Charles Barkley loves Cleveland but can't name his favorite restaurant in the city: "One of the most underrated cities in the world"

Charles Barkley professed his love for Cleveland in a recent episode of "Inside the NBA," calling it an underrated city. However, he failed to name his favorite restaurant in the city after being asked by Shaquille O'Neal, who played a season for the Cavaliers.

Following the Cavaliers' 116-102 win over the LA Lakers, Barkley praised the team for their amazing start to the season. He also praised Cleveland for being one of the most underappreciated cities in the world.

"It's great to have the Cavaliers playing well again," Barkley said. "Cleveland, to me, is one of the most underrated cities in the world. I love going to Cleveland. And you know what? ... It's a nice city."

However, Kenny Smith didn't share the same fondness for Cleveland. He agreed that it's a nice city, but there are no vacation spots to visit.

"I'm not saying I don't like Cleveland," Smith said. "But when was the last time you ever called me, Shaq or Ernie (Johnson) and be like, 'Let's go to Cleveland. Let's go hang out in Cleveland?' There are no vacation spots. It's a nice city, come on."

Shaquille O'Neal, who spent the 2009-10 season with the Cavaliers, asked Barkley what his favorite place to eat in Cleveland was. "Sir Charles" was stumped but did point out visiting really nice restaurants that served Italian food with former Cavaliers coach Mike Fratello.

"My favorite restaurant in Cleveland?" Barkley said. "I'll have to talk to Mike Fratello. He's taken me to some really sweet Italian places."

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How did Charles Barkley fare against Cleveland Cavaliers?

Charles Barkley (Photo: NBA.com)

Charles Barkley loved the city of Cleveland but also loved playing against the Cavaliers. Barkley faced the Cavaliers 48 times during his illustrious career, averaging 20.3 points, 11.1 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.6 steals per game.

"The Round Mound of Rebound" has a winning 26-22 record against the Cavaliers. He played against Cleveland (38 games) the most during his eight-year career with the Philadelphia 76ers. He played six times against them as a member of the Phoenix Suns and four times with the Houston Rockets.

Barkley's best game against the Cavaliers was on Dec. 13, 1986. It was in the middle of his breakout year in Philadelphia, with Moses Malone traded earlier that year and Julius Erving in his final NBA season.

The former MVP put up 41 points, 12 rebounds, six assists, four steals and two blocks. He shot 18-for-30 from the field and hit two 3-point shots out of four attempts. It was a close game, but Barkley and the Sixers prevailed 123-120.