Eat your way through Stark County at these 11 area restaurants chosen by foodies
Stark County was notably absent from USA TODAY's "Restaurants of the Year 2024."
Eager to shine a spotlight on the gastronomic treasures of our region, I convened a group of fellow food enthusiasts for a spirited discussion on the local restaurants that deserved recognition.
The diverse panel was composed of myself, Explore City Tours and Canton Food Tours owner Barb Abbott, retired Repository restaurant reviewer Dan Kane, and Akron Municipal Court community outreach coordinator and Jackson Township resident Nicole Hagy.
Our criteria spanned various price points, requiring establishments to be located in Stark County, and focusing on dining rather than just beverages. Taste, consistency, quality, staff, atmosphere, and overall value were factors we considered. Our goal was not to declare a definitive No. 1 but to engage in a spirited discussion about our favorites and the reasons behind them.
Stark County is home to a plethora of innovative food options, and it's important to note that several other noteworthy establishments didn't make our list simply because they didn't receive votes from two or more members of our group.
Presented below is our collective top 11, listed alphabetically. If you haven't had the pleasure of experiencing these culinary delights, we encourage you to support these local establishments. Apologies, USA TODAY, but you overlooked some cherished Ohio foodie destinations in Stark County.
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Basil Asian Bistro
585 Market Ave. N, Canton; 330-452-3888
Reasons chosen: Exceptional sushi, attentive staff, and upscale Pacific and Southeast Asian cuisine. The Ly family dynasty, with Tony Ly, manager and his father, Luong Ly as the head chef, has been delighting patrons for nearly three decades. Both Kane and Abbott described the restaurant as consistent.
Bender’s Tavern
137 Court Ave. SW, Canton; 330-453-8424
Reasons chosen: A classic and historic establishment since 1902, boasting an excellent menu and superb service. Fresh seafood from Foley's Fish in Boston adds to the appeal. Bender's heritage is proudly carried on by the fourth generation of the Jacob family, with an extensive wine list to complement the offerings.
The Bistro at Gervasi Vineyard
1700 55th St. NE, Canton; 330-497-1000
Reasons chosen: Noteworthy for its inviting atmosphere, scratch-made ingredients, diverse menu and excellent staff. Abbott highlighted the special experience of enjoying a great meal and then strolling the grounds. The Italian-themed menu includes everything from pizza to house made gnocchi and family-style brunch.
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Bocca Grande Italian Steakhouse
4490 Erie Ave. NW, Canal Fulton; 330-832-2162
Reasons chosen: Known for serving USDA prime and choice, dry-aged steaks since 1991. The restaurant stood out for its consistency, friendly atmosphere, and welcoming vibe. Family-owned since its inception; it boasts a unique location along the historic Ohio Eric Canal Towpath Trail.
Bombay Sitar
5111 Fulton Drive NW, Jackson Township; 330-305-0671
Reasons chosen: Despite the elimination of the buffet post-COVID, Bombay Sitar remains a strong favorite for its flavorful and aromatic Indian cuisine, including craveable warm naan bread. Everything from yogurt to curries is scratch-made at the restaurant.
Desert Inn
204 12th St. NW, Canton; 330-456-1766
Reasons chosen: A favorite go-to for everyday dining or special occasions, Desert Inn is renowned for its Middle Eastern food. A family-owned and operated establishment since 1970, the group commented on enjoying their shish kabobs and Arabic platter, as well as the friendly service.
Francisco’s Cantina Restaurant
6041 Whipple Ave. NW, Jackson Township; 330-526-8740
Reasons chosen: A locally owned gem with a diverse menu, consistent quality, and standout margaritas. Specials on nachos and tacos make this a go-to Mexican restaurant. Kane emphasized the authenticity of the Mexican cuisine served at this restaurant.
Hartville Kitchen Restaurant & Bakery
1015 Edison St. NW, Hartville; 330-877-9353
Reasons chosen: Scratch-made and freshly prepared options describes this choice, with a focus on family-friendly, homestyle dishes and a welcoming staff. Celebrating 58 years, the restaurant evokes a sense of nostalgia. Hagy loves to pick up several orders during the holidays, as she finds their offerings consistently delicious.
Lucca
228 Fourth St. NW, Canton; 330-456-2534
Reasons chosen: Lucca stands out for its handmade pasta, made fresh daily, and casual yet elegant dishes featuring locally sourced ingredients. The seasonal preparations and Tuscan-inspired dishes add a special touch, as noted by Shaffer.
Papa Gyros
4760 Everhard Road NW, Jackson Township; 330-497-1100; 2045 Cleveland Ave. NW, Canton; 330-456-9000; 320 W. State St., Alliance; 330-823-7773
Reasons chosen: Known for authentic Greek specialties, a reasonable price point, and a favored location in the Belden Village area. The family-owned establishment, operating since 2001, boasts an authentic Greek wine list. I particularly love the saganaki, flamed tableside and served with pita bread.
Table Six Kitchen + Bar
6113 Whipple Ave. NW, North Canton; 330-305-1666
Reasons chosen: Noted for shareable plates, innovative preparations across a wide variety of options, a friendly staff and numerous specials. A fun vibe both at the bar and restaurant tables. Kane sums it up by saying, "Always busy and consistently good."
Reach Bev at [email protected] or 330-580-8318.
This article originally appeared on The Repository: 11 of the best Stark County restaurants that made our favorites list
