I Traveled Across Northern Ohio To Try 9 Pierogi Shops (And 3 Tasted Just Like Grandma’s)
Growing up with a Polish grandmother meant one thing: pierogis were life.
Those pillowy pockets of potato-filled perfection became my comfort food obsession.
So when I moved to Northern Ohio, I knew I had to embark on the ultimate pierogi pilgrimage to find shops that could match Grandma’s legendary recipe.
1. Pierogi Palace – Cleveland, OH
Walking into Pierogi Palace feels like stepping through a time portal straight into Warsaw.
The aroma hits you first—butter, onions, and that unmistakable dough smell that makes your stomach growl instantly.
Located at 1979 W 25th St, Cleveland, OH 44113, this gem sits in the heart of Cleveland’s historic neighborhood.
Their potato and cheese pierogis come out golden-brown with crispy edges that crackle when you bite down.
The filling is creamy, perfectly seasoned, and generously portioned.
Each piece gets topped with caramelized onions that add sweetness.
2. Rudy’s Strudel & Bakery – Parma, OH
Rudy’s proves that bakeries can master more than just pastries.
Tucked away at 5580 Ridge Rd, Parma, OH 44129, this family-run spot has been feeding hungry Ohioans since forever.
The moment you step inside, you’re greeted by display cases overflowing with homemade goodies.
Their pierogis are handmade daily using a recipe passed down through generations.
The dough is thinner than most places, creating an elegant wrapper that doesn’t overpower the filling.
You can taste the love baked into every single bite here.
3. Krakow Deli • Bakery • Smokehouse – Parma, OH
Ever find a place so authentic you forget you’re in Ohio?
That’s Krakow Deli at 5727 Ridge Rd, Parma, OH 44129.
This triple-threat establishment combines deli, bakery, and smokehouse all under one roof, creating a Polish food paradise.
Their pierogi selection is massive—potato, cheese, sauerkraut, mushroom, and seasonal varieties rotate throughout the year.
Each one gets pan-fried to perfection with a gorgeous golden crust.
The filling-to-dough ratio is absolutely spot-on, making every mouthful satisfying.
4. Stan’s Northfield Bakery – Northfield, OH
Stan’s doesn’t mess around when it comes to traditional Eastern European food.
Sitting at 9395 Olde 8 Rd, Northfield, OH 44067, this bakery has become legendary among pierogi enthusiasts.
The owner still uses his grandmother’s original recipe from the old country.
What sets Stan’s apart is the texture—the dough is incredibly tender yet holds together beautifully.
Their potato filling includes a secret blend of spices that creates depth without being overwhelming.
One bite transported me straight back to childhood Sunday dinners.
5. Sophie’s Pizza & Pierogi – Cleveland, OH
Who says you can’t have pizza AND pierogis in the same meal?
Sophie’s at 4631 Turney Rd, Cleveland, OH 44125 boldly combines Italian and Polish cuisines under one roof.
This unexpected pairing works surprisingly well, especially when you’re feeding a crowd with different cravings.
Their pierogis are pan-fried until crispy, then finished with a generous dollop of sour cream.
The potato filling is fluffy and buttery, seasoned with just the right amount of salt and pepper.
This place nails comfort food from two cultures simultaneously.
6. Pierogi Pantry – Cleveland, OH
Sometimes the best treasures hide in plain sight.
Pierogi Pantry at 6619 Pearl Rd, Parma Heights, OH 44130 is one of those unassuming spots you might drive past without noticing.
But locals know this place serves some of the most authentic pierogis in the entire region.
The owners make everything from scratch daily, and you can watch them work through the kitchen window.
Their classic potato and cheese variety earned them a permanent spot on my favorites list.
This is Grandma-approved cooking at its finest.
7. Lena’s Pierogi House – Toledo, OH
Lena clearly knows her way around a pierogi press.
Her restaurant at 20 N Main St, Hubbard, OH 44425 has become a destination for anyone craving authentic Polish comfort food.
The menu focuses exclusively on pierogis and traditional sides, which means they’ve perfected their craft.
Each pierogi arrives piping hot with edges crisped to golden perfection.
The filling is rich and creamy, with real potatoes you can actually see and taste.
No shortcuts here—just honest, delicious food made with care and pride.
8. Grandma’s Pierogies – Cleveland, OH
With a name like Grandma’s Pierogies, expectations run sky-high.
Thankfully, this spot at 6619 Pearl Rd, Parma Heights, OH 44130 delivers on every promise.
The owner learned to make pierogis from her Polish grandmother and hasn’t changed a single thing about the recipe.
The dough is rolled thin but remains tender and pillowy after cooking.
Each pierogi gets stuffed generously with mashed potatoes mixed with sharp cheddar cheese.
One bite brought tears to my eyes—it tasted exactly like childhood memories taste.
9. Europa Deli & Pierogi Kitchen – Lorain, OH
Europa Deli brings a slice of Eastern Europe to Lorain.
Found at 1515 Broadway, Lorain, OH 44052,, this deli stocks imported goods alongside their incredible homemade pierogis.
The kitchen operates in full view, so you can watch skilled hands fold each dumpling.
Their pierogis come boiled or fried, both options equally delicious.
The potato filling includes hints of garlic and fresh herbs that elevate the traditional recipe.
This was the third shop that captured Grandma’s magic perfectly.