Pepper’s Italian Restaurant
12401 Detroit Ave, Lakewood, OH, 44107
Pepper’s Italian Restaurant Menu
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Appetizers
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Soups And Salads
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Entrees
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Homemade Pizzas
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Pasta
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Pasta Add-ons
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Baked
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Desserts
Healthy Meal suggestions for Pepper’s Italian Restaurant
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Appetizers
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Soups And Salads
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Entrees
-
Homemade Pizzas
-
Pasta
-
Pasta Add-ons
-
Baked
-
Desserts
Visit below restaurant in Lakewood for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Lakewood for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
12401 Detroit Ave
Lakewood, OH, 44107 - Phone (216) 226-6191
- Website https://www.pepperslakewood.com/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :5:00 pm - 10:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : No
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
Categories
Italian Cuisine
The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.
Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.
If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.
Pizza
Pizza is a famous Italian dish savored around the world. The entire credit for the popularity of Pizza in the United States goes to the chain of pizzerias all over the country. While the base and the texture of Pizza remains same across the globe, it's the toppings that differs from country to country. In the United States, you will find the top pizzerias serving pizzas with the toppings of mainly beef, bacon, chicken, ham, and sausage for the non-vegetarians. Other than these famous meat options, Pizzas with veg toppings such as mushrooms, pepperonis, garlic, tomatoes, spinach, etc. are also famous in most restaurants in the United States.
Irrespective of your locality, you will find a variety of different restaurants in your cities offering pizzas of all different types. Pizza is hot favorite among people of all ages in the United States. A large size pizza is enough to feed a family of 3 or 4 at large. Pizza is also the most preferred food whenever a group of friends is hanging out together. Pizza gained popularity in the United States after the American soldiers stationed in Italy returned from World War II.
Over the years, different pizzerias in the United States have developed their own respective regional variations. Pizza gained popularity as the iconic dish in the United States in the second half of the 20th century. Whether you prefer thin or thick crust pizza, you can find a pizza of your preference at the best pizza restaurants in your city.
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Jeremy K.
I was a little skeptical of this place based on the fact that it only seats about 20 people. The reviews however were fantastic. I gave it a try. I was not disappointed! I had the pizza which was amazing. I can eat much more than the average person and I still got the meat sweats after only 3 pieces. The rest of my group had Lasagna. They all said it was one of the best they had. Very attentive staff. If you love to crush amazing Italian food with large portions, this is your place. Peace.
(5)Diana L.
This is a mom and pop restaurant that truly delivers that homey feeling, food, and friendliness. The service was excellent and you just feel transported away from suburban Lakewood. When I say the service is great I mean when they ran out of the beer we wanted, the owner went to thy sour across the street to get it. When the server realized she made a mistake with my Alfredo order which made it come out later (no biggie to me), she bought us dessert. We tried the award winning lasagna and ravioli which were both delicious and fulfilling. The red sauce had a nice sweetness to it. I've also tried the audio sauce which is heavenly. Finally the cassatta cake is from the bakery down the street, KB connections, and it's perfect. I will have to come back and try the grape pie when it's in season.
(5)Matthew S.
Let me throw this out at you. I can cook Italian. In fact, I deem it a specialty of mine when I'm trying to impress the lady or her family. But, you're not going to find much better nor authentic Italian on the West Side of Cleveland. A small mom and pop shop hidden on a main road of Lakewood. I wouldn't have gone there had it not been recommended to me by a friend, because I never would have seen or read about it anyways. It's like one of the biggest secrets that I don't even want to share on Yelp. My mother's one of those people who loves Chicken Marsala, orders it everywhere trying to find one as good as hers, and is always disappointed. She loves Peppers Chicken Marsala, and only Peppers Chicken Marsala. And hey, you make my mother happy? You get five stars. Done.
(5)Jillian L.
Ordered chicken parm with a side of penne with tomato vodka sauce. Both sauces were VERY sweet tasting. And I don't mean sweet as in awesome--I mean it as literally tasting like sugar. Not authentic Italian sauce, and judging by 95% of the other reviews, no one really seems to know what that is. I was thoroughly disappointed after reading the reviews thinking I would find a little gem on the West Side. Ah well, I'll keep looking.
(2)Jackie C.
hands down the best italian in cle little hole in the wall that can seat about 20 people, do yourself a favor GO HERE!!! honestly you cannot go wrong with anything on the menu. My fav is the baked ravioli and the bread is BOMB. The service is second to none and i always leave super satisfied!
(5)Susan B.
Worst "Italian" food I've ever eaten. Ever.
(1)Ben S.
This is the smallest restaurant I've ever been in. And the best Italian restaurant I've ever been in. Pretty simple menu in terms of protein - chicken or veal with various sauces, but the chicken portion was big. There was lots of white meat cooked perfectly. The pasta sauce on the side of pasta was superb and you have your pick of sauces for that as well. Really homey and warm family-like atmosphere, but expect to wait.
(5)Donna W.
It was large portions and tasted good though the sauce was pretty sweet more than we care for. Unfortunately both times we went there the food did not agree with my husband or I.
(3)Jean S.
A lot of people say Peppers has great Italian food. Went today with my best friend for my birthday. Had Italian Wedding Soup that was great. Made with chicken broth, Pastina, Spinach, Garlic, Lemon and tiny meatballs! Made just like my grandma made when I was a kid!! Also had a hand tossed Pizza with fresh Mushrooms ( large and succulent) and Pepperoni! My grandpa use to make Pizza like this! DELICIOUS! Brought back fond memories from when I was a kid! Desert choices were plentiful! Had a Raspberry Frappe! Sweet and creamy! Hit the spot! Try it out as it is really great home cooked meals! Glad I went
(4)Christina Z.
I only ate the vegetable lasagna but it tasted pretty bland and was doused in way to much Alfredo cream. But the tiramisu was quite good.
(2)B T.
Came here on a Saturday night for dinner. There were only a handful of customers in the small establishment, but I over heard a staff member say they were short handed. Thus, we found ourselves waiting for drinks to be filled, boxes, and the check. However, the food was delicious! The Veal Marsala was so tasty and there were two large pieces of veal. Others in my party also enjoyed their meals. Large plates are definitely large, and loaded with good food!
(4)Rachel B.
I'm a very big fan of Pepper's. It's the kind of place that I often fantasize about around, say, 4 pm, when the late-afternoon fatigue/hunger sets in. "Where on earth," you think miserably, "can I get a comfort meal that will help me successfully eat my feelings?" Pepper's! It's a tiny place, and I've never had the opportunity to dine in, but the food is great. The portions are way too big, but that's never been a problem for me, because as you know I get great joy out of eating leftovers. The pizza is among the best in Lakewood, which is funny, because you don't really see Pepper's boasting itself as a pizza place. But I'd highly recommend the pizza. Also high on the list: chicken parmigiana, baked ziti, anything with tons of red sauce. You'll feel at home here, and find yourself thinking about going back soon afterwards.
