Lanning’s Restaurant

This was a favorite of our family for 20+ years, especially for important occasions. Last week we traveled to Lanning’s and had a very disappointing experience. All that we ordered was not edible, the $ 70.00 lobster was charred beyond eating, the ribeye was ordered medium rare, delivered medium well.
We left the restaurant, we did pay our bill, bitterly disappointed. We will not return.

So I finally got dressed up and made reservations. I splashed of my favorite colonge; (Rich old money) by davidoff. And we made it to the big room, sat next to a window with a view. It was nice, but I built it up in my mind to be better then what it was.
I’ll only talk about the steak. The steak is so tender they refuse to give u a steak knife if you asked for one. The waiter will say sternly: «SIR! You don’t need a steak knife, I assure you, the butter knife will do».
And he wasn’t lying. It’s so tender and juicy and delicious. Everything else on the menu is forgettable. But that steak, boy oh boy.
Ok I’ll make one point about the sides, why do these fancy places always have limited olden time sides.
Would it take away from their prestige to have mashed potatoes? I mean Hyde Park has mashed potatoes and I’d rate them fancier then Lannings.
I like baked potatoes as much as the next gluttonous fat guy but I’d like more options.
But all in all, it’s all about that steak.

Incredible, truly amazing service. Did not need a steak knife for my porterhouse, not even sure if they have them. I could have cut my steak with my fork alone, but used the butter knife provided. The wine list is proper, everyone’s wine list needs to look like this! The chairs are very comfortable, and all the food was cooked to perfection at the temperature requested, the negative reviews are complete bullshit. If you are not satisfied I’m highly confident they will make it right without question. No pianist, if someone was playing when we went my mind really would have been blown. Ohh yeah and, the escargot was delicious. That’s all.

We were celebrating my wife’s birthday and chose the Lannings for its elegant upscale reputation. I’m sorry but the only thing upscale was our wait staff. We were seated in uncomfortable wing back chairs that were so heavy the waiter struggled helping us get to the table. My wife’s filet was overcooked and my «porterhouse» (really a tough delmonico) was undercooked. Both were cold when served as were our baked potatoes. The men’s room smelled of old urine. The restaurant felt old, tired, and far past its prime. We did enjoy each other’s company and that is what salvaged the night. The food and atmosphere are no where worth the cost. Next time we’ll put on our jeans and go to a common steakhouse where the staff and patrons are friendly and not pretentious and the food is hot, good, and a fraction of the price.

Took my girlfriend of 3 years here on Valentine’s Day. She’s a carnivore, so expectations were high. Service was FANTASIC, as was every aspect of our meal that night.
The Filet Mignon was the best thing I’ve ever put in my mouth… and that’s saying a lot.
Girlfriend approved.

It’s been about 10 years since I’ve been here, and not much has changed, which can be good and bad. The food is excellent. I had the shrimp cocktail, the lobster (i love seadfood), a side of green beans and split the chocolate mousse with my boyfriend. We sat in the bar/​lounge area and listened to the great pianist. He ordered the special mahi mahi and started with the lobster bisque, bith were delicious. Both of my parents had filets, which were done perfectly. My dad said it’s the best steak he had in awhile. The only thing that could have improved the meal was if the restaurant had a total decoration overhaul. There was a very damp smell when you walked in the doorway, but luckily it did not continue to the lounge area. But the décor is so out of date, and other parts of the restaurant smelled.

Was pleasantly surprised by my wife for finding this jewel. Service was great, food to match.
Ordered the Blue Points, Tbone, and Pork Chops with Mint Jelly.
Enjoyed every bite.

Lanning’s deserves a 5 star on Unilocal for 2 primary reasons:
1). The service level is highly attentive and earnest. Though it may not always be perfect, the quality and intent is high — and frankly is a rare find for public venues these days.
2). The food is consistently delicious. Their menu isn’t crazy eclectic and the décor isn’t cutting edge — but the food is consistently delicious and predictable.
For this I am comfortable taking clients and celebrating life’s events.
Keep up the old school, well delivered dining experience Lannings.

This me and my lady’s first time here! And I must say it was amazing!!! I was astounded by the service and hospitality! One of the servers «Brandon» is the most mannered young gentleman in the business! again i’d recommend this fine place to the entire world!!! Awesome I can’t wait to come again!

An anniversary needs a great location with ambience and good food. Lannings is that location. Favorites this anniversary: petit filet, salmon, French onion soup, and Caesar salad. Amusing Pinot Noir to toast with. Our waiter Preston and the entire staff were helpful and friendly.

Disappointed is the only word to describe my experience here, from the minute I made my reservation until I left. it was a time warp — dated menu, decorating and waitstaff. Service is substandard… our waiter couldn’t wait to clear items before we were even done. Two of three orders were not prepared correctly, the restaurant was fairly busy — but we must have been one of the last tables of the night at 7:30. I know our table was one of the last to leave. Too many better choices for the money we spent. Other 4 and 5 star ratings are terribly misleading.

I have to say I wasn’t really impressed with Lannings. After the valet takes your car, you first enter into a dark vestibule type area. The door is not opened for you, you are not greeted; in fact walking in I wondered if I was in the right spot — it was completely deserted. Having never been here before, I didn’t know which way to go; so just we sort of stood there until the maître d’ finally appeared. The dining area itself definitely feels dated, I sort of felt like I was taking a step back to the 80’s. We were greeted and our waiter seemed fine. That is until I saw his demeanor with other tables. He was much more attentive and friendly. Serving these tables more quickly and checking on them more often. Two tables who were sat and ordered after us both received their meals before us. When coming to check on our table, it almost seemed to be a bit of a bother for him. In terms of food, again we were not really impressed. We all ordered steaks, two out of the three being over cooked. We would have communicated this to the waiter, if he had bothered to come back and check. The steaks were also quite salty, seemly season with a mixture of soy sauce and worcestershire sauce. Overall, just a very off putting experience. With all of the other wonderful choices in this area (Vaccaros being a ½ mile us the street and Ken Stewarts 2 miles down the street), why go here