Service was great. I ordered Prime rib. It was served barely warm and cold in the middle. Waiter took it back to the kitchen. When he brought it back all they did was poor hot auj jus on it. I was very disappointed. It was my birthday dinner with friends. read more

Went on a Wednesday evening and was sat promptly. Our server was very nice and ensured we constantly had filled drinks and were satisfied. I don't drink but I understand many that do... kind of weird that the alcohol menu has at least twice as many options as the food. Food overall was good. Got the their chicken franciase and it was super greasy. Would have liked slightly more bread than one roll for each person. Everyone else enjoyed their food overall. Love white french dressing. Slightly dark but sat by a window, not too loud and not too hot. read more

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We celebrated Valentine's Day at Papa Joe's and had yet again another fantastic dinner. My wife and I ordered the Zucchini Frittata for an appetizer. She ordered the Chicken Marsala and I ordered the Veal Parmesan. Both entrees were awesome. The restaurant was absolutely packed and the service and food were still on point. The restaurant is always clean and inviting. If you haven't been to Papa Joe's Iacomini, add them to your to go to list. You won't regret it. BOOM!!!! read more

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The service was very good. We had a party of 8. Very attentive and responsive. It was a bit loud but okay. My wife had the veal Parmesan and it was definitely overcooked. I had the Italian trio and it was okay. Not a lot of flavor. read more

Very good service. The atmosphere is older but comfortable, with dim lighting that gives it a relaxed feel. The food overall was good. We ordered the dishes shown in the images, along with the fried provolone and the crab‑stuffed mushrooms--both were enjoyable. The chicken marsala had good flavor, though the sauce was a bit too runny. The spinach cannelloni was flavorful as well. The fried perch was presented nicely and was said to be pretty good. I would recommend giving this place a try. It seems to offer quality food and attentive service. It's not necessarily a place you'd write home about, but it is solid, good food. read more

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Love papa joes! It's a staple every time we come to visit. The food is consistently great :) and the service is amazing! We had ordered a medium rare steak that came back a litter on the well side. They immediately apologized and brought back a brand new steak cooked the way we ordered. So kind!! We really appreciate yall :) read more

Papa Joe's Lacomi's has that great old-school atmosphere that makes you want to like the food -- and that's exactly what makes the disappointment sting a little more. The ricotta cavatelli came out with a meat sauce so bland it had nothing to say for itself. And the walleye? Looked like two chicken tenders drowning in sauce. For the price, I expected a lot more plate presence and flavor. The room has character. The kitchen needs to match it. read more

Had a throughly delightful meal here very recently. Visited on a Wednesday night without a reservation. Seated immediately. It was active but not overly crowded. Food was exceptional. I had veal parm, wife had veal scallapini (more like a Marsala). Decent size portions (enough for lunch the next day), came with roll and a really good salad. House dressing was a white French that was so good. Had a pre-dinner Manhattan and a nice glass of Chianti with dinner. Both were excellent. Wife had a martini, which she said was ok. Had cannoli for desert that was better than anything in Little Italy. Service was very good, nice young man took care of us. Physical place was old school, but nice and clean and orderly. Bathroom was very clean. Prices were more than reasonable. Overall, really enjoyed Iacomini's. Look forward to coming back. read more

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My dad lives close by and has always wanted to try Papa Joes so we surprised him with an early birthday dinner. He was shocked! Our waitress was Angel and she was literally an angel! Proactive, effective, kind and bubbly. We lacked nothing and didn't have to ask for a thing! We started with the seasonal friend green tomatoes app topped with bacon. I could have literally ordered ten more. They were absolutely fantastic!!! I chose the spinach cannelloni for my dinner and absolutely loved it! It was rich but not over the top! My husband had the lasagna and he loved it as well! My dad chose the veal parm and he was very pleased with his selection. His wife had the chicken francoise. The chicken was moist and the breading wasn't over powering. The lemon zest and sauce was divine!! Loved it!! We did the carrot cake for the birthday boy and he was in heaven! It was the perfect place for his surprise dinner!! Thank you Angel, you were superb!! read more

