Luigi's Restaurant

Family owned and operated since 1949, Luigi’s Italian Restaurant has been an Akron landmark for over 60 years. Priding itself on consistency and tradition, Luigi’s has been serving up its famous pizzas, cheesy salads, and pastas for decades.  The tradition began in 1949 when Nick Ciriello, the son of a cheese maker, and his wife, Rose, bought a steak house on North Main Street. This small, one room restaurant only sat 60 and was better known for its steaks and late night dining. As time went on, however, the delicious, simple Italian recipes had gained much popularity. By the late 1960s, the grill had long been turned off, and Luigi’s had begun forming it’s famed reputation—consistent, delicious Italian cuisine and a comfortable atmosphere that attracts generation after generation.  Through the 80s and 90s, business remained steady as Mickey and Marie continued their management of the restaurant. In 1985, Luigi’s opened its doors for lunch. Daytime specials like the slice and salad, pasta fagiole, and soup du jour drew in large lunch crowds. In 1990, a third dinning room was opened, bringing the restaurant’s seating up to 190. By the end of the 90s, Mickey and Marie had turned over the daily operations to Tony Ciriello, Marie’s son. Luigi’s has still since remained a popular Akron landmark with the same look and feel it has had for decades. ”We try very hard to keep the restaurant timeless,” Mickey Ciriello says of his family’s legacy. From the recipes to the décor, Luigi’s strives to maintain the traditions that made it successful from the beginning. Luigi’s Restaurant will continue to deliver what it has for over 60 years—award winning food, great service, and an inviting atmosphere.