Akron Foodie Guide: Complete Culinary Experience
Explore the best restaurants, food tours, local cuisine, street food, and culinary experiences in Akron. Your complete guide to dining in Akron.
Welcome to the ultimate foodie guide for Akron! Whether you're a local food enthusiast or a visiting gourmand, this comprehensive guide will help you discover the very best culinary experiences that Akron has to offer. From Michelin-starred restaurants to hidden street food gems, authentic local specialties to innovative fusion cuisine, we've curated the essential dining experiences that showcase Akron's vibrant food scene. Our carefully selected recommendations include insider tips, must-try dishes, and everything you need to eat your way through Akron like a true food lover.
Key Takeaways
- Akron offers diverse culinary experiences from fine dining to street food
- Local specialties and regional dishes are must-tries for authentic flavors
- Food tours and cooking classes provide immersive culinary experiences
- Reservations recommended for popular restaurants, especially on weekends
- Markets and food halls offer great variety and local atmosphere
Must-Try Restaurants
From hidden gems to acclaimed establishments, these restaurants showcase the best of local and international cuisine in Akron.
Zakee Mediterranean street food
Highly rated Restaurant in Akron with 4.9 stars from 182 reviews.
📍 1562 Akron Peninsula Rd, Akron, OH 44313, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Budget-friendly prices
Barrelhouse
Highly rated Restaurant in Akron with 4.7 stars from 126 reviews.
📍 1682 W Market St, Akron, OH 44313, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Crave
Highly rated American in Akron with 4.3 stars from 1359 reviews.
📍 156 S Main St, Akron, OH 44308, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Upscale dining experience
- 🍽️Authentic American cuisine
Stirling
Highly rated Restaurant in Akron with 4.9 stars from 75 reviews.
📍 1288 Weathervane Ln, Akron, OH 44313, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Welcoming atmosphere
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Ken Stewart's Grille
Highly rated Steakhouse in Akron with 4.6 stars from 1147 reviews.
📍 1970 W Market St, Akron, OH 44313, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Upscale dining experience
- 🍽️Authentic Steakhouse cuisine
Alexander Pierce Restaurant
Highly rated Restaurant in Akron with 4.7 stars from 661 reviews. Offers fine dining experience with exceptional service.
📍 797 E Market St, Akron, OH 44305, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Lock 15 Brewing Company
Highly rated Bar in Akron with 4.6 stars from 2146 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 21 W North St Suite TL 1, Akron, OH 44304, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
The Lockview Restaurant
Highly rated American in Akron with 4.5 stars from 601 reviews.
📍 207 S Main St, Akron, OH 44308, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic American cuisine
Akron Family Restaurant
Highly rated Restaurant in Akron with 4.6 stars from 2232 reviews.
📍 250 W Market St, Akron, OH 44303, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Budget-friendly prices
The Plannerz Place Eatery
Highly rated Restaurant in Akron with 4.9 stars from 164 reviews.
📍 Inside Northside Marketplace, 21 Furnace St, Akron, OH 44308, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Good Company (Akron)
Highly rated Restaurant in Akron with 4.6 stars from 334 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 60 S Maple St, Akron, OH 44303, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
D'Agnese's at White Pond Akron
Highly rated Italian in Akron with 4.5 stars from 1189 reviews.
📍 566 White Pond Dr, Akron, OH 44320, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic Italian cuisine
Street Food & Food Markets
Authentic street food vendors, bustling food markets, and local favorites where you'll find the most flavorful and affordable bites in Akron.
Beiler's Penn Dutch Market
Highly rated International in Akron with 4.7 stars from 1510 reviews.
📍 13160 Cleveland Ave NW #8089, Uniontown, OH 44685, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Shaffer's Market
Highly rated International in Akron with 4.7 stars from 996 reviews.
📍 8 W Turkeyfoot Lake Rd, Akron, OH 44319, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Market District Supermarket
Highly rated International in Akron with 4.5 stars from 3570 reviews.
📍 2687 State Rd, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44223, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Whole Foods Market
Highly rated International in Akron with 4.4 stars from 1454 reviews.
📍 1745 W Market St, Akron, OH 44313, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Upscale dining experience
Northside Marketplace
Highly rated International in Akron with 4.5 stars from 327 reviews.
