Ricotta doughnuts are on the menu at one of Ohio’s best Italian restaurants, and you eat them in a basement. That single detail sent me straight down a very delicious rabbit hole.
The rest of the list got even more fun. One spot serves veal saltimbocca inside a converted family home with Victorian decor.
Another hands you a build-your-own pasta bowl. A family-run favorite even puts frog legs on the menu right next to stuffed shells.
I love that great Italian food in this state refuses to follow one script. You’ll find old-school red sauce, market-driven Northern Italian plates, and scratch-made pasta paired with stacked artisan sandwiches.
So which restaurant landed at number one? I’d gladly debate the order over a big plate of cacio e pepe.
Grab a napkin and scroll down to see exactly where your own favorite ranked.
1. Sotto, Cincinnati, OH
The best Italian meal in Ohio happens below street level, and that feels like a delicious secret. Sotto sits in a downtown Cincinnati basement with an austere brick-and-wood interior.
The kitchen leans into inventive, rustic Italian cooking. Short rib cappellacci and a classic cacio e pepe show off the pasta side of things.
Bigger appetites can go for the bistecca fiorentina or a breaded pork loin with caper lemon sauce. Want something simple first?
Fettunta, grilled bread rubbed with garlic, sets the tone nicely.
Then there are the ricotta doughnuts, which might be the most compelling reason to save room. Goat cheese hazelnut honey grilled bread also deserves a spot on your table.
Reservations are required, and the place usually has a wait. Lunch runs on weekdays, while dinner keeps going until 11 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.
Address: 118 E 6th St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
2. Guarino’s Restaurant | Italian, Cleveland, OH
Dinner in a converted family home with Victorian decor sounds like a period movie set. In Cleveland’s Little Italy, it’s simply Tuesday night at Guarino’s.
Old-school is the whole point here. Veal parmigiana, veal saltimbocca, brasciole, and manicotti read like a greatest-hits list of classic Italian-American cooking.
Start with calamari or an antipasto before the main event. A bowl of Italian wedding soup makes a smart pick on a chilly Cleveland afternoon.
Planning a celebration? A private party space sits upstairs, with additional room outside on a balcony.
Doors open at noon Tuesday through Saturday, and Sunday service starts at 11:30 AM. Mondays are closed, so plan your Little Italy stroll accordingly.
Address: 12309 Mayfield Rd, Cleveland, OH 44106
3. Basi Italia, Columbus, OH
Small spaces often hide big ambition, and this Victorian Village nook proves it. Basi Italia serves market-driven Northern Italian dishes in casual digs.
The menu shifts with what’s good at the market, so freshness drives the plate. Grilled artichoke carpaccio and pan roasted PEI mussels make strong openers.
Zucchini Pronto is a longtime name worth knowing on this menu. Eggplant parmesan and rigatoni salumeria round out the comforting side.
Slow braised beef short ribs bring the heft if you’re extra hungry. And when the weather cooperates, the private patio is the seat you want.
Reservations are required, and tables tend to go fast. It’s open Tuesday through Saturday evenings only.
Address: 811 Highland St, Columbus, OH 43215
4. YOSTERIA, Youngstown, OH
Sfogliatella in Youngstown? Yes, and that flaky pastry is just one reason YOSTERIA climbed this high.
Regional small plates anchor the menu. Polpette Napoletane, arancini, and bresaola let you graze like you’re hopping between Italian towns.
The pizza crust stands out from the usual pie. Pizza rossa keeps things simple, letting that dough do the talking.
Retro styling and a fireplace give the room plenty of personality. Live music is also part of the mix here.
Finish with tiramisu if the sfogliatella hasn’t already claimed you. Sundays open at noon, which makes a lazy weekend lunch very doable.
Address: 252 Valley St, Youngstown, OH 44505
5. Valerio’s Ristorante, Cleveland, OH
Just down Mayfield Road from another Little Italy favorite, a second Cleveland classic earns its own spot. Valerio’s is a quaint fixture with an intimate, romantic feel.
Homemade pasta takes center stage here. The orecchiette with meat sauce is a hearty, satisfying choice.
The calamari appetizer comes in a sauce that’s a big part of its appeal. You’ll probably want bread nearby for that.
Desserts are a highlight too, so pace yourself. Live music adds a little extra charm to the evening.
Valerio’s opens at 5 PM Tuesday through Sunday. Street parking can be tricky, but valet parking is available.
Address: 12405 Mayfield Rd, Cleveland, OH 44106
6. Nicola’s, Cincinnati, OH
Some dishes come with a love letter attached. Malfatti a True Love for Rome sits on the menu at Nicola’s, and the name alone is worth a smile.
Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine neighborhood is home to this chic spot with exposed brick walls. Contemporary Italian cooking is the focus, with modern touches on familiar favorites.
Crispy potato gnocchi and tagliatelle alla bolognese show the kitchen’s range. Maine lobster risotto steps things up for a special night.
Nicola’s eggplant parmigiana carries the house name, which tells you it matters. Boucheron goat cheese makes a creamy start, and tiramisu brings a classic close.
A fireplace and private dining room suit celebrations. Reservations are required, and dinner starts at 5 PM on weekdays.
Address: 1420 Sycamore St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
7. Luigi’s Restaurant, Akron, OH
Craving pizza at 1 AM on a Friday? Luigi’s has your back, staying open until 2 AM on weekend nights.
This down-home Akron institution sits on North Main Street downtown. Hearty pies and classic Italian eats are the main draw.
Baked ravioli and twice baked lasagna deliver serious comfort. The antipasto salad arrives big, and an Italian sub works for a quick lunch.
Portions here are hefty, and prices stay easy on the wallet. It’s the kind of place where college students and families share the same room.