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Yesterday 05/26/2025:was My Birthday. I come from a high quality upper middle class to Wealthy Family. When I order The Top Sirloin meal for 35.00 a plate for 12 Oz. I expect the following. The plate should have the proper ponce and serconstance or be decorated and dressed accordingly. The steak had a solutely no flavor ..No spice.... No wine reduction...Just a 12 Oz piece of meat slapped over the grill by a low rated cook.....not Chef. Some French fries thrown to the side ...Nooooo decoration at all. The appetizers last night where deep fried sour kraut balls and fried mozzarella balls slapped in a bowl.... Here Ya go kind of mentality. I had to purchase My own Ice Cream .....For My birthday to which they charged Me almost 30.00 for just the plates and spoons. Service although was sufficient but not excellent. Just a word of advice. For the amount of money that was spent for this occasion I felt insufficient. When You go to a high class restaurant You expect the ambiance to reflect the 1. presentation of the food ,2. presentation of the food. 3.that the food is properly flavored and prepared...( Not just thrown on the grill). My question are these Chefs or bar room cooks???? As I said for the minimal training you have given to both You Servers and Chefs Mostly the cleanelleness of the establishment....Out of fairness I'll give You at least a C rating or 3 out of 5. I hope that You take this seriously because the original founder worked hard to make this restaurant top quality and You should put the same love into this iconic and legendary establishment. I wish You all the best and expect....No demand for the sake of all customers that You take My advice ...Oh what ever You do Do not let Gordan Ramsey in Your establishment. You think I'm tough ..Well I'm an angel compared to that critic. read more

Food and service were amazing!! We will definitely be going there again soon! This was for my birthday party celebration. read more

Did our annual tradition on getting Papa Joe's carry out for NYE family dinner: meat lasagna, chicken cutlets, stuffed banana peppers, meatballs, bean salad and large garden salad with white French dressing. Was absolutely Fantastic! And also as tradition, Jeff helped me pick out 3 phenomenal bottles of wine! We are absolutely Blessed to live close to a Legendary restaurant like Papa Joes Iacomini's!! read more

Tonight my agency hosted a group of 18. I asked for a private dining space for our dinner. Instead, we were placed in the Tuscany Room. There was an adjacent roo which could only be accessed by walking through our "private room". When the Executive Director shared his displeasure and stated that we should not be charged $75 for a room fee, the waitress went to her manager to complain. She said the ED was rude and the manager said she didn't appreciate the way he spoke to the waitress! The manager was not present, but I was and I can tell you the ED was not disrespect full. On top of that the meal was mediocre. We spent over 2 thousand dollars. I would not recommend this place! read more

It had been years since our last visit to Papa Joes and we were kit disappointed at all! We came here before a show at Weathervane Theater. Told our server that while we did not need to rush, please don't forget us! And she did not. Fast friendly server who also provided food recommendations and suggestions. Food very flavorful, hot and delicious!! One of the best White French salad dressings in Akron. They sat us in a rather cozy but busy area... and we did not have any difficulty hearing each other! I can't wait to go back to Papa Joes again!! Highly recommend PJ's when in Akron especially in the valley here!!! read more

This was some of the most bland and disappointing Italian food my wife and I have ever had. Olive Garden gives this place a run for its money so needless to say we won't be back. Luckily for them there's somehow an obvious cult following to keep them afloat. But in summary: Food, terrible. Service, excellent. Wait time, fantastic. The food we got from Dairy Queen on the way home, 10/10. read more

Ok first of all how have I not ever been to this place?! Such a cute spot in Akron with seriously good Italian food and vibes! Busy on a Wednesday evening which leads me to believe it's always bumpin and lively! The wedge salad was fabulous and I highly recommend getting white French dressing on anything and everything you can - it's so good I could drink it...I need some to go... it was my first time so I had to try the red sauce because of course I did and it was good! Sweet and different - absolutely enjoyed it. Adding this to my list of restaurants to come to with my husband for a date night or to go with a group of friends for a girls dinner. read more

The food there is usually really good and the potions are great. Tonight I ordered the 1lb mussels special. They were delicious, but not nearly 1lb! More like a quarter pound...just a very small portion...and I left hungry...so don't advertise 1lb, if that's what it's not going to be!! read more

Very good services, quick and friendly. Food was pretty good. Was there as part of a large group function, so will need to go back and try it as an individual/couple for a different experience. Will update thereafter read more

Highly disappointed in our New Year's Eve experience. We had a server that passed us off to another server. When asked what we wanted for dinner, I asked what the sides were since the NYE menu didnt list them. The new server looked shocked or offended I asked. My fiancé veal parm was not even cooked all the way thru. I got the chicken francaise and ate one of them and have been sick all night with food poisoning. Didn't have any lemon to it! I have always acknowledged this place as high end. We were ready to spend money and be there for a few hours and we left within 40 minutes. Papa joes is going down the shit hole. Yes we could've complained in store however, why wasn't our food cooked right the first time if it's priced at what it's priced at. Get it together. read more

Had a horrible meal at Papa Joe's. Got the stuffed Banana Peppers as an appetizer. It was completely undercooked. It was smothered in cheese but it needed to be left in the oven much longer or spend some time under the salamander. It was undercooked, no browning and just a soggy, goopy mess. The peppers were undercooked as well. It was so off putting I decided not to even risk buying an entrée. The wife got the chicken parm which was actually over cooked and dry but the same undercooked goopy cheese was smothering the entire plate. They really messed up the whole evening. Won't be going back! read more

