The votes are in Akron — here are the 2nd annual Best of the City winners.

With a few close races and a couple of knockouts in 12 categories, you have spoken — these are your most-favored food and drink spots in Akron. From best burger to best brewery to best bakery, each is marked by style, ambience and, let’s face it, just plain ol’ good eats.

Starting today, we’ll showcase two winners each weekday for you to check out and find a new favorite or to order your go-to menu item.

Here’s to new adventures in eating!

Line cook Tom Atnukan prepares food at Cilantro Thai & Sushi Restaurant in downtown Akron during lunchtime.
Line cook Tom Atnukan prepares food at Cilantro Thai & Sushi Restaurant in downtown Akron during lunchtime on Monday, Oct. 20. (Ryan Loew / Signal Akron)

Best restaurant

Cilantro Thai & Sushi

326 S. Main St., downtown

Swensons curb server Adam Reese delivers food to a customer at the chain's original location on Hawkins Avenue in Akron on Monday, Oct. 20.
Swensons curb server Adam Reese delivers food to a customer at the chain’s original location on Hawkins Avenue in Akron on Monday, Oct. 20. (Ryan Loew / Signal Akron)

Best burger

Swensons Drive-in

40 S. Hawkins Ave., Wallhaven
658 E. Cuyahoga Falls Ave., North Hill

Coming Wednesday: 

Best bakery

Sweet Mary’s Bakery

76 E. Mill St., downtown

Best coffee / tea

Angel Falls Coffee Co.

792 W. Market St., Highland Square

Coming Thursday: 

Want to find more things to do around Akron? We’ve got you covered from big events to neighborhood happenings. Discover more things to do in Akron here.

Best date night

750ml Wine 

2287 W. Market St., Northwest Akron

Best breakfast / brunch

The Eye Opener

1688 W. Market St., Wallhaven

At Lock 15 Brewing Co., year-round and seasonal brews are on tap, as well as experimental beers.
At Lock 15 Brewing Co., year-round and seasonal brews are on tap, as well as experimental beers. (Ryan Loew / Signal Akron)

Best bar / brewery

Lock 15 Brewery 

21 W. North St., Cascade Valley

Best food truck

Swensons Food Truck

(Location updates posted on Instagram).

Various dishes at Zakee Mediterranean Street Food in Akron's Merriman Valley.
Various Middle Eastern dishes at Zakee Mediterranean Street Food in Akron’s Merriman Valley. Top row (left to right): pita bread, kibbeh, Zakee bowl. Middle row (left to right): Baba ghanoush, falafel, grape leaves. Bottom row (left to right): Hummus and kenafeh. (Ryan Loew / Signal Akron)

Best new food outlet in Akron

Zakee Mediterranean Street Food

1562 Akron Peninsula Road, Merriman Valley

Best pizza

Luigi’s Restaurant

105 N. Main St., downtown

Best ethnic food

Saffron Patch in the Valley

1238 Weathervane Lane, Merriman Valley 

Best chain dining

Swensons

40 S. Hawkins Ave., Wallhaven
658 E. Cuyahoga Falls Ave., North Hill

Culture and Arts Reporter (she/her)
Kelsei centers arts and culture, food and identity in her storytelling. She uses her professional experience and editorial skills to focus a community-first mindset and a strategic approach to her reporting. Kelsei’s previous reporting experiences include food, community and culture coverage at 225 Magazine in her hometown of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Kelsei is a recent alumna of Northwestern University and a 2023 graduate of Jackson State University.