Diners' Choice: Neighborhood gem restaurants in Akron

OpenTable

Updated May 05, 2026

Looking for the best restaurants that are the best neighborhood gems 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!

Vaccaro's Trattoria

4.8

4.8 (1524)

$31 to $50

Contemporary Italian

Bath

About the restaurant

Vaccaro's Trattoria offers innovative Italian cuisine as well as classic favorites served in a casual fine dining atmosphere. Our pasta is made fresh daily, and all cuisines are made from scratch, good things take time! We have a stylishly newly renovated bar & an extensive & thoughtfully chosen wine list to complement our menu.

Top review

TimGold

Dined 2 days ago

This restaurant is always spot on! Have never had a bad item on the menu and have tried several. Last night we got a spinach and artichoke pizza a carnivore pizza, a salad and a side of meatballs. Do yourself a favor and give them a try it is excellent

Papa Joe's/Iacomini's

4.8

4.8 (2344)

$30 and under

Italian

Akron

About the restaurant

The Iacomini Family opened their doors in 1932, and the heart and soul has always been “Papa Joe” Iacomini. Considered the first family of fine, traditional dining in the Akron area, Papa Joe’s legacy continues with the fourth generation, proudly serving our Summit County. Enjoy our signature French, bone-in pork chop—the best in town—served daily, alongside hand-carved Prime Rib every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday (check out our experience!). We feature fresh fish and center-cut steaks every day, plus monthly specials from our chef, Joe Alvis who has been celebrating both Northern and Southern Italian cuisines since 1992. Host your next event in our private dining rooms with seating for up to 65 guests, Tuesday through Sunday afternoons, we can accommodate even larger parties. We also offer off-site catering six days a week for the venue of your choice. Enjoy to‑go service and browse our Italian Market for retail wine and more.

Top review

Jen

Dined 2 days ago

The food was absolutely incredible! Our first visit there but definitely will not be our last. It was also lovely not to feel rushed along by our server. We went before a show at the Weathervane & it worked out perfectly.

Discover more

Prime Rib at Papa Joe's!!!

D'Agnese's at White Pond

4.8

4.8 (1917)

$30 and under

Italian

Akron

About the restaurant

D'Agnese's at White Pond Akron, one of Akron’s favorite dinning destination, is located directly off the exit of I-77 and White Pond Dr. Featuring delicious Italian and American cuisine, served to you by a friendly efficient staff, within a warm and cozy atmosphere, D'Agnese's offers a truly eloquent dining experience you can enjoy inside within their casual lounge area or intimate dining room; or outside on the patio. Open daily for lunch and dinner, you can choose from a variety of incredible menu selections such as D'Agnese's, veal and chicken entrees, pan seared salmon, seafood, mouth-watering pizzas and pasta dishes. At DAgnese's, you will always find something to enjoy; and they even offer a unique Family Style dinner Sundays from 11am to 8pm. Regardless of what you order, you are guaranteed a fresh, tasty meal made with the finest ingredients and prepared in house daily.
For parties of 6 or more please call the restaurant 234-678-3612

Top review

KimGold

Dined 7 days ago

Great overall experience. While the service is usually quite good here, our server Kendra was outstanding on this evening. When we arrived, we overheard the hostess telling a carry-out customer that their food would be a few minutes because the kitchen was a little behind. My expectation at that point was that we should plan to relax and be patient. While dinner took a little longer than usual, it was not bad at all compared to many places. Our drinks came out right away and our soup, bread and salads were paced beautifully. Our entrees were also very good. Throughout dinner, our server checked on us and apologized that it was taking a while (again, it was not particularly slow). On this evening when they had several large parties and a full dining room and lounge, we left feeling very satisfied with the food and our experience.

The Blue Door Cafe

4.8

4.8 (362)

$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

Sue

Dined 7 days ago

Our dinner was delicious! As was the bread, butter and olive oil trio to start! The sweetest hostess and server! The updates inside were so nicely done… sound was perfect! Love your little restaurant, which is actually much bigger inside than it looks from the outside!