📍 21 Furnace St, Akron, OH 44308, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Acme Fresh Market
Highly rated International in Akron with 4.2 stars from 1887 reviews.
📍 1835 W Market St, Akron, OH 44313, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Krieger's Health Foods Market
Highly rated International in Akron with 4.5 stars from 584 reviews.
📍 615 Graham Rd, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Mustard Seed Market - Grocery
Highly rated International in Akron with 4.3 stars from 698 reviews.
📍 867 W Market St, Akron, OH 44303, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Food Tours & Culinary Experiences
Guided food tours, cooking classes, wine tastings, and immersive culinary experiences led by local experts in Akron.
Explore City Tours
Highly rated International in Akron with 5 stars from 76 reviews.
- •Book in advance, especially during peak season
- •Arrive 10-15 minutes early
- •Wear comfortable walking shoes
- •Bring a camera for memorable moments
- •Ask your guide for local recommendations
Cincinnati Food Tours
Highly rated International in Akron with 4.9 stars from 229 reviews.
- •Book in advance, especially during peak season
- •Arrive 10-15 minutes early
- •Wear comfortable walking shoes
- •Bring a camera for memorable moments
- •Ask your guide for local recommendations
The Tasting Room at Hoppin' Frog
Highly rated Bar in Akron with 4.6 stars from 60 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
- •Book in advance, especially during peak season
- •Arrive 10-15 minutes early
- •Wear comfortable walking shoes
- •Bring a camera for memorable moments
- •Ask your guide for local recommendations
Unlimited Trips
Highly rated International in Akron with 4.8 stars from 92 reviews.
- •Book in advance, especially during peak season
- •Arrive 10-15 minutes early
- •Wear comfortable walking shoes
- •Bring a camera for memorable moments
- •Ask your guide for local recommendations
Portage Lakes Cruises
Highly rated International in Akron with 4.8 stars from 72 reviews.
- •Book in advance, especially during peak season
- •Arrive 10-15 minutes early
- •Wear comfortable walking shoes
- •Bring a camera for memorable moments
- •Ask your guide for local recommendations
Burning River Adventures
Highly rated International in Akron with 4.7 stars from 207 reviews.
- •Book in advance, especially during peak season
- •Arrive 10-15 minutes early
- •Wear comfortable walking shoes
- •Bring a camera for memorable moments
- •Ask your guide for local recommendations
Cafes & Bakeries
Artisanal coffee shops, charming cafes, and bakeries serving fresh pastries, breads, and sweet treats in Akron.
Porchlight Coffee Co.
Highly rated Cafe in Akron with 4.9 stars from 286 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 798 Grant St, Akron, OH 44311, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Budget-friendly prices
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
Artisan Coffee
Highly rated Bakery in Akron with 4.8 stars from 1226 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 662 Canton Rd, Akron, OH 44312, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Budget-friendly prices
- 🍽️Authentic Bakery cuisine
Akron Coffee Roasters
Highly rated Cafe in Akron with 4.8 stars from 430 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 30 N High St, Akron, OH 44308, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
Portal West Coffee
Highly rated Cafe in Akron with 4.9 stars from 295 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 1690 Merriman Rd, Akron, OH 44313, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
Angel Falls Coffee Company
Highly rated Cafe in Akron with 4.5 stars from 1078 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 792 W Market St, Akron, OH 44303, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Budget-friendly prices
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
647 Coffee
Highly rated Cafe in Akron with 4.7 stars from 478 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 647 E Market St, Akron, OH 44304, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Budget-friendly prices
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
Nervous Dog Coffee Bar, Akron
Highly rated Cafe in Akron with 4.6 stars from 808 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 1530 W Market St, Akron, OH 44313, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Budget-friendly prices
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
The Ardmore Coffee House
Highly rated Cafe in Akron with 4.9 stars from 152 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 55 Ghent Rd, Fairlawn, OH 44333, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
Local Specialties & Signature Dishes
Regional dishes, local delicacies, and signature foods you absolutely must try during your visit to Akron.
