Reviews of EDWINS Leadership & Restaurant Institute (Restaurant)

Maury Haymore

My wife and I had an absolutely fabulous experience at Edwins! From the warm and genuine welcome by our server, Martez, to the delightful atmosphere which included a warm fire in the fireplace, great, lively music and excellent service by all of the employees. Our dinner was equally as wonderful...from the pan-seared fois gras, to the papparadelle with ox tail, to the extensive cheese selection and perfect double espressos. An evening we wil never forget. Non-pretentous and heartwarming, to say the least.

Chermaine Love

I would never support a restaurant that allow a woman to feel inferior and harassed in a disrespectful manner.

Alexander Frank

What a truly wonderful experience. My future in laws were in town from Manhattan to visit and they had heard about Edwins so were interested in trying it out. Expectations were high going in but they were still wildly exceeded. Every element from the service to the food to the ambiance to the decor was a home run. My future in laws were truly impressed... and that’s saying a lot considering they frequent many of New York’s top French restaurants. Bravo!

Marc

Absolutely amazing restaurant. Love the venue. Burger cooked table side is a must. Cocktails are always unique and well prepared. I’ve heard the pressed duck is absolutely amazing if available but it cost $125 so we passed.

Lou Scotese

We went here for our 35th wedding anniversary last night. The food was amazing. Our waitress was great and everyone that works there was so nice. We loved the atmosphere too. We will definitely go back!!

Paul Forsgren

Not only a wonderful restaurant, but a wonderful cause to support. The wait and kitchen staff are ex convicts seeking a second chance. That said, the food is exceptional too. Worth your support. Had the duck confit, was done right.

A Google User

Amazing service with spectacular food!!!

Krista Ware

I love every thing about this place. I loved the good, the wine and what this place stands for. EXCELLENT EXCELLENT EXCELLENT!

John Henry Dreyfuss

A very good restaurant with a unique concept -- employs mostly or exclusively people who have spent time in jail. Edwin's is performing a crucial role in helping ex-convicts reintegrate into greater society. Food is very good. Service is excellent.

Jim Schuler

The food is delicious. The service is very attentive and friendly. The seafood sausage is amazing. Melts in your mouth.

tevin wilson

Beef tounge is a great choice for a new taste and experience.

Hatim abbas

hope every one in world understand

James Scott

Training restaurant for ex- cons. Very good food and service. Brandon does a fantastic job of giving back by providing training and housing for the students.

Cintia Leone

Beyond 5-star! Edwins has a vibrant atmosphere (laid back and family friendly). The staff is friendly, courteous and knowledgeable about the menu and the food is AMAZING! To start, one of the items we ordered for appetizer was "cheese" and it was impressing to be presented with a selection that was beyond expected. The waiter helped us select a few choices with suggestions and explaining each variation of cheeses on the cart (see photos). My daughter ordered the hamburger which was prepared tableside, with freshly ground beef and seasoning. The presentation offered an added value to our overall experience for the whole family. Most importantly, I wanted to bring my child and her friends there to experience not just an elegant restaurant! I explained to them that tonight's experience would go beyond a fancy French cuisine title because the owner started this business with a higher purpose of offering people a future, a second chance in life. This is a French restaurant but truly an American Dream!

Dexter Malave

My experience was wonderful, a well set restaurant for a romantic night, where I had to get loose before I popped the question. The food was excellent and drinks were strong. Thank you Brandon Chrostowski and Jordan Levine

Boniface Smorthwaite

I waited a good 25 minutes because I didn't want to be rude and I knew every associate was awaiting the first rush of the day. Everyone was appropriately dressed and in uniform. I can definitely sense the attention to detail especially on the Salad Niçoise. However this restaurant does need consistency. I was disappointed by the cauliflower truffle gratin due to the fact it was lukewarm despite the plate being hot.

Elizabeth Chiang

There is a nice outside seating area. The service was attentive. We started off with frog legs which were terrific. I got the duck special, the duck was delicious. The rice was a bit salty. My husband got a fish dish which es also tasty. They have souffle for dessert, which normally takes 25 min but they managed to get one made for us much quicker. The clafoutis was also delicious. A great meal at a reasonable price, especially for the quality.

Mattheus Falhouse

This is one of the best restaurants in Cleveland. If that were the only thing in its favor, it would be worth visiting. Food is good, atmosphere is good, service is good. However, Edwin's is special. Its cooks, waiters, and staff in general are people who have been released from prison and are learning a trade that will enable them to fit back into tax-paying society. There is too little of this in the US today, and for a private company to take this as a mission is remarkable. You don't go there for the mission, you go for the food. You won't be disappointed. But you are also really helping people.

