If you are going to call your establishment an Italian Restaurant, then Please have olive oil, real Olive oil, hopefully from Italia. And no, not peanut oil and Wesson does not constitute for Olive Oil, nor whatever is kept on your shelf in the form of Olive oil. Reader's Digest Version: Avoid this place if one must, no credit cards should be the second sign, because after you eat here, you cannot dispute the 'charge' when paying cash. If you feel like reading more: So my story begins last night, I arrived here in NE Ohio for a family emergency on Thursday night; my father and I wanted to get a late night eat. I should have actually read some of the Yelp reviews but just went off the '4 star' and figured, ehhh, cannot be all that bad. Besides, one cannot be too selective at 10:45 at night (I was still on West Coast time). So we decided Luigi's it is. Dad gets the Antipasto 'Grande' and I get the Sausage + Meatball casserole, sans pasta. A description of the Antipasto "Grande" is this: a Whole Head of Lettuce on a plate, underneath you will find the "Lunchable" sticks that are sold in any major grocery store consisting of salami, and cheese, although I wasn't sure on which kind of cheese, and oberto olives out of the can just for good measure. I kid you not. Needless to say, we left the Mound of Lettuce for the rabbits and snacked on what this place considered an antipasto plate. In a word, terrible. My dish wasn't much better, for the exception of the meat sauce, the actual meatball smelt like it was made out of SPAM, and had the consistency and look of vulcanized rubber when cut up. I avoided eating the meatball and then went to the sausage. Nothing exciting about the sausage, it was edible, not great but at this juncture I had to eat. . . buon appetito! read more

I grew up in Akron. I've never been able to figure out why so many people rave about Luigis...until now. I moved to Cleveland many years ago. A week ago I was passing through Akron late at night...I was hungry. I thought maybe I should try Luigi's again. After all, it had been many many years since I had been there. I called the order in ahead of time so it would be ready by the time I arrived. I picked up the pizza and headed back to the car. The first thing I noticed was the size of the pizza box. Any other pizza place would consider this "large" pizza to be a medium. And this was a pepperoni and sausage pizza w/extra sauce. Very small and only 2 items plus extra sauce. $20!! What?! I headed over to my moms to eat. I'm thinking, it HAS to be GREAT for what I just paid for this little thing. Nope. I was wrong. Nothing has changed. It's still the same very bland, un exciting pizza I remember...only much smaller and more expensive than I recall. Very sad. Never again. So...why has Luigi's always been so popular in Akron? It's simple. Akron is a college town. The University of Akron is downtown. Luigi's is downtown. Luigi's is open until 4am. What do you do after closing the university bars? Go eat. Who's open? Fancy that...Luigi's. So, of course it's going to taste great to a bunch of college kids that have no other choices late at night. And when it has to be your go-to place all the time, you grow to think you really like it. A person can acquire a taste for nearly anything when it's the only thing you can find to eat. And then there's the sentimental factor. For we older folks, there are lots of memories of meeting with classmates at the only place open. Good times being with each other. Those college day memories somehow make the food seem more palatable.. Former students think it was the food that was great. Well it was never the food. It was all about the experience - the memories of being with great people from your past, in the only place that you could dine-in at that hour. Talking, laughing, hugging, kissing, etc. Now that these folks are older, they yearn for those times again. So they keep going back and believing that that pizza is the best thing ever. It's not, though. When they bite into that bland pie, a rush of deliciously vivid college day memories fill their heads. Hmmm. Maybe the memories make it worth it? read more

