Over the years, Yelp has become a place for locals and visitors to find recommendations and praise their favorite eateries. As the community of reviewers has grown, the website has become an important resource for anyone looking to try something new, searching for the perfect venue, or craving some local flavor. Based on an algorithm that considers the number of reviews, star ratings and more, Yelp constructs lists to help you find the best of the best. We put together a round-up of the must-try Toledo dinner destinations that are consistently ranked in the top ten on Yelp. That way, you can find the perfect venue for your celebration, your family night out, and your special occasion. 
Photo courtesy of Shorty's True American Roadhouse
Location | Cost: $$ Following authentic pit barbecue techniques, Shorty’s serves up fresh, quality meats seasoned with a special dry rub and cooked low and slow for up to 18 hours every day. Served with the restaurant’s signature barbecue sauce, you can’t go wrong ordering anything off the dinner menu. The Salt & Pepper Beef Ribs, Pulled Pork Platter or Texas Brisket may be the main entree, but don’t skip the Memphis Egg Rolls appetizer. The most recommended item on Yelp, they’re a must try! 
Photo courtesy of Registry Bistro and Girl in the Glass City
Location | Cost: $$$ Located in the heart of the entertainment district, Registry Bistro serves approachable and elegant meals inside the historic Secor Building. Since opening in 2012, they’ve been Toledo’s destination for stylish cocktails, modern meals and upscale dining. Yelp reviewer, Dustin H., summarized, “Long story short, going on 5 years and Registry Bistro remains one of the best, if not the best restaurant in Northwest Ohio.” Location | Cost: $$$ Located inside the historic Oliver House, Rockwell’s Steakhouse & Lounge is Maumee Bay Brewing’s upscale dining venue. Offering a menu of meticulously prepared prime-aged meats, fresh seafood and innovative cocktails, it’s the perfect spot for special occasions, date nights and run-of-the-mill Wednesdays. David M. said it best: “If [this steak dinner] isn’t the best, it certainly ranks right up there with restaurants we've enjoyed throughout the Midwest, in New York, Chicago, Boston, California, Florida and beyond.” 
Photo courtesy of QQ Kitchen
Location | Cost: $$ Get a taste of the far east with QQ Kitchen’s fresh and made-to-order Asian cuisine. With over 30 years of experience in the kitchen, owners Robert and Karen Wang grew up in Korea and China, raised their children right here in Ohio, and now offer the tastes of their childhood and passion for food with the whole community. The most common Yelp review is an enthusiastic “We will be back!” and, once you try it, you’ll feel the same way. Location | Cost: $$ Located at The Docks along the Maumee River, you’ll get a true riverside feel at Toledo’s Real Seafood Co. Their menu is packed with fresh fish and seafood from the waters of New England to the Great Lakes and even the Gulf of Mexico. Reviewer Katelyn G. called her meal, “The best seafood meal I've had to date,” and said, “If you love seafood definitely check this place out!” 
Photo courtesy of Mancy's Steakhouse
Location | Cost: $$$ Mancy’s Steakhouse is the second restaurant on this list from Mancy’s Restaurant Group. Though they have independent atmospheres, this upscale steakhouse has the same quality and refined craft we’ve come to expect from the first spot on our list — Shorty’s. One visitor from California wrote, “If we lived here, this would be a regular spot for special occasions and steak cravings.” Order Mancy’s French Onion Soup, follow it up with a hand cut steak, and you’ll be agreeing in no time! 
Photos courtesy of Revolution Grille
Location | Cost: $$ “Chef Rob's Revolution Grille is one of my favorite restaurants in the city and absolutely deserves 5 stars,” said Yelp reviewer and Toledo local, Daniel Y. And just like Daniel, Revolution Grille is a Toledo original through and through. From the Ohio-grown, Certified Angus Beef Cheeseburger to the Holey Toledough Bread Pudding — it’s a must-try in the city! Location | Cost: $$$$ In the Final Cut dining room, you’ll find an upscale menu of flavorful, hand-cut steaks, salmon, cold water lobster and other steakhouse favorites. At the bar, you can grab a comfort food classic and a crafted cocktail. Save it for a special occasion or turn a normal evening into a celebration. “Long story short, the food and atmosphere are both stellar,” said one reviewer. Location | Cost: $$ At Zia’s you can enjoy authentic Italian cuisine, gourmet pizzas, fresh fish dishes and more while overlooking the Maumee River. This family spot is easy to love, especially after a plate of Chicken Parmesan! But whatever you order, you can rest assured it was prepared fresh and from scratch — from the Calamari appetizer to the Tiramisu dessert. Location | Cost: $$$ Yelp reviewer Monica L. said, “Try everything,” and we couldn’t agree more. From the chicken meatballs and pork belly to the grilled squid and traditional sushi rolls, everything is memorable and mouth-watering at Kengo. Created by Kengo Kato and Joshua Wagy, this Toledo original is a 23 seat Sushi and Yakitori restaurant with first come first serve seating. That is, unless you want to make reservations for OMAKASE at the sushi bar and leave your meal up to the chef! Share your favorites
Let us know your go-to dinner destinations in Toledo — whether it’s a family outing or a special occasion!