You’re standing on top of the Metropolitan at the 9, looking out over the Cleveland skyline, and honestly, the vibe is a lot to take in. It’s lush. It’s green. It feels like a jungle that accidentally sprouted on a skyscraper. But once the initial "wow" factor of the rooftop wears off, you're left with the most important question of the night: what exactly is on the Garden of Eden Cleveland menu, and is it actually worth the price tag?
Look, rooftop dining usually falls into one of two traps. Either the food is an afterthought because the view is the star, or the menu is so experimental that you end up paying $24 for a single charred carrot. Garden of Eden tries to thread the needle by leaning into "elevated" lounge bites. It’s not a steakhouse where you sit down for a three-hour marathon. It’s more of a high-energy social club where the food is designed to be shared between sips of a hibiscus-infused cocktail.
The menu isn't static, either. Because it's part of the Azure Rooftop Lounge's evolution under the Marriott Autograph Collection umbrella, the offerings shift with the seasons. You won't find a 10-page leather-bound book of options here. Instead, it’s a tight, focused list of appetizers, flatbreads, and "social plates" that prioritize aesthetics as much as flavor.
The Essentials of the Garden of Eden Cleveland Menu
If you’re heading there for the first time, don't expect a burger and fries. That’s not the brand. The Garden of Eden Cleveland menu focuses heavily on Mediterranean and coastal influences, which makes sense given the "Eden" theme. You’re looking at things like whipped feta, artisanal charcuterie, and chilled seafood.
The Lamb Lollipops are arguably the most talked-about item. They usually come crusted with herbs and served with a balsamic reduction or a minty chimichurri. They’re tender. They’re pricey. They’re also gone in three bites. If you’re actually hungry—like hungry hungry—you might find yourself ordering two rounds.
Then there are the flatbreads.
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They serve as the backbone of the menu for groups. You’ll typically see a classic Margherita for the less adventurous, but the real standout is often the Fig and Prosciutto version. It hits that sweet-salty note that pairs perfectly with a dry rosé. The crust is thin, crispy, and doesn't leave you feeling like you need a nap immediately after eating, which is key if you plan on staying for the DJ set later in the evening.
The Raw Bar and Chilled Bites
Cleveland isn't exactly a coastal city, but the Metropolitan at the 9 puts a lot of effort into their sourcing. The Shrimp Cocktail isn't your standard grocery store ring; these are jumbo, poached to the right snap, and served with a cocktail sauce that actually has a kick of horseradish.
- Oysters on the Half Shell: Served with a seasonal mignonette.
- Tuna Tartare: Usually stacked with avocado and served with wonton crisps.
- Salmon Crudo: Thinly sliced and topped with capers or citrus zest.
The Salmon Crudo is surprisingly delicate. It’s the kind of dish that feels right when the sun is setting and the Lake Erie breeze is hitting just right. It's light. It’s fresh. Honestly, it’s one of the better executed raw preparations in the downtown area.
Why the Drinks Might Outshine the Food
Let's be real for a second. You aren't just going for the food. The Garden of Eden Cleveland menu is inextricably linked to its cocktail program. The bar staff here are doing some heavy lifting with botanical infusions and house-made syrups.
Take the "Forbidden Fruit" style cocktails. They often feature gin or vodka bases mixed with elderflower, muddled berries, or basil. They’re Instagram-ready, garnished with edible flowers or dehydrated citrus wheels. But beyond the looks, they’re well-balanced. They aren't sugar bombs.
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If you're a bourbon fan, the "Snake in the Grass" (or whatever the current iteration of their spicy/smoky whiskey drink is) usually incorporates a touch of heat, maybe from a serrano infusion or a spicy rim. It cuts through the richness of the lamb or the fattiness of a charcuterie board.
Wine drinkers have a decent selection of "by the glass" options, mostly focused on sparkling, crisp whites, and light-bodied reds. You won't find a deep cellar of aged Cabernets here, and frankly, you wouldn't want to drink one in 85-degree humidity anyway.
The Reality of the "Rooftop Tax"
Price is the elephant in the room. This is one of the most expensive spots in Cleveland when you look at the price-to-portion ratio. You are paying for the atmosphere, the security, the elevator ride, and the fact that you’re sitting on one of the most iconic buildings in the city.
A night at Garden of Eden can easily run $100 per person if you’re doing two cocktails and a couple of shared plates. Is it "worth it"? That depends on what you value. If you want a quiet, intimate dinner where you can hear a pin drop, this is absolutely not the place for you. It’s loud. It’s buzzy. The music is almost always at a level that requires leaning in to hear your friends.
But if you want the "New York" feel in the 216, this is where you go. The Garden of Eden Cleveland menu reflects that lifestyle. It’s fast-paced, high-end, and designed for people who want to be seen.
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What Most People Get Wrong
People often show up expecting a full dinner menu. They think they can get a ribeye or a big bowl of pasta. When they see the menu is mostly small plates and snacks, they get frustrated.
Don't be that person.
Think of this as your "pre-game" or your "after-party." It’s the place you go for a light bite before heading to a show at Playhouse Square, or the place you end the night with a final drink and some truffle fries. Speaking of fries—the truffle fries are a sleeper hit. They’re crispy, salty, and topped with a generous amount of parmesan. They’re probably the most "filling" thing on the menu for the price.
Seasonal Changes and Availability
Because Garden of Eden is a rooftop venue, the menu is highly dependent on the weather. In the peak of summer, you’ll see heavy emphasis on watermelon salads, burrata with heirloom tomatoes, and frozen cocktails. As the Cleveland weather turns (as it always does), they pivot toward heartier small plates and warming drinks, though the rooftop does have heaters and some covered areas to extend the season.
It's also worth noting that the menu can change based on private events. This place is a magnet for corporate parties and weddings. If you're heading there specifically for a certain dish, it’s never a bad idea to check their social media or give them a quick call to make sure the kitchen is operating at full capacity for the public that night.
How to Navigate the Menu Like a Pro
If you want the best experience, start with the Whipped Feta. It’s usually served with warm pita or crusty bread and topped with honey or crushed pistachios. It’s reliable. It’s crowd-pleasing.
Follow that up with the Octopus. Whenever it's on the menu, order it. They typically char it enough to get those crispy edges while keeping the center tender. It’s often served over a puree—sometimes white bean, sometimes potato—which adds a much-needed creaminess to the plate.
Skip the basic garden salad. You can get a salad anywhere. Focus on the items that use the kitchen's high-heat ovens or the fresh raw bar selections.
Final Take on the Garden of Eden Cleveland Menu
The Garden of Eden isn't trying to be a Michelin-star restaurant. It’s trying to be a vibe. The menu is a curated collection of things that taste good while you’re holding a drink and looking at the Terminal Tower. It’s about the experience of being "up there."
If you go in with the mindset that you’re paying for the view and the atmosphere, the food becomes a lovely, high-quality bonus. If you go in expecting a massive meal that will keep you full for 24 hours, you’ll probably leave disappointed.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Make a Reservation: This isn't a "walk-in and get a table" kind of place on a Friday night. Use OpenTable or their website well in advance.
- Check the Dress Code: They do enforce a "smart casual" or "upscale" dress code. Don't show up in gym shorts and expect to get a seat, regardless of how much you're willing to spend on the menu.
- Time Your Visit: Aim for about 45 minutes before sunset. This gives you time to order your first round of drinks and appetizers from the Garden of Eden Cleveland menu before the sky starts doing its thing.
- Validate Parking: If you're parking at the Metropolitan at the 9, check if they offer validation for rooftop guests, as downtown parking prices can be brutal.