The best restaurants in Mahoning County

Fast-food chain serving Mexican-inspired fare such as tacos, quesadillas & nachos.

Casual counter-serve chain for build-your-own sandwiches & salads, with health-conscious options.

Casual restaurant offering Mexican fare, including design-your-own burritos, tacos & bowls.

Fast-food chain serving Mexican-inspired fare such as tacos, quesadillas & nachos.

Mexican chain serving customizable dishes, such as burrito bowls, over the counter.

Basic regional chain with an extensive menu of specialty pizzas, subs, wings & calzones.

Counter-serve chain specializing in sub & club sandwiches, plus signature potato chips.

Enduring institution with American staples in old-school digs, plus happy hours & all-day breakfast.

Carry-out chain featuring chicken wings, signature breadsticks & pizza tossed from housemade dough.

Casual counter-serve chain for build-your-own sandwiches & salads, with health-conscious options.

Family-friendly chain with American eats like burgers, hot dogs & shakes, plus breakfast.

Kravitz Delicatessen Inc has been the corned-beef gold standard for 80-plus years, turning out epic Reubens, breakfast favorites, and daily soups like chicken noodle aka Jewish penicillin, and wedding soup. Treat yourself or win the office with party trays, boxed lunches, and deli meats by the pound this week.

From the Youngstown newsletter, September 29, 2026

Craving something fresh that isn't another pizza? Izumi Japanese Restaurant in Youngstown serves delicious fresh sushi and authentic Japanese dishes made with high quality ingredients, plus enough variety to keep everyone happy. Treat yourself this week, dine in or order online and call it a win.

From the Youngstown newsletter, October 2, 2026

Salvatore's Italian Grill does it all, from Neapolitan thin and Sicilian sheet pies to calzones, strombolis, pastas, and burgers when you’re not feeling red sauce. Grab Sal’s Original Walnut Salad on the side and call it balance.

From the Youngstown newsletter, October 5, 2026

Casual counter-serve chain serving a variety of chicken wings & sides.

Sawa Steakhouse Hibachi, Seafood, and Sushi Bar hits that Youngstown sweet spot with sizzling hibachi, fresh-tasting rolls like Volcano and Rainbow, and portions that make leftovers a given. Friendly vibes, quick service, and consistently tasty steak and shrimp make it an easy weeknight go-to.

From the Youngstown newsletter, October 17, 2026

Uptown Pizza keeps it simple in the best way, serving pies built on a decades-old recipe that Youngstown folks know by heart. When you want a no-drama dinner, think classic pepperoni, plus wings, salads, subs, and pasta that hit the spot every single time.

From the Youngstown newsletter, October 10, 2026

Lively chain steakhouse serving American fare with a Southwestern spin amid Texas-themed decor.

Paris Banh Mi Cafe & Bakery is serving Vietnamese-style baguette sandwiches with that perfect crackly bite, plus French pâtisserie treats and fun specialty beverages like artichoke tea. Consider this your midweek nudge to swap a boring salad for a Banh Mi Pate & Pork BBQ.

From the Salem newsletter, October 10, 2026

Whether your week needs a no-fuss dinner or a reward for surviving errands, Uptown Pizza (Liberty) sticks with the beloved recipe they’ve used for decades so every slice tastes like tradition. Consistent, local, and satisfying... grab a pie and remember why change isn’t always an upgrade.

From the Youngstown newsletter, September 30, 2026

Steamers Stonewall Tavern keeps it classic with real-deal seafood and steaks. Think steamed-at-the-bar clams, Maryland-style crab cakes, Ichiban tuna and king crab alongside Boursin NY strip and a Bleu Balsamic Filet. Take a friend who swears they’re not into seafood, then watch them steal your plate.

From the Salem newsletter, October 9, 2026

Youngstown’s The Blind Bear is that cozy neighborhood spot where everything’s made from scratch and unmistakably local, from big-flavor small plates to mastered mains. Settle in for curated cocktails, stay for the neighborhood vibes that make weeknights feel special and weekends feel inevitable.

From the Youngstown newsletter, October 26, 2026

Casa di Canzonetta hits the sweet spot for groups with Italian staples, steaks, seafood, and burgers alongside cocktails and wines. Weekend brunch makes it a repeat pick... comforting plates, easy vibes, and enough variety to keep everyone from the pasta purist to the burger holdout happy.