Mediocre at it's best. This is the type of place that people dine at only because of three reasons. 1. They've been dining here since some point of nostalgia 2. They hears good reviews from someone that knows nothing about pizza and Italian food 3. They went be a group was going there and thy could care less. Wait staff- friendly, but all dated(Think early 90's) Ambiance- Crowed, and old fashioned. Food- There are at least a dozen other places in the area with waaaaaaaaaaaay better pizza. Kitchen- The kitchen appeared clean...believe me I made a point to look, the cooks and dishwashers were a sweaty dirty, pants sagging, no chef coat wearing mess. I actually saw a dishwasher handling "clean dishes" bare handed. There was some debris on a cup that he used his ashy hands to pick off. Check- take cash or you will have to squeeze past a long u necessary line of potential diners, seated guest and take out customers to venture to the back of the restaurant where there is an ATM that gives you a receipt to walk all the way back to the front of the restaurant passing 100 people in a tight space yet again to receive cash that could have been issued at the register if they would either take cash or move the stupid machine from the back of the restaurant next to the kitchen with the dirty kitchen staff. read more

Mayhaps the most overrated business in all of Akron. Here Italian came to shine, laid down several years ago, and died. What remains is a hangout for the APD and teenagers breaking curfew. Nothing is fresh. Not in the last 5 years I've eaten here. It's really sad when the big draw is the salads, as they come with handfuls of mozzarella cheese on top. I've had Italian food all over. Here, it's nothing special and it reminds me of what I should have done, gone somewhere else. read more

Solid. Some of my favorite high school friends and I made plans to meet here before our 10 year high school reunion (eek! 10 years...) to catch up and grab food. A rock band, an attorney, an optometrist, an ad executive, and an accountant - wow, we sure have changed! It was 7PM and the line was super long, but the weather was nice and we wanted to be fashionably late (and buzzed!) to the reunion, so we stuck it out and were seated around 8:15PM. Although the wait to get seated was pretty long, the quick service more than made up for it. Within minutes we had a round of Christmas Ales at the table and a round of salads came a few minutes after that. The salad is pretty basic, but the dressing is delicious. Oh, and don't forget the cheese - it's at least a cup of mozzarella on top! And the pizza, which came out about 15 minutes later... Mmm! The crust is very similar to Pequod's in Chicago - spongy with a lil carmelized ring on the edge. The sauce is light and flavorful, and they do not skimp on toppings. Each bite is full of cheesy meaty goodness! The sizes are pretty small compared to what you would see at a chain pizza restaurant - one person could easily finish a small pizza and a large could feed two, maybe three. The price point is reasonable and, if you order salads and bread, $10-$15 a person (without drinks) should cover you. It's certainly not my all-time favorite pizza or Italian restaurant, but it hits the spot and I've never been dissatisfied. They lose a star for their failure to accept credit cards. It's the 21st century, and this place gets enough business that the 1-3% fee shouldn't hurt them. Luigi's is great for families, friends, parties, groups, and for people of all ages. While a line into a restaurant is slightly annoying it must mean it's good, and you will not be disappointed by Luigi's. They do quite a bit of business via carryout, too, in case you don't have time to wait in line to eat in. Calling it the best pizza in Northeast Ohio, or even the area, is a stretch, but it's a staple in Akron, and you've gotta dig it! read more

SO, the basic food here is alright but...the pizza... I have lived in NY, seen Europe, and visited the west coast. I have traveled the deep south and lived in Texas. Been to over 37 states, and have had pizza in each one. I always say the same thing... "It's good but it's no Luigi's" read more

I'm a Philly girl who spent two years living in Akron, OH and Luigi's was what saved me. Their pizza is delicious, the dough is chewy and although it is not typically the type of pizza I like, Luigi's does it well. Their salad with cheese should be called the cheese salad with some lettuce down there somewhere...but that's the best part. I love cheese so this salad made me happy. I say it is the best pizza in the greater Akron area. The only reason I gave it four stars was because it is cash only. Come one, you are a sit down restaurant with a bar- you need to take credit cards. read more

Mmmmmm....every time anyone SAYS Luigi's I start drooling. This is literally the best pizza anywhere. This is the best place to go between bars. read more

I'm craving the baked ravioli as I type. This place is an Akron institution - and that's a good thing! Every time I come "home" from the DC area I make an effort to get to Luigi's for a meal - either after drinking with friends at 2am or with my parents at a more "respectable" hour. I really love everything about this place - from the weird "band" above the door to the classic booths. The pizza is wonderful, but I love the pasta. Oh, and the salad - it's really just cheese with some lettuce. The bread too, it's so good. Bring your cash - they don't accept credit cards (probably never will). They have an ATM machine just in case. read more

Small and cramped but i don't care there pizza and food are worth it. I just wished they changed there policy and not make it cash only.