Erin Collard

We've wanted to come to Edwin's for years. I had heard nothing but good things about the food and the service. I heard a few things about the concept, but did not have a full understanding of it before our visit. I made a reservation for a Friday night, and I am glad that I did, because the restaurant was full by the time we started our salad. Our waitress was great. She was helpful with recommendations on the menu, and when she didn't know something, she was very quick to find us somebody that did. I wanted the burger (I hate seafood and almost everything here is seafood) but I was a little concerned about why the burger cost $35. Before ordering, I asked our waitress before if this was just a really expensive burger at a fancy restaurant, or if there was something special about it. She was very excited to explain to me how the burger is made. They bring a cart out table-side and hand grind fillet with added spices and herbs. Then, they hand press it, send it to the kitchen to be cooked, and continue making the sauce for the burger at the table in front of you. This was a totally unique burger- nothing like anything I've ever had before. It was absolutely delicious! The food was great all around- we had the salad of the day (which had some blue cheese and pecans) which was amazing. I had the burger, and my dining partner had the grouper wrapped in very thin potatoes. He said it was amazing. We couldn't decide what to get for dessert, so we ordered the chocolate pyramid and the creme brulee. When the waitress told me that the chocolate pyramid was literally just chocolate, I was kind of disappointed because I wanted cake. But there was no disappointment- this chocolate pyramid was amazing. I will go back to Edwin's for this chocolate pyramid alone! It was the most amazing chocolate dessert I have ever had. It just melted in my mouth and I spent about 30 minutes just savoring every bite haha. The creme brulee was all so delicious and was actually a pretty good size. The service throughout our experience was great. We were never even close to half empty with our water glasses, and we always had fresh bread and whipped butter. I highly recommend Edwin's for both its food and service. The restaurant itself is very pretty inside, especially the ceiling. Also a nice touch in the bathroom with the cloth hand towels. Parking is not too bad- if you cannot find parking on the square, there's plenty of free street parking. They also have a valet.

Jared Recob

I am a graduate and am forever grateful. Not sure where I'd be without them! They have truly changed my life forever!

Barbara Essex

Great food and service. Lovely setting!

Jessica Lebzelter

Amazing experience and phenomenal food. Duck confit was perfect.

Conney Collinge

We had a party of 7 and we were comfortably seated. We started with frog legs which are incredible. This was my first time having them and I was pleasantly surprised! They were so wonderful with a touch of citrus; highly recommend. Juicy and complemented perfectly with sweet potatoes.EDWINS is amazing!

Bridget Coolick

Classic French fine dining in Cleveland! We had a great experience at Edwin's. We went with a large party and the service was good and staff was very friendly and attentive. Even the owner checked on us a few times. The food was fantastic and they have something for everyone. Very good for vegetarian and vegan options too. The artichokes were so tender and flavorful - definitely order those! The wine selection was excellent. Don't skip dessert here - we shared four different desserts and they were all delightful. Would love to go back next time we are in town.

Clyde Mitchell

Nice upscale dining right in the neighborhood.

JD Policard

The best restaurant in Cleveland, by far, this is THE must visit place for tourists and locals. Not only is this an extraordinary world class french dining experience, but it is also a place to see incredible people work at their craft and get a Second chance in life. The CEO Brandon is hands on and visible day after day after day, no detail is overlooked. And they recently opened a Butcher shop around the corner, EDWINS is just pure FANTASTIC! And check out their 2018 Oscar nominated documentary on YouTube- Knife Skills!

Hudson Ford111

EDWIN'S Leadership Restaurant gave skills bake grill deep fry elegant Frech Cuisine

Dave Y

great food, attentive, friendly staff. a restaurant making a difference in so many lives! if you don't know what i mean, do a little googling.

Constance Clark

The food is excellent, the service is amazing, the atmosphere lovely and the mission of Edwins is in line with my own. Plus, it's a fun and vibrant area of Cleveland.

Maria Mendez

We were in Cleveland a few months back for a heart procedure my father-in-law was having performed. In an effort to change the tune and control the mood, I remembered a show I saw on Food Network called "Best Thing I Ever Ate." The main dish was an artichoke and as luck would have it the restaurant able to claim this delectable dinner was none other than The Edwin located a few miles from where our hotel resided. My husband, my brother-in-law, and I will never forget the hospitality of the staff and of course the amazing meal that we shared that night. That is why months later it is still a main topic of discussion. The night sort of started on a whim after I remembered the show and how much I wanted to try this artichoke dish. A few days after Thanksgiving the largest winter storm last year up to that point hit right as we arrived at The Edwin and we found ourselves stuck. That is a poor choice of words because the word "stuck" itself suggest that you are in a place you would prefer not to be. That could not have been further from the truth. All of the staff from top to bottom along with their delicious cuisine took all of our minds off of the pending procedure my father in law was having done the follow morning. We could not be more grateful. Everything The Edwin is and stands for made a night that could have otherwise been filled with anxiety and apprehension overflow with laughter, full hearts, and full stomachs. Can't wait to visit them all again. Your new friends from Cincinnati and Colombia!!!