From the Youngstown newsletter, September 6, 2026

When you want a no-fuss spot for flavorful Mexican favorites right here in Youngstown that hits the spot after work or before the game, Bandidos Cantina and Grill keeps it simple and satisfying. Easy online ordering if you’re couch-committed, or swing by and let the cravings handle themselves.

From the Youngstown newsletter, October 23, 2026

Skip the sad buffet shuffle and do it right at Kan Pai Sushi, where every roll, nigiri, hibachi plate, and noodle bowl is made to order and brought out fresh each round, with friendly guidance and new additions like the Godzilla Roll and Kan Pai Roll to explore this week.

From the Youngstown newsletter, October 3, 2026

Yosteria brings the classic osteria spirit to Smoky Hollow, pouring unique Italian wines alongside regional shared plates that actually make sharing fun. It’s the kind of neighborhood spot where you linger, swap bites, and maybe finish with an amaro because, well, you’re in Youngstown.

From the Youngstown newsletter, October 27, 2026

Aqua Pazzo brings modern Roman-inspired plates to Boardman, the kind of spot you save for a night when dinner should feel like an event. Standouts include cioppino and a rich butter cake, so pace yourself or plan to forget a bite for tomorrow.

From the Salem newsletter, October 11, 2026

Coaches Burger Bar keeps the Valley fed with big, juicy burgers, crispy wings, pizza, and shakes that feel like a victory lap. Hit their Burger of the Month or the Milkshake of the Month, then raise a fry to the local coaches they celebrate since 2015.

From the Youngstown newsletter, October 3, 2026

Bull & Bear Neighborhood Grille and Tavern (Belmont) keeps it classic with local-favorite tavern eats that actually hit, think Brier Hill Hoagies, ’Roni Lovers Pizza, crispy pierogis and pickle fries. Grab it online when you’re staying in, or let their catering make your next gathering feel effortless.

From the Youngstown newsletter, October 3, 2026

Between crispy wings with sauce or dry-rub options, juicy tenders, and chicken over yellow or Basmati rice, Dude’s Chicken keeps weeknights easy with bold flavors and fresh ingredients.

From the Youngstown newsletter, October 25, 2026

If your week needs brisket that actually tastes like brisket and pulled pork piled as high as you can justify, The Youngstown BBQ Company delivers fast-casual comfort with zero fuss. Add cheesy potatoes, call it dinner, then try not to brag about it tomorrow.

From the Salem newsletter, October 15, 2026

The Varsity Club Youngstown is downtown's restaurant, bar, and entertainment hub where dedicated YSU game-day broadcasts meet shareables like Reuben egg rolls, wings, and hot honey chicken sandwiches, plus live music, DJ nights, and easy catering for team parties or family hangs.

From the Youngstown newsletter, September 26, 2026

Franks Cafe - Boardman is that reliable local spot for all-day breakfast, made-to-order salads and wraps, and quick lunch bowls that actually taste like someone cared.

From the Salem newsletter, October 12, 2026

If your week needs an upgrade, Magic Tree Pub & Eatery turns fresh, house-made comfort into an art, from that ridiculous one-pound pretzel to plates that actually taste like someone cares. Pair it with one of the Mahoning Valley’s most eclectic drink lists and make a night of it this week.

From the Youngstown newsletter, October 20, 2026

When you want the real-deal comfort of homemade pasta, hearty Italian classics, and those Friday-only specials that make the week worth it, Scarsella's Restaurant keeps it Flavorful, Authentic, and very Youngstown, with dine-in, takeout, and catering so your plans match your appetite.

From the Youngstown newsletter, October 12, 2026

Savannah Joe's keeps it laid-back and satisfying with soul-food favorites, soulful soups, and sides that taste like someone actually cared. Save room for their from-scratch, delectable desserts, because yes, you deserve it... and yes, this is the kind of comfort that makes bad days better.

From the Youngstown newsletter, October 18, 2026

When the week hits hard, Pho Saigon brings that fix of fragrant broth, fresh herbs, and slurpable noodles that makes everything quieter for a minute. Feeling extra hungry, grab a second dish or keep it simple and order online when couch mode wins.

From the Youngstown newsletter, October 14, 2026

Boisterous Australian-themed chain serving steaks, seafood & other hearty steakhouse fare.

Wedgewood Fernando's Pizza serves classic and creative pies, from crispy-edged sheet-pan squares to saucy rounds made with a never-compromise mindset. Consider this your nudge... order a pie, call it dinner, and remind yourself why Youngstown takes pizza personally.