Having grew up in Brooklyn and having spent time in Italy i can truely say this isn't remotely italian, better sauce comes out of a can. Do yourself a favor and pass on this Akron landmark, your tastebuds will love you for it read more

Great pizza. Great atmosphere! Salad is amazing. Best pizza in Akron! Service was on point prices were good for food quality! Wait was a little long but the food was worth it for sure. read more

I'm hovering somewhere between 3 and 4 stars for this review. On the one hand, the first time I tried it, I really wasn't impressed. On the other hand, I've been back several times since then so something keeps me coming back. I have to say I was a little horrified by the tiny house salad with a literal mountain of cheese on top. I was surprised that they only offer their basic oil and vinegar dressing also. The combination of oil and cheese is addicting though. I haven't ordered their pasta dishes, but I did order the pizza a few times. I tried both the bianca (white) pizza and the regular red sauce, and I have to say I don't care for the red sauce. It tastes like storebought jar sauce to me personally. I did really like the bianca though, and I continue to order this when I've returned. I like that their small is about the size of a personal pan. It's neither traditional nor trendy in terms of pizza doughs, it's about a medium rise with nice doughiness to it as well as the added touch of the slightly burned cheese around the outside of the crust. I think Luigi's secret isn't much of a secret at all... add enough good quality mozzarella cheese to something and it will be delicious. I really hate that they don't take credit cards. I wouldn't care if they were a small or newer restaurant, but this is arguably one of the most popular restaurants in Akron, I find it hard to believe they can't afford the credit card fees. I do appreciate that they at least have a makeshift ATM in the back though. The service has always been fast and friendly when I've come, they especially keep the front desk well staffed for take out. The seating fills up really fast for dinnertime though, so expect a wait! I'll probably keep returning to Luigi's and I would recommend for others to try if they were in the area, but don't expect anything groundbreaking in terms of Italian restaurants. read more

Haven't gone in a decade, had a field trip planned to Akron & decided to take some friends. Got there 10 minutes after they opened, had no problem getting a table. I thought everything was better than it used to be! The bread is fresh & soft & amazing. My husband got a pizza & I couldn't stop eating it. Super addictive! I had the 1/2 rigatoni 1/2 ravioli with meat sauce baked with cheese. It was a half order & it was perfect. Hot, rich. We also started with salads with cheese. I don't even like cheese on my salad & it was fantastic. I was really impressed & even with a bottle of wine our bill for 4 wasn't bad. I highly recommend when you want some comfort food, head to Luigi's. Just get their early & bring cash. read more

I just hate writing a somewhat negative review about Luigi's. Lived in Akron most of my life and always, always loved it. Maybe it was this particular Friday night but it was our first not- so- good experience. There was absolutely no sauce on my husband's pizza or our daughter's spaghetti. I had lasagna which was ok at best. Service is awesome. Stood in line for quite awhile as usual and we will try again as this was always one of Akron's gems in Italian dining. read more

Luigi's is a staple of Akron, Ohio. If you visit or live in Akron, Ohio and you haven't been to Luigi's I can honestly say you are missing out. I lived at the University for a number of years and we would make Luigi's a stop on our night out at least 1 time per week. Since getting married and having kids we have scaled this attendance back to at least 1 time per month. There truly isn't anything on the menu that we haven't tried and raved about. Their famous salads with the mounds of cheese and the incredible oil based dressing is ALWAYS on our table during our visits. The pizza is by far one of the best in the city; they are always cooked to perfection and the portion always seem to be perfect. The pasta, the meatballs, and any other Italian dishes are off the charts delicious. The only way that Luigi's can possibly be given below 4 or 5 stars is something they can't control- They are ALWAYS busy! We truly can't fault the establishment for being swamped at all hours of operations. I will be the first to tell you the food IS worth waiting. I would HIGHLY recommend Luigi's Restaurant to anyone looking for incredible food! read more