We had a wonferful experience with a group celebration. Servers were extremely attentive and knowledgeable. The meals were prepared perfectly. I highly recommend. I returned the following day to pickup something that I had forgotten the evening before, the made a wonderful effort to find my items. While waIting for one crew member to gather my items, The entire crew at the Italian Market had stopped by to ensure that I have been helped. Noone walked past me without making sure I had been helped. Very impressed with how a complete staff was attentive. I asked one of the crew about a brand of wine and she knew exactly what I wanted and retrieved it for me to purchase. Well done total experience read more

Very good at prime Web was fantastic. The stuffed peppers were very good for an appetizer.

We were invited here for a 50th wedding anniversary. A group of 20+ were served efficiently and with excellent food. The staff? They were incredible. The food? It was also incredibly good. read more

Celebrating wife's birthday. Had reservations but arrived early to have a drink at the bar. Bartender knocked wife's drink right into my lap. Shocked when they gave me a bill for the drinks. Said they took off my wife's for her birthday. How about the drink poured in my lap? Although the food was great, it was a bit unpleasant to eat with wet cloths. I certainly didn't feel like a valued patron. read more

Atmosphere: First off, let me say that I drove over an hour to show my date where, in my opinion, was the best little Italian restaurant and desserts. I used to live right by Papa Joes but had since moved and there was no doubt in my mind that it was going to be worth the trip. This was the first time I did not feel comfortable or welcome. It had a large part to do with the waitress. First, we are sat at a 2 person booth next to a table of 12 or more with very loud children and there's that 12 top and then right next to me in hands reach is what I guess is a hostess little counter thing. While there were booths in the other room empty and WE HAD A RESERVATION. The waitress was just absolutely unpleasant and looked inconvenienced by any question or comment. My date even asked if she was a homophobe that's how rudely and passive aggressive she was treating us. I told her I was embarrassed and that she probably was just overwhelmed by the large group. I always tip 20% no matter what because I know servers don't make enough and it could have just been a bad day but it absolutely killed me to to tip her $20 on a $100 check. Food: let me say that I get the SAME thing every single time I go, I get the same thing. The chicken francaise. I was reading the menu and was surprised to see that they now serve it over noodles. I asked the waitress to clarify how it's made now and told her that just a year, maybe a year and a half ago I had just had it and it was made differently. Instead of just asking me how I would like it made, she for whatever reason argued with me saying that they have been making it that way for 5 years or more. Like I felt like I had to show her my last yelp review. I shouldn't have to prove anything, she should just accommodate the way I would like it made and move on. Doesn't matter anyways because they brought it out the way they make it now over noodles despite my request. My date enjoyed her spinach cannelloni, that was literally the only saving grace of this visit. Well also the 3 desserts I got to go. I was so upset the whole ride home because I was hyping this place up so high and it was just... bad. My date felt like she was treated badly, but maybe she was just have a bad day. I just didn't want her to feel that way with how high I set her expectations. What a shame. read more

Papa Joe's - Chicken Francaise the new way they make it. I scraped the noodles to the side cause the reason I didn't want the noodles to take up my sauce - Italian Near Me - Akron, Ohio

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I struggled with the star rating on this. Our salads were both five star, the friendliness factor was gloriously high. Why only four stars? Because we did not try anything for which this place is celebrated. I have celiac disease and I wish I had been hungrier because they told me the kitchen was up for anything I can imagine. The wine list looks great. Oh hell. I'm upgrading. Papa Joe's, you earned the extra star when you led us by the hand through the cut through when we came in accidentally through the back door. Consider us new regulars. read more

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The atmosphere is relaxing. The food was great. Service was awesome. The only issue was the restaurant is too dark to read the menu. The waitress brought a portable lamp to the table which was very helpful. I'm looking forward to another nice diner here. I would definitely recommend trying Papa Joe's. read more

Great food. Reasonable prices. The service is excellent. They always have specials that are very tasty.

Thank you so much Kim for reaching out and offering your sincere apologies for our family's' unfortunate experience. We appreciate everything you offered to make this situation right for our family. An excellent example of a business owner who truly cares about her customers ! We would like you to make any donation to a charity of your choice . read more

Papa joes was great! We did a reso online so we could be quickly seated. Our waiter was awesome! He had been working there for over 30 years. Everything came out in a timely manner even though he seemed very busy. The salad is addicting! We ended up ordering a larger box to go. I ordered the veal pasta which was delicious! Overall, I will be coming back! And will continue to try new dishes. read more