Laziza Craft Kitchen

4.8

4.8 (83)

$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

Steve

Dined on Apr 29, 2026

My wife & I went to Laziza to celebrate our anniversary. I had the short rib, and my wife had the cauliflower steak. Both were excellent. Service was excellent and we really like the atmosphere at Laziza. We are looking forward to coming back for another meal.

Discover more

Experience

Sunday Brunch- Penny Club Refill

Lala's in the Lakes

4.7

4.7 (597)

$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

georgeGold

Dined 2 days ago

Excellent food & service. Thank you K-you always go above & beyond. It’s appreciated!!

The Lake House Kitchen + Bar

4.5

4.5 (412)

$30 and under

Seafood

Kent

About the restaurant

Lake House Kitchen + Bar offers an intimate setting with beautiful views of the East Twin Lake and features fresh, chef-inspired seafood and American fare with great beer selection, craft cocktails and a curated wine list.

Top review

Tavonne

Dined on May 1, 2026

It was great! We had an amazing time. The atmosphere was really nice and the server was great

Caston & Main Brew Yard

4.5

4.5 (20)

$30 and under

American

Green

About the restaurant

Welcome to North Ohio’s top destination for craft culture. Our brewyard was born from the nation's deep love for handcrafted breweries, distilleries, and wineries. We are on a mission to bring you the finest products available, featuring 32 rotating taps, curated wines, and signature cocktails.

Come for the drinks, stay for the delicious burgers, and relax in our fun, welcoming atmosphere. Looking to host a gathering? Ask about our upscale private event space. Join us today to catch up with friends and taste the best of the craft.!

Top review

Lynett

Dined on Apr 1, 2026

We had a party of 8. Reserved a table. We were sat quickly. I wish I could remember our servers name because he was fantastic. He kept our glasses filled. We stayed a while catching up and never felt rushed. Got the pretzel for an appetizer and we all had some. It’s huge and delicious with the beer cheese. I got the flat bread veggie and it was delicious. I tried my friends chicken barbecue flat bread and thought it would be perfect to have half and half. Wow. Outstanding. Thanks for an amazing night.

Discover more

Experience

Wine Wednesday 50% OFF

Beau's Grille at DoubleTree by Hilton

4.4

4.4 (857)

$30 and under

American

Akron

About the restaurant

Beau's Grille is the award winning restaurant at the Hilton Akron/Fairlawn Hotel and Suites. For over 20 years, Chef Beau Schmidt and his staff have prepared each item with the freshest ingredients. With a menu of more than 18 appetizers, sit back, relax and enjoy an incredible meal in a comfortable, yet contemporary atmosphere.

The Beau's Grille Terrace is the place to be this summer. Open year round with comfortable seating, TVs, a fireplace, and overhead heating, it was voted best outdoor patio in the 2013 and 2014 Beacon's Best and the 2014 Akron Life Magazine Best of Akron awards.

Join us for Happy Hour in our Lounge Monday 2pm-6:30pm and Tuesday - Friday 2pm-6:30pm!

Visit https://beausgrille.com/entertainment/ to see our Live Entertainment Schedule!

Top review

GregGold

Dined on Apr 18, 2026

Always a great spot for a nice dinner. We like to get a booth in the bar. Great ambiance. Busy night and service was a bit slow but very friendly. Steaks were cooked to order and the asparagus was nicely cooked. Tender/crisp. Always a nice experience.

Discover more

Experience

Mother's Day Brunch

Sonny & Olive’s

4.2

4.2 (47)

$31 to $50

Italian

Kent

About the restaurant

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

Top review

Ann

Dined 2 days ago

It was our first time here and there were 5 of us. Drinks were excellent. Everyone loved their food and agreed they would gladly return. Waiter, Marcus, was fun and attentive.

Explore Diners' Choice best of Akron

Explore more Diners' Choice lists