Brian Nagele
Akron is a friendly midwestern city with a small-town feel.
Surrounded by green farmland and national forests, Akron has beautiful city parks like Summit Metro Parks and the F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm.
Hale Farm and Village is another popular attraction that recreates the 19th-century farming life.
For those searching for urban culture, Akron has wonderful museums, historical landmarks, and the Akron Zoo.
After spending a day wandering through Akron’s many natural and cultural attractions, I wanted to find the best spots for a delicious meal.
Akron’s restaurant scene didn’t disappoint, offering great options that span the gamut of global cuisines.
Read on to explore my list of the best restaurants in Akron.
Luigi’s Restaurant
105 N Main St, Akron, OH 44308
Phone: 330-253-2999
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Luigi’s Restaurant is an Italian restaurant and pub in Elizabeth Park Valley that’s open for lunch, dinner, and late-night fun.
Luigi’s is a longstanding favorite, opened in 1949 with a kitschy and cozy atmosphere adorned with pictures of family and loyal customers.
You can come for a family dinner, then leave the kids at home and return for late-night drinks with friends.
Luigi’s has a full wine and beer list to accompany a robust menu of Italian comfort foods like baked pasta.
However, their signature dish is thin-crust pizza. I loved their pizza Bianco with a three cheese blend, garlic, onions, and a white sauce.
The Square Scullery
Around Back, 783 W Market St, Akron, OH 44303
Phone: 330-983-9387
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The Square Scullery is one of those hidden gems that you’ll find around Akron if you look hard enough.
This place puts so much care into every single dish on their menu that it comes out looking like art and tasting even better.
I always love to come here and grab a sandwich out on their charming patio.
Be sure to check out The Square Scullery the next time you’re in Akron.
You won’t regret it one bit!
Primo’s Deli
1707 Vernon Odom Blvd, Akron, OH 44320
Phone: 330-745-9056
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There’s really no other place to go for the perfect sandwich when you’re in Akron besides Primo’s Deli.
This charming delicatessant is an absolute staple of Akron and you do not want to miss it.
I love coming here for a classic reuben sandwich. They’re my favorite, hands down.
Check out Primo’s off of Vernon Odom Boulevard, not far from the Roming Square Shopping Center.
Crave
156 S Main St, Akron, OH 44308
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Located in Downtown Akron next door to the Akron Civic Theater, Crave Cantina is a Latin-inspired restaurant and cocktail bar with a lively, upscale atmosphere.
Crave combines traditional dishes from various countries in central and south America with globally inspired takes on tacos.
The cocktail menu is a taste of the Caribbean, with multiple varieties of margaritas, mojitos, and sangrias.
The taco and burrito menu at Crave offers a unique fusion of Mexican with Asian and Southern cuisine.
I recommend getting out of your comfort zone by ordering the buttermilk-fried alligator tail tacos with garlic chili sauce, caramel corn, pickled veggies, and ranch crema.
Vinifera Wine and Whiskey Bar
3236 State Rd Suite A, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44223
Phone: 234-571-0233
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Vinifera Wine and Whiskey Bar is another amazing place to visit here in Akron.
I love coming here mainly for drinks and to hang out, but they have light eats that always hit the spot if I get hungry.
The charcuterie boards are gorgeous and there are so many delightful wines available here to get that perfect pairing.
Check out their delicious presses as well! My favorite is the cheesy roast beef.
Lockview Restaurant
207 S Main St, Akron, OH 44308
Phone: 330-252-5128
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Lockview Restaurant is a bustling and hip cocktail bar, beer garden, and gastropub with a charming rooftop patio.
Located in downtown Akron, Lockview Restaurant has one of Akron’s largest beer selections and casual, industrial-chic dining spaces for lunch, dinner, and after-hours drinks.
They offer a rotating list of 12 draft beers from small-batch artisanal breweries.
Their pub fare offers gourmet takes on America’s favorite comfort food: the grilled cheese.
I wanted to come to Lockview every day of the week to sample a different grilled cheese.
My favorite is the #10 with Havarti dill cheese, pickles, grilled onions, and spicy mustard on onion rye bread.
D’Agnese’s at White Pond Akron
566 White Pond Dr, Akron, OH 44320
Phone: 234-678-3612
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When you’re in the mood for Italian cuisine, there’s no other place to go in Akron like D’agnese’s.
