Diners' Choice: Innovative restaurants in Akron

OpenTable

Updated July 05, 2026

Looking for the best restaurants that are fit for foodies in Akron? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

The Blue Door Cafe

4.8

4.8 (384)

$31 to $50

Contemporary European

Cuyahoga Falls

About the restaurant

Located in the heart of Cuyahoga Falls, near the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Blossom Music Center, The Blue Door Cafe now also offers an elevated but casual dinner service. Showcasing an eighteen foot poured concrete bar, more spacious and comfortable seating and many other nuanced improvements, The Blue Door offers a seasonal and rotating menu featuring charred burgers, house made pastas, hand formed dumplings, air shipped seafoods, and wagyu steaks. The Blue Door proudly sources ingredients from local farms as well as nationally recognized purveyors such as Portland Maine's Browne Trading Company and Ohio's own The Chef's Garden! Dishes with a European and global flair are carefully created and prepared using techniques that draw upon and showcase the skills of our culinary team. Join us for curated whiskeys, bourbons, cocktails, beers and wines, an elegant, clean and ever improving dining room, attentive and friendly service and of course exceptional food!

Top review

KirstenGold

Dined 4 days ago

Amazing vibe and food! We sat at the bar and the bartender was great. We’ll definitely be back soon!

Laziza Craft Kitchen

4.8

4.8 (97)

$30 and under

American

Kent

About the restaurant

Welcome to Laziza Craft Kitchen, a modern American restaurant in the heart of Kent, Ohio. Our menu celebrates American favorites using fresh, local ingredients to create bold, memorable dishes. It's food that feels familiar but surprises you in all the right ways- crafted with seasonal ingredients, packed with personality, and perfect for sharing. Whether you're looking for a romantic spot for date night, out for a Sunday brunch with the girls, or just want to grab a beer at the bar, we can't wait to serve you.

With a beautiful patio for outdoor dining, a warm & inviting dining room, and a large space for private parties & events, we have the perfect setting for your next meal. Laziza Craft Kitchen. Come hungry. Leave happy.

Top review

TedGold

Dined 6 days ago

Great staff and great updates on the menu! The patio was perfect for our casual catch up dinner.

Discover more

Experience

Sunday Brunch- Penny Club Refill

Alexander Pierce Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (1242)

$31 to $50

American

Akron

About the restaurant

Welcome to Alexander Pierce Restaurant, Akron's hidden gem! Our casually sophisticated restaurant is reminiscent of days past when folks enjoyed savory meals, handcrafted cocktails, and personal, attentive service. Our hidden courtyard entrance awaits your arrival and beckons you to come in, sit down, and dine the way it was meant to be! Private Event spaces available. Book reservations online through our website!

Top review

Dined 7 days ago

Me and my fiancé enjoyed ourselves really good food really good vibe really good people waitress. Amaya was wonderful. The manager make sure everything was on point. Definitely recommend definitely coming back.

Discover more

Alexander Pierce Dining Reservation

Lala's in the Lakes

4.7

4.7 (609)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Akron

About the restaurant

Welcome to Lala's, an upscale dining experience in the Portage Lakes. We take pride in our exceptional customer service and strive to make each visit more enjoyable than the last. We look forward to welcoming you on your next visit. We recently began opening for lunch Monday through Friday and Monday night dinner. Our most popular dish is the renowned Charred Halibut from Nick Anthes on Main Street. We endeavor to make special occasions memorable for our guests, from beautiful table settings to a special dessert to conclude the evening. During the warmer months, we invite you to enjoy our beautiful patio or cozy front porch. If you prefer a fireplace table, please let us know.

Top review

warren

Dined on Jul 1, 2026

Fabulous food, large portions! Outstanding service...waiter very attentive Huge salads ..chicken marsela and pork chop terrific!!! We'll be back often a special place!!!