(4)Kellie S.
Hands down, the best Italian food around. There is always a line around the corner waiting for them to open. The quality of the food is always high and the portions are always large. the waitresses are very attentive, and the owners are often they're checking the quality of food and service as well.
(5)Eric R.
Its a shame about this place. The food is without a doubt amazing. I have had multiple orders messed up. I don't understand why they just can't get it right. Three times I've had screwed up orders. It's a shame. I will still go back but it's with a heavy heart. We waited 40 mins for the original order and then placed a new order but then we got annoyed because we waited so long already. Cancelled the second order and left empty handed. At least as a sign of good faith I would've given the original order to us. Instead of wasting it. So weird
(1)Chris C.
I Love this place is amazing the spaghetti and meatballs are delicious it reminds me of the godfather. Magnifico
(5)Carl S.
Some of the best Italian food and great pizza. Everything I have ever had at Pepper's has been expertly prepared and well served. It's a small restaurant usually with a line waiting but well worth the wait. Try it and you won't go anywhere else!!
(5)Kim K.
Yum! LOVE this place. Sausage w/peppers and onions app was fabulous. I had chicken marsala which was very good but I was so obsessed with my pasta. I probably will have dreams about their house pasta sauce. Might be my favorite of all time. Also tried a friends pesto pasta - AWESOME. Would definitely come back to order that. Concluded with tiramisu and cassada cake. I am not even a cake person but we all shared between 5 of us. The cassada is from the angels. Get it. Love the intimate atmosphere but if you want seating right away might be best to get there right when they open. We fit 5 in a booth and it worked fine but we were pretty cozy. Highly recommend this wonderful mom n pop italian gem.
(5)Megan C.
I love this place it is very mom and pop's. The lasa is the best I've ever had. Oil, crushed red pepper on table, and parm cheese. The homemade bread is delicous and pizza is outstanding. Save room for dessert- because its all homemade and amazing.
(5)Tony T.
Where do the reviewers come from? Ordered Chicken Parm carry out. $16 and some change. Not exactly cheap. Definitely nothing homemade about this. Absolutely frozen breaded chicken patties. Severe let down. Could be the worst chicken parm I've ever had. And this was at the end of a 14 hour shift so I was good and hungry and would have eaten nearly anything. I've been largely disappointed by almost all of the "authentic Italian" places around Cleveland, and this is no different. There is absolutely nothing authentic about grabbing some frozen patties, and throwing some sauce and cheese on top. Get your act together!
(1)Michele L.
Some of the most overpriced, lowest quality Italian food I've had. I had chicken marsala and the sauce was waaaay too sweet. My boyfriend had romano chicken and it tasted like a frozen meal. I have to say, the calamari was good, but walking out with an $80 bill and nothing but a lot of talk about how great the concord grape pie was (spoiler alert...it was gross) I was totally disappointed.
(2)Lisa M.
This was our first trip to Pepper's. We went at 7 on a Saturday night with no reservation and the wait for inside was 30 minutes (not too bad). It was a nice night so we sat outside immediately on their 4 table patio. We had great service from Becky out there. We both really enjoyed our meals (husband - chicken parm and penne with meatball for me). The sauce was really good and the food was tasty and hot. We also shared a small app and a bottle of wine and our bill was 60 so not too bad. We will definitely be back next time we are in the area. We did not venture inside past asking for a table so I can't really vouch for interior decor or atmosphere.
(4)Adam J.
Pretty standard pizza - better than a chain for sure but nothing exceptional . I've been here several times for takeout. Last time I called for takeout they declined taking my order because they were "too busy" in-house. Like WTF!? That's not allowed. Looks like it's time to find a new local pizza joint that actually wants my business!
(2)Dan B.
Love this place. Locally owned and operated. Service is always efficient and courteous. I am a huge fan of the Margherita pizza and anything with their red sauce. It's not often you see people waiting at the door at opening time, but it happens consistently here for a reason!
(5)Paul R.
Not one to give 5 stars very often but this meets the criterea. Quant, friendly and comfortable. Service was.prompt, food hot and and was delicious from first bite until the last. Owner stopped by my table to ask how everything was, when asked, she identified something in the sauce that I couldn't quite identify. I highly recommend this find.
(5)Luis C.
There aren't many Italian restaurants in Lakewood, so I'm very glad this place exist. It's not like one of those modern restaurants, this is a little place with character and a fabulous staff. You'll find some award winning dishes on the menu like the lasagna and the BLT Pizza. The prices are fair and definitely affordable.
(4)Rich N.
I don't have much to add. If you're looking for a small, family run Italian restaurant with good food, stop here. There needs to be more neighborhood restaurants like this on the west side, and I leave full and satisfied after every visit. The service is sometimes a little slow, but it's always friendly and the food is always good.
(5)Heather W.
I live less than a mile from Pepper's, I pass it at least once a week for the last year.My friend wanted to go there for her birthday dinner. I'm glad she did, actually, I wish I tried the place sooner. We got there a litte after 7pm on a Wednesday. It is a tiny restaurant. I had cheese stuffed egg/spinach ravioli topped with olive oil and garlic sauce, I was in heaven!! The bread was amazing, there are three different ones - garlic roll, herb roll and olive roll. Since it was my friend's birthday, we ordered a slice of chocolate cake with caramel frosting. They came out with a candle in the cake and sang happy birthday!
(4)Rated R.
Long time customer - my days of supporting are winding down I have been going to peppers for about ten years. A lot has changed in that time; mainly quality. The restaurant seems to be doing well for itself between busy and tiny dining room, couple with a stream if carryout... The carryout is my biggest problem... The last three times I have ordered carryout for my wife and I it's been packaged so terribly that by the time I get home (I live right around the corner by St Eds) it's spilling over into the cheap bag it's placed in. The styrofoam container is also the cheapest to go box someone could ever find as well. Couldn't you spring for a box that doesn't leak everywhere? A sheet of aluminum foil would help to as to better contain the food and also keep it warm. Again, I live right around the corner! Id imagine if I lived even a mile away half of the food would be in the car! My order was $35 for a small order of ravioli, baked ziti and a tiny slice of cheesecake. And you package it like this???? This place also charges you .50 for a sprinkle of bagged mozzerella cheese for the otherwise unedible side salad. That's embarrassing and they should be ashamed for up charging like that. You guys are being cheap, cheap, cheap!! Buy some higher grade to go boxes, heck even use it as an opportunity to to have your logo/name printed on it! Something!! The prices aren't cheap by any means! Cerinos is less expensive and once they opened I figured maybe peppers would wake up as it's some competition right? I swear every time I go here the prices keep going up too. Sometimes the cheeses is nearly unedible and clearly that's due to keeping things around too long (must buy in bulk, freeze, etc) you can tell as soon as You open the pizza box or taste the ravioli. Sometimes it's excellent. You never really know what you get. But the to-go packaging is dreadful. Until they address this I'm not ordering carryout and I'm in no hurry to get back there. My biggest regret is not taking a picture of what it looked like. I spent more time cleaning my car and kitchen up then eating.
