Founder Brandon Chrostowski got his start in top-tier restaurants here and abroad, but when he set out to open a Cleveland bistro of his own, he charted a very different course. In place of seasoned pros like himself, Chrostowski brought in formerly incarcerated folks who needed a second chance. During the six-month program, student-employees work every station, from prep cook to server, learning how restaurants actually work and picking up a trade that can serve them well for years to come.

EDWINS Leadership & Restaurant Institute is a 501(c)3 non-profit whose mission is to give formerly incarcerated citizens a foundation in the hospitality industry. Founded by accomplished chef, sommelier and fromager, Brandon Chrostowski, EDWINS is equal parts learning academy and sophisticated dining venue serving classic French cuisine. The restaurant’s critically acclaimed menu, sleek Parisian style and remarkable mission have placed it among Cleveland’s top culinary destinations.

Why we love it: Founder Brandon Chrostowski, who worked as chef in Paris, brought a new mission to Shaker Square serving premiere French cuisine while giving back to the community through a program training, employing and even housing formerly incarcerated people, allowing them a second chance through a career in hospitality. French dishes are crafted the long way with the highest caliber ingredients. The fireplace, cheese cart and intimate dining room all spell romance.

Using classic French cooking techniques and abiding by high service standards isn't what makes EDWINS Leadership and Restaurant Institute particularly remarkable. To be fair, the French-influenced food and service doe has a serious wow factor. For example, the restaurant's signature hamburger — Le Burger — features tableside service that starts with the hand grinding of a filet.

Chef Brandon Edwin Chrostowski’s exceptional classical French restaurant now has some younger siblings. Dedicated to training formerly incarcerated people on the skills of a top-notch kitchen to aid their re-entry into society, Edwin’s regales with haute cuisine. If you want something less formal, Edwin’s Too is a couple doors down and has both brunch and dinner menus.

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Why we love it: At first glance you may just see a nice French restaurant, before learning the business gives back the community by training and employing formerly incarcerated adults in the culinary and hospitality industries. Here, dishes are crafted the long way with the right ingredients. “Everything here is about time and patience and tradition.

– Rating: 4.7/5 (343 reviews)– Price level: $$$– Address: 13101 Shaker Sq Cleveland, Ohio– Categories: French, Specialty Schools– Read more on Yelp. This story features data reporting by Karim Noorani, writing by Kiersten Hickman, and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 299 metros. Read more on this story at Stacker.com.

Otherwise, some of the best dinner spots in the city include Il Rione Pizzeria, Edwins, Gigi’s on Fairmount, Red, the Steakhouse, Salt+, and The Greenhouse Tavern. If you’re looking for a particularly fancy option, you might want to make a reservation at one of the most romantic restaurants in Cleveland!

- Rating: 4.7/5 (343 reviews)- Price level: $$$- Address: 13101 Shaker Sq Cleveland, Ohio - Categories: French, Specialty Schools- Read more on Yelp. This story features data reporting by Karim Noorani, writing by Kiersten Hickman, and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 299 metros.

well, different than just about everything else in Cleveland, to be honest. At EDWINS, formerly incarcerated men and women work hard to master the ins and outs of running a restaurant. However, EDWINS is no ordinary restaurant...

13101 Shaker Square, Cleveland, OH 44120216-921-3333 Visit Website. Out in Buckeye-Shaker is Edwins Leadership and Restaurant Institute. Edwins is in a large stone building with a gorgeous white front door.

13101 Shaker SquareCleveland, OH 44120(216) 921-3333 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. Edwins Restaurant, completed in 2013, is an elevated downtown eatery serving French classics.

For a cause as noble as its cuisine is delightful, EDWINS offers exquisite French dining and supports the community by providing education and employment opportunities in the culinary arts.

Fahrenheit, Bomba Taco, Edwin’s, Geraci’s, Melt Bar and Grilled, Nighttown, Pier W and dozens of other restaurants are joining in for the special event.