Not much to say that hasn't already been said. The wines are delicious. Beers are cheap. Pizza bianco is a MUST! The dough is fluffy and soft. Cheese is fresh and melts in your mouth. Two thumbs up for this gem! read more

The reason for my birth. Why I wake up every morning. Why I am so obsessed with cheese, oil & vinegar, and vinyl booths. Can I just say, Luigi's is the Best Place on Earth. Order their tossed salad with cheese (get a double if you're hungry) and make sure you get an extra plate so your delicate little iceberg leaves have enough room to breathe (those itty bitty wooden bowls are so constricting). This place is an Akron institution. I went back there after not being there for over a year, and the waitress gave me the "where the heck have you been!" grin and "hello." Awesome service, the line sucks so get there early or late, and pray for a red booth by the jukebox. Paradise by the dashboard light never sounded so good as it does with a dribble of delicious, oily dressing running down your face. Love. read more

Oh Akron. What is your obsession? The best thing i could say about this place is that the have Coca-cola and I had a nice waitress. However, the food was nothing special at all. Reminded me of Guy's Pizza. Oh and they DO NOT except credit cards, but have the common courtesy to have a machine to give you money...with a $2 charge of course. Another reason not to go to Akron. Sorry... : \ read more

This is my favorite Italian restaurant. The food and atmosphere are awesome and the staff is nice and helpful. The prices are reasonable too. I love this place!!!! If you are going on a date or taking the family out to eat, this is the place to be. read more

Luigi's has some of the best pizza around. We LOVE their food! If you love Italian food then this is a must visit place. The only complaints are the long waits for a table (because everyone wants to eat here) and they don't take credit cards. read more

I love Luigi's. They have the best salads in town!

Ok, people giving low star reviews for Lugi's are haters, plain and simple. Of course this is not a tres chic cucina, it is a dive pizza joint dumbasses. And this is where it excels beyond all comparable places. The pizza here is seriously the best on the planet. Crunchy crust, doughy middle with excellent cheese and condiments. Perfect melange of flavors. The salad is one of my favorites, but I can see where people would not always love it. They hand grate their mozzerella and it has amazing flavor. One of the best kept secrets are their baked pastas and especially their meatballs. Amazing homemade meatballs. These types of places don't exist in most towns, and this place would be a treasure no matter what town it was in. Excellent atmosphere and always awesome wait staff. read more

First time going to Luigi's I've heard great things about this place. I ordered take out and got the large sized lasagna thinking I'd have leftovers for lunch tomorrow. I was deeply mistaken. I paid $10 for a large that seemed like a small portion. I ate it in one sitting and I'm still hungry (I'm a small person too). The lasagna wasn't that great either and it didn't have much to it (lasagna to me is very tall, there's was almost 2 layers only). Needless to say I was very disappointed and don't know if I'll go back. Wasn't worth the money read more

Luigi's Restaurant - This was a large sized lasagna. Was very small and not worth the money. Wasn't that great either - Pizza Near Me - Akron, Ohio

I know everyone around town raves about this place, but I cannot do the same. Unfortunately my experience was not so great. I ordered the spaghetti and meatball and my partner ordered a small White pizza. I have had better spaghetti out of a can. Food was very bland. The pizza was mediocre at best. read more

Charges extra for meat sauce which tasted like canned sauce- large lasagna was super small and tasted microwaved- Overpriced and not impressed with the pasta meals. read more

Food doesn't make up for the outside wait and awkward seating. Loud place, salad has way way too much cheese. And I got food poisoning. So I think it sucks. read more