(2)Libbi B.
This is a nice family run italian place. Only complaint is the wait can be long and parking is bad news. All of the food is pretty good. Some sort of fettuccine chicken dish I had was good but the taste of the sauce was a little bit off or unusual.
(3)Lilly S.
I think if you know what you're in for, you'll enjoy this place. Don't expect it to be the best Italian food ever. Don't expect super authentic. But to me, the food was tasty, the staff was nice, and the experience was enjoyable. This place is TINY and the decor is kind of cheesy (like 99% of the Italian restaurants in America). The menu is big enough, good amount of variety. I got a side salad and it was lame but honestly, I've come to expect that of small restaruants (iceberg lettuce, whatever). We got some tasty rolls and butter with our dinner, though, and that was nice. I really liked my food (spinach ravioli with vodka sauce) and my boyfriend enjoyed his (shrimp ravioli, I think?). The price was reasonable, the service was fast. The desserts were good, too. Some of them are from a local dessert shop. Overall, I won't go back here all the time or anything but I think it's a good Italian restaurant on the West side, when I don't feel like going out to Little Italy. It was cozy and friendly with decent food at a decent price. Don't go in expecting to be blown away. I think my expectations were low because most hole-in-the-wall Italian places are almost exactly like this place. That's not exactly a selling point but also shouldn't be held against it, if you ask me!
(3)Doug E.
I normally try not to use the term "best" while reviewing on Yelp but Peppers has made me reconsider that. After searching for a great pasta dish in Cleveland for years I finally stumbled upon this little Lakewood gem. Here's what you need to know-- the restaurant is very small.. But not the "it's kinda cramped I don't want to eat here" but the "this is a perfect spot for a date" kind of small. The restaurant is owned and ran by a local family. The seasonal grape pie is a reason to go by itself (the family closes the restaurant for a day so they can HANDPICK the grapes)- yes you read that right. But how's the food you ask? Well folks, Peppers has BY FAR the best pasta sauce I've ever tasted. I'm the type of person who doesn't usually order just spaghetti and sauce at a restaurant because in my opinion it is simply to easy to make at home. But Peppers changed that for me. Their no-frills spaghetti with marinara is to die for. Get a cup of the tomato bisque on the side and be ready for the most epic Italian food you've ever eaten (in America at least).
(5)Jason V.
Pepper's Deluxe Pizza was very good and well worth the wait on a Saturday night for a table in the small dining room. The toppings definitely stood out--abundant and very fresh. The only thing lacking in my opinion was a little more sauce on the pizza to help tie all the elements together. We also tried the Homemade Grape Pie after hearing about it over and over while we were waiting--it was okay, but not something I would order again. Overall, though, the quality of the pizza makes Pepper's a solid dining option, and ordering for take-out would be a great way to avoid the wait.
(3)David Joseph H.
This place is thus far provided the best Italian meal I have had in Cleveland. The restaurant is very quaint and genuine. The restaurant is quite small so expect a wait, especially if you are eating earlier in the night since this place seems to be a favorite amongst older crowds. The food is amazing and very reasonably priced. I recommend the lasagna, but I've heard great things about the pizza as well. Pepper's is officially on my list of places to take out-of-town visitors.
(5)Frieda W.
Best grape pie hands down!!!!!!! A must try if you never have.... Love where it's located, small and quaint. Good service and friendly little neighborhood spot!
(4)Merissa O.
Seriously good Italian food! Though the dining room is small, they easily accommodated our party of six as quickly as possible. And did I mention the great food! Why would anyone go to Olive Garden when there is a gem like Pepper's right in Lakewood?? Good service, lovely atmosphere with a mural by a local teacher/artist...Pepper's is a place we will absolutely return to when the cravings strike.
(5)Brooke G.
Awesome homemade comfort Italian food. Just GOOD, makes you want to eat until you are stuffed. Large selection the menu. Good wine list too. The staff is friendly and wait time is reasonable. Only negative is the size inside. You are basically sitting on your neighbor and people are constantly bumping into your table when being seated/leaving/going to the bathroom. But the food is so good i am willing to overlook this!
(5)Alyssa E.
Surprisingly good! I don't usually go the Mom and Pop restaurants--the waxy tables, the assorted old art on the walls, the rickety lattice wall that barely hides the kitchen--but this place was great for the money. The pizza was really outstanding, with so many toppings they were falling off our plates. The service was a bit slow, but that was probably my own hungry skewing my perception. The prices were affordable, and the atmosphere is cozy. Great for visiting relatives or a family night out.
(3)Jaime W.
Went here with a friend for dinner. Heard some good reviews from others, I decided to give it a try. It's located on a corner off of Detroit Ave in Lakewood. The place is like a Mom and Pop store with traditional red checker tables. For a family style restaurant, you can't really expect anything too glamorous. The place had probably like ten tables and very tight space. The ambiance is family-oriented and there are old school pictures and decorations. For starters, we shared their cheesy garlic bread which tasted good. We also had their house salads and Italian dressing is the creamy kind which is my favorite. For dinner, I picked their alfredo penne pasta with a side of their italian sausage. The sausage was actually a bit dry and it tasted alright. It wasn't the greatest and I've had better. The pasta was just kind of bland. It was overall comfort food that I needed. It wouldn't be a place I would die to go back to but I'd go again because it was a small cute place to grab some family style comfort food. One plus I'd add is that you can get unlimited refills for your beverages and a patio area.
(3)Carl B.
We were a part of three at this corner neighborhood restaurant that we picked out from yelp reviews. It is definitely a neighborhood joint. Staff are friendly enough and the menu offers a lot of choices. My son got the veal Parmesan and as he is just two years out of college he thought it was fine, looked like what he got in the dorms. Salads were barely average. My pesto and my wife's margherita pizza were so overwrought with Basil you would have thought they grew acres of it. I love pesto and occasionally make if myself. The pesto was about as good as I make it and I am German. I ordered it with sausage and the link was so big my wife started squirming. But I do admit it was a great tasting sausage. My wife's pizza did not appeal to us. We found both the crust and the sauce to be overly sweet. Sauces are generally acidy and one trick is to use sugar. Old man Carino taught me to put whole onions in the sauce while cooking it which seemed to work with his pizza sauce. But maybe added sugar when I was not looking. This place is fine and if you live nearby I could see being very happy to have it around, but we were hoping for better based on the reviews.
