Local Restaurant Guide

Experience the rich culinary heritage of the Mahoning Valley, where Italian traditions meet modern dining innovation. From the iconic Brier Hill pizza to world-famous ice cream, our local restaurant scene offers flavors that have been perfected over generations.

Italian Heritage & Traditional Favorites

The Mahoning Valley's Italian-American heritage runs deep, particularly in Youngstown's historic Brier Hill neighborhood. This culinary legacy continues to influence our dining scene today.

Casa Di Canzonetta

Built on the Canzonetta family legacy, this downtown Youngstown Italian restaurant promises to serve the "BEST Italian food in the Valley." Located at 44 East Federal Street, Casa Di Canzonetta offers an exquisite dining experience inspired by traditional Italian recipes and modern culinary techniques.

• Warm and inviting atmosphere in downtown Youngstown
• Fresh ingredients and time-honored recipes
• Owned by Mark and Melissa Canzonetta
• Phone: (330) 238-7171

Brier Hill Pizza - A Youngstown Original

No discussion of Youngstown dining is complete without mentioning Brier Hill pizza, developed by Italian immigrants in the Brier Hill neighborhood. This unique style is characterized by:

• Bread-like dough foundation
• Thick, flavorful tomato sauce
• Bell peppers and Romano cheese (rather than mozzarella)
• A taste that's "as big a part of the city's history as the steel mills"

You can find authentic Brier Hill pizza at various locations throughout the area, including the dedicated Brier Hill Pizza & Wings restaurant, which specializes in this local favorite alongside delicious wings.

Fine Dining & Special Occasions

Steamers Stonewall Tavern

Located at 10078 Market St. in North Lima, this highly-rated restaurant specializes in seafood, pasta, and steak. Ranked #1 of 9 restaurants in North Lima with a 4.5 out of 5 rating on TripAdvisor.

• Signature Dishes: Momma D's homemade spaghetti sauce, crab bisque, Hot & Spicy Shrimp, Tuna Bites, and Char-grilled Prime Rib
• Hours: Monday-Thursday 11:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., Friday 11:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m., Saturday 12:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., Closed Sunday
• Known for attentive service and exceptional food quality

West 34

Recognized as one of the top dining establishments in Youngstown according to 2025 Yelp rankings, West 34 offers an elevated dining experience for special occasions and business dinners.

Family-Friendly Dining

The Mahoning Valley offers excellent options for families seeking quality meals in welcoming environments.

Garden Cafe at Mill Creek MetroPark

Perfect for families visiting the park, this cafe combines beautiful natural surroundings with quality food:

• Indoor dining with stunning park views
• Fresh salads and sandwiches
• Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by visitors
• Ranked #38 of 334 restaurants in Youngstown

Sweet Treats & Local Favorites

Handel's Homemade Ice Cream

A true Youngstown institution, Handel's has been serving the community for decades and continues to be a must-visit destination. With a 4.9 out of 5 rating and ranked #4 of 334 restaurants in Youngstown, this local favorite offers:

• Over 100 irresistible ice cream flavors
• Multiple locations throughout the city
• Perfect balance of texture and flavor
• Customers rave: "Best hands down ice cream in Youngstown!" and "It's a Youngstown must do!"

Diverse Dining Options

The Mahoning Valley's dining scene extends beyond Italian cuisine, offering diverse options for every taste and occasion.

Top-Rated Establishments

According to 2025 local reviews and rankings, these restaurants represent the best of Youngstown dining:

• Station Square Ristorante - Elegant Italian dining
• YOSTERIA - Contemporary Italian cuisine
• The Varsity Club - Sports bar with great food
• The Mocha House - Downtown coffee and light meals
• The Federal - Historic venue with modern menu
• Dalia's Caribbean Kitchen - Authentic Caribbean flavors

Dining Districts

Downtown Youngstown

The revitalized downtown area offers walkable dining options perfect for date nights and business meetings. The area around the DeYor Performing Arts Center provides convenient dining before or after shows.

Brier Hill Neighborhood

For 30 years, Brier Hill residents have gathered at St. Anthony's Church to celebrate their community's Italian Heritage. The neighborhood's annual three-day festival allows locals to reminisce about the days when Brier Hill was known as Ohio's 'Little Italy.'

Local Dining Tips

• Try the Local Specialty: Don't leave without experiencing authentic Brier Hill pizza
• Plan for Handel's: With multiple locations, you're never far from this local ice cream institution
• Downtown Exploration: The revitalized downtown offers great walkable dining options
• Family-Friendly Options: Many restaurants welcome families and offer kids' menus
• Seasonal Favorites: Check for seasonal menu items and local festival food offerings