A culinary preview of University Circle

Trentina is the latest restaurant from Chef Jonathon Sawyer (of Noodlecat and Greenhouse Tavern fame). Inspired by northern Italian flavors and locally sourced Cleveland ingredients, Trentina replaces the beloved Sergio’s beside Glidden House on the north side of campus.

Whereas many restaurants are a simply a stop before a movie or show, dining at Trentina is an event in itself. This restaurant’s 40-seat patio offers a la carte service from 5-10 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. A 12-course Menu Bianco tasting menu is also available for $100 and by reservation only.

Happy Dog at Euclid Tavern is set for a highly anticipated late-summer opening that will revitalize the historic Cleveland bar that originally opened in 1909. Co-owner Sean Watterson aims to preserve much of the tavern’s recognizable features, including its signature sign, while also working to bridge East and West Cleveland with the Happy Dog’s signature blend of tots, music and trivia. This new hangout will sport a similar menu, but will feature different toppings and sauces, giving fans of the original just as many new reasons to visit.

Crop Kitchen is Crop Bistro chef Steve Schimoler’s latest culinary undertaking, a result of his partnership with Umami chef Matthew Anderson intended to bring their version of comfort food to the Uptown district. Crop Kitchen will occupy the space left by the former Asian-Fusion restaurant Accent, and soon: Schimoler hopes to open the second week of September to capitalize on students coming back to school.

Ninja City’s bold signage is hardly as stealthy as its name would suggest, instead choosing to pay homage to the campy karate video games and comic books of the 80s. This new University Circle restaurant splits the difference between the casual grab-and-go of Chipotle with a more formal full service bar and 80-seat interior. This fits with owner and Case Western Reserve University alum Bac Nguyen’s vision for the restaurant as a student-friendly lunch spot with broader, regional dinner appeal come nighttime. Better still, no item on Ninja City’s notepad style menu is more than $8.95.