(3)Jennifer M.
Love this place, my "go to" when someone is in town. One of my top fav pizza. The only downfall to this place is that it's very small and quite popular. Family owned and you can tell, the staff is so friendly. So you may not get seated on a Friday or Saturday during peak dinner hours.
(4)Joe B.
You know who has great pizza? Peppers! Seriously, it is so wonderful and unique. Never had better pie anywhere else. I've only done carryout, but the cute inside seems worthy of butt-parking for an hour or so. It smells delicious!
(5)Brandie Z.
One of my all time favorite places! Service is AMAZING and the food is better than any local Italian that I've had! The Grape Pie is to DIE FOR! It's small and crowded but it's worth any wait and they always work very hard to keep the wait as short as possible! If you haven't tried Peppers I suggest that you do! :)
(5)John D.
This is a special place. It's not often today that one can dine in a small "mom and pop" restaurant. One is readily made to feel welcome and comfortable here. How delightful. There are not many tables or booths, so on a busy night like Saturday, you may have to wait a bit. No problem. I was ready to give this place 5 stars before I'd even ordered. So, how was the food? Well, just let me say it's a bit above average. Our spaghetti was NOT al dente - unforgivable, really, in an Italian restaurant. And our waitress, a lovely person, failed to bring us dinner rolls (they were on most other tables). Well, it's not like she does this every day - WAIT, she DOES do this every day. So, although I'd love to give this place 5 stars, the food and service were both 3 1/2 stars, so it receives a resounding 4. I still love this place and plan to return when we're in the area again.
(4)Will S.
This is a great tiny Italian nook on Detroit. Upon walking in, I was knew I was in a mom and pop family Italian restaurant: Frank Sinatra was crooning in the background with Italian pictures and tchotkes all over the walls, like grandma's well maintained basement. The place is tiny: seats no more than 30, with 3 tables for 4 [it would be difficult to bring a group larger than 4 here], and the rest 2seaters and no space to wait inside. The service was great: better than typical mom and pop restaurants, and our waitress constantly refilled our drinks. There was 2-3 servers for less than 10 tables. The menu had the more common Italian dishes, veal parmeseans, spaghettis, lasangas, with cheeses and meat, ravoli, and pizza. They also offer 4 sauces: a meat, a tomato, an alfredo, and a pesto. I had the tomato sauce: it's rich, a tad spicy, not salty nor watery, I loved it. The plate of gnocchi, the daily special, along with a cup of soup or a salad, for $9, and quality of the food, was a great price. The rest of the menu was also very inexpensive, no item more than $15-20. A plate of spaghetti was only $10 ! I'll be sure to come by again, especially for that value.
(4)Lynn G.
Love this place! Dinner with friends. Started with cheese garlic bread with sauce as an appetizer. Cheesy and great. I had lasagna, husband had veal Parmesan, friends had veal Marsala. Absolutely huge portions and delicious. If you leave here hungry, it's your fault Deal chicken brought us here but we will certainly be back!
(5)Ryan G.
Been going here for years, great food, nice and small dining area. Don't waste your time at any large chain.
(5)Samantha H.
This place is just too cute. Wine bottle prices are so reasonable. They have a blend I suggest trying. Their food is good. The only reason it is not five stars is because the food is not omg to die for. It is good Italian food. The vegetarian lasagna is my fave.
(4)T D.
The high points: Their house Chianti was good and a very generous pour and the coffee gelato was amazing plus the environment is cozy, sweet endearing to me. The opposite of the high points: The place is tiny seating 24 people. The tables are close enough that if I had extended my arms I would have been touched the person at the next table not to mention I now know every detail of their conversation despite the fact that they tried to keep their voices down. There is nowhere for those waiting or picking up carryout (although it was a lovely day outside). I was seated at the table closest to the door and for my entire meal a 6 ft man literally stood over my table while waiting with his party for a table. Seriously? The bread, salad and entree topped off by a $30 check earned a thumbs down from me. I could have done better at any chain Italian restaurant. The salad was generous in size but it seemed like a bagged iceberg lettuce salad and a bottled Italian. Underwhelming. Then there was a single herb dinner roll which I found not enjoyable although it seemed homemade. I asked if they made their pasta and the answer was 'no'. Not some of it, but zip, zero although they noted that all sauces are homemade. I debated between their special, the pasta primavera and their pesto. At the recommendation of the server I opted for the primavera with shrimp. The serving size was fine but much smaller than other local family Italian places but since it was blah, that was a gift. They served very little penne pasta topped by a generous medley of steamed asparagus, zucchini, cherry tomatoes and some other veggies. And by steamed I mean quickly blanched, crunchy veggies absent of any seasoning. Hard to believe that a true Italian place would serve a pasta dish with no flavor at all not even the obligatory fresh garlic. Seemed to have been tossed in plain old cheap olive oil. sans seasoning. I did eat it but only by a generous doctoring with parm cheese, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes all of these on my table -- and I now know why! I have not an drop of Italian blood in me and on a bad day I could have made a much better Italian pasta dish. Perhaps I made a colossal mistake not ordering something laden with cheese and Alfredo so I'll own that but why put food on the menu if is bland and flavorless? Rhetorical question. Okay, I'll stop. The good news is that the meal was so lacking in satisfaction that I indulged in their coffee gelato which was amazing.
(1)Ms. E.
Incredible Italian food! Family-owned and operated! You can't go wrong here! (The lasagna is the best I've ever had!)
(5)Sarah F.
Lets start this off by stating, I love food. Almost all food. But out of all the "types", Italian is my least favorite. Let me count the ways: Meat Sauce... ew. When growing up, my family's version of Italian was mixing a can of Prego with a can of Ragu and microwaving precooked, starchy noodles. I can only handle so much sundried tomatoes. I fell in love with Peppers. The menu is simple and to the point. The pesto was not too overpowering, and I didn't feel overly full after eating a small bowl of linguini. The highlight was the concord grape pie. Amazing. I crave this all the time. They wait til fall to literally crush tons of concord grapes to fill these pies that I honestly believe are the best kept secret in Lakewood. You have to arrive around 5 or you won't get a seat. Everyone's so friendly I don't completely mind waiting. All this writing has got me working up an appetite. Guess who's getting takeout...
(4)Sarah Z.
