+1 330-724-9375
Nestled in the heart of Akron, Ohio, Parasson's Italian Restaurant offers an authentic taste of classic Italian and pizza cuisine that transports diners straight to a cozy, old-world trattoria. Located at 959 E Waterloo Rd, this gem shines with its perfectly balanced flavors and generous portions, making it a favorite among locals for decades.
The restaurant’s menu, though focused and deliberate, showcases a masterful range of Italian favorites that each tell a story through rich, comforting flavors. The signature Caramelized-Cheese-Crust Pizza is a revelation — featuring a homemade dough topped with zesty sauce, layers of mozzarella and provolone, then lined with sliced provolone that melts to form a golden, crispy cheese crust that delights with every savory bite. Whether you choose a hearty large pizza or a personal-sized one, this is a pizza experience that marries tradition with a unique, cheesy twist.
For those craving heartier dishes, the Chicken Parmesan Sandwich and the Side of Chicken Parmesan deliver succulent, breaded chicken drenched in rich tomato sauce and melted cheese that sings with each forkful. The Baked Spaghetti Alfredo and Bread Lasagna Baked Penne with Meatballs are classic Italian comfort food, satisfying with creamy sauces and tender pasta that invite you to slow down and savor.
Salads at Parasson's stand out with fresh, thoughtfully composed ingredients. The Entrée Antipasto Salad is a satisfying mosaic of pepperoni, hard salami, capicola ham, crisp iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, and sharp banana peppers, elevated by a side of garlic bread that’s golden and fragrant. House salads and the soup & salad combo offer lighter, refreshing options that complement the richness of the entrees.
Many guests fondly remember the nostalgic dining atmosphere — simple, clean, and family-friendly with vintage touches that whisper stories of generations dining together. Longtime patrons like Marty Martin recall warm childhood memories here, echoing the timeless appeal and genuine hospitality that persists through the decades.
Customer reviews frequently praise the standout tomato and meat sauces, noting their expertly balanced sweetness, acidity, and richness that elevate even the simplest dishes. The lasagna regularly earns high marks for its hearty layers and savory depth, while the garlic bread receives enthusiastic acclaim for its perfect golden crust and buttery aroma.
What elevates Parasson's beyond just food is its commitment to consistency and a homey charm that makes every visit memorable. Whether it’s a birthday celebration or a casual lunch, the quality and portion size reflect great value — proving that classic Italian dining doesn’t have to be complicated to be extraordinary.
For authentic Italian flavors served with care in a welcoming atmosphere, Parasson’s Italian Restaurant remains a beloved culinary destination in Akron. The blend of traditional recipes, generous servings, and heartfelt service ensures that each meal is an indulgence worth savoring again and again.
Contact: +1 330-724-9375
Location: 959 E Waterloo Rd, Akron, OH 44306
A classic Italian restaurant it has a very small menu with very reasonable prices. The portions are very large for the price. The tomato sauce here is really nice it's very well balanced between sweet and acidity. The meat sauce here, though I think, is the standout of the sauces the meats in it help give a richer and more rounded flavor. The amount of cheese baked ontop though is a lot, but that is not a bad thing. The garlic bread is very good it is absolutely packed with garlic flavor. The antipasto salad is actually quite interesting with their house made creamy Italian dressing. The creamy Italian feels like something you would get on an Italian Sub, so it pairs very well here. If you do not want the creamy Italian, you can opt for the sweet Italian. The dining roombhere is actually very spacious and nice-looking. Don't be fooled by the exterior of this building. Inside is a very nice-looking restaurant. There is also a large parking lot out front with plenty of parking spaces.
Really good, old school Italian. Small menu, but the Lasagna is delicious. Italian and meetball subs good. Penne excellent. Great garlic bread!
I remember this place so wonderfully when me and my sister was growing up ,Dad and mom would bring us here .I miss the carpet and the old pictures and vintage stuff they had around. But still great food !
Loved the atmosphere and the remodel they did. I had the baked lasagna and it was delicious. I haven't been to Parrasons in 20 yrs because the quality of food and the Barberton location really went down hill. The food we had at the Waterloo rd location was like it was in the 1980's our meal was excellent. We will definitely go back. The only thing they need to change is their limited choices of salad dressings. Definitely need to offer sweet and sour, French and ranch. The price was reasonable as well.
Our trip foe my bday celebration was well worth it. My niece and I spit the lasagna with a side of chicken parm and small pepperoni pizza. Everything was wonderful. What a great sauce! The service was excellent and the atmosphere just what I remember from years ago. The decor was simple and so clean. Very much a family friendly spot! The prices seemed very much in line with the portions and quality. Good value for great food. I will be back sooner next time!
I only recently became aware that there was still a Parasson’s in the Akron area after seeing a post about them on Facebook. I had fond memories of eating at their location in Stow many years ago when I was a student at Kent State and was anxious to give them a try to see if it was as good as I remembered. I can say that it certainly was! The pizza I ordered was hot, and very tasty, as was the garlic bread the server dropped off. The staff was very attentive and friendly! I thought the prices were reasonable. I look forward to my next trip through Akron so I can stop here again! I highly recommend Parasson’s!
I haven't been to this location in years. Finally decided to go and check it out since they remodeled the place. The atmosphere is definitely better than I remember. New lighting and better bathrooms. I ordered the chicken Parm sandwich and it was delicious. We had very good garlic bread before our food came. Food arrived about 15 minutes after ordering. We were a party of 5. Small menu like years back but wasn't disappointed with the selection. If you haven't been there since they remodeled I would suggest to visit. The only thing that was negative was that there is no kids menu. They do offer sides and smaller dishes for the kiddos though.
Very nice place inside. Big and clean. Attentive waitress. I had the baked lasagna and thought it was very good. My wife had the baked penne pasta she was not that happy with it as it seemed like it didn't have time to meet and greet. Seems like there was baked cheese on top followed by sauce followed by the penne pasta on the bottom. We were told this is the way it comes. We also ordered a pizza that was very good. Overall I'd say give it a try.