Cristina Coadă

Excellent food and service!

Ghana White

Great food great service great cause.

Rick B

Beautiful, elegant, tasteful, tasty. AMAZING service. You cannot go wrong here.

Xuankang Lin

Very delicious and affordable!

Kevin Kraus

Edwin's is a Cleveland gem that celebrates a cuisine so often sought after. Rarely does a culinary homage ring so true to the source material, and for such an admirable cause. The staff is professional and so obviously dedicated to their craft. Brandon and his team of talented chefs and hospitality professionals didn't miss a beat in the busy dining room despite plumes of literal culinary fire in table side displays of prowess. My wife and I had cocktails, entrees, and cheese from all over the globe. I intend to enjoy Edwin's for a long, long time, and look forward to my next visit.

Kerry Capwell

Great service and amazing food!

Clevie Logan

For the main dish I got the grouper wrapped in a potato skin with a red-wine sauce. The sauce was amazing and I resisted the urge to lick the plate clean.To finish everything off, we got bananas foster for dessert. This was made tableside by one of the employees named Kamiko. Butter, brown sugar, liquor, and orange juice made up the sauce and a cut banana was cooked in this sauce. All of this was topped with ice cream, absolutely amazing.

Dave Gilronan

I had high expectations. They were met and exceeded. The room is elegant and inviting. The food was above average to excellent. The service was caring and attentive without being hovering or intrusive. You should go here. I will be back many times.

La Pa

Cool concept especially with the hiring of ex cons which I'm a huge fan of. The service here was amazing, which goes to show their concept not only works but is amazing for society. The food was great although I wasn't the biggest fan of their trout, it needed a bit more salt and the pistachio crust just wasn't doing it for me, but the fish itself was of good quality. Overall I would give them 5 stars for service and 4.5 stars for food because of the trout, meanwhile their appetizers were delicious, and the other items I grabbed a bite out of were good too like the duck breast and the salmon.

Guthry Farrow

After reading reviews about amateurish service, food that appeared to be from cans, servers that did not know the menu, and comments from others about an arrogant French menu, and being aware of Edwin's mission, I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I found the setting charming, a little old-fashioned, and I have to admit that I was a little put off by the fallen wine bottles in the restaurant's windows. Shaker Square is handsome, but a bit shop-worn. The interior of the restaurant was pretty and nicely done. It didn't look brand new, but clean and handsome.

Lauren Vander Zanden

absolutely amazing meal here. we ordered off the menu ancien, enjoying dishes made from recipes in the 1780's and 1830's. the meal was delicious, the service warm and gracious, and great overall ambiance.

Vietta Perry

Awesome food extremely great service, loving atmosphere!

Alice Nunnari

Wonderful atmosphere, service and excellent food. Had the salmon and it was spectacularand followed up with a decadent chocolate mousse!

Mary Wright

First time there and it was wonderful. The people were great and will return again.

Ben Falter

Delicious food with good service. I'd recommend this for anyone who is passing through Cleveland, desires good food, and a place that is helping give back to communities often over looked.

Hendrick Wimberly

The best place to eat in Cleveland

Tracie Little

Lovely atmosphere Great Food

Rufus Tours

Great restaurant and atmosphere, staff was kind and friendly. Excellent service, great premise. The burger was amazing and it was prepared table side for you to enjoy. The owner was extremely welcoming and friendly and showed why this restaurant has helped so many lives.would give 10 stars if possible.

Christopher Baumgardner

Very very good food. The excellent food and non pretentious environment made for an overall incredible visit.

Andrew Weinfurtner

We had a great time at Edwin’s last night. Our food was delicious. More importantly, our server Martez was phenomenal - we could not compliment him more. Thanks for a great experience.

Nick O'Connor

Fantastic service and the food was absolutely delicious.

David C

Great food and service , great atmosphere. Amazing place and great fresh food selection

Stephanie Brubaker

Awesome food. Awesome atmosphere. Brandon, Jordan and John sure know what they're doing. Awesome job Edwins &staff!!

Luana Hearn

French food with an American twist. Great environment, very friendly staff, the food was superb.

Joe Sterne

This place is amazing. The cheese board is rolled out *on a cart*. Your Banana Foster (or Burger) is prepared *tableside*. A great training restaurant that employs ex-cons to prepare them for the world. Huge wine list and awesome staff. Try the Banana Foster's - its the best I've ever had!