I want so badly to say that my husband and I loved this place but we just did not. Small, independent restaurant in Lakewood that has the feel of a small Italian restaurant in NYC. What could be better right? Well a lot actually. The service was so so. Our server was nice, a little overzealous with the black pepper but if I had an awesome button press battery operated pepper grinder I might be too. The place is tiny which means it's hard to hear anyone speak, and if you get seated close to the door all you will hear is the conversations of people waiting for a table. Normally this is a good omen for the food to come. Not so much. Let's start with the salads shall we? All the pasta dishes here come with a salad. It's your standard house salad consisting of iceberg lettuce, carrots, cucumber and tomato but add in some baby greens. I love baby greens however not with iceberg lettuce. They just do not taste well together especially when the iceberg was limp. LIMP! The entrees were more of a colossal fail than the salads. My pesto pasta was GREASY and way over-spiced. It felt like I was eating straight cloves of garlic. I had to put so much cheese on the pasta just to make it less slimy and to tone down the fire-garlic. I also ordered Italian sausage with my pasta. Which if you look how ordering meat with a pasta goes it appears it comes as an addition to the dish. No. In fact the sausage came drenched in red sauce. That sausage was the only thing we had worth eating. It was mild but spicy, tender, juicy and meaty and cooked to perfection. The red sauce was on the sweet side of sweet and low so we won't even get into that disaster. My husband's food was no better. The alfredo was RUNNY and bland. It was like cream. Just cream. No garlic no cheese and most certainly no flavor. And here I must add when I see large and small on a menu when it comes to portion size I expect there to be a difference. I really didn't see one my small looked like the same amount of pasta on a smaller plate. Not worth the extra to go for the large. All in all there are so many better cheap independent italian restaurants out there to eat crappy pasta. Find somewhere else to eat. Don't miss: The sausage was yummy. I think it would make a good pizza. Hit or miss: Getting a table Avoid like the plague: pesto alfredo and eating at this atrocious Italian restaurant.
(2)Crystal W.
Great food! Some things are overpriced. I will eat there again. Service was good! They are always friendly. They seem to cater to their regulars. Cassata cake is awesome! Brownie is HORRIBLE! It taste like a little Debbie cake from the gas station. Gross!
(4)Kara T.
Grape pie!!!
(4)J Y.
I've had several take-outs including pizza, lasagna and wedding soup. They're all beyond superlative. My only criticism is the salad; the very, banal, ubiquitous iceberg and carrot premix. And although they add some veggies like cucumber and tomato, it's not nearly enough compensation. No restaurant the really prides itself on their menu (like Peppers!) should ever use iceberg. They might give some thought to upgrading the salad to match the quality of the main meal. Used mixed greens, greens and spinach, or sweet butter.
(4)Ashley E.
Went to Peppers for the first time Monday night...amazing! Service was very friendly and the food was excellent! I love that it's so down to earth and it really reminds me of restaurants I've gone to in Europe! My husband got the eggplant Parmesan which he inhaled, I got penne with chicken and Alfredo. Our server suggested we get a large for two extra bucks, I'm glad I did, it was awesome! We really wanted dessert, but we had just drove from Michigan and were too tired!! Thanks again, Peppers, we'll be back!
(5)Casey J.
I love peppers! Whenever i want italian food this is my go-to. The bread is always fresh, and the vodka sauce is so yummy! One of my favorite spots in Lakewood.
(4)Stephanie W.
Everything comes from a can... Except the pies. Awesome pies.. Ex worked there.. Great family n service though.. Bout it..
(2)Dee A.
I love this place. You walk in and feel right at home. Everyone is incredibly nice. The sauce is a delicious combination of sweet and spicy and I love the Italian Wedding soup. The server has been there for quite sometime and is quite fun to talk to but she can be forgetful and when the place gets crowded you have almost zero chance of getting your water filled or her attention. However, the decor and the atmosphere make it almost impossible to get mad or frustrated.
(4)Imran Q.
A wonderful mom and pop aurhentic Italian restaurant that is hard to beat. Perfect place to bring the wife for a romantic meal. Portion size are large? A total understatement, they're HUGE. Had the eggplant parmasean (sauce on the side please) and it was deeee lish...
(5)Mike C.
I love this place. It's a must try. Lucky that I can walk there. Great attention to detail.
(5)Patrick G.
Great Italian spot. Meat sauce is amazing, dont understand why people love olive garden when there is family owned places like this.
(4)Lauren S.
I stumbled upon this place a couple of years ago on the way to a show at the Beck, and for the life of me couldn't find it again. The other night, I learned that this charming little italian joint on the corner of Detroit was Pepper's, and it's just as lovely as before. Adorable atmosphere, fantastic service, pretty decent Italian food for about $15 a plate, and the Cassada cake is great!
(4)Marie Y.
I have to preface this review by saying that I dined at Peppers once before and remember the experience as a good one. However, this past Sunday was a complete disaster. We arrived at Peppers around 7pm on a Sunday night. We were seated right away and the place was about half full for a late Sunday dinner. We ordered a drink and our meals fairly quickly and then waited. We watched as our waitress calmly chatted with a table across from us for a good 10 minutes. When she did bring the bread and salads I should have hoped that she talked longer and forgot to bring this part of the meal. We received 2, literally 2, very smalls rolls. The one that looked the most edible, my boyfriend snatched first and left me with something that looked and smelled like old olive bread. I ate 3 bites, drenched in butter, decided to give up and move onto the salad. The salad was the next disappointment. It was very obvious that it was a bag of iceberg lettucs with precut carrots. Ugh! Could have gotten that from the grocery store. The balsamic vinagrette dressing I ordered came in the two seperate bottles which were incredibly hard to poor and ran down the side of the bottle onto my hands. A few minutes after our food arrived. My boyfriend ordered veal parm with penne pasta. It was a large portion and he said "it wasn't bad". I ordered the fettuccine pasta with pesto sauce and chicken. To me, it tasted incredibly bland and the chicken tasted frozen. I sprinkled my dish was salt, olive oil and cheese multiple times to try to get some taste. I was so disappointed because I was really hungry and the last time I ate here it was good. It also didn't help that the whole time we were there the microwave in the kitchen kept going off. We could literally hear the microwave door opening and closing and the timer going off repeatedly. That probably should have been our first clue that our meal was going to be a letdown. Maybe we came on the wrong day at the wrong time, but the whole meal was such a disappointment. For the prices they charge (veal parm =$19.95; pasta with pesto and chicken =$14.95) the quality of the food should have been much better.
(1)Ilovecleveland W.
Not that impressed at all. The food was ok, the ambiance a bit on the cheap and tacky side. Wait staff was friendly but sounded more like cheerleaders at the table than people you can trust for a recommendation because no matter what you asked about they said it was fantastic. Won't be going back.
(3)Bob O.
