Julia's 1902

“We finally got to Julia's for dinner after hearing from so many friends that we should go. The food and service there was outstanding. Ann and Megan were our servers, and they took care of us perfectly. The food was delicious with each course having such amazing flavors. I would especially suggest the crispy brussel sprouts (which may be the best I have ever had), the burrata and meat as a starter, and the lemon cheesecake. The vibe there was calming, and I highly suggest you give it a try.”

“Truly an incredible dining experience at Julia's 1902. We visited to celebrate our anniversary, and were blown away! The restaurant has a charming feel, my wife said it was "like stepping into Downton Abbey!" The food is expertly crafted, at an extremely high level but without a hint of pretention. Service was friendly and knowledgeable. We got the sauteed wild mushroom & the smoked oyster appetizers, the Delmonico steak and surf & turf yakitori entrees, as well as the transcendent lavender creme brulee & chocolate mascarpone mousse for dessert, but we honestly wanted to try every single dish on the menu. The owners stopped by to greet us & were very warm and welcoming. We'll definitely be back for another special occasion in the future!”

“Julia’s 1902 located on the ground floor of the historic Willoughby House, is a refreshing addition to the local dining scene. The restaurant shares this beautifully restored landmark estate with an inn featuring ten unique suites on the upper floors, creating a destination that feels both elegant and intimate. The dining space is laid out across several rooms filled with antiques, floor-to-ceiling bookcases, and fireplaces. This layout not only adds to the sophisticated, fine-dining aesthetic but also helps significantly reduce noise, making for a much more intimate experience. The atmosphere is further elevated by the live music, which strikes the perfect volume to complement the mood without overpowering conversation. The menu, led by Executive Chef Jose Coronado, is interesting because it blends his Guatemalan heritage with Mediterranean, Asian, and Latin American influences. It doesn’t feel forced, though; the dishes are creative but remain approachable. What stood out to me most was the kitchen's commitment to preparation. Everything is made from scratch on-site, including things you don't always think about—like their house-made ketchup and custom-pickled olives. They also source locally from Kirtland, Willoughby, and Mentor whenever possible, and the seafood and meats tasted noticeably fresh, not frozen. The staff is truly spectacular; you can tell they genuinely enjoy working here, and they were super attentive throughout our visit. One detail I appreciated is their no-tipping policy; they include a 20% service charge on every bill, which goes toward providing their staff with a living wage, health benefits, and paid time off. It makes for a stress-free experience at the end of the meal. The highlights from our meal: * Drinks:Velvet Island Old Fashioned, Enchanted Garden, and the Cherry Royal. * Small Plates:Lightly Cured Halibut, Smoked Royal Miyagi Oysters (the standout for me), Short Rib Croquettes, the seasonal Unagi Smoked Eel, and the house-made focaccia. * Entrées:Yakitori Surf & Turf and the Seared Alaskan Halibut. The setting is unique, and whether you're local or just passing through Northeast Ohio, this is definitely worth a visit if you appreciate scratch-made food, thoughtful hospitality, and a refined atmosphere. I’m looking forward to going back.”

“This was our first time at Julia’s 1902. It was exquisite from start to finish. We sat down right away, reservations were easy, the server was prompt and polite. We loved how other servers pitched in to help other tables and guests. The food was amazing!! Ann, our server was informative , engaging and enthusiastic, she was knowledgeable about the history of the building and invited us back for special brunch dates! I had swordfish, a special on the menu and my date had halibut, both dishes were cooked to perfection and full of flavor! We are self proclaimed foodies and absolutely loved the brussel sprouts, a very unique flavor! We had cocktails that were handcrafted and delicious! We can’t wait to come back!”

“My husband and I finally visited Julia for an early Valentine’s Day celebration. We live nearby and this spot has been on our list for a while and it absolutely did not disappoint. Every dish and drink was excellent but the octopus was the standout for me. It is not easy to get octopus right and they nailed it. Highly recommend!”