The Flying Fig

The Flying Fig, in Cleveland Ohio's City neighborhood, is one of the city's more innovative -- and fun -- eateries. Chef Karen Small's kitchen never ceases to impress. Go for a special occasion, an enjoyable dinner for two, or good and affordable bar treats.

The Menu

The moment you walk into the Flying Fig you know you've entered someplace special. The warm colors, the contemporary music, and the "hip" atmosphere are stylish, yet welcoming. The menu changes seasonally and favors locally-grown, organic food. Appetizers include a cheese plate of intriguing domestic and foreign cheeses accompanied by dates and other fruit and the popular flatbread in a variety of flavors.

Salads include a delicious warm mushroom salad as well a roasted beet salad with almonds and goat cheese -- one of the best dishes in town.

Highlights of the entree menu include the seared duck breast with apples and bacon (pictured by clicking at right), a lusty Italian Cioppino (fish and seafood stew), and a potato-encrusted grouper filet.

Desserts are all made in-house, including their signature fig (and other flavors) ice cream. There's also always a chocolate treat offered, such as the chocolate torte pictured below.

At the Bar

The long bar in the front of the restaurant is a friendly and chic place to meet friends or enjoy an after-dinner drink and snack. There are also high-top tables across from the bar for more private seating. The Flying Fig has a daily happy hour from 5pm 730pm and offers a special -- and surprisingly affordable -- bar menu.

The wine list is relatively short, but varied, with a good number of selections offered by the glass. These include wines not often found by the glass, such as a Pouilly-Fuisse. There are also interesting martini concoctions, a diverse selection of domestic and imported beers, and ports and Champagnes by the glass.

A Commitment to Quality Food

Flying Fig's chef/owner Karen Small was one of the first in the Cleveland area to focus on locally-grown and organic food. In addition to using the freshest ingredients available, the restaurant makes most of their stocks, sauces, and desserts in-house. Their commitment to quality food shows in their predictably tasty food. I've eaten there over a dozen times and The Flying Fig just never disappoints.

The Flying Fig also has a small private dining room for business meetings, parties, and private wine tastings. The room seats from 10 to 40 people and may be combined with a second dining area to accommodate 50 to 100 guests. The restaurant can also help design a menu just for your party. For more information on catering and private functions, call 216 241-4243 or see their website.

Contact Information and Hours

The Flying Fig is open for dinner Tuesday through Thursday from 5pm to 1030pm, on Friday and Saturday from 5pm to 1130pm, and on Sunday from 5pm to 9pm. The restaurant is closed on Mondays. The lounge is open from 4pm to 1am Tuesday through Saturday and from 4pm to midnight on Sundays.

The restaurant offers a limited number of cafe-style tables along Market Avenue, in front of the restaurant, during the summer months. Limited parking is available at meters along the surrounding streets or in the (paying) lot at the end of the street. Valet parking is available on the weekends.

The Flying Fig
2523 Market Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44113
216 241-4243
Reservations are recommended.

^{(Last updated 1-23-08)}