One of the best Italian Restaurants in the city, quality Italian food and service, the only downsize to this restaurant may be its rather small. The pasta is exceptional.
(4)Olga S.
Do you remember the time when you were a hungry poor immigrant proudly residing in the $400 apartment in Parma with brown carpet and smelly Indian neighbors? Well, I do. Vividly. Back then, I, constantly, in the mode of the survivor, would have loved "Peppers", this tiny mom-pop restaurant on Madison. Because all I cared for in dining experience was satisfying hunger and kindness of the service. I was grasping on the kindness in general, desperately planting its seeds around me by over tipping waiters and never complaining about some terrible food, hoping for it to bloom and grow in my world of a 20 year old waitressing through the college as well. Times have changed. Kindness is no longer enough. I sort of demand good food nowadays. Because I've seen it, eaten it, I know it's around. "Peppers" left me anything but hungry. It included amazed at what the restaurant with such a generic mediocre food was getting away with. The atmosphere was wonderful, the food was not Italian. It was a poorly disguised Midwest attempt at authenticity. I've tried that calamari before out of the 5 pound frozen bag at Sam's club. My side salad included Iceberg lettuce, one tomato and quarter of the slice of the cucumber (not even a slice?) Conclude all of this with wonder bread rolls and over-breaded, over-creamed and cheesed entrees. But kindness and wine were being poured generously. The owner itself brought us a tray of cheap hard candy inviting us to indulge. We felt as grateful as orphans being fed free Christmas dinner in the times of the Great Depression. Only we paid hard -earned cash for a below average pseudo-Italian dinner in 2011. Not gonna happen again. Up-side : cheap and cozy and friendly Down -side : Not as nealy authentic as "Mama Santa" or "Dolce Vita" in Little Italy. Limited seating, stressful parking Summary: Why would you do it:?
(2)Gemma A.
One of the best things about Cleveland is that you know what true homemade cooking is from so many different cultures. I don't have an Italian mom, but my friends's do - and I felt like I was at home and welcome at Peppers. This includes their staff, clientele,and food. Mom and Pop at its best.
(4)Akhilesh R.
This is a small indepedent mom and pop Italian restaurant with amazing friendly service. Food is above average. Pasta selection is limited to rigatoni,fettucini or penne. Vegetable lasagna is delicious. Marsala is good. Fried beans as appetizer is passable. Desert menu is tasty. Probably one of the better single standing Italian restaurant on the west side. Saturday night that we went was surprisingly empty. Parking could be a problem. Bottom line: was there anything in this place that would make me crave to go back immediately:-NO.......or may be yes for my better half's love for veggie lasagna :-(
(3)Star S.
Granted, I've only had a small sampling of what their menu has to order, but I feel comfortable saying that this place is great! The chicken is always juicy, the food hot, the seasonings balanced and the service helpful. If I could change anything, the only thing would be to make the restaurant larger, as it is a bit cramped in there. The food's worth it though! They also have grape pie during the fall which I doubt you're going to find anywhere else. It's pretty good.
(4)Steph F.
Pepper's was one of the first restaurants we tried in Lakewood, and boy, were we impressed! The homey atmosphere of the place is on equal footing with its delicious home-cooked Italian entrees. A group of us went for yours truly's birthday dinner a few years ago. I think we actually passed it up on the drive there. It's definitely a hole in the wall, so keep your eyes peeled! On walking in, I had to admit I was a little worried. There isn't much seating as compared to other restaurants, and there is almost no room for patrons to stand and wait for a table. They don't take reservations -- I'm assuming because the place is so small, and they would lose business. But if you can suffer the initial squishing, you'll be glad you did. The tables are actually turned around fairly quickly. Pepper's is clearly family-owned. Family photos adorn the wall and the counter where the register is. A husband-and-wife team greets you at the door and helps the servers bring food, clear dishes, and make jolly conversation with the patrons. The servers are friendly and attentive, and they know their stuff. Although the tables are pretty close to one another, you get a vibe that every customer there is part of one big happy family, so it's not at all uncomfortable. In fact, the restaurant itself feels just as cherished by the owners as one of their own children would be. I've only had a couple of different dishes here, because the rigatoni and meatballs is so addicting. They make a really great tomato sauce, and every time I think I'm going to order something else, I just can't. I've had the ravioli before, though (because it comes with that delicious sauce) and it's just as good. For an appetizer, if you can choose the tomato tortellini soup, DO IT. If you don't want to wait for a seat, they do have carry-out, but I can't imagine the pasta being good for that. We ordered the pizza to go once and couldn't complain (although my heart will always be with A Slice Above for pizza). The food is definitely filling, but save room for dessert! I recommend the pistachio gelato or the cannoli. And the best news about Pepper's? Now open on Sundays! I couldn't be more thrilled.
(5)Sarah V.
Great staff, good food. So friendly, and it was worth the wait. Cozy family atmosphere, and not a sour face in the whole place. Everyone was busy stuffing their faces. You won't go home hungry. Portions are big, and you'll go home with leftovers. Pasta is not homemade, unfortunately, but the taste could fool you. It does not taste like boxed pasta. Chicken piccata was delicious, and just as I expected. No surprises. We didn't brave dessert, but from the sounds of it the cassada cake could have been split between the 6 of us... can't wait to go back for that! I think I'll have my dessert before my entree next time.
(3)Peter D.
Nothing says mom and pop like Peppers in Lakewood. Coming from a family of home cooked italian food, and a city that had many italian restaurants I was incredibly happy when I first went to Peppers, for the enviroment, food, and prices. Anytime I am in the area the lady and I swing by and pick up a large pepperoni and banana pepper pizza (AMAZING!). Great deals on wine as well (Full Carafe of wine for about $14 bucks!). You won't find a better family atmosphere in the area, only pitfall, no reservations! and can be difficult if you are catering to a group of people. Best part about that is Bob is a great guy and will make acceptions, even let me when I asked to have my engagement dinner with my bride at the restaurant. Even set up roses in a few vases for me!
(5)Swank S.
