The Top Restaurants in Canton, Ohio

Though it may be a brewery, you can reckon on much more than a bowl of pub nuts at this city favorite. On the menu, you’ll find a choice of deliciously elevated pub grub, which has won just as many awards as its beers. Their mac-and-cheese bites pair wonderfully with a classic Tuscora German-style pilsner. A slick slice of sausage-and-peppers pizza is delightful when eased down with a Battle Charge light ale. Meanwhile, the generous crispy CBC grilled cheese sandwich slides down a dream with a Black Jack dunkel.

Asian fusion cuisine pulls in the crowds at Sukho Thai. This is nothing but good news if you’re craving Thai-style baguette toast for lunch or jumbo shrimp pho for dinner. Open from noon until midnight six days a week, this establishment is as adept at midday rice bowls and it is at providing a late-night sushi fix. The menu runs to more than 100 items including curry, hand-rolled sushi, Chinese classics and plenty of specialties. Speedy service, friendly staff, fine presentation. We love it.

Whether you call it a ji-ro, yee-ro, or ger-o, we can all agree that the gyros at Athens Restaurant are nostimo – Greek for delicious. Appetizers such as saganaki (bubbling fried cheese) paired with bifteki (burgers) will transport your taste buds from Ohio to Odysseus in one bite. Meanwhile, staples such as pita, Greek salad and baklava are all present and correct, but locals come for the daily specials such as moussaka on Thursdays and Greek meatballs on Fridays.

Basil is a key ingredient in the cooking sent out at this family-run favorite, hence the name. On a menu as long and magnificent as the Great Wall, you can expect stacks of different stir-fries, unctuous Thai soups and curries, zingy sushi rolls and spicy Szechuan winners. There’s also an intriguing – and delicious – house specialty of coconut spaghetti. The experience comes amid elegant interiors, from bare-brick walls to folding screens that provide a welcome sense of intimacy.

Unassuming from the outside, Benders Tavern radiates history once you cross the threshold. Dating back to 1899, the relaxed decor of coffered ceilings, wood paneling and original murals whip up what is a unique aesthetic. The food and service are just as old-school in the best possible way, making this spot a true local institution. Order their fried oysters and select from other seafood and fish dishes such as the delicious Chilean sea bass.

The Desert Inn serves delicious, authentic Middle Eastern food amid elegant, Arabic-inspired surrounds. A family business in operation since 1970, this spot is known for its signature skewered beef kabobs which are juicy and flavorful, arriving still sizzling from the open grill. Be sure to try the house kibbee, fried meatballs made here with beef rather than lamb for a finer texture. Come on the weekend and you might just get to witness some twirling Arabic dancing as you dine.

If you can’t board a plane to Italy, a visit to Gervasi Vineyard is almost as good as a long weekend in Tuscany. A sprawling estate offering elegant rooms, the decor of this winery resort is as authentic as can be, with rustic wooden walls, expanses of brick floors and huge wooden doors. Gervasi Vineyard specializes in excellent Italian cuisine across its three separate restaurants. Try the Tuscan beef short ribs at the Bistro or dine al fresco at the Piazza on a cheese and meat platter, excellent with a bottle of Lombardian Franciacorta.

Whether you go for the entry-level Classic LA Burger Stand or go for the luxury garlicky-four-cheesy Gilroy, Smoke the Burger Joint is clearly one of the best fast food options in Canton. This spot is also known for its Smokehouse Grilled Cheese options. Served on butter-toasted sourdough bread, with a side-pile of kettle chips, these include the Route 66 Jalapeno Popper. Revved up with a zingy chili relish, it certainly packs a punch.

Serving casual classics as well as dishes of the utmost in luxury, 91 Wood Fired Oven is a popular eatery in downtown Canton. The menu is designed to step up to all kinds of events, whether you’re happy with wood-fired oven chips or are in the mood for a phenomenal lobster risotto. There are plenty of staff on hand, the service is impeccable and the space is stylish. There’s a relaxing bar area for cocktails, ideal if you are waiting for a table on a busy weekend evening.

Serving casual classics as well as dishes of the utmost in luxury, 91 Wood Fired Oven is a popular eatery in downtown Canton. The menu is designed to step up to all kinds of events, whether you’re happy with wood-fired oven chips or are in the mood for a phenomenal lobster risotto. There are plenty of staff on hand, the service is impeccable and the space is stylish. There’s a relaxing bar area for cocktails, ideal if you are waiting for a table on a busy weekend evening.