For years, friends have raved about Guido’s Pizza Haven and Restaurant in Chesterland. Despite the slightly longer drive from our usual spots, the consistent praise and the allure of discovering a new favorite Italian eatery finally drew us in, especially after Guido’s made it onto the 2015 To Dine Challenge list. It was time to see if Guido’s lived up to the hype, and let me tell you, it absolutely did.
The popularity of Guido’s Pizza Haven is undeniable. Even with their expanded, larger location, the restaurant buzzes with energy. Opting for a Tuesday evening, hoping to avoid weekend crowds, we still encountered a short 15-minute wait and a steady stream of customers picking up takeout orders. This vibrant atmosphere immediately signaled that we were in for a treat at this beloved Chesterland institution.
One of the first things that caught my eye was the partially open kitchen. It was captivating to watch the chefs in action while we waited, and the delicious aromas drifting from the cooking area were simply irresistible, further building our anticipation for the meal to come at Guido’s Pizza Haven.
Once seated, we happily relied on our friends’ recommendations for ordering. For the table, we started with a small Pepperoni and Sausage Pizza. This wasn’t just any pizza; Guido’s Pizza Haven is known for its square-cut style, a delightful twist that results in incredibly crispy edges on every piece.
The pizza was truly exceptional, unlike any other I’ve experienced in the Greater Cleveland area. Its thick, doughy base was perfectly balanced with generous amounts of cheese and flavorful toppings. Every bite was thoroughly enjoyable, and to our slight regret, we devoured it all, leaving no leftovers for the next day. Guido’s Pizza Haven is certainly generous with their portions. Many of their main courses are available in both meal and smaller plate sizes, offering options for various appetites. For his main course, Mr. H chose the Chicken Parmesan meal.
The Chicken Parmesan arrived with a fresh salad (be sure to ask for the pink house dressing, it’s a local tip!) and a side of pasta. Mr. H opted for a combination of Meat Ravioli and Cheese Ravioli. Again, the portion size was impressive.
Pictures truly don’t capture the sheer size of the Chicken Parmesan. We both sampled it at the restaurant, and still had enough leftover for another shared meal the next day! The chicken itself was pounded incredibly thin, the thinnest I’ve ever encountered. Our friend is a huge fan, using Guido’s Chicken Parmesan as the benchmark for all others. Even for me, a self-professed chicken breast skeptic, it was surprisingly enjoyable. Mr. H liked it but would have preferred a slightly thicker cut. The ravioli were good, but perhaps not the most memorable part of the meal; it’s the only dish I might consider skipping next time in favor of exploring more of Guido’s menu. For my entrée, I decided to try the Eggplant Roll-ups.
This was the “small” portion of the Eggplant Roll-ups! It was more than enough for both of us to share, and I still happily took one home for lunch the following day. Completely satisfied and in a delightful “carb coma” after such a generous and delicious meal, we happily made our way back to Cleveland.
The food at Guido’s Pizza Haven is truly classic Italian, and genuinely one of the best Italian meals I’ve had in the area. I thoroughly enjoyed the entire experience at Guido’s Pizza Haven, charmed by the authentic food and the welcoming family atmosphere.
Important to note for your visit: Guido’s Pizza Haven is BYOB (Bring Your Own Beverage) and cash only!
While Chesterland might not be a frequent destination for everyone, if you find yourself in the area, I highly recommend checking out Guido’s Pizza Haven and Restaurant. It’s a true local gem worth the trip for authentic Italian cuisine.
Guido’s Pizza Haven and Restaurant
12809 Chillicothe Road
Chesterland, OH 440-729-9666
