Sarava




Editor's Review
There's a little bit of Copacabana in Cleveland. Sarava, a Brazilian restaurant on Shaker Square, isn't exactly a theme restaurant (it's much too refined for that) but it certainly has that breezy, beachy feel that lets diners imagine they're somewhere else for a little while. And its Street Plate menu -- a collection of smaller plates and appetizer-size portions modeled after Brazilian street eats -- is perfect for diners who want to get a true taste for Brazilian fare while keeping costs down; plates average around $7 and three or four is plenty for two diners. Choices include salgadinhos ($8), fried and filled pastry similar to an Indian samosa, and the fiery Shrimp Inferno, one of the best shrimp dishes we've ever tasted ($9). Save room for a slice of coconut butter cake ($7.50), a melt-in-your-mouth treat with just a hint of coconut. Sarava's drinks menu is more than just mojitos (although they do make a mean one). Try the sweet lime-infused caipirinha for an authentic sip of Brazil. Sarava is the perfect setting for a night out with friends or a last-minute dinner. The mood is lively, and the staff is happy to let you linger. There's a daily happy hour when both drink and street plate prices are reduced and plenty of free parking in the lot behind the restaurant (just east of North Moreland).
