Artis in Lakewood is rewriting the definition of a steakhouse with shareable plates and refreshingly approachable atmosphere. I'm not really a steakhouse gal, but was excited to try out Artis during CLE Gals Bookclub silent reading night. Silent reading at a steakhouse sounds like a dream, and it was! I rarely rave about dining experiences, but Artis deserves all the praise!
AMBIANCE: The restaurant has a clean, minimalistic, bright, and airy aesthetic.
Minimalistic tropical decor adorns the walls. It's a refreshing departure from your regular steakhouse vibes. The restaurant has a main dining room and bar as you enter with predominance of soft pastels. The restaurant has a back dining room with deep blue walls. The space has subtle Miami vibes. The restaurant is a good fit for large groups, couples, and singles.
FOOD/DRINKS: The food is globally inspired and expertly prepared. Flavors include Middle Eastern, Asian, and Latin inspirations. The menu is organized with innovative categories - now, in a while, soon, worth the wait, and on the side. Now are snack arriving in 10-ish minutes. Soons are small plates arriving in 20-ish minutes. In a while's are heartier plates arriving in 30-ish minutes. Worth the Wait are entree plates arriving in 45-60 minutes. On the sides are side dishes. In my experience, the dishes arrived much faster even considering that we took over the entire restaurant with a large group.
My order included Citrus Braised Beets (soon menu item) and Moroccan Spiced Meatballs (in a while menu item). Citrus Braised Beets ($15) is a dish with golden beets and tropical flavors like dried kiwi making for a very innovative dish. It's a light and delicious salad that tastes like a tropical vacation. Moroccan Spiced Meatballs ($22) were the best tasting meatballs of my life, and I've had A LOT of meatballs. The meat tasted especially high grade and tender. Tomato sauce was perfectly balanced and not acidic. Grilled bread wasn't overly dry like at other restaurants, was easy to bite into. I also spotted many other dishes ordered during our event. Baked 9YR Cheddar Mac and Whole Roasted Cauliflower looked especially impressive. Cauliflower was huge!
As far as the drinks, house cocktails, wine, beer, martinis, bourbon, scotch, tequila, and zero proof cocktails are on the menu. In other words, something for everyone. I tried special event mocktail "For Lenore" ($8) with blood orange and soda. The cocktail was delicate and tasty. Gals at my table ordered various cocktails and all were very happy!
SERVICE: The service at Artis is impressive. The staff immediately greets you, checks in your coat, and is highly involved in your dining experience. The world here revolves around customers. The staff checks on every guest as if they are the only guest in a crowded room. The servers are very polite and attentive. You feel seen and all your needs are addressed. Staff walks around the dining room to make sure that everyone is having a top notch experience, all plates are cleared, and all glasses are immediately food. I haven't seen anything like it in Cleveland area. First class experience!
PARKING: While there is no dedicated parking lot, there is city parking between Artis and Spellbound. This area in Lakewood has plenty of street parking.
The entire experience at Artis was remarkable. Expertly crafted food and mocktail, top notch service, and atmosphere. If you're interested in refined dishing experience without typical steakhouse pretense, visit Artis. I loved my time there, and will be going back soon for Happy Hour! read more