Pier W is a five-star restaurant and Cleveland landmark, known for its critically acclaimed seafood menu and wine bar. Named one of the Top 20 Best Restaurant Views In America by The Daily Meal, it’s located in the charming suburb of Lakewood and sits on the breathtaking Lake Erie with a 180 degree view of downtown Cleveland.
It’s a full-service, white-table-cloth, contemporary dining experience with a minimalistic interior decor that fittingly resembles a luxury cruise liner. Chic patrons – both tourists and locals – enjoy conversation and an intimate ambiance as they wine and dine.
I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to enjoy a window-front view of the lake and speak with gracious General Manager, Mark Kawada, who took the time to share with us the restaurant’s “fresh sourcing philosophy.” Pier W serves 100 percent sustainable seafood from Hawaii, Alaska, Seattle, Boston and locally in Cleveland and works directly with their fisherman to offer fresh catches daily.
The kitchen strictly follows the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood’s Watch List which supports their mission to protect endangered species. Kawada explained not only does this serve the environment but also allows them to introduce guests to a more diverse menu with delicious and healthy alternatives to over-fished marine life.
The culinary attention to detail was extraordinary, from their basil pesto and lavender-honey butters brought out with hot Italian bread to my entree of Crab Stuffed Gulf White Shrimp served with Yukon Gold mashed potatoes, Haricot Verts and lemon butter sauce (a particularly refreshing meal given the hot summer weather).
Adjacent to the seating area, there’s a funky, cool bar that changes color with light fixtures. They carry the finest liquors, such as Stoli Elit and Louis XIII de Remy Martin. And despite its upscale feel, we were told their happy hour is a bargain – surprisingly one of the most decently-priced in town.