The Stunning Ohio Italian Restaurant That Turned A Historic Bank Into A Dining Room
Picture yourself walking into a building where people once deposited their paychecks and opened savings accounts, but now you’re greeted with the rich aroma of fresh pasta and Mediterranean spices.
That’s exactly what happens at Dante, located at 2247 Professor Ave suite c, Cleveland, Ohio, where Chef Dante Boccuzzi transformed a historic bank into one of Cleveland’s most talked-about dining destinations.
The restaurant sits in the vibrant Tremont neighborhood, bringing upscale New American cuisine with Mediterranean influences to a space that still honors its architectural past.
With soaring ceilings, original vault rooms, and an atmosphere that balances elegance with approachability, Dante has become the go-to spot for everyone from couples celebrating anniversaries to food enthusiasts chasing the perfect tasting menu.
What makes this place truly special isn’t just the novelty of dining in a former financial institution. It’s the way the chef’s creativity shines through every dish, from spicy first courses that wake up your taste buds to pasta creations that have diners planning their return visits before dessert even arrives.
A Building With Stories Written in Stone and Steel
Walking through the doors at Dante feels like stepping into two different eras at once. The building’s history as a functioning bank remains visible in every architectural detail, from the impossibly high ceilings to the original vault that now serves as one of the most unique dining spaces you’ll ever experience.
Located in Tremont, one of Cleveland’s trendiest neighborhoods, the restaurant benefits from being surrounded by diverse shops and a creative community vibe.
The transformation from financial institution to fine dining establishment was handled with respect for the building’s past, preserving elements that remind you of its original purpose.
Management often greets guests personally, a touch that makes the upscale atmosphere feel welcoming rather than intimidating. The space can get loud due to the acoustics, but that’s partly because the high ceilings and open layout create such a dramatic setting.
During my visit, I couldn’t stop looking around at the architectural details. The dark interior paired with good music creates a romantic, elevated vibe that works perfectly for special occasions or just treating yourself to something memorable.
The Tasting Menu That Changes Your Perspective Weekly
Dante’s tasting menu isn’t some static list of greatest hits. Chef Boccuzzi changes it weekly, which means the kitchen stays creative and guests who return frequently never have quite the same experience twice.
When I tried the five-course option, I understood why so many reviews mention it specifically. The first course hit me with a spicy kick that was balanced perfectly, not overwhelming but definitely memorable.
Each dish that followed built on that momentum, showcasing flavors you wouldn’t necessarily think to combine but that work beautifully together.
The menu offers options for different dietary needs, including gluten-free and vegan tasting menus. Portions come in multiple sizes, letting you sample more dishes if you’re feeling adventurous or stick with standard servings if you prefer.
Fair warning though: because the menu changes so frequently, servers sometimes need to reference notes when describing dishes. It’s a small trade-off for the creativity and freshness you get on your plate.
The culinary team clearly prioritizes innovation over playing it safe with familiar combinations.
Pasta That Makes You Rethink Everything You Know
If there’s one category where Dante absolutely crushes it, it’s pasta. Multiple reviews called out specific pasta dishes as highlights, and after trying the carbonara with truffle, I became part of that chorus.
The carbonara was creamy without being heavy, with distinct flavors that played well together. Truffle can sometimes overpower a dish, but here it enhanced rather than dominated.
Another standout mentioned frequently is the green spaghetti, which diners describe as one of the real high points of their meals.
What impressed me most was the texture. Fresh pasta has a completely different mouthfeel than dried, and you can tell the kitchen takes this element seriously.
The portion sizes let you order tasting sizes if you want to try multiple pastas without committing to full entrees.
One reviewer mentioned sweet corn ravioli as an appetizer so good they could have eaten it as a main course. That level of execution on pasta dishes shows why this element of the menu gets so much attention in customer feedback and keeps people coming back specifically for these preparations.
Dining Inside The Vault Where Money Once Lived
Here’s something you probably haven’t done before: eaten dinner inside a bank vault. Dante converted the original vault into a dining area, and it’s exactly as cool as it sounds.
The vault offers a quieter, more intimate dining experience compared to the main room. One couple celebrating their anniversary had the vault reserved just for them, making their evening feel extra special.
The space works perfectly for proposals, milestone celebrations, or anyone who wants a unique story to tell about where they ate dinner.
