Best pizza: Luigi’s pies are freshly made, family-inspired

Pizza, with a “cheese salad” to start. Newcomers to Akron are often encouraged to try both at Luigi’s, a mainstay in the Cascade Valley neighborhood since 1949.

Luigi’s has been in the Ciriello family for generations, and its reputation has been built on the consistency of its products and doing what it does best: pizza.

It’s what drives customers back time after time. 

“You just got to be the same thing that you lined up for the last week when you come through the door, that’s what you’re known for,” said Jim Corl, manager of the restaurant. 

Customers continue to patronize Luigi’s, a repeat winner in the Best of the City best pizza category, because they can expect the same food that they love. Favorites range from pepperoni, mushroom or sausage pizza. Lately, customers have been requesting white sauce instead of the traditional red pizza sauce.  

The restaurant also serves baked pasta dishes and iceberg lettuce salad topped with a generous amount of mozzarella cheese and Italian dressing, locally referred to as the perennial favorite “cheese salad.” 

Luigi’s is open seven days a week, and the level of busyness grows later in the week. If you plan to dine in, you may have to wait for a table to become available. Once you’re seated, you can expect to be greeted and to have your order taken promptly. 

Servers are kind and equipped to navigate between tables — there’s a ton of movement and noise, but it’s part of what makes Luigi’s … Luigi’s.

Preparing for a visit to Luigi’s

So, what do you need to know if you want to enjoy Luigi’s cuisine? 

Before pizzas and pastas can be served, the ingredients must be prepared. That’s why daily at 6 a.m., meatballs, sauces, sausage and doughs are made for every patron to enjoy. The same recipes are used, never wavering from the original. 

Reservations are not accepted at the restaurant, and cash or check is the only form of payment — there is an ATM on site. You can also call to place a carry-out order.  

The hustle and bustle of the environment, along with the savory taste of Italian dishes, make the job worthwhile; however, the best part is the team, Corl said. 

“They’re a very strong team; it’s a family throughout,” he said. About six employees have worked at the restaurant for around 25 years, Corl said, while two employees have more than 40 years of service. 

Suggested Reading

Did your favorite Akron restaurant or coffee spot win? Here are our 2025 Best of the City winners

by Kelsei Scott October 21, 2025October 30, 2025

2nd Place:

DeCheco’s Pizzeria (2024 2nd place winner)

2075 S. Main St., Firestone Park
330-724-4835
2283 W. Market St., Northwest Akron
330-967-2283
Website: https://dechecospizzeria.com/ 

3rd Place: 

Missing Falls Brewery 

540 S. Main St., downtown
234-231-1000
Website: https://www.missingfalls.com/?age-verified=db03dfbe3a