Unearth The Voyage
When Guy Fieri speaks about great food spots, smart foodies listen. The spiky-haired Food Network star has crisscrossed America finding the best eats for his hit show Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. But there’s one Cleveland restaurant that keeps drawing him back again and again. If you’re mapping out a food adventure in Ohio, Momocho should top your list—and here’s why this modern Mexican hotspot earned Guy’s repeat visits.
1. It’s the only Ohio restaurant with four DDD visits
Four separate appearances on national TV isn’t just luck—it’s a testament to consistently amazing food. Multiple tracking sources confirm that Momocho holds the Ohio record for Guy Fieri features, appearing in episodes spanning years of the show’s run.
The restaurant has become something of a legend in Triple D lore. Each time cameras return, they capture new dimensions of what makes this place special. When other restaurants get one shot at fame, Momocho keeps earning encores through evolving menus and standout flavors that impressed even Guy’s experienced palate.
2. Those four appearances span original episodes, a revisit series, and the pandemic ‘Takeout’ run
Variety defines Momocho’s television journey. First featured in the “Real Deal Mexican” episode, the restaurant showcased its authentic-yet-innovative approach. Later, “Twists and Traditions” highlighted how Chef Williams balances culinary heritage with fresh ideas.
When the show launched its “Triple D Nation” revisit concept, Momocho made the cut again. The ultimate endorsement came during pandemic restrictions when Guy included Chef Williams in the remote “Takeout” edition—proving the food travels well beyond the dining room.
Few restaurants demonstrate staying power across different show formats like Momocho has.
3. The dish that blew up online: Smoked Trout Guacamole
Guy’s reaction said it all. When he first tasted Momocho’s smoked trout guacamole, his wide-eyed approval launched a thousand reservations. The unexpected combination—creamy avocado meets smoky fish—created one of those perfect TV moments food shows live for.
Social media clips from this tasting continue circulating years later. The dish exemplifies Chef Williams’ approach: taking familiar concepts and elevating them with surprising twists.
Many restaurants have signature dishes, but few become viral sensations that drive tourism. This inventive guacamole variation remains a must-order for first-timers wanting the authentic Triple D experience.
4. “Mod Mex” isn’t a gimmick here—it’s the house style.
The moment you taste Momocho’s food, you’ll understand why Guy Fieri couldn’t stay away. Their creative spin on traditional Mexican cuisine transforms familiar dishes into something extraordinary without losing authenticity.
The restaurant’s signature guacamole comes in six varieties, including versions with crab and smoked trout that had Fieri practically speechless. Their tequila selection rivals specialty bars, with over 70 premium options available for flights or in their legendary margaritas.
What sets Momocho apart isn’t trendy fusion for the sake of being different—it’s thoughtful reinvention that honors Mexican culinary traditions while adding unexpected twists that somehow make perfect sense on your palate.
5. Chef/owner Eric Williams keeps the flavors bold (and the details fresh).
Behind every great restaurant stands a visionary, and at Momocho, that’s Chef Eric Williams. His culinary philosophy blends technical expertise with a fearless approach to flavor combinations that might seem unusual on paper but create magic on the plate.
Williams’ commitment to quality shows in every aspect of the dining experience. Handcrafted salsas arrive at your table in stone molcajetes. Seasonal ingredients transform menu staples throughout the year, ensuring regulars never get bored.
Guy Fieri particularly raved about Williams’ machaca—a complex, slow-cooked shredded beef dish that’s simultaneously tender and intensely flavored. The chef’s attention to authentic techniques while embracing modern culinary innovation keeps Momocho consistently exciting after years in Cleveland’s competitive restaurant scene.
6. Where to find it (and plan ahead)
Located in Cleveland’s historic Ohio City neighborhood at 1835 Fulton Road, Momocho sits among the city’s most vibrant food destinations. The restaurant’s popularity, especially after multiple TV features, means tables fill quickly most nights.
Smart visitors make reservations well in advance or try visiting during weekday lunch when crowds thin slightly. The cozy dining room adds to the experience but limits capacity.
Consider planning your entire Cleveland food tour around this anchor stop. Many Triple D fans report building their itineraries specifically to ensure they don’t miss what Guy Fieri discovered multiple times: Momocho delivers a dining experience worth traveling for.
7. Cleveland media has tracked its DDD moments, too.
When a hometown restaurant gets the Guy Fieri spotlight, local pride swells. Cleveland publications have meticulously documented Momocho’s multiple Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives appearances, creating a fascinating timeline of the restaurant’s Food Network fame.
The Cleveland Scene ran a feature highlighting how business boomed after each episode aired. Local food bloggers have created “Fieri-approved” tasting guides for visitors wanting to experience exactly what Guy sampled during filming. Even the city’s tourism materials now prominently feature Momocho as a must-visit culinary landmark.
Watching these episodes before visiting adds another layer to the experience—you’ll recognize dishes from TV and understand why cameras zoomed in on that first bite that made the Mayor of Flavortown’s eyes light up.