D’Agnese’s at White Pond Akron is an incredible place to eat that I never pass up when I’m in town.
I absolutely love their surf n’ turf when it’s available, but the menu is full of other spectacular dishes, too.
Be sure to check out D’agnese’s off of White Pond Drive. You can’t miss it!
Diamond Grille
77 W Market St, Akron, OH 44308
Phone: 330-253-0041
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Opened in 1935, the Diamond Grille is a historic steakhouse in Downtown Akron with a beautifully preserved 30s dining space.
Diamond Grille is fine dining at its most classic, with white tablecloths, the finest aged steaks, and luxurious service.
It’s a romantic and charming atmosphere for a special steak dinner.
Diamond Grille has a high-end wine list to pair with a rich steak, seafood, or chicken dish.
I’m a prime rib fan, so I went on a Wednesday because it’s the only day you can get it.
I started with a delicious appetizer of oysters Rockefeller.
The Blue Door Café & Bakery
1970 State Rd, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44223
Phone: 330-926-9774
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Featured in TripAdvisor and The New York Times for its extravagant brunches, The Blue Door Café and Bakery is a beloved family-friendly coffee shop, bakery, and breakfast spot in Cuyahoga Falls.
Owner Michael Bruno uses his upbringing in Germany and experience in the Army to create amazing pastries and bread in a disciplined and efficient kitchen.
The cute, homey vibe in the dining room is filled with the smells of freshly baked bread and craft coffee.
Following the New York Times’s suggestion, I went for brunch and delighted in the most incredible plate of Beignet Bananas Foster French toast I’ve ever eaten.
Ken Stewart’s Grille
1970 W Market St, Akron, OH 44313
Phone: 330-867-2555
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Teetering between Wellhaven and Northwest Akron, Ken Stewart’s Grille is a fancy fine-dining New American bistro in a stunning rustic-chic space with a charming outdoor patio.
The elegant interior has various private stone-walled rooms lined with wine racks and candlelit tables. Ken Stewart’s Grille provides the finest experience, from food to service.
Their impressive wine list has over 200 bottles to pair with a decadent multi-course meal of the finest seafood and steak platters.
I started with the chicken sausage stuffed pepper topped with Alouette cheese in beurre blanc sauce, followed by the USDA Prime NY Strip with spicy onion rings.
Swensons Drive-In
Multiple Locations
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Opened in 1934 by Wesley Swenson, Swenson’s Drive-In is a classic drive-up American burger stand with locations in Cuyahoga Falls, Wallhaven, and the surrounding Akron suburbs.
Swensons maintains the same delicious standards and old-timey burger-stand feel that’s fun for the whole family.
Their menu features no-frills burgers and classic American sandwiches, like their famous sloppy joe, soups, hot dogs, fries, and milkshakes.
I went for their signature double cheeseburger and battered onion rings with a handspun malted hot fudge and peanut butter shake.
If you want to go even more old-school, try their fried bologna sandwich.
Cilantro Thai & Sushi Restaurant
326 S Main St #1204, Akron, OH 44308
Phone: 330-434-2876
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Overlooking Canal Park in Downtown Akron, Cilantro Thai & Sushi Restaurant is a modern Pan-Asian restaurant specializing in traditional Thai dishes and Japanese sushi with an American twist.
The sleek interior has a full cocktail bar, high ceilings, and colorful blown-glass chandeliers, making for an upscale yet lively atmosphere.
The menu at Cilantro is a perfect mix of classic dishes and novel Chef-driven creations.
The presentation of each dish is stunning and certainly worth an Instagram post.
I loved the classic Som Tum, Thai papaya salad topped with carrots, green beans, ground peanuts, and dried shrimp with Thai lime dressing.
Diamond Deli
378 S Main St, Akron, OH 44311
Phone: 330-762-5877
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Located in the heart of downtown, Diamond Deli is an old-school New York deli in a brick storefront with antique stained-glass windows.
Everything from the look to the menu will have you questioning whether you’re in Ohio or New York.
Diamond Deli has been a beloved lunch spot for 25 years.
They offer the most authentic deli meats, sandwiches, soups, and sides with options for a regular or over-stuffed version of your favorite sandwich.
