Diners' Choice: Neighborhood gem restaurants in Akron

OpenTable

Updated November 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!

Papa Joe's/Iacomini's

4.8

4.8 (2451)

$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

R ScottGold

Dined 2 days ago

We came for your monthly dinner specials. You didn't disappoint!

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D'Agnese's at White Pond

4.8

4.8 (1978)

$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

Wanda

Dined on Oct 27, 2026

Hostess was very friendly and accommodating. We didn’t request a booth on our reservation but she made it happen! Our waitress was very attentive without being intrusive. She knew just when to check on us. Food was amazing and portions were large. Leftovers for lunch the next day. Highly recommend this restaurant!

Laziza Craft Kitchen

4.7

4.7 (111)

$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

Kim

Dined on Oct 18, 2026

What a fun and delicious treat! We took our out of town guests to Laziza and it was Dolly’s rhinestone brunch day!! Everyone was dressed to the nines in honor of Dolly! The food was absolutely amazing! Their take on the classic brunch menu is so creative and delicious and it makes you want to come back to see what they are going to do next! Just a wonderful day!!

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Experience

Sunday Brunch- Penny Club Refill

Leo's Italian Social - Cuyahoga Falls

4.6

4.6 (1072)

$30 and under

Italian

Cuyahoga Falls

About the restaurant

Leo's Italian Social is the center of its community; a place to gather and meet for cocktails and conversation. Here we connect and celebrate with each other by sharing delicious food, well-made cocktails, and great wine. When you spend time with us, we want you to arrive hungry and leave happy. Cheers!

Top review

Robert

Dined on Oct 22, 2026

There is nothing I can write that can describe the great time my date and I experienced, it was awesome.

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Popular dish

Lasagna

Popular dish

Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Popular dish

Lobster Bisque

Isabella's at Tangier West

4.6

4.6 (33)

$31 to $50

Mediterranean

Fairlawn

About the restaurant

Isabella’s Cocktail Lounge & Restaurant brings the spirit of the iconic Tangier into a new era at Tangier West. Inspired by the warmth, glamour, and unforgettable hospitality that made the original Tangier a Northeast Ohio tradition, Isabella’s pairs nostalgic charm with a moody, sophisticated cocktail lounge atmosphere.

Guests can enjoy handcrafted cocktails alongside a menu inspired by Tangier’s famous Mediterranean cuisine and longtime favorites, all served in an intimate setting designed for everything from date nights and dinner with friends to drinks before an event at Tangier West.

Familiar in spirit, yet entirely its own, Isabella’s is where a beloved Tangier tradition begins its next chapter.

Top review

Fancy

Dined 6 days ago

Dinner was fantastic. The most tender chop I've ever had and incredibly flavorful. I love the nod to the old Tangier menu items with a contemporary twist. The wine list is outstanding and very fairly priced. Our server, Michelle, was knowledgeable, helpful and friendly. Sleek but cozy ambiance. This is an undiscovered gem. I'll definitely be back.

Beau's Grille at DoubleTree by Hilton

4.4

4.4 (894)

$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 7 days ago

So happy to see Sea Bass back on the menu with a new lobseter sauce - fantastic! Crab cake appetixer was fresh and flavorful. Gianti pasta was excellent. All topped off by outstanding service from Sean!

El Patron Tequileria

4.4

4.4 (252)

$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

DianeGold

Dined 5 days ago

Great pre-concert dinner! Street tacos are awesome

The Lake House Kitchen + Bar

4.3

4.3 (455)

$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

Kathleen

Dined on Oct 29, 2026

The clam bake is was delicious! They have the best clam chowder!

Burntwood Tavern - Fairlawn

4.2

4.2 (297)

$30 and under

American

Fairlawn

About the restaurant

Classic American food with flare. Burntwood Tavern's warm and inviting atmosphere is rich in character, and provides the perfect showcase for its straight forward, chef driven menu of smoked, planked, and wood grilled food. Handcrafted cocktails, constructed with fresh juices and house-infused vodkas, as well as offerings from a diverse craft draught beer list. If you're looking for a heavy pour, you've found your place!

Top review

Anthony

Dined on Oct 12, 2026

Had a late lunch to celebrate our anniversary. Our server was amazing, and the food was great. We were even given a complimentary champagne toast. We definitely plan on going back

Sonny & Olive’s

4.1

4.1 (78)

$31 to $50

Italian

Kent

About the restaurant

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

Top review

Christopher

Dined on Oct 25, 2026

This is one of the best Italian meals I’ve had in the tri-county area. Raised in an Italian home, the food at Sonny and Olive’s Restaurant is very similar to that of my Italian nonna’s. The atmosphere was authentic as well.

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