Hotel Cleveland’s Pasta Bolognese: The Dish Matthew McConaughey Can’t Forget

Matthew McConaughey is still dreaming about a Cleveland bowl of pasta. Find out why Hotel Cleveland’s Bolognese is now officially star-approved.

If you ever doubted Cleveland’s power to leave a mark, just ask Matthew McConaughey about his favorite dish. The Oscar winner has declared he can’t get Hotel Cleveland’s Pasta Bolognese out of his head—a memory that’s been “branded” into his brain since filming in our fair city. Let’s unpack how a humble pasta plate put The Land on Hollywood’s taste buds.

The Dish That Stole the Show

When McConaughey sat down with the web series “Last Meals,” even a decade later, there was just one Cleveland food he wanted to talk about: Pasta Bolognese from Hotel Cleveland. He’s known for playing unforgettable characters, but apparently, Cleveland’s kitchen upstaged even his filmography.

Pasta Bolognese: Chef Michael Laplaca’s hearty take, loaded with rich sauce and perfectly cooked noodles
Not your average hotel fare—this is local comfort food at its finest
Swapping LA green juice for Midwestern red sauce? That’s an Oscar move

Hotel Cleveland: Where the Magic Happens

Hotel Cleveland isn’t just a downtown landmark—it’s a spot where culinary history gets made one bowl at a time. Whether you're booking a staycation or just hungry for dinner, their menu is stacked, but it’s that legendary Bolognese that has people (and movie stars) coming back for more.

Located at 24 Public Square, right in the thick of Cleveland’s action
Classic American style with a twist, and a dining room that screams old-school glam
Chef Michael Laplaca’s approach: local ingredients, major flavor, zero pretentiousness

Why McConaughey Loves “The Plum”

Turns out, Cleveland’s nickname “The Plum” is McConaughey-approved. He raved about its retro-cool edge and urged locals to take back the title with pride. If being called The Mistake on the Lake gets old, remember—the man who drove a Lincoln before it was cool votes for "The Plum."

The nickname dates back to the 80s as a symbol of something “superior or desirable”
Even Hollywood can’t resist a good fruit pun (or a legendary pasta dish)

How to Get Your Slice of Stardom (and Bolognese)

Hungry for your own bite of McConaughey’s memory? Here’s how to make it happen:

Book a table at Hotel Cleveland, or try your luck as a walk-in
Pro tip: call ahead for availability, the Bolognese buzz has hit
Pair it with a classic Cleveland cocktail for bonus local points

Star-Powered Comfort Food

There’s something poetic about Hollywood royalty falling for Cleveland carbs. Maybe it’s our sauce, maybe it’s our attitude—or maybe it’s a little of both. Either way, Hotel Cleveland’s Pasta Bolognese is officially a must-try, whether you’re an Oscar winner or just a homegrown fan of “The Plum.”

Get there soon—your star-studded supper awaits. Is it memorable? You just might find it branded into your own culinary memory.