All the sandwiches have silly names like No Meat Nonsense and Break the Bank.
I loved their classic Reuben with corned beef, swiss cheese, 1000 island dressing, and sauerkraut on grilled rye.
Fred’s Diner
930 Home Ave, Akron, OH 44310
Phone: 330-535-3733
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Fred’s Diner is an old-school diner-style breakfast and lunch restaurant with over 25 years in the Cascade Valley suburb of Akron.
Featured in Reader’s Digest, Paste Magazine, and the Akron Beacon, Fred’s Diner offers American comfort food at its best.
The friendly midwestern service, cheap prices, and all-day breakfasts add even more authenticity.
The massive diner menu features classic American breakfasts from continental plates to pancakes to biscuits, along with a hearty selection of burgers, sandwiches, soups, and hearty dinner platters.
I went early to fuel my sight-seeing with a plate of corned beef hash, two fried eggs, home fries, and Texas toast.
Lock 15 Brewing Company
21 West North Street Suite TL 1, 21 W North St, Akron, OH 44304
Phone: 234-900-8277
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Opened in 2010 by amateur beer brewers and seasoned restaurant industry workers Colin Cook and Joe Karpinski, Lock 15 Brewing Co. is a family-friendly brewery, beer garden, and brewpub in Cascade Park.
Today Joe is the master brewer, and Colin is the accomplished chef, providing award-winning small-batch brews and fresh, locally sourced pub fare.
The brewery offers a rotating tap of 15 homebrews, hence the name.
The large menu has all your brewpub favorites, from burgers to street tacos to fried chicken dinners.
I loved the piping hot Bavarian pretzels, served with whipped bourbon honey butter, hot mustard, and beer cheese.
Final Thoughts
Akron’s diverse restaurant scene offers a wealth of culinary styles and dining experiences.
Whether you’re looking for a historic steakhouse, a modern Asian fusion bistro, or a massive beer garden.
You’ll find it all on my list of the best restaurants in Akron.
Did we leave a restaurant out of this list? Make sure you leave us a comment, and we’ll check it out!
Best Restaurants in Akron
- Luigi’s Restaurant
- The Square Scullery
- Primo’s Deli
- Crave
- Vinifera Wine and Whiskey Bar
- Lockview Restaurant
- D’Agnese’s at White Pond Akron
- Diamond Grille
- The Blue Door Café & Bakery
- Ken Stewart’s Grille
- Swensons Drive-In
- Cilantro Thai & Sushi Restaurant
- Diamond Deli
- Fred’s Diner
- Lock 15 Brewing Company
Akron Family Restaurant aka The West
Absolutely the best. Staff and owners are the best! Feels like “Family”
I used to work at The West. Good times!
Chowder House
Papa Joe’s
You forgot one that is much better than your 10th pick , and deserves a higher rating than that . I’m talking about Steinly’s on Waterloo Road . The food is great as well as the service. And the prices are unbelievable!!!!! You can’t make your own breakfast at home for the price that they charge .
Hopefully next time that you do the best restaurants in Akron , you will include Steinly’s , a hidden restaurant gem in Akron , Ohio .
Steinleys is a good greasy spoon restaurant but that is it. No better no worse.
The Merchant in the Valley. Far and away the best Salmon I have ever had! Great list of Bourbon/Whiskey as well!
Eddies Famous Cheesesteaks…3 Decades of Akron’s Legendary Cheesesteaks and Award Winning Fresh Steak Cut Fries!
You forgot the best family restaurant in Akron , Akron family restaurant been there since 1986 the best of everything.
The remarkable dinner is the best place to eat
Try Molly Brown’s it out does Fred’s diner
I’ll take Primo’s over The Diamond, Micheal Trecaso’s over Luigi’s, pretty much any budget over Swensons, etc….
Vinifera wine bar
D’agnese’s Trattoria on White pond has some of the best Italian around! Great food,wonderful staff.
Molly Browns Cuyahoga falls Great food, great staff.
Edgar’s an hidden gem
I love Square Scullery!
Boiling House Seafood and sushi on exchange has WAY better sushi than cilantro, WAY better service and staff. WAY better bar drinks….now this place fr is a hidden gem. There should be a line out the door at this place!
Golden corral arlington rd akron oh. All-you-can-eat buffet everyday