We sat down with Executive Chef Gerti Memeti of Mia Bella Resaurant in Cleveland, Ohio. Little Italy’s Mia Bella sources the highest-quality ingredients (think foraged truffles and live-caught branzino) and provides guests with exceptional service for a dining experience unlike any other Italian restaurant in the Cleveland area.

mia bella italian cleveland reviews — Image: Mia Bella Restaurant in Cleveland, Ohio

Gerti Memeti, the chef and owner of Mia Bella Restaurant in Cleveland's Little Italy, grew up on the shores of the Adriatic Sea in Albania across from Italy. Gerti stayed in Italy and studied to become a chef and did apprenticeships there while learning from great chefs. The foods throughout the area are similar yet with their own interpretations. Mia Bella's main focus is on Italy, however the present cuisines from across the Mediterranean.

1. Tell us about what your morning routine looks like, and how you like to end your day?

My morning routine is to have coffee which is a French press or espresso. Then, I will check my business e-mail and phone to see what I need to accomplish before Mia Bella opens in the evening.

mia bella restaurant cleveland ohio reviews — Image: Mia Bella Restaurant in Cleveland, Ohio

I end my day closing out the books at work, and then going home and having a cigar and Grand Marnier.

2. Do you have a favorite chef that you look up to and what advice would you give to aspiring chefs?

I do not specifically have a favorite chef that I look up to. I would tell aspiring chefs that this business takes complete dedication to become successful. You have to dedicate your life to this industry and it is a crazy ride, but worth it.

3. What do you typically cook at home?

I cook just about anything at home. I have family and guests over frequently at my house. Everyone has different tastes and we cook mostly mediterranean dishes. However, every type of cooking happens at my house.

4. What’s a food trend that you’re loving right now and why?

Truffles. We use fresh, imported truffles from Italy. Truffles can be incorporated in a lot of different dishes and I am glad to see the exposure these are getting after using them for some time.

5. What’s the strangest food combination you’ve ever tried? And, did you like it?

The strangest food combination I have tried recently was potato, caviar, and cream cheese. I enjoyed it and thought it was a flavorful combination!

6. Have you ever cooked for a celebrity? Do you have a story to tell?

Yes, I have cooked for many celebrities. I do not have a story to share because I keep my guests’ business private and prefer for them to feel comfortable when dining at my restaurant and not feel like I would use their picture dining there or story for any type of publicity.

7. What’s your Instagram so readers can follow you?

@miabellarestaurantcle is Mia Bella’s Instagram handle.

8. Do you have any awards or achievements you’d like to mention?

There is no specific award I would like to elaborate on. Mia Bella Restaurant has won several awards over the years and on the internet the wonderful write ups about our establishment are public. However, I would like to say I came to America from Albania at the young age of 19. I came with nothing and chased my dream. I created a business from the ground up that is successful and a well-known name around the culinary community; That is one of the greatest achievements I have had in my lifetime.

9. What cocktail or beverage do you enjoy most?

Gert’s Full Monte with Amaro Montenegro, Basil Hayden's Rye, orange bitters, and Amaretto cherry.

10. Tell our readers why they should visit Mia Bella in Cleveland?

You should visit Mia Bella in Cleveland for our delicious food, amazing service, and excellent cocktails!

BOOK YOUR TABLE AT MIA BELLA RESTAURANT

Note: This information was accurate when this article was published, but can change without notice. Be sure to confirm all details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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