Italian Restaurants in Akron (2025)

An Akron institution since 1949, Luigi’s is where late‑night pies, mountains of shredded cheese on salad, and a cash‑only policy still reign. Consistently cited by local guides as a must for visitors and downtown regulars alike. ([downtownakron.com](https://www.downtownakron.com/go/luigis?utm_source=openai), [clevescene.com](https://www.clevescene.com/location/luigis-1431314?utm_source=openai))

Family‑run since 1995, Vaccaro’s blends house‑made pastas with a deep Italian wine list, and the owner is known for working the room. Recent coverage by regional dining critics underscores its classic‑meets‑modern appeal. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/business-lifestyle-ohio-restaurants-akron-964bf92d8bb348acb6cdfb9099c6dace?utm_source=openai), [opentable.com](https://www.opentable.com/vaccaros-trattoria?utm_source=openai))

A long‑running favorite for Northern and Southern Italian staples—think chicken francese, veal, and seafood—served in a loungey setting with live music. Current menus and hours confirm it’s going strong in 2025. ([dagneseswhitepond.com](https://dagneseswhitepond.com/?utm_source=openai), [opentable.com](https://www.opentable.com/dagneses-at-white-pond?utm_source=openai))

Run by the fourth generation of an Akron dining family, Papa Joe’s delivers Italian comfort—house lasagna, white French dressing, seafood—plus an on‑site Italian market. Celebrated by local media for its enduring community roots. ([akronlife.com](https://www.akronlife.com/dining/Flavor-blog/family-recipes/?utm_source=openai), [papajoes.com](https://www.papajoes.com/history?utm_source=openai))

Family recipes trace back to Northern Italy here, where locals come for pan‑baked pizza, hearty pastas, and Akron‑style fried chicken with jojos. Local magazines have repeatedly shouted it out for crowd‑pleasing comfort. ([rizzispizza.com](https://rizzispizza.com/?utm_source=openai), [akronlife.com](https://www.akronlife.com/dining/Flavor-blog/flavor-award-winners-2019/?utm_source=openai))

A Kenmore original with Sicilian family roots, Regina’s hand‑rolls dough and simmers sauce daily. Beyond pizza, you’ll find cavatelli, lasagna, and old‑school comfort—still drawing local love in 2025. ([reginaspizza.com](https://www.reginaspizza.com/?utm_source=openai), [beaconjournal.com](https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/entertainment/dining/2025/03/18/akron-best-pizza-bracket-is-down-to-8-left-vote-for-your-favorite/82492615007/?utm_source=openai))

North Hill’s Italian heartbeat: a fourth‑generation market with a bustling deli, daily hot lunches, and house‑made sausage and sauces. A go‑to for carryout pasta, meatballs, and pantry finds with real Akron lineage. ([devitis.com](https://www.devitis.com/market?utm_source=openai))

A North Hill stalwart since the 1970s, Dontino’s channels southern Italian family recipes—homemade noodles, red‑sauce favorites, and the area’s famed steak sandwich—in a community hub atmosphere. ([dontinos.com](https://dontinos.com/history.htm?utm_source=openai), [akronlife.com](https://www.akronlife.com/locations/dontino%E2%80%99s-restaurant/?utm_source=openai))

Downtown’s 2025 arrival in the Northside District brings house‑made pastas, tableside touches, and a polished bar‑patio scene. Reported by the Akron Beacon Journal and listed by Downtown Akron Partnership after a March 4 grand opening. ([beaconjournal.com](https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/news/2025/02/12/dba-closed-new-restaurant-lucianos-opening-akron-ohio/78421122007/?utm_source=openai), [downtownakron.com](https://www.downtownakron.com/go/lucianos?utm_source=openai))

A Portage Lakes favorite dating to the 1920s, now family‑run for Italian‑American plates, lake‑fish traditions, and generous portions. Current hours and menus show it’s a steady local choice for groups and celebrations. ([domenicsrosevilla.com](https://domenicsrosevilla.com/about?utm_source=openai), [tripadvisor.com](https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g29912-d2285548-Reviews-Domenic_s_Rose_Villa_Restaurant-Akron_Ohio.html?utm_source=openai))

Ellet’s family spot since the 1960s, Lembo’s serves pastas, pizza, and a beloved salad buffet alongside Akron‑style chicken and jojos. Reservation platforms and mapping data confirm it’s operating with regular hours in 2025. ([opentable.com](https://www.opentable.com/r/lembos-italian-restaurant-akron?utm_source=openai), [waze.com](https://www.waze.com/live-map/directions/lembos-italian-restaurant-canton-rd-1186-akron?to=place.w.182583706.1825640455.2344317&utm_source=openai))