Our Story

The Flying Fig is located in the historic neighborhood of Ohio City just outside of downtown Cleveland. Perhaps its most noteworthy attribute, following the delicious locally-sourced meals for brunch, lunch, and dinner, is its atmosphere. The restaurant is known for its warm service and neighborhood-friendly environment. The Fig has become a place for folks to gather and come together over food and community. Staples of the impressive menu include seasonal meat and plant-based shareables and large plates, as well as an expansive and evolving wine and cocktail menu.

Founded by Owner and Executive Chef, Karen Small, The Flying Fig also operates a small neighborhood pantry next door called Market at the Fig. The Market offers artisan sandwiches, fresh breads, and local products like cheeses, cured meats, fresh eggs, and a well-curated retail wine selection. Together, the two storefronts create a contemporary European-inspired corner on a cobble-stoned street in Cleveland.

Karen Small, Owner & Executive Chef

Karen Small, a staunch supporter of sustainable agriculture, is the Owner and Executive Chef of The Flying Fig. She felt inspired to be part of the rebirth of the downtown neighborhoods in the 90's and her passion for feeding people good food have allowed her to do just that. Karen opened the Fig in 1999 and has continued to contribute to the community through the restaurant’s warm environment, nonprofit work, and teaching cooking classes to encourage healthy eating for children and financially challenged members of the Ohio City community.  

“My hope is that when folks join us, they feel like they had a delicious meal in a really good friend's home, and that the evening was so memorable that they can't wait to spend an evening here again."

Karen is also a semifinalist for the 2018 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Award, a coveted achievement among the food community.

Bring the farm-to-table goodness to your home.

Our Staff

Whether you're dining at The Flying Fig, enjoying happy hour at the bar, or picking up lunch to go from the Market at the Fig next door, we can guarantee that your experience will be nothing short of great. In addition to offering delicious food and drinks, you can count on exceptional warm service and a neighborhood friendly vibe. 

Our Mission

Supporting sustainable agriculture

We'd like to thank the following local family farms and organizations: New Creation, Ohio City Farms/Refugee Response, Miller Livestock, Red Basket Farms, Weaver's Truck Patch, Dee Jay's Meats, Rittman Orchard, Killbuck Valley Mushrooms, Ohio City Provisions, Woolf Farms, Cleveland Tea Revival, Guardian Cold Brew, Lake Erie Creamery, CLE Kraut, Rainbow Farm, Flour Pasta Company, Tea Hill Farms, Morningside Farm, Rustbelt Riders, Bay Branch Farm, Premium Pastures, Bo Schultz.