From the Youngstown newsletter, August 28, 2026

El Tapatio Mexican Restaurant & Cantina is the kind of spot you keep in your weeknight rotation, with a sprawling menu from sizzling fajitas and quesabirria to camarones and tres leches, plus colorful margaritas. They also cater and host parties, so your next get-together basically plans itself.

From the Youngstown newsletter, October 11, 2026

When you need a reliable spot for fresh breakfast, lunch, or dinner, The Mocha House - Downtown Youngstown has you covered with specialty coffee drinks, pastries, and New York style cheesecakes. Great for a quick bite, dessert runs, or easy catering and online orders.

From the Youngstown newsletter, October 9, 2026

Tooney's Flavor House is turning out smash burgers with caramelized onions and that addictive Toonspread, plus Bodega Chop Cheese hoagies, coneys, and fresh-cut fries. It’s the kind of no-fuss, big-flavor spot you swing by when you want something real, fast, and a little messy in the best way.

From the Youngstown newsletter, October 29, 2026

A longtime Northeast Ohio favorite for casual Italian comfort, Belleria Pizza Wick keeps it simple with crowd-pleasing pizzas and pasta, easy carryout through ChowNow or their app, delivery via DoorDash, and that dependable, hometown flavor you reach for when weeknights get hectic.

From the Youngstown newsletter, October 19, 2026

When your week needs an instant mood lift, Mizu Sushi Bar & Grill delivers fresh sushi rolls and Japanese fare, balancing traditional flavors with playful, modern combos. Perfect for a casual date night or treating yourself because you finally folded the laundry.

From the Salem newsletter, October 25, 2026

When your eggs benedict cravings turn oddly specific, House of Bennys delivers with riffs like Lamb & Feta, Barbacoa, and Maple Sausage, plus a full vegan lineup with plant-based hollandaise and Just Egg scrambles. Perfect for a midweek reset or an unhurried catch-up.

From the Youngstown newsletter, October 15, 2026

When your morning needs a pep talk, The Landmark Restaurant & Bakery comes through with fresh, daily-baked donuts, cozy diner breakfasts, and lunch built around real-deal burgers and sandwiches. Keep it simple this week, treat yourself to something made today and a donut you won’t share.

From the Youngstown newsletter, October 2, 2026

When you need a locally loved breakfast that actually fills you up, The Landmark Restaurant delivers cozy diner plates alongside daily baked donuts and pastries. Two Youngstown spots, hearty lunchtime burgers and sandwiches, plus donut trays for meetings or fundraisers...

From the Youngstown newsletter, October 4, 2026

When you want classic American comfort without the fuss, Springfield Grille nails that sweet spot with crowd-pleasing plates and a relaxed, grown-up vibe. Part of Springfield Restaurant Group since 1979, it’s an easy go-to for a low-key date or a weeknight win in Boardman.

From the Youngstown newsletter, October 1, 2026

Station Square leans into upscale Italian comfort with fresh fish, grass-fed beef, and organic, locally sourced produce. The kicker is the wine bar, recognized by Wine Spectator with multiple Awards of Excellence, with 450-plus bottles and monthly tastings that keep things interesting.

From the Youngstown newsletter, October 22, 2026

Barry Dyngles keeps things lively with award-winning in-house barbecue, a hefty menu that goes beyond 'que to salads, pastas, seafood, and sandwiches, TVs for the game, and a weekly card game. Grab a spot on Hannon's Hideaway patio and let the good vibes do their thing.

From the Youngstown newsletter, October 24, 2026

Ely's is the local vegan spot that nails the basics and then some, from plant-based eats to a killer green smoothie loaded with kale, cucumber, parsley, lime, mango and pineapple juice. An easy, feel-good pick when you want lunch that actually tastes like something.

From the Salem newsletter, October 14, 2026

Fresh-baked Italian loaves, garlic twists, and semi-hard rolls are the foundation at Cornersburg Italian Specialties, where you can grab Italian cold cuts, cheeses, and quick hot-counter lunches. Planning a gathering? Their party trays and catering keep graduation tables and Sunday game spreads happily overloaded.

From the Youngstown newsletter, October 16, 2026

Whether you're craving old-school red sauce comfort or a lively drink with neighbors, Cassese's MVR has been proudly serving Youngstown since 1927 with classic Italian mains and a festive bar vibe. They also handle banquets and catering, so you can outsource nonna-level feasts without the dishes.

From the Youngstown newsletter, September 28, 2026