Pepper's is the kind of independently owned, small restaurant I want so badly to support ... but I just don't dig this place. For starters, it is teeny-tiny and cluttered, and patrons practically sit on top of each other. There is barely any parking available for this place. I actually got a pricey ticket on my first visit here for parking in a spot on the street that is apparently NOT legal, but not labeled that way. That's not Pepper's fault, but it does make me reluctant to return, and I've done so only at non-peak times when street parking is a bit easier. I recommend getting carryout if you're really curious to try this place. Inside is a jumbled mess of dusty photos and lighted grape strands. I've sat in a few different spots, and at each one, the tablecloth was faded and torn. The place is sweltering in the summer and noisy from an ineffective window air conditioner. The people who live in the adjoining apartment building are a little suspect. The menu selection is a bit small, but it has something for everyone. I have found the food inconsistent. For example, on one occasion, the chicken parm was fantastic; on another, it was burned and tasted like it had salsa on it instead of marinara sauce. On my last visit, I noted they had vodka sauce available as a special. It was only available on ravioli, however. I tried to order it over linguine, and got a very strange look. Wow, really? I agree with some of the other posters who have said that the pasta is kind of bland. It's the sort of pasta that makes you wonder why you didn't stay home and cook it yourself, rather than paying $12 for spaghetti. My husband likes to joke about the fact that we ordered pizza from them twice, and I have no memory of it. Sadly, that is not a joke. Service is perfunctory, but attentive and friendly. It's a small space that is usually crowded, and I imagine it's difficult for the servers to maneuver and run all these dishes out in a prompt manner. I'm most confounded by the strange little dish of mixed candies (mints, assorted flavors of hard candy, etc.) that you're given at the end of your meal. What's that all about? Is that some sort of Italian tradition I never heard of? It's not my first choice for Italian food on the west side. I've given it a few chances, but will probably only return if I am with people who insist on going there. I think things would improve dramatically for this place if they moved into a bigger spot. The old Maria's is practically across the street and sits empty; why not move there?
(2)Matthew N.
The best way to describe Peppers is that it has a family atmosphere/feel to it. I say this for 2 reasons: 1.) it doesn't have much more seating then your grandparents dining room. I'd say it's maximum seating capacity is 30. 2.) the staff is extremely friendly. During my last visit one of my friends playfully flirted w/ our elderly server & she played along, it was quite entertaining. The selection & quality (which is obviously the most important part of this review) of the food is excellent. To be honest I've only ever had 2 dishes, the baked ziti & pizza. The only reason I didn't rate it 5 stars is because of the extremely limited seating. The first time I dined there I came w/ 7 other people which I not recommend. Thankfully a kind party of 3 volunteered to move to a booth so that we could be accommodated. It's a perfect type of place to take a date due to it's quiet & intimate atmosphere.
(4)Molly D.
Often, when I'm craving spaghetti, it's hard to find a place that has a good red sauce (or at least one to my liking). So when I was craving spaghetti recently, I searched various local food rating websites, the Fox 8 Hot List, et cetera, to get a recommendation, and no Italian restaurant seemed to get glowing reviews like Pepper's. Now I understand why. I had gone to Pepper's with my family a few times years ago, and we liked it, but for some reason we stopped going. I think some people in my family were too claustrophobic to dine inside, and we sort of forgot about it over the years. So, we ordered carry-out this time. Everything was delicious, and my spaghetti with Italian link sausage was perfect. The sauce was just thick enough, and very savory. The portion was the right size for one hungry sitting. I only wish that they had more pasta options so that I don't have order toppings individually (which can get expensive). But overall, everyone enjoyed their food -- only this time, from the comfort of our spacious home (not to say that the restaurant isn't charming!).
(5)Eric S.
Cue the Godfather theme music... As we walked in to this little Italian gem we were immediately greeted by a friendly bald man with kind welcoming eyes. One of the things I am learning in my short time in Lakewood, is that the proprietors of the restaurants are genuinely grateful that you are patronizing their establishments. Nothing starts the experience off right, like a friendly smile. It's a very tiny little place with enough space for about 8 couples. We were immediately seated and the hostess rattled off all the local beers they had available. My wife ordered a Pinot Noir and I opted for simple Coke (I'm a cheap date.) Onto my meal. For me, the hallmark of any Italian restaurant is the Chicken Parmesan. I ordered that with the Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup. The soup itself could have made a great meal. So hearty and full of flavor, and just the right portion so I wasn't getting full when my meal came. Then came the Chicken Parm. A gigantic butterflied breast the size of a baby's head. Covered in marinara and cheese on a bed of spaghetti. It tasted as wonderful as it looked, juicy, succulent, and delicious. And the pasta... Usually for me, pasta is more of a garnish for the chicken, but to Peppers' credit I actually finished my pasta before the chicken. The sauce is very flavorful, with a hint of sweetness. Perfect. In the end I was too full to consider dessert, despite the wonderful selections they offered, cannoli, gelato... But alas, my stomach was filled with a perfect Italian meal and at least for this time, I would have to leave the gun and the cannoli. Next time, it could be an offer I can't refuse.
(4)Celeste B.
Peppers is one of my top Lakewood restaurants, and is my ultimate go-to for comfort food. It's a small, hole in the wall type place, with maybe ten tables...which just adds to the awesomeness for me. I've walked past before with no intention of going inside and the amazing aromas wafting on the street make me stop. If you like garlic, you have to try the ravioli with olio y aglio. You'll breathe and sweat garlic for the rest of the night. It's amazing. The owners are also super nice and very friendly. Don't miss grape pie season! (Usually September-ish. They put a sign outside.)
(5)Laurie V.
There are some places that you might pass right up if someone hadn't tipped you off. Pepper's is one of those places. But once you are in the know, oh my lord- you want to make this one of your go-to spots. Pepper's felt as familiar and as warm and as comfortable as going to your grandma's house on a Sunday afternoon. Yet at the same time romantic, and a quintessential date spot. Very small, intimate setting with checkered table cloths and tea lights. There is also a tiny outdoor patio with about 4 tables. I was there on a date and we opted to sit outside on a warm spring night. We were the only ones out there. The date scores major points for picking a great first-date venue. And his parents are off-the-boat-from-Italy, so he MUST know his Italian cuisine. He had the lasagna, I had the penne vodka. Our server told us that their vodka sauce used to be just a once-in-awhile "special", but because it was so popular, they started to make it a regular menu item. I got the "small" portion and my date asked why I don't order the large? Our server explained "She's on a date!" She knew. (FYI- the small was pretty friggin' big as it was.) The food was quite simple- nothing fancy, but sometimes simplicity is key. Don't get me wrong, I like crazy, exotic food ventures which combine all sorts of flavorful and adventurous tastes, but sometimes I yearn for the tried & true. We also shared some cannoli for dessert. The cannoli was perfect- not overpoweringly sweet, but quite delicious, rich and it left me wanting more. (Oops- I forgot whether I was just describing my date or the cannoli, but whatever....that sentence works for both.) I'll go back. And I'll keep you posted on Date #2.
(4)Richard H.
I think i teared up after eating here.. I love their pizza, eggplant parm, meatballs and ... well everything except the seating and size of the place. If you are going to have food this good, get a bigger place damnit.
(5)Bryan S.
Outstanding food, good prices, very friendly service. This little Italian place is truly a gem in Lakewood. It's hard to find and not obvious from the street, but it's well worth the hunt. Probably some of the best veal piccata I've had in Cleveland!
