Our 10 Favorite Italian Restaurants in Ohio!
When you've got a craving for pasta al forno or a big dish of chicken cacciatore, only authentic Italian cuisine will do. And if you're like nearly 50 million other Americans, you've satisfied that craving at an Italian restaurant within the past 30 days. Lovers of Italian food in Ohio don't have to wander far to find a taste of Tuscany or the flavor of Firenze; the Buckeye State is chockablock with fine Italian eateries that will have you tucking in with a hearty "Mangia!" We've assembled a list "in no particular order" highlighting ten of the best.
1. D'Agnese's at White Pond (Akron)
The latest member of the D'Agnese family's empire of Ohio restaurants, this bistro and trattoria can be found at 566 White Pond Drive and features fresh Italian favorites in a casual atmosphere. In addition to the restaurant's famous veal, chicken, and steak, diners can enjoy live entertainment in the lounge or dine al fresco on the patio.
Price Range: $$
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2. Zia's (Toledo)
Overlooking the Maumee river, Zia's promises "authentic Italian cuisine, gourmet pizzas, generous pasta dishes, fresh fish and more." Located at 20 Main Street, this casual eatery seeks to evoke a trip to small-town Italy, with an emphasis on affordable and fresh food in a cozy atmosphere. Rather dine a little closer to the water? River-faring diners can have their dinner delivered to their boat, thanks to the restaurant's location at The Docks.
Price Range: $$?
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3. Tuscany Cuccini (Gallipollis)
Gallipolis might be "The French City," but it's got a lock on outstanding Italian cuisine with this casual eatery located at 1308 Eastern Avenue. Focused on Italian favorites such as pasta, chicken, seafood, steak, and pizza, Tuscany Cuccini also offers a selection of quality wines and a wide range of desserts (including cannoli).
Price Range: $$
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4. Luca Italian Cuisine (Cleveland)
When residents of the Forest City want to enjoy upscale, elegant Italian, they head to 2100 Superior Viaduct, home of Luca Italian Cuisine. Diners can enjoy live entertainment, top-shelf wine service, and a variety of classic dishes inspired by the traditions of Northern Italy, along with a spectacular view of the Cleveland cityscape.
Price Range: $$$
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5. Casa Lu Al (Lima)
Combining Italian classics with modern American favorites, Casa Lu Al has been delighting Lima diners since 1960 with its emphasis on quality food and friendly service. Casual and comforting are the name of the game at this award-winning restaurant (found at 2323 North West Street), which also offers catering and banquet service.
Price Range: $$
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6. Z Cucina di Spirito (Columbus)
Described as a "neighborhood restaurant with an edge," this contemporary Italian restaurant (located at 1368 Grandview Avenue) is focused on giving Columbus diners a taste of modern Mediterranean cooked up by a "from-scratch" kitchen. It also boasts a full-service bar, in-house catering, and a wide selection of specials.
Price Range: $$
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7. Adornetto's (Zanesville)
Located at 2224 Maple Avenue, Adornetto's is a Zanesville institution and one of Pizza magazine's top 50 independently owned U.S. pizzerias with ample reason to promote itself as "the pizza people come home for." Of course, it's not just about the pizza: Italian classics, as well as subs, salads, baked goods, and a variety of local Zanesville favorites round out the menu.
Price Range: $$
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8. La Piazza (Troy)
The name of this Miami County gem translates to "the square," which is no coincidence as it is located at 2 North Market Street-on the corner of Troy's historic downtown Fountain Square. Featuring a variety of Italian classics at dinner, as well as a very popular lunchtime buffet, La Piazza also offers al fresco dining from its patio.
Price range: $$
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9. Boca (Cincinnati)
Located at 114 East 6th Street in Cincinatti, Boca fuses upscale Italian and French cuisine with a casual atmosphere. Specializing in dinner and drinks, it's a popular destination with diners looking for a taste of Europe in the the Queen City.
Price range: $$$
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10. Mamma DiSalvo's (Dayton)
A Dayton favorite since its founding in 1979, Mamma DiSalvo's emphasizes "from scratch" cooking, with sauces made daily and a menu based on traditional recipes from Italy's Abruzzi Molise region. They also offer full-service catering. Diners who stop at 1375 East Stroop Road for a bite to eat can also purchase a jar or two of sauces and dressings created from Mamma's own recipes to recreate their feast at home.
Price range: $$
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