Rebecca Dlesk

My husband and I spent our 22nd wedding anniversary dinner at this restaurant. The food was out of this world and the service was phenomenal! Our experience from the beginning, making reservations, the table service, to having our coats placed on us before leaving. Everyone was more than pleasant to deal with! We were honored to be served by a gentleman by the name of John Boxer, who did a great job at making sure our anniversary dinner was a memorable experience! The chef named John (didn’t get his last name, sorry) did an amazing job at making banana fosters at our table! I highly recommend that dessert even if you don’t think you’ll have room.

Rodney Kistler

Very nice idea. God bless them.

Scott Levinson

I made a trip to Cleveland from Cincinnati to experience the restaurant after watching the Oscar-nominated Short Film "Knife Skills." The documentary was amazing and I came in with impossibly high expectations, and yet they were still exceeded. The food and service were top notch.

Marvin Chan

Highly recommended. Very cozy and service is one of the best

Johnathan boxer

Edwins is a great place to dine...whats on the menu is great and there specials are exquisite....i highly reccomend the duck confeit....the service is top notch and there's hardly any waiting time between meals...if you get the chance take a loved one

Kimberly Schonhorst

The tomato bisque is great, burger was so fun to watch getting made and smelled amazing (the people next to us ordered it and I was super jealous). The mission is moving. Overall, I loved going here for a special occasion!

Brian V

The food, drinks, service and atmosphere were all fantastic. One of the better dining experiences I've had! It is expensive, but a good value based on the quality and service.

Kammy Shuman

We ate at Edwins on Saturday night. I can't say enough good things about this restaurant. The food, drinks, hospitality, and atmosphere is something that everyone should experience at least once. All of the employees are genuine, hardworking people. They are being given a second chance at life and they are doing it with their whole hearts. Please go and support this cause. It is a delicious and rewarding experience you can't get anywhere else. Thank you Brandon for your vision!

Gregory Bush

It was the best ever service is great food was great I would highly recommend Edwin for the great food and great taste I thought I was in Paris for real wow don't miss out you better give him a try

Thomas Elsinghorst

Fine French dining with a purpose

Douglas Blackburn

Cleveland Restaurant week gave us a reason to finally make it to Edwin's. I have long admired that this establishment gives a second chance after incarceration. What I didn't know was what how well the team serves a total dining experience. While there were a few small flaws, these people have their hearts and souls in service. The food, ambiance and service was top notch. I enjoyed sharing the escargot along with the special 3 course dinner featuring salad, salmon and creme brule. Everything was delicious. It was a very busy Saturday night, yet Brandon the founder was very visible and made a point to welcome us.

Steve Schlemmer

Great food. Great staff. Great everything!!!

Lanaya Walker

Amazing place to eat and work

Deb Ing

Amazing place, food is first rate, generous portions. Good wine selection, nice charcuterie platter. GREAT vegan options!!

Brian S. Casselberry

Really good food and service. The Nicoise salad was disappointing. One large piece of fully cooked tuna. Scallops were great and a wonderful sauce. Venison was good. Good service.

Jill Habursky

The food was amazing! The service was excellent! One of the best restaurants in Cleveland. Highly recommend it! Already looking forward to coming here again.

Neil Stein

Food was absolutely phenomenal and hands down the best burger I've ever had. Wife had grouper which was cooked to perfection and delicious. Staff was friendly and the restaurant was beautiful. The icing on the cake, however, was the owner, Brandon, checking on all the guests at the valet and since the workers were busy he went and got our car for us. He was helping with everything inside the restaurant throughout the night too and this is a perfect example of leading by example. Fantastic dining experience and would highly recommend.

Maik B

Very good Food, just awesome. Friendly stuff and very professional. Very nice decoration and comfort. Conclusion: Clear Recommendation for an visit.

Jeff Hester

UPDATE- in addition to a fantastic dining experience (review below) the customer service at Edwins has completely exceeded my expectations. My wife lost her wedding ring and Brandon came in on a Sunday (when closed) to search for it. The staff found the ring and returned it. Amazing service, I am extremely impressed. Great food for a fantastic cause. Watch the Oscar nominated documentary "Knife Skills" for the full story. Grouper entree was excellent and bananas foster (prepared tableside) was the perfect way to finish the evening. Admittedly our server was nervous at times (group of 5 at peak Saturday dinner hours) but given the training program it is completely understandable. Very minor critique and a 5-star experience in total.

Leasa Hunter

My Godfather and I ate there today. The whole experience of dining there was Awesome from start to finish. Everyone nice and very professional. I will definitely be going there again in the near future!!!!

Randolph Hewitt

Excellent cause and excellent food. Try the pressed duck!

Mary Kavanagh

The worst restaurant experience of my life. Waited 15mins in an empty restaurant dining room for a table.I am on portable oxygen and that alone was a struggle and the service and food continued on in that level. It was all unfortunate.

Bella Hatari

I took my 3 year old for first 5 star dining experience. Staff was lovely and the desserts were AMAZING