(5)Kristen Y.
This is a great, local, authentic Italian restaurant. The space is small and generally is crowded (for good reason). The Eggplant Parmesan and Italian Wedding Soup are both amazing and I would recommend trying both. My only complaint about Pepper's is that they have a very limited dessert menu. They make a grape pie (which I have tried and don't care for), but they don't have tiramisu.
(4)Matt S.
best italian food i've had in a really long time.. if you go there. be prepared to eat. haha..
(5)Beki P.
The perfect, family friendly, Mom&Pop joint. Peppers offers a cozy, casual dining experience. This is Italian/American food at it's most flavorful and least fussy. Another great locally owned, and locally run restaurant to make Lakewood proud.
(4)Steven W.
Beyond delicious! Anne is the best waitress in the city. Literally there is not one complaint that could be made!
(5)Monica S.
I arrived at Pepper's slightly before 5pm and there was already a small crowd forming outside the door. We were seated right away and placed an order for a medium pizza, fried calamari, and baked manicotti. The staff was extremely friendly and checked up on us often. About four different people came up to our table to make sure we were okay and the food was good. The calamari was nothing special. The sauce was thin and the breading was mediocre. The pizza (medium deluxe) was ginormous. It easily could have fed about 3-4 people, and was rich with lots of toppings and good stuff. Needless to say, I only had a couple of slices before throwing in the towel. The baked manicotti came out hot and piping, but it wasn't seasoned very well and lacked flavor. The staff was amazing and very friendly, and the food is okay. Not a bad spot! I'd definitely go back again.
(3)Jen M.
We went back to Pepper's last night and had a slightly different experience than our first time there. The wedding soup is good and the Caesar salad dressing is yummy. My boyfriend ordered the Rigatoni with pesto and grilled chicken, and I ordered the Fettucini with tomato sauce and grilled chicken. His pesto sauce was completely tasteless. It desperately needed salt and a little more olive oil. As for our, "grilled" chicken (and this is a HUGE pet peeve of mine) it was pan-friend. It had little brownish spots on the outside of it and it was huge chunks. Huh? It was seriously the ugliest dish--looking at brown spotted chicken sitting atop green pesto sauce. No 'curb appeal' to that dish! After this experience, I think we've learned to stick with the basic red sauce Italian dishes here. That's the best piece of advice I can give to new diners who go to Pepper's.
(2)Beth N.
Extremely friendly service. Good eats. My husband got the lasagna and I got their baked ravioli. Both were delicious! They also have a nice little outdoor patio if you like to eat outside. Will definitely be returning soon!
(5)Kyle W.
Just tried this place in Lakewood...what a great place! GOOD STUFF: Hidden gem of cheap good Italian food in Lakewood. Nice family runs it. The bottles of wine are insanely cheap (I mean its like buying the wine right from the liquor store...who needs BYO when its this cheap on the menu) BAD STUFF: Small place and wait can be long...but worth it. PRICE: Cheap. Two people with wine around 30-40$. OVERALL: Can't believe I didn't find this place before. Tough to find but well worth the trip. Try it out.
(4)Steve P.
An excellant Italian resturant with great food. The service is fast and freindly. I highly recommend the spaghetti!
(4)Michael's P.
Peppers is definitely a hidden Italian gem in Lakewood.... While small on appearance the taste is quite bombastic. Went on a Sunday evening with some friends and it was nice and quiet. Staff was very attentive and they took our drink and food orders with the utmost haste. Please check out the photos I posted and believe me when I say it's fantastic... Def will return again only wish they hadn't run out of the Italian wedding soup.... Also kudos on the calamari I didn't get in there quick enough to capture a photo ... If you're on that side of town you should definitely come check out peppers
(4)Cary F.
Two big things here: 1. Best pizza in Cleveland FOR SURE. A large is HUGE and 2x the size of other 'pizza' places. 2. Grape Pie. Eat it before you leave our planet. It's a game changer. Everything else is great from what I can tell as well. Atmosphere is so mom and pop which is fantastic!
(5)John C.
Great food and staff is very nice. Authentic cooking, the lasagna is to die for. Mixed green salad, not the plain old lettuce. New- frozen wine. Just make sure you ask for water too
(5)Margaret S.
The kind of neighborhood place that you'll miss when they're gone. Bob and Barb are Mom and Pop, and the food is what your grandma made if she was Italian-American--think comfort, not stars. Pepper's is Lakewood Americana. Become a regular.
(4)Alex Z.
In my opinion, this is the best Italian restaurant in the Cleveland area. The restaurants in little Italy aren't terribly exciting, and tend to be overpriced. The chain restaurants in the suburbs tend to be hideous affronts to Italian cuisine. This place is a genuine Italian restaurant serving very good food. The food is flavorful without being too heavy like most American-Italian restaurants are. While they do serve pizza, and while the neon sign in the window makes it look like primarily a pizza joint, this place is far from it. The atmosphere is very cozy. This place is perfect for a quiet, romantic dinner. They serve real food...the entrees are outstanding...and they have some amazing concord grape pie when it's in season.
(5)Mike C.
I love Peppers! I found it and decided to try it once and now it is the place I got for Italian on the west side. The Piccata and Parmesan dishes are excellent. Smaller place, but best value around.
(5)Sara H.
The baked ziti was yummy. Just the right amount of cheese and sauce. We got carry out and it was fast & hot. After seeing the tiny inside I am intrigued by the dine in option. Maybe next time...
(4)Amanda H.
I have been wanting to check out this place for some time now and finally the Mr & I did over the weekend. We went on a Saturday night around 9pm. Its a small place so if you're going with a large (er) crowd you may want to call ahead to be sure they have room. We ordered a small pizza as appetizer, delicious! The crust reminds me of how you would make a "pie" crust, not your typical pizza pie crust. We both ordered house salads with Italian dressing...your standard but good. I ordered the housemade lasagna, which was TO DIE for! Make sure you are hungry b/c its a huge serving. It is served in a brown ceramic dish and comes out pipping hot! My husband ordered the spaghetti with meat sauce. The sauce for both meals is on the sweeter side. We both had enough left over that we were able to take some home and have for lunch the next day. We finished off our meal with some gelato. I was torn between ordering gelato or getting a cannoli but quickly found out they were sold out of the cannoli's. We ordered 4 small scoops, yes 4! Blood orange, coconut, chocolate and tiramisu...all so tastey and hit the spot! I would recommend this place if you are wanting/craving some good home cooked Italian food. I plan on going back again for seconds!! Another perk from our 1st dinning experience here, I ordered a glass of red wine and go WAY more than I normally do when ordering wine from any restaurant!! Very generous!!
(4)