My husband and I finally visited Julia for an early Valentine’s Day celebration. We live nearby and this spot has been on our list for a while and it absolutely did not disappoint. Every dish and drink was excellent but the octopus was the standout for me. It is not easy to get octopus right and they nailed it. Highly recommend!
Vegan Restaurant
Julia's 1902
· $$$$ · willoughby · Strict-vegan verified
Fully vegan
Editor synopsis · 1,902 reviews
Diners overwhelmingly call out the signature dish as the must-order. The vibe reads as vegan restaurant — service is consistently described as warm and unhurried. Common gotcha: queues form at peak times — go early or late.
Excerpts
My husband and I finally visited Julia for an early Valentine’s Day celebration. We live nearby and this spot has been on our list for a while and it absolutely did not disappoint. Every dish and drink was excellent but the octopus was the standout for me. It is not easy to get octopus right and they nailed it. Highly recommend!
This restaurant in an old style mansion serves delicious food. We had some excellent starters (grilled octopus, cheese bread) and entrees (streak and whole red snapper). Service was super friendly. Great restaurant if you have something to celebrate!
This restaurant in an old style mansion serves delicious food. We had some excellent starters (grilled octopus, cheese bread) and entrees (streak and whole red snapper). Service was super friendly. Great restaurant if you have something to celebrate!
03/06/2026: If you have not been to Julia's 1902 - put this restaurant on your list. If you had read my previous reviews (2), you have seen me rave about this place. This is our 3rd visit (this time with one of our kids) and another absolute perfection (to the point that my daughter indicated that it is in top 5 places she has ever eaten in, and she has been to some great places). For appetizers, we shared Short Rib Croquettes (our absolute favorite dish of the night), Delicate Fried Eggplant, Roasted Rainbow Carrots and Crispy Broccoli (in peanut sauce). Main Courses, my wife and I split Alaskan Halibut and our daughter had Butternut Squash Raviolli. We finish the night off with Lemon Tart and Chocolate Mascarpone Mouse. Absolutely fabulous evening, great atmostpher, great food. Keep it up! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 06/28/2025: Came here with the friends of ours because we loved our experience last time and we absolutely loved it. This is truly becoming one of the best places in Cleveland. Located in a former estate home (and on the list of Historical Places), the setting and ambiance is absolutely perfect. And the food and service to match. We had 4 different appetizers (Sauteed Marshrooms, Smoked Tuna Crudo), Roasted Artichokes and Goat cheese - all of them were absolutely perfect. For Main Courses, I had the Burger, my wife the Willoughby Salad, our friends had Bouillabaise and Yakisoba with noodles... everyone absolutely loved their dishes For dessert, we closed it out with the Apple and Rhubarb Cobbler with ice cream. But (and it is a big but), the menu changes seasonally, by the time you are reading this, it might be time for something new to try. ---------------------------------- 03/15/2024: I have been wanting to go here since they opened and this did not disappoint. Finally had the perfect opportunity for our anniversary (I would say this is a special occasion type of restaurant) Wonderful evening, wonderful staff, great location and the restaurant. Due to us having a late evening reservation, we had 2 appetizers (Ahi Tuna Tostada and Crispy Artichoke), one salad (Marcias Salad) and one dessert (Coffee Creme Brule). Everything we had tried was perfect. Coffee Creme Brule had to be in top 2-3 creme brule's I have had. I think this restaurant is up to quality and experience in some of the other top restaurants in Cleveland area (Edwin's, Cru, Chez Francois, Luca's Viadiact among others). Can't wait to come back here for a full dinner experience.