The local, unsuspecting restaurants are the best restaurants. Fortunately, Ohioans always know the best places to eat in town—and visitors would do well to take our suggestions. It’s easy to let the well-known, big city restaurants get all the attention, but the small town joints are really where it’s at. They’ve got charm. They’ve got history. And they’ve got some of the best, most underrated food. Here are the 9 best little-known restaurants in Ohio you (probably) never even knew existed.

1. Magic City's Remarkable Diner (Barberton)
Photo courtsey of Magic City's Remarkable Diner
Photo courtsey of Magic City's Remarkable Diner
For fabulous breakfast, brunch and burger options, you'll want to check out Magic City's Remarkable Diner in Barberton. (Pictured is their exceptional waffle with crispy bacon.) Magic City Diner is located at 451 Fairview Ave., Barberton, OH 44203. To learn more, visit their website here.
2. Blue Sky Restaurant (Elyria and Amherst)
John W./Yelp
Mark R./Yelp
With multiple locations, this northeast Ohio restaurant features some truly special breakfast and brunch options. Pictured is the Yiddish Sandwich, which is similar to a Reuben with potato pancakes instead of rye bread. You'll find the Elyria location (pictured) at 802 Cleveland St., Elyria, OH 44035. To learn more, visit their website here.
3. Hartville Kitchen (Hartville)
Hartville Kitchen/Facebook
Hartville Kitchen/Facebook
It's a shame that more people don't know about this gem. With the freshest ingredients and only local chicken, you can get all your homemade favorites here. (Not to mention a selection of 21 pies for dessert!) Hartville Kitchen is located at 1015 Edison St. NW, Hartville, OH 44632. Click here to learn more.
4. Wally Waffle (Akron)
Foodie F./Yelp
Roberta A./Yelp
Just like you'd assume, the waffle selection here is endless and delicious. (Pictured is the Elvis Waffle with chocolate drizzle added.) But it's not just the waffles that are delicious; it's basically everything. Wally Waffle is located at 845 W Market, Akron, OH 44303. Click here to learn more.
5. Donavito’s Restaurant and Catering (Struthers)
Donavito's Restaurant and Catering Co./Facebook

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Donavito's Restaurant and Catering Co./Facebook
For some of the best, most mouthwatering Italian options in Ohio, you've got to check out Donavito's Restaurant and Catering. (Pictured: Stuffed Hot Peppers, Shrimp and Grouper Gratan, Cranberry Apple Almond Chicken and Stuffed Chicken Marsala.) You'll find this impressive restaurant at 139 S Bridge St., Struthers, OH 44471. To learn more, visit their website here.
6. Midwest Best BBQ (Camp Dennison)
Nicole W./Yelp
Roth M./Yelp
When you've got a craving for some wholesome, tasty barbecue, you can never go wrong with this beloved local joint. Pictured are the pork, chicken and brisket sliders. Midwest Best BBQ is located at 7832 Glendale Milford Rd., Camp Dennison, OH 4511. To learn more, visit their website here.
7. Buffalo Jack's (Covington)
Buffalo Jack's/Facebook
Nathan D./Yelp
With weekly specials to die for and a down-home vibe, this local favorite restaurant is a must-visit when you're in the area. (Try the Prime Rib or Chicken Pot Pie.) It is located at 137 S High St., Covington, OH 45318. To learn more, visit their Facebook page here.
8. The Blueberry Cafe (Bellbrook)
Jed M./Yelp
Nat S./Yelp
After you find yourself stuffed from the most satisfying brunch of your life, "The Muffin Man" comes around to entice you with warm, homemade muffins you simply can't resist—no matter how stuffed you are. The Blueberry Cafe is located at 72 Bellbrook Plz, Bellbrook, OH 45305. Click here
9. Jen's Deli (Wilmington)
Jen's Deli/Facebook
Jen's Deli/Facebook
With a cozy atmosphere and great coffee, you'll feel right at home at Jen's Deli. It's the perfect place to catch lunch with a friend and enjoy a mouthwatering sandwich. You'll find Jen's Deli at 28 W Main St., Wilmington, OH 45177. To learn more, visit their website here.

Have been to any of these hidden gem restaurants in Ohio? What other small town restaurants in Ohio do you recommend? Share your experiences and suggestions with us in the comments below!

For more little-known restaurant recommendations in Ohio, check out our previous article: 11 Unsuspecting Restaurants In Ohio With Food So Good It Should Be Illegal.

Know some more local businesses in Ohio we should feature? Nominate your favorites in our online form here!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

best little-known restaurants in Ohio

Elisa Regulski | April 26, 2020

What are the best hidden gem restaurants in Ohio?

Spillway Lodge, located in Clarksville, is one of the best hidden gem restaurants in Ohio. This cozy and welcoming eatery doesn't just serve amazing food. They also have one of the most gorgeous views in all of Ohio. This old farmhouse sits on 128 acres of picturesque countryside land, and you could stare into the idyllic landscape for hours. Black Forest Cafe, located in Oregon, is another little-known eatery in Ohio you should check out. This delightful eatery looks like something straight out of a fairy tale. They serve some of the most mouthwatering and authentic German dishes around.

What are the best small town restaurants in Ohio?

Delicious eateries aren’t just for big cities. In fact, some of the most scrumptious restaurants sit inside Ohio’s small towns. G & R Tavern, located in Waldo, is no exception. Duck inside this hole-in-the-wall eatery and prepare your taste buds for something amazing. Some even say they make the best bologna sandwich in Ohio. Covered Bridge Pizza Parlor located in North Kingsville, is one of the best small town restaurants in Ohio. This unique eatery serves flavorful pizza in a fun and quirky setting. After your first visit, you’ll become a regular in no time.

Does Ohio have a state food?

Ohio’s official state fruit is the tomato, and in 1965, tomato juice was declared the official state drink. But there are plenty of unofficial state foods that Ohio is known for. Cincinnati chili is perhaps the most iconic. While southern states put plenty of hot sauce and peppers in their chili, Cincinnati chefs add a bit of cinnamon and sugar. This adds a unique depth of flavor that Ohioans absolutely love. Whether it’s smothered on top of a hot dog or plate of spaghetti, there’s no denying this delicious dish.

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Featured Addresses
451 Fairview Ave, Barberton, OH 44203, USA
802 Cleveland St, Elyria, OH 44035, USA
1015 Edison St NW, Hartville, OH 44632, USA
845 W Market St, Akron, OH 44303, USA
139 S Bridge St, Struthers, OH 44471, USA
669 Justice Ct, Loveland, OH 45140, USA
137 S High St, Covington, OH 45318, USA
72 Bellbrook Plaza, Bellbrook, OH 45305, USA
28 W Main St, Wilmington, OH 45177, USA