Papa Joe's - Veal Parmigiana - Italian Near Me - Akron, Ohio

Went here on the weekend, we were expecting a higher end Italian spot considering the moody ambiance inside and the wealth of class in cars outside. What a let down it was. The 3 star yelp review matches well. The menu was small and laking, so small I thought it was the drink menu. Ordered an old fashioned, it was so watered down with ice it tasted like it was shaken. Meatball appetizers were small, with little ricotta. The wedding soup was nothing more than pure pasta and little broth. Don't even get the "risotto" as it is far from it. They should have it named rice pilaf on the menu, which was unfortunately dry anyway. My steak was at least cooked well. The other guests I was with mentioned the pasta sauce was acidic and bland and the noodles were cool. On the plus side our waitress was polite and prompt. If you're looking for Italian I'd look elsewhere. read more

My husband and I have been to this restaurant in the past for family events, and it was always amazing. Last night, my husband questioned where I would like to go, my choice for a date night. I wanted to go out and have amazing, authentic Italian food. I also wanted ambience, a feeling of just he and I, enjoying the evening together, with no kids in the background screaming, or parents who should have paid for a baby sitter instead of ruining our (and everyone one else's) evening. Wow, from walking in the door, our hostess was amazing. We were seated right away, in a section we desired, and our server Whitney, in the bar area, was spectacular! Five stars!!! She explained every dish on the menu we questioned, gave suggestions, recommendations, including things on the drink menu! Never once, did Whitney push us to order right away, or make us feel like we were being rushed through our date night. In fact, they let us enjoy our evening, and close the place! My husband placed an order for the petite prime rib, it was huge....like she explained! And cooked perfectly. I ordered the veal scallopini on top of the pasta, (which was her recommendation), it was amazing!!!And when I say amazing, that was the best veal scallopini I have tasted in years. So, with this being said, we will definitely return soon, for date night, and family events! Thank you all for an amazing date night! And I highly recommend your restaurant, and service! read more

Dinner was wonderful. The holiday cocktails were my favorite part with fun wintery garnishes! Our server Kayley did an outstanding job on such a busy night! We will be back soon. read more

Dined at this restaurant on Thursday evening. We were a party of five. One has salmon, one had ravioli, two the chicken francaise and I had the spaghetti with meat sauce. Everyone had a dinner salad with white French dressing which is very good.The meals were all tasty albeit the chicken and pasta dishes were not hot. The service was good and the dinners arrived at the table quickly after being ordered. Makes it hard to explain why the dishes were cold. This one of our favorite places to dine so we'll give them a second chance. read more

We held my brother's birthday banquet at Papa Joe's, and we couldn't have had a better experience. We received many compliments for the setting, the food, and especially the service. The buffet featured their famous lasagna, prime roast sirloin and honey dijon chicken, and all were delicious. We knew this would be the best place for our event, and they did not disappoint. It' our "go-to" place for celebrations, or just a very good meal experience. read more

Got takeout. Got some Zucchini fritta (fried zucchini) which was good but could be seasoned more (recommend having a dipping sauce like marinara handy). Also got Chicken Marsala and fettuccine alfredo. Restaurant looked nice when I came for pickup. read more

Both my wife and I ordered the grande cut of prime rib, which we have done multiple times before. We were served the petite cut. We were told by our server that it was a grande cut. It was not even 12 oz. Manager came and asked. We told her of the discrepancy. She told us she would check, but never came back to the table. Usually we have a great experience here, and bring groups of people with us. I guess things have changed here. Too bad. read more

I was at Papa Joe's, in the bar on Friday evening, with some girlfriends. Had a lovely time. Sandy and Lori were working and giving excellent service as usual. I paid my bill in cash and left. Lori found a $50 bill that I had dropped and she and Sandy took the time to find me on Messenger to tell me. Then Sandy brought it to my work to give it to me... NOW THAT'S SERVICE! Food is great too! read more

Quaint Italian, friendly staff, accommodating hostess. We had the Caesar Salad, house salad, fried zucchini's and shrimp toast (special to start). Everything was pretty good. Loved the French dressing which is made in house. The bread came out hot and was super good We had the chicken Marsala, Mediterranean pasta special, spinach cannellonis, macadamia crusted trout and the fried perch dinner. Again, everything was pretty good. Not blow your socks off but nothing to complain about. I had a great glass of Quilt Cabernet by Caymus. Nice selection of wines and specialty drinks. Nice selection of desserts as well. We ordered the lemon cream cake, raspberry cheesecake, tiramisu and carrot cake! Amanda was our server and she was such an angel. She took great care of us! read more

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I've been traveling quite a lot over the last few years, and even when I was in town, I had not circled back to Papa Joes. I never forgot how good the food was, or the ambiance...Service is amazing, I always stop in the bar for a cocktail and to say hello to some old friends. It's really cool to know that in this crazy world, you can still count on something, Papa Joes read more