Kent Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Kent

April 14, 2018 Sachiko Swiger

Kent is a city in the U.S. state of Ohio and the largest city in Portage County. It is located along the Cuyahoga River in Northeast Ohio on the western edge of the county. The population was 28,904 in the 2010 Census and was estimated at 30,071 in 2016. The city is counted as part of the Akron Metropolitan Statistical Area and the larger Cleveland–Akron–Canton Combined Statistical Area.
Things to do in Kent

1. Ray's Place

135 Franklin Ave, Kent, OH 44240-3517 Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Television, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar American, Bar, Pub, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night +1 330-673-2233
Excellent
61%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 283 reviews

Ray's Place

Reviewed By CAT_AJM - Niles, Ohio

Decided to finally try Ray's during a Kent University Break, as it is always very busy during school. Even though School was out for Thanksgiving Break, Friday after Thanksgiving was also very busy at 2:00 in the afternoon. There is a downstairs (which was full) and a upstairs which had tables available. Upstairs is a bit more spacious and spread out. (You do have to navigate a very tall set of stairs, which may be prohibitive to some) Very nice 'bar' decor, casual yet inviting, beautifully remodeled updstairs. Service was excellent. There is a full bar. We had delicious Burgers, cooked perfectly , as well as excellent fresh cut fries. I also had New England clam chowder which was awesome. The best I have had locally. The menu is large and varied and there is something for everyone. Everyone went out of their way to help one another and to be sure all customers were totally taken care of. The only down side I can see, is that it does get really, really busy,(so you may end up waiting in primetimeand the downstairs is very tight, so you are really really close to other diners. Upstairs is much more spacious.

2. Swenson's Drive In Restaurants

4466 Kent Rd, Stow, OH 44224-4327 Takeout, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover American, Fast Food Lunch, Dinner, Late Night SGD 5 - SGD 13 +1 330-678-7775
Excellent
70%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 164 reviews

Swenson's Drive In Restaurants

Home of the award-winning Galley Boy! Friendly curb runners serving up fresh, never-frozen burgers, shakes, & crispy extras since 1934!

Reviewed By sharon M - Cleveland

Swenson in University Hrs is now opened. The official opening is next week. Today I tried the Coney dog. So good. Mushrooms were delicious. Milk shake thick and good. However, although I have tried the Galley Boy 4 times, even added lettuce and tomato, I don't like it. I know it is the signature sandwich but that sauce is not good. Yuck!!. I will return for something else because the service is exceptional. Servers are fun to watch as the run from car to car.

3. Lemongrass Thai Restaurant

20 N Main St, Munroe Falls, OH 44262-1063 Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol Asian, Thai, Vegan Options, Vegetarian Friendly Lunch, Dinner +1 234-706-6488
Excellent
68%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 40 reviews

Lemongrass Thai Restaurant

Reviewed By April M - Munroe Falls, Ohio

Atmosphere was Clean, nice and food tastey..Service was friendly..We plan on going during warm weather so we can sit outside and hope Train goes by.

4. Mike's Place

1700 S Water St, Kent, OH 44240-4447 Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Private Dining, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Buffet American, Bar, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night SGD 7 - SGD 13 +1 330-673-6501
Excellent
47%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 344 reviews

Mike's Place

Reviewed By Suze44857 - Norwalk, Ohio

This was our first visit to Mike's Place as we are from out of town. Mike's was a recommendation of friends. The food was excellent and came in sizable portions. We took our extras home. What would we recommend? The potatoes chips were the best. (Like those that are made at Disney hotels.) The corned beef sandwich was also very very good. The wings were good not exceptional. The atmosphere is very relaxed and laid back with a plethora of vintage decorations to look at and enjoy while waiting on your server. Service: We waited 10 minutes on our drinks and water. We were ready to order but told "I will be right back". Well 10 minutes later we gave our order. Then we waited again but this I understand as food had to be prepared. Then the order was incorrect as items were forgotten. Once we finally saw our server we asked about the missing items as we had thought she would be bringing them. By this time we asked the items be taken off the bill as we were done eating the other items ordered. We were told that was not possible. That is confusing??? The items were then brought out to us to take home since they could not be deducted from the bill. The server was nice enough but we thought there were just not enough people waiting on customers. Other tables had the same issue. And not being able to re-figure the bill. I don't get that. For sure we will go back if in town and needing a casual eating experience. We will just hope that we won't be 1.5 hours with all the gaps of service and getting the bill etc.

5. Laziza

195 E Erie St, Kent, OH 44240-3513 Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Takeout, Parking Available Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner 330-677-7000
Excellent
54%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
4%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 136 reviews

Laziza

Reviewed By Twiggins56 - Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio

Visited for a family birthday celebration with our son and daughter-in-law. We had an excellent waitress, very knowledgeable about the menu, who very kindly shared her favorites with us and explained a few of the most popular dishes. Laziza specializes in Mediterranean style food but has many other options.

