had amazing food so I couldn't understand why Sergio's was so horrible.

We started out with their version of Spanikopita ("spinach pies") and were very disappointed. The queso blanco wasn't as strong as the usual feta, and the whole thing tasted very bland.

The beef tenderloin fiorentina was also very blah. The cut of meat was good but the gravy tasted like it came out of a can. The side dishes were very plan and the overall presentation was boring. The veal piccata was similarly underwhelming. For $30 a plate, I expect much better.

The only good part of the meal was the service-our waitress was very friendly and attentive. Overall, I wouldn't reccomend this restaurant to anyone!

Recommends

chartbury

Joined 6 years ago

Forgettable. Cramped tables. Had the Cuban style beans and rice although I heard the Indian-style dish was good. Could have easily made it at home.

Recommends

gourmetgirl86

Joined 8 years ago

A Gem. I ALWAYS stop by when i'm in Cleveland. My family stumbled upon it a few years ago almost by accident and have returned every time we find ourselves nearby! I specifically remember the chicken always being very tender and juicy, with amazing sauces. Their salads are always fresh and flavorful. Desserts were balanced and refreshing.

Recommends

kcj1593

Joined 8 years ago

Really good. This place is small - be prepared to listen in on other people's conversations (without trying!). But when the food comes, you are so into it that you can block out overhearing others. My BF and I go there as a special treat, prices are reasonable, but not everyday-cost for us. In the summer you can also sit on the patio, that is probably a bit more relaxed. I hear the owner of this place is opening in Shaker Square soon, I hope they do well - I'll give it a try!

Recommends

xderloin

Joined 10 years ago

My only MUST while in town. I can not go to Cleveland without a visit to my favorite restaurant. the staff is personable and proficient. The food is awesome and features specialties from several regions of Brazil. I love this place!!

Recommends

kyliecm

Joined 8 years ago

User review by kyliecm. This is one of the best restaurants in cleveland, service is great too...

Recommends

Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

If Cleveland's winter could get its icy hands on Rio's sunny longitude, it would feel and taste like this.. The Scene


With the way Brazilian cuisine is cooked here, the main ingredients must be a rumba beat and a wicked sense of carnivale. Tucked into a tiny carriage house in University Circle, a concentric ring of art museums and concert halls, the restaurant is bigger than it looks. The best seat in the house is the warm weather patio: potted palm trees set up a perimeter between the sounds of the street and the spice-sprinkled menu.



The Food


Smoked salmon and caviar are shaped into colorful pinwheels, an example of the whimsical presentation. Other influences appear, like chicken coated in Japanese breadcrumbs, but stick to the Rio thing. The house equivalent of bouillabaisse is chock full of a whole grouper, sweet onions and peppers. Finish with a tropical drink--some boast aphrodisiacal powers.

Recommends

clevelandgrrl

Joined 10 years ago

Great tiny place!. This restaurant is itty bitty! On a weekend night it's hard to feel relaxed -- the servers do their best not to rush you but you feel the heat from waiting diners. On weeknights and for lunch there's no such feeling. Good wine selection, too. Prices are so reasonable for the excellent service and wonderful food/ambience. Only weird thing was valet on last visit...just stared at me when I rolled down my window to say hello...geez.