Pier W

The story

Crafted with passion, served with love

A Landmark Above Lake Erie

Pier W has anchored the Cleveland dining scene since 1965, and its setting alone makes it unlike anywhere else in the city. The building was designed to resemble the hull of a cruise ship, set into a cliff overlooking Lake Erie, with panoramic water views that frame every meal. Out-of-town visitors and longtime locals alike keep coming back — not just for the scenery, but for what arrives at the table.

The Kitchen and Its Philosophy

Executive Chef Cassandra Soja leads a Contemporary American menu built around a straightforward but demanding idea: "fresh" means a direct relationship with the fisherman, not just a marketing claim. The restaurant's sourcing philosophy — operating in partnership with The Fisherman & the Farmer — means that fish, mussels, lobster, clams, scallops, and shrimp are called from responsible sources, and orders are placed so recently that the seafood you eat may not have been caught yet when you sit down. The same rigorous sourcing applies to beef, lamb, and pork, sourced through relationships with independent farmers.

The seafood-focused menu shifts with the seasons while keeping frequently requested favorites in rotation, including vegetarian options. Sunday Brunch has become something of a Cleveland institution in its own right — consistently described by locals as not to be missed.

The Wine Cellar

Pier W's wine program has earned Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence for more than 15 consecutive years, most recently the Best of Award of Excellence in 2024. Beverage Director Bill Garlock oversees a cellar stocked with fine wines from the world's most important regions, and the list is available by the glass, bottle, or as a pairing alongside the seafood-driven menu.

The Full Experience

Beyond the main dining room, Pier W offers a lounge, a seasonal outdoor deck open into September, and dedicated private dining for events. The team — including General Manager Regan Reik, Executive Sous Chef Daron Kinder, and Dining Room Manager Sam Morgan — rounds out a front- and back-of-house built for consistent, welcoming hospitality. Part of the Select Restaurants group, Pier W remains the standout address among Cleveland seafood restaurants, and one of the more distinctive dining rooms anywhere on the Great Lakes.