We chose to sit outside as it was a beautiful evening. Cloth napkins and pretty table settings added to the ambiance. Our son ordered the hummus appetizer ($5.99) and pita bread (an additional charge). Two of us had decided on chicken parmigiana but were told they were out of it (5:00 on a Friday night). How does that happen?? Instead I had the chicken shawarma ($17.99) which was a bit of a disappointment--tender but not very flavorful. It was served over rice with zucchini and other vegetables, and a side salad (yummy house dressing!). My husband had the petite filet ($25.99) which came with potato or rice, side salad, and fresh asparagus. The filet was tender and cooked to order but was covered in sauce. My husband didn't like the sauce and said it covered the flavor of the steak. It may be possible to order the sauce on the side. He chose the mashed potatoes which he described as delicious and chunky. Along with the meal, my husband had a rum and coke and I had a glass of sangria. Laziza graciously gave us two small pieces of baklava which was very tasty! Our total bill for two of us was just over $60, not including tip. All in all, we enjoyed our meals and service was excellent but feel Laziza is just a bit pricey.

6. Fresco Mexican Grill & Salsa Bar

100 E Erie St, Suite 112, Kent, OH 44240-3586 Takeout, Seating, Parking Available, Street Parking, Free Off-Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Discover, Outdoor Seating, Accepts Credit Cards Mexican, Southwestern, Healthy, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Drinks, Lunch, Dinner SGD 4 - SGD 13 +1 330-677-2588
Excellent
54%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 77 reviews

Fresco Mexican Grill & Salsa Bar

Established in 2012, Fresco Mexican Grill & Salsa Bar is a locally owned, fast-casual restaurant, founded in Kent, Ohio, by father and son, Tom and T.J. Ingersoll. We start with fresh ingredients, prepared daily. Everything on our menu is prepared to order. Want a vegetarian version? An extra order of beans and rice? Just ask. We also offer dozens of homemade salsa and hot sauces, free of charge.

Reviewed By theclarkfamily3 - clarkwgriswold

In a world of Chipotles and Qdoba's, Fresco Mexican Grill stands out with wonderful, reasonably priced Mexican food. The menu options are varied, the quality of the food is top notch and the staff is most friendly and helpful. On top of it all, they are dog friendly! We can go for a walk in downtown Kent and stop there with our pooch and eat on the patio. They even bring him a bowl of water. They're the only dog friendly place we've found in Kent.

7. Franklin Square Deli

108 S Water St, Corner of Water St. & Main St., Kent, OH 44240-3524 Seating, Takeout, Street Parking, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover, Delivery, Wheelchair Accessible, Accepts Credit Cards American, Delicatessen, Soups Dinner, Lunch SGD 7 - SGD 13 +1 330-673-2942
Excellent
65%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 63 reviews

Franklin Square Deli

Over 35 years of providing Kent the finest, freshest, tastiest Deli style sandwiches, soups, submarines, salads and more. Enjoy quick service for both casual dining in and carry out. Rest assured that cleanliness and attentive service is our priority. We also provide late afternoon/early evening delivery to nearby locations (Kent only). Franklin Square Deli is renowned for its large selection of Party Tray/Party Fare foods and Box Lunches for any size group. We have been selected "Best Sandwich Shop" in a number of community and area reviews over the years, come see why!

Reviewed By brevit - Kent, Ohio

Being a local, I'v eaten here often over the years. The subs have always been fresh and tasty. Salads are also great. If your looking for a good sub lunch, this is the place.The Italian Submarines are still are mainstay, always popular. Thanks so much for your review!

8. Phoenix Express

3063 Graham Rd, Stow, OH 44224-3654 Takeout, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible Chinese, Japanese, Sushi, Asian, Fusion, Vegetarian Friendly Lunch, Dinner +1 330-678-7788
Excellent
75%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 37 reviews

Phoenix Express

we offer Chinese, Hibachi, and sushi in the beautiful city of Stow.

Reviewed By LI_NYtoOH - Stow, OH

This place has become a new favorite of my daughter's so I went to lunch with her there. The food was tasty but I wasn't thrilled with the portion size and lack of meat in my dish. Tried it again for take-out and was better satisfied with the quantity of food for the dinner choice.

9. Bistro on Main

1313 W Main St, Kent, OH 44240-1939 Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Takeout, Television American, Gluten Free Options, Vegetarian Friendly Lunch, Dinner, Late Night +1 330-673-9900
Excellent
52%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
18%
Poor
6%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 143 reviews

Bistro on Main

Reviewed By bbmuller - Strongsville, OH

We dined here several times in August and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The food is fresh, creative and delicious. Make sure you check out the specials each day. We loved the buffalo calamari and the sliders. Fresh seafood here is also a good choice. Service was excellent on all 3 visits.

10. Los Girasoles Mexican Grill & Bar

4441 State Route 43, Kent, OH 44240-6921 (Formerly Salsitas Mexican Restaurant) Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Television, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar Mexican, Southwestern, Vegetarian Friendly Lunch, Dinner +1 330-673-8874
Excellent
48%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
17%
Poor
4%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 92 reviews

Los Girasoles Mexican Grill & Bar

Reviewed By travelterri50 - Beverly Hills, Florida

The positive was it was clean, friendly and professional staff, and we all really liked the fresh salsa with lots of cilantro. We walked over from Holiday Inn Express. My 5 year old granddaughter ate her entire quessidilla. The guacamole is a tad spicy. The negative was the meat was bland, meals were ehh .just okay. I ordered a salad, it was ehh..just okay. So ehh..it was okay

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