I don't know why this place is so popular. The food is OK, nothing more. It is always so crowded and I wonder if everyone who goes here has lost their sense of taste. I'm not returning, the Italian Center is way better. read more

I guess I should have read the reviews better. I had an Italian sub, the only thing good about it was the lettuce! There was less than an ounce of meat, the sandwich was tasteless. I had zucchini planks, again, almost tasteless, the marinara sauce was diced tomatoes from a can I believe, not much spice. The best thing about the meal were the Krinkle cut fries! I am not sure how this got high ratings, maybe it was the pizza. Last, they do not take credit cards, which always makes me suspicious of a restaurant that does this. They have an ATM, but Give me a break in this day and age??? I not only get to have a sub-par meal, but if I did not have cash, I would get to pay an additional ATM charge! I usually have great experiences by using yelp, but this was a miss! read more

This place is amazing! Make sure to vring cash, there is an atm but it runs out of money due to all the business!

Excellent Italian food and pizza! Be prepared to wait outside until a table is open, there's almost no room to stand inside and there's usually a long line out the door. Also, no credit cards are accepted but they do have an ATM in the restaurant. Excellent for a family meal. I also enjoy all the murals and doodads on the walls. read more

Was honestly so disappointed with this spot! Have heard incredible reviews from friends and coworkers so maybe I had too highexpectations, but luigi's did not live up to the hype. I ordered the lunch special (pizza slice and cheese salad) with 2 other ladies (we all ordered the same thing!) We waited 20min after we ordered to even get bread, and then another 20min till pie food came! The salad was good- the cheese loved up to the hype, but the pizza (what I really came for!) Was disappointing! Too greasy and an extremely small slice. Together, the pizza and salad was not an appropriate meal for me, and I am not a big eater! Left the store craving more food and grabbed a snack early a bit later to carry me through. I would like lunch specials to be actual lunch! The space was cute though, it had a very dinner feel, which is typical of akron. Lots of character and friendly wait staff! We also ordered a to-go lunch for a coworker- she was sad that the to-go order did not include any bread and was small portions again.Disappointed, dont intend to go again, but I might go to try their pastas- everyone raves about that! read more

A landmark in Akron. Luigi's really doesn't live up to the hype the pizza is ok (I prefer the white pizza) and the service and ambiance are pretty bad. On top of the no credit cards means that we probably will never go out of our way to go here. But the salads are a thing of wonderment...the largest mound of cheese you have ever seen on a small bowl of lettuce. read more

I go to Luigis every time "The Strange Familiar" comes into town to play a show. Its a perfect place to go with friends late at night. Such a great atmosphere and good food with generous portions. read more

They have a great Italian atmosphere and their pizza is great. I would highly recommend when visiting Akron to try this place.

Family weekend and Italian was on the menu. Something we never forget to ask. For those with a peanut allergy. They use 100% peanut oil. It's a shame they couldn't separate the pasta, pizza and fried. I guess it wouldn't have mattered. It would have been too great a risk. read more

Best pizza ever! Every time I come home, I want to go to Luigi's! I never stray from the pizza - it's just their "bread 'n butter"!

A lot of Akronites rave about Luigi's but it's not authentic italian, so be aware of that. I like their pizza a lot and they serve later than most. It is cash only. Salads are typical ice burg lettuce/vehicles for mozzarella and dressing. It's good late night food after drinking and used to be open very late which is I believe why it has such a huge following here. So nothing fancy, but gets the job done. Cozy atmosphere. read more

If you want the best Italian food around, then you need to eat at Luigi's. The atmosphere is awesome as is the friendliness and service. I love going there because everything you order is delicious. Their sauce is comparable to my own which is why I love to eat there. The Akron area is fortunate to have Luigi's for so many years. I would recommend this Italian restaurant if you want the best homemade sauce/food around town. read more

Food was good nothing to race about considering we had to wait in line for so long to get seated