The memorable moments of 2012 are many, almost too many to count, and they’re almost always discussed at dinner. A great meal leads to great conversation, and that has never been more true than this year in Cleveland. The economy has nothing on the hard work and perseverance of these newly opened restaurant. Check out the best new restaurants in Cleveland for the perfect post-holiday meal.

Melt Bar and Grilled
7289 Mentor Ave.
Mentor, OH 44060
(440) 530-3770
meltbarandgrilled.com

Melt Bar and Grilled in Mentor is the newest location of this perpetually popular restaurant. The matriarch of the family is in Lakewood with expansions spreading east of Cleveland. Part kitschy but always delicious, the grilled cheese sandwich has never been honored the way it is at Melt Bar and Grilled. Opening a fourth restaurant in the fall of 2012 may seem like overkill to some but to Matt Fish it can’t be helped. The people of Cleveland demand to be served melty goodness. It seems easy enough to cook in your own kitchen, but it just doesn’t come out the same way as when Melt cooks it. Now Melt is just minutes away from almost everyone.

Related: Best Places to Eat in Cleveland

The Wild Goose in Willoughby
4144 Erie St.
Willoughby, OH 44094
(440) 951-6644
www.wildgoosewilloughby.com

Willoughby on the east side of Cleveland is a lot like Avon on the west side. In Downtown Willoughby, one of the best new restaurants was opened early this winter by Kevin Coyne, and hasn’t disappeared yet. The Wild Goose sets itself apart with a small but finely tuned menu and pizza oven. Turning out crispy, thin-crust pizza and a casual atmosphere, The Wild Goose is wild indeed. Insistent on less is more, the dining experience is exactly what Willoughby was looking for: casual, delicious and family friendly.

Spice Kitchen and Bar
5800 Detroit Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44102
(216) 961-9637
spicekitchenandbar.com

Cleveland Spice Kitchen and Bar is taking home grown to a new level. Insistent on fresh local ingredients the menu is short, sweet and to the point, but executive chef Brandon Walukas insists on amazing food. Boasting a farm-to-table mentality and a menu that changes with the seasons, Spice Kitchen and Bar serves anything it can get its hands on, and it caters. As a matter of fact, catering came first to this business, but the popularity of the food was too demanding. January 2013 will mark the one-year anniversary of Spice Kitchen and Bar.

21 Lounge
2123 E. 2nd St.
Cleveland OH 44115
(216) 685-9464
www.21lounge.com

This summer saw some serious action in downtown Cleveland. 21 Lounge Owner Matt Wyrick insists this venue has something for everyone, and he’s right. Refusing to be defined in terms of “bar” or “restaurant” 21 Lounge is open to all possibilities food, music, sports and entertainment. Located near the new Horseshoe Casino, Progressive field and Quicken Loans Area, 21 Lounge settled quite nicely in one of the top scenes in Cleveland. It’s newly opened status has gone over quite smoothly: It’s in great location, offers an easy menu and puts the nightlife of Cleveland at your fingertips.

Related: Best Bars with a College Night

Eddie ‘N Eddie
14725 Detroit Ave.
Lakewood, OH 44107
(440) 799-4554
eddieneddie.com

Eddie ‘N Eddie is taking no prisoners with its classic menu and amazing food. Nothing is more American than a burger, some good bourbon and apple pie to finish the meal, according to the Cerino family. Adding Midwestern hospitality, family recipes and local décor means Eddie ‘N Eddie has enclosed the true Cleveland sentiment within four walls. Opened in the fall of 2012, this holiday season there’s no reason to pass up the apple pie and other offerings at Eddie ‘N Eddie.