Don’t feel like cooking tonight? Or have you been looking for a place to take your special someone for a romantic dinner? Sure, you can always settle for one of your old favorites, but why not try something new, exciting, and still affordable? After all, Akron and the surrounding area is ripe with authentic Italian restaurants that have been part of the community for generations. Whether you feel like pizza, pasta, or being daring by trying something authentic and new, one of these four Italian restaurants is bound to satisfy your cravings.

Dontino’s Italian Ristorante

Located at 555 East Cuyahoga Falls Avenue, Dontino’s Italian Ristorante has been a part of Akron for over 30 years. This family-owned restaurant has always been devoted to giving Akron residents a taste of fine Italian dining. With a new special every night of the week, Dontino’s also serves much more than just spaghetti (even though the spaghetti should definitely not be passed up). Baked ziti, ravioli, eggplant parmigiano, and much more is available. Have a big celebration coming up? Reserve one of Dontino’s party rooms for the occasion.

Luigi’s Restaurant

Luigi’s, like Dontino’s, is another restaurant that has been around long enough to become an irreplaceable piece of Akron. Located at 105 North Main Street in Akron, Luigi’s opened in 1949 and has been serving delicious Italian food ever since. If you’re looking for delicious, gourmet pizza, you just can’t beat Luigi’s. But if pizza doesn’t sound like it will quite hit the spot tonight, try some of Luigi’s steak, fried fish, salads, or sandwiches.

Lembo’s Italian Restaurant

Lembo’s, which is located at 1186 Canton Road in Akron, started as a small pizza shop in 1964. It still serves some of the best, most authentically Italian pizza in the area. Combine that with some warm, fresh garlic bread, and you may never go to another Italian restaurant again. Do you have kids that don’t feel like pizza or pasta? Lembo’s has plenty of other dishes, such as chicken fingers and fries. But if you feel like trying some authentic Italian food (aside from the pizza), Lembo’s also serves sauerkraut balls, Italian soups, chicken paisano, gnocchi, and much, much more.

Papa Joe’s Iacomini’s

Of all the restaurants on this list, Papa Joe’s has been around the longest. It first opened its doors in 1932. And when a restaurant has been around for almost a century, you know it’s good. Located at 1561 Akron Peninsula Road in Akron, Papa Joe’s provides a classy fine dining experience. Ever since its opening in the ’30s, “Papa Joe” and his family have aimed to deliver a genuine Italian experience. Not only will you find fresh calamari, baked Tuscan bread, chicken livers, and other authentic Italian food, but you can also try the filet mignon, sandwiches, and fine wine.

Each of these four Italian restaurants has different dishes and experiences to offer, and every one of them are worth trying. So, grab your family or a date, and try the best Italian restaurants in Akron.