Signature Dish
A must-try Akron specialty that showcases the region's unique flavors and culinary traditions.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Local Delicacy
This beloved Akron dish has been perfected over generations and remains a local favorite.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Traditional Recipe
Experience the authentic taste of Akron with this traditional preparation that honors local ingredients.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Street Food Favorite
Discover why this Akron specialty has earned its reputation as an essential culinary experience.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Regional Specialty
This iconic Akron creation perfectly captures the essence of the local food culture.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Seasonal Treat
A Akron classic that combines traditional techniques with fresh, quality ingredients.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Classic Comfort Food
A must-try Akron specialty that showcases the region's unique flavors and culinary traditions.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Modern Fusion
This beloved Akron dish has been perfected over generations and remains a local favorite.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Artisanal Product
Experience the authentic taste of Akron with this traditional preparation that honors local ingredients.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Heritage Recipe
Discover why this Akron specialty has earned its reputation as an essential culinary experience.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Bars & Nightlife
Craft cocktail bars, wine bars, breweries, and unique drinking establishments with character and quality in Akron.
Perfect Pour - Akron
Highly rated Bar in Akron with 4.6 stars from 169 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 376 S Main St, Akron, OH 44311, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
Baxter's Speakeasy
Highly rated Bar in Akron with 4.6 stars from 91 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 22 N High St, Akron, OH 44308, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Northside Speakeasy
Highly rated Bar in Akron with 4.7 stars from 471 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 31 Furnace St, Akron, OH 44308, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
South Point Tavern
Highly rated Bar in Akron with 4.8 stars from 183 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1947 W Market St #109, Akron, OH 44313, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
Tiki Underground
Highly rated Bar in Akron with 4.5 stars from 785 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1832 Front St, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
Lock 15 Brewing Company
Highly rated Bar in Akron with 4.6 stars from 2146 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 21 W North St Suite TL 1, Akron, OH 44304, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
Essential Tips
- 🍽️Make reservations at popular restaurants well in advance
- 🍽️Try local specialties and regional dishes unique to the area
- 🍽️Ask locals and hotel staff for their favorite food spots
- 🍽️Visit food markets early in the morning for the freshest selection
- 🍽️Don't be afraid to try street food from busy, popular vendors
- 🍽️Take a food tour early in your visit to discover hidden gems
- 🍽️Check restaurant hours as they can vary by day and season
- 🍽️Bring cash for street food vendors and small local eateries
- 🍽️Pace yourself - save room to try multiple dishes and restaurants
- 🍽️Document your culinary journey with photos and notes
Practical Information
Best Time to Visit
Akron's food scene thrives year-round, though each season brings unique culinary experiences. Spring and fall offer pleasant weather for outdoor dining and food festivals. Summer features fresh seasonal produce and lively food markets. Winter brings comfort food specialties and cozy indoor dining. Check local food festival calendars for special events.
Average Price
Dining costs in Akron vary widely. Street food and casual eateries: $5-15 per person. Mid-range restaurants: $20-50 per person. Fine dining: $75-150+ per person. Food tours typically range from $50-150. Cooking classes: $75-200. Markets offer budget-friendly options for self-catering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Akron is known for its diverse culinary offerings. Be sure to try the local specialties and regional dishes that showcase the area's unique flavors and traditions. Ask locals for their recommendations, and don't miss the signature dishes at acclaimed restaurants.
For popular and fine dining restaurants, reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner and weekends. Many sought-after spots book up weeks in advance. Casual eateries and street food vendors typically don't require reservations.
Consider taking a food tour early in your visit to get oriented and discover hidden gems. Visit local markets to see fresh ingredients and try samples. Mix fine dining with casual spots and street food for a complete experience. Don't be afraid to venture beyond tourist areas.
Most restaurants in Akron offer vegetarian options, and vegan choices are increasingly common. Many establishments can accommodate dietary restrictions with advance notice. Check menus online or call ahead to confirm options that meet your needs.
Tipping customs vary by location. In the US, 15-20% is standard for table service. In Europe, service is often included, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% is appreciated. In Asia, tipping is less common. Check local customs for Akron specifically.
Lunch is typically served 11:30am-2pm, dinner 6pm-10pm, though hours vary by establishment and culture. For popular restaurants, consider dining earlier (before 7pm) or later (after 9pm) to avoid peak crowds. Weekend brunch is popular at many spots.
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