Beyond the vault, the restaurant offers other options for guests seeking a more peaceful atmosphere. There’s a back room behind the kitchen with wood decor and a cozy fireplace centerpiece.
During warmer months, the outdoor back patio provides a lovely alternative to the sometimes-loud main dining area.
These different spaces give Dante flexibility that many restaurants don’t have. You can choose your experience based on your mood and the occasion.
Want to be in the middle of the energy? Sit in the main room near the bar.
Prefer something more subdued? Request one of the quieter spots.
Service That Remembers Your Anniversary and Your Preferences
Attentive service can make or break an upscale dining experience. At Dante, the staff consistently earns praise for being knowledgeable, friendly, and genuinely invested in making your meal memorable.
Servers here know the menu inside and out. They can tell you about ingredient sourcing, preparation methods, and offer honest recommendations based on your preferences.
One reviewer specifically mentioned how impressed they were that servers could discuss where various ingredients came from, showing a level of training that goes beyond just memorizing dishes.
The team also excels at making celebrations feel special without being asked. Multiple guests mentioned staff going out of their way to acknowledge birthdays and anniversaries, adding thoughtful touches that elevated already good experiences into great ones.
During my visit, our server struck that perfect balance of being attentive without hovering. Water glasses stayed filled, but we never felt rushed or watched.
When I had questions about preparation techniques, the answers were detailed and enthusiastic. This level of service justifies the upscale pricing and adds real value to the overall experience.
Seafood Preparations That Showcase Technical Skill
Chef Boccuzzi’s seafood dishes demonstrate serious technical ability. The sea bass I tried had perfectly crispy skin, which sounds simple but requires precise timing and temperature control.
The accompanying sauce brought zesty, flavorful notes that complemented rather than masked the fish.
Salmon appears regularly on both the standard menu and tasting menus, prepared with care and attention to doneness. Fish dishes from the tasting menu earned particular praise from multiple diners, with one calling the fish starter wonderful and especially memorable.
Calamari gets mentioned frequently enough in reviews to suggest it’s a menu staple worth ordering. The crab cake appetizer received mixed feedback, with some finding it moist and tasty while others thought accompanying elements fell flat.
What stands out across seafood preparations is freshness. You can taste the quality of ingredients, which matters enormously when you’re working with fish.
The kitchen doesn’t rely on heavy sauces or overcomplicated presentations. Instead, they let good ingredients shine while adding thoughtful elements that enhance natural flavors and create balanced, satisfying dishes that justify the premium pricing.
The Hummus That Converts Sourdough Skeptics
Sometimes the smallest touches make the biggest impressions. At Dante, complimentary bread service includes housemade hummus that has people raving in online reviews and reconsidering their feelings about sourdough.
One guest admitted they’re not typically a sourdough fan but ate it anyway because the hummus was just that good. That’s high praise for what’s essentially a free starter, and it speaks to the kitchen’s attention to detail across all elements of the meal, not just the expensive entrees.
The hummus shows Mediterranean influences that run through much of the menu. It’s not trying to be traditional Italian cuisine despite the restaurant’s Italian-leaning reputation.
Instead, Dante embraces a broader New American approach with Mediterranean touches that give dishes interesting flavor profiles.
This bread and hummus situation also highlights an important point: even simple components get thoughtful treatment here. The kitchen could easily serve plain bread with butter and call it done.
Instead, they make something memorable enough that guests mention it specifically in reviews alongside their main courses and desserts.
Planning Your Visit to Make the Most of the Experience
Dante operates on a dinner-focused schedule, opening at 5 PM Tuesday through Saturday, with service until 10 PM on Tuesday through Thursday and until 11 PM on Friday and Saturday. They’re closed on Sunday and Monday.
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekends or if you want to request special seating like the vault or back room.
The restaurant falls into the expensive category with three dollar signs, so plan accordingly. Most couples can expect to spend over $200 for a full meal with multiple courses.
If noise bothers you, specifically request quieter seating when you book. The main dining room’s acoustics can make conversation difficult during busy times.
Asking for the patio, back room, or vault can completely change your experience.
The tasting menu offers the best way to experience the chef’s creativity, but the regular menu gives you more control over what you’re eating. Both approaches work well depending on your preferences and how adventurous you’re feeling.
Whatever you choose, arrive ready for a meal that takes time and deserves your full attention.