Bring cash, since Luigi’s is cash only, though ATMs are inside. Expect a wait during busy weekend stretches.
Address: 105 N Main St, Akron, OH 44308
8. Grist, Dayton, OH
A pasta called Sass-Squash tells you this kitchen has a sense of humor. Grist in downtown Dayton pairs that playfulness with serious scratch-made skill.
Lunch leans on artisan sandwiches, while fresh pasta shines at both meals. That’s a Spicy Meat-A-Ball is another menu name that might win you over.
Sweet corn agnolotti and saffron gemelli show off the creative side. Tagliatelle alla bolognese and porcini rigatoni cover the comfort zone.
Don’t skip the kale Caesar or the Torres chips. Desserts deserve a little room as well.
Grist runs Tuesday through Saturday, with a break between lunch and dinner. Dinner reservations are a smart move.
Address: 46 W 5th St, Dayton, OH 45402
9. La Tavola, Grandview Heights, OH
House-made gelato is a strong argument for any restaurant. La Tavola in Grandview Heights backs it up with plenty more.
The kitchen serves modern takes on traditional Italian fare. Farm-to-table daily specials keep the menu feeling fresh.
Bolognese is a standout, and the risotto earns its own praise. Pizza and fresh pasta give you easy ways to share around the table.
The space is charming, with a relaxed yet polished feel. Outdoor seating is available when Ohio weather plays nice.
Dinner runs Tuesday through Sunday, starting at 5 PM. Reservations are recommended, especially on Saturdays.
Address: 1664 W 1st Ave, Grandview Heights, OH 43212
10. Inky’s Italian Foods – Toledo, OH, Toledo, OH
Frog legs at an Italian restaurant? Inky’s makes that happen, right alongside fried ravioli and stuffed shells.
Family-run and well established, this Toledo spot carries an old-timey vibe. It’s been a known name in the area for many years.
Homemade Italian sausage is a big deal here. Try it on a sandwich or on pizza, and you’ll see why.
Inky’s cheese and garlic bread with sauce makes a great opener. Chicken parmesan, manicotti, and white pizza cover the classics.
Portions run huge, and prices stay fair. It’s open for lunch on weekdays and closed on Sundays.
Address: 3945 N Detroit Ave, Toledo, OH 43612
11. Palazzo Cleveland, Cleveland, OH
Lobster ravioli headlines the menu on Detroit Avenue, and few dishes make a better first impression. Palazzo Cleveland brings an elevated touch to Italian dining.
Wood-fired pizza joins authentic pasta on the menu. Seafood pescatori is another choice for seafood lovers.
Scallops and risotto get plenty of attention too. Short rib ravioli adds a hearty twist to the ravioli lineup.
Presentation matters here, so expect plates that look as good as they taste. The setting feels relaxed but refined.
Save room for cannoli before you leave. Free parking makes the visit easy on the west side.
Address: 10031 Detroit Ave, Cleveland, OH 44102
12. Pasqualone’s, Columbus, OH
A strip mall seems like an unlikely home for an intimate Italian dinner. Pasqualone’s in Columbus happily breaks that expectation.
The dining room is small and quaint. Food here is prepared to order with real care.
Veal parmigiano is a signature worth trying. Ravioli, lobster ravioli, and a veal meatball appetizer also deserve a look.
Family-run roots show in the attentive, professional service. It feels like a special-occasion spot without the fuss.
Hours are limited, with dinner served Wednesday through Saturday only. Reservations are required, so book ahead.
Address: 5766 Emporium Square, Columbus, OH 43231
13. Papa Joe’s, Akron, OH
Cashew-encrusted trout doesn’t show up on many Italian menus. At Papa Joe’s in Akron, it shares space with Southern Italian staples.
This family-run restaurant serves steaks and seafood alongside the pasta. Chicken marsala, chicken francaise, and veal scallopini cover the classics.
The eggplant parmesan comes with a seared crust and sweet marinara. Spinach cannelloni and veal parmigiana also make strong choices.
A fireplace adds charm, and a private room suits rehearsal dinners or group gatherings. Dogs are welcome on the outdoor seating area.
Finish with tiramisu or cannolis. Dinner runs Tuesday through Sunday starting at 4 PM.
Address: 1561 Akron Peninsula Rd, Akron, OH 44313
14. Sebastiano’s Italiano, Toledo, OH
Picky eaters, this one’s for you. Sebastiano’s Italiano lets you build your own pasta bowl.
Pick your pasta, sauce, and add-ins to make it yours. It’s a fun twist on the classic Italian dinner.
Prefer to let the kitchen decide? Shrimp and sausage and the meat sauce are menu highlights, and mushroom ravioli is another favorite.
Light piano music adds to the low-key mood. It’s a relaxed neighborhood spot that still feels polished.
Dinner starts at 5 PM Monday through Saturday. Free parking keeps things simple.
Address: 4448 Heatherdowns Blvd, Toledo, OH 43614
15. Troni’s Italian Restaurant, Dayton, OH
Garlic rolls are a fine way to close out any ranking. Troni’s in Dayton serves them alongside plenty of red-sauce favorites.
The dining room is unfussy and quiet. Freshly made sauces anchor the familiar pizzas and pasta dishes.
Manicotti is a standout, and meat lasagna is a hearty choice. Chicken francese and chicken marsala cover the poultry side.
Stromboli with pepperoni, sausage, and cheese feeds a big appetite. The house dressing gets its own praise too.
Desserts include tiramisu and cannoli. Troni’s serves lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday, wrapping up this Ohio list on a delicious note.
Address: 1314 E Dorothy Ln, Dayton, OH 45419