El Patron Tequileria

4.7

4.7 (247)

$30 and under

Mexican

Akron

About the restaurant

El Patron Tequileria & Cuisine features true traditional Mexican cuisine and street tacos. Our focus is to provide a clean meal with the best quality ingredients. We source various offerings on our menu from local farms and local butchers. We prepare everything in house and in small portions to increase our quality. Our main event is tequila. With over 130 different types of tequila and mezcal, you have an endless option of cocktails, flights, and sipping tequilas at hand. Elevate your experience and enquire about our private tequila pairing dinners. These dinners showcase true Mexican culinary execution and curated tequila pairings with every bite. El Patron Tequileria is a newfound pioneer in traditional homestyle Mexican kitchen that veers away from your typical midwestern Mexican restaurant. Our property provides a comfortable dining space, elegant bar, lounge, private room and our main highlight, our outdoor rooftop patio and bar that overlooks the Downtown Akron cityscape.

Top review

Carol

Dined on Jun 24, 2026

Glad they added shady areas to the roof patio. The outside dining was delightful.

Gigi's Ristorante and Market

4.7

4.7 (129)

$30 and under

Italian

Kent

About the restaurant

Scratch polished casual Italian ristorante and market in the heart of downtown Kent, OH.

Top review

Kristi

Dined 2 days ago

Drew was amazing our server! He was on the spot at all times - will definitely request him again The food portions were good and the food was amazing!

Masu

4.7

4.7 (62)

$50 and over

Sushi

Brecksville

About the restaurant

Chef/Owner Jake McDaniel is bringing his bold vision to life, bridging the gap between sustainability, sushi, and American seafood. Chef Jake holds certifications with the Marine Stewardship Council as well as the Aquaculture Stewardship Council maintaining traceability from fishing pole to sushi roll. Masu is a part of Monterrey Bay Seafood Watch’s Best Choice Program. Winner of 2026 Silver Spoon Awards for Best Sushi, Open Table 2026 Diners’ Choice Award, Jake is teaming up with culinary icon and mentor Dante Boccuzzi to create a sushi experience unlike anything else. From Jake’s meticulous chef process — sourcing the highest quality seafood driven by sustainability, aging fish in the Dry Aging locker visible from anywhere in the restaurant — to Dante’s signature flair for innovation, Masu is where tradition exists in a modern space and the decisions made inside Masu originate from outside the box.

Top review

Colin

Dined 6 days ago

Amazing experience. Amazing food. Spent the time talking to owner/chef. Excited to go back again!!

Discover more

Experience

Greater Cleveland Food Bank Benefit Dinner

Luciano's

4.6

4.6 (1898)

$30 and under

Italian

Akron

About the restaurant

Luciano's is a Fine Dining Italian Restaurant on the edge of downtown Akron, in the swanky Northside District. The restaurant showcases an elegant dining space, private rooms, modern bar and spacious open-air patio. Private Chefs Tables may be reserved or treat yourself to the authentic Italian dinner menu. Join us soon for an evening to remember!

Top review

Kevin

Dined 3 days ago

Excellent experience. Great food and service. We will be back with friends.

Discover more

4.4

4.4 (61)

$31 to $50

Italian

Kent

About the restaurant

Sonny & Olive’s Italian American - 425 Cherry St, Kent, OH 44240

Top review

KimGold

Dined 5 days ago

Friendly staff, comfortable ambiance, patio, service, menu selections, reasonable prices ALL OUTSTANDING! Thank you Sonny and Olives for another awesome dining experience!

Fat's BackRoom

4.2

4.2 (65)

$31 to $50

Italian

Cuyahoga Falls

About the restaurant

FAT’s Backroom offers a warm, intimate setting for enjoying traditional Italian fare, handcrafted cocktails, and a thoughtfully curated wine selection. Nestled in the heart of the Merriman Valley in Akron, Ohio, we welcome guests for online reservations, phone reservations at 330‑929‑7875, and walk‑ins. Join us for comforting classics, great company, and a relaxed dining experience.

Top review

charles

Dined on Jun 19, 2026

Great time here. Food was amazing. Ambience was as if we were in a speakeasy Italian restaurant

Explore Diners' Choice best of Akron

Explore more Diners' Choice lists