PRESS
August 2023
Renovated Lockkeepers in Valley View serves excellent Italian-American fare | Restaurant review
July 2019
Best of Award of Excellence - 1,244 winners
These wine lists display excellent breadth across multiple winegrowing regions and/or significant vertical depth of top producers, along with superior presentation.
Typically offering 350 or more selections, these restaurants are destinations for serious wine lovers, showing a deep commitment to wine, both in the cellar and through their service team.
July 2017
Best of Award of Excellence - 1,168 winners
These wine lists display excellent breadth across multiple winegrowing regions and/or significant vertical depth of top producers, along with superior presentation. Typically offering 350 or more selections, these restaurants are destinations for serious wine lovers, showing a deep commitment to wine, both in the cellar and through their service team.
July 2017
12 terrific al fresco spots
“Consistently fine Italian cuisine is well-matched to outdoor seating overlooking the historic wood-lined Erie Canal.” -Joe Crea
Read MoreJune 2017
20 great restaurants that are Cleveland Classics (2017 A-List Dining Guide)
“Affordable options and sophisticated fare meet on an Italian-inspired menu by Venetian native chef Alberto Leandri at this restaurant in Valley View. Traditional dishes, modern interpretations and house-made pastas merge here. Portions are generous, and likely will leave enough for lunch.” -David Farkas & Joe Crea
Read MoreJune 2017
28 best happy hours in Greater Cleveland
“This upscale but casual spot attracts a chatty after-work crowd and offers more than merely a deal. I’ll vouch for that stuffed pepper plate. Ditto for the crispy shrimp and scallops or the meatballs (which come with polenta). Oh, and you can sit at a table and get the kind of attentive, friendly service you’d expect when ordering a full-on meal.” -John Petkovic
Read MoreMay 2017
LockKeepers sets RiverDay lunch program with Park Ranger
“LockKeepers will hold a three-course lunch and feature a presentation with a National Park Service Ranger on RiverDay, Saturday, May 20. The 27th RiverDay, created by Friends of the Crooked River, celebrates the evolution of the Cuyahoga River. Lockkeepers is adjacent to the river and also sits on the cusp of the Cleveland Metroparks’ Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation. ” -Marc Bona
Read MoreOctober 2016
Lockkeeper’s Chef Leandri brings Italian decadence to winter squash recipes
“On one recent morning at Lockkeepers in Valley View, where he is executive chef, Leandri demonstrated three recipes, a squash-stuffed tortellini, cavatelli with squash and sausage, and squash tiramisu. All are on the restaurant’s menu, although diners will see it described as “pumpkin,” a term Leandri said is more common in Italy for all squashes.” -Debbi Snook
Read MoreSeptember 2016
16 of the best waterfront restaurants in Greater Cleveland
“Relaxed sophistication defines this elegant eatery. With a wrap-around patio overlooking the historic Ohio and Erie Canal, indulging in al fresco is made for sharing a bottle of wine and warm weather. Among the greenery, dine on fresh, house-made pasta and Italian cuisine with inspired seasonal twists.” -Nikki Delamotte
Read MoreSeptember 2016
Diner’s Choice Cleveland – Best Italian Restaurants
“With excellent Italian food, comfortable surroundings and a friendly, professional staff, Lockkeepers manages to be both polished and upscale, and approachable and unpretentious. Special kudos to the culinary staff for their lively, seasonal and artful take on Italian cuisine.” -Terry from San Francisco
See NowAugust 2016
Malisse Sinito, owner of LockKeepers acknowledged by The Cleveland Woman’s Journal as a ‘Woman You Should Know’
June 2016
LockKeepers restaurant caters to convention goers who are hoping to dodge the “eye of the storm”
“This is a chance to showcase what we do, and we’ve got to execute,” Woehrman says. “If people have a bad experience, whether locals or out-of-towners, it can be devastating. You have to be prepared. Better to overstaff and deliver a great product and service than struggle and turn people off.” -Brian Woehrman, LockKeepers General Manager
June 2016
Restaurants far and wide prepare for RNC
“Our main focus is executing service and showcasing our neck of the woods here in Valley View. We’ve entertained all typed of dignitaries and media including former presidents like Bill Clinton and Marco Rubio also had a fundraiser.” -Shanice Dunning
See NowMay 2016
Lakeside Patios & Rooftop Views: The Best Outdoor Drinking Spots in Cleveland
“This upscale Italian restaurant is known for more than some of the freshest house-made pasta in the city. Its wrap-around outdoor patio offers a lush view of the surrounding greenery overlooking the historic Ohio and Erie Canal. Expect everything to be decorated in elegance, excellent service, and a great bottle of wine.” -Nikki Delamotte
May 2016
Lockkeepers: Affordable options and sophisticated fare meet in Valley View
“Now it’s time to peruse the long wine list, which includes many Italian bottles. We popped for the Rivetto Nebbiolo, Langhe, a medium-body red with a floral nose and the subtle flavors of cranberry and cherry. Table service, by the way, is spot-on, quickly responding to our request that the wine be decanted.” -David Farkas
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April 2016
50 Things to Eat and Drink in Greater Cleveland 2016
“From the dozens of dishes and drinks we sampled over the course of the past year, several stood out. This year’s 50 Things to Eat and Drink in Cleveland 2016 draws together an array of entrees and sides, desserts and drinks – to create an ‘ultimate’ feast to explore and sample.” -Joe Crea
Read MoreNovember 2015
The 12 Most Underrated Restaurants in Cleveland
“With a robust Little Italy district, those only brushing the surface may not venture too far out when they feel the craving for Italian. And while locals may point you toward Murray Hill, they’d certainly be missing out on the house-made pastas and seasonally inspired dishes at LockKeepers. Not to mention the view: the scenic overlook of the Cuyahoga River is one of the best in the city.” -Nikki Delamotte
Read MoreOctober 2015
OhioGuidestone Workforce Program Partners with LockKeepers
“We are grateful to LockKeepers for this opportunity to expose our clients to a professional restaurant setting and teach them skills that are essential to working in this field. A special thank you to Chef Leandri for providing guided instruction and encouragement to our clients. ” -Kiersten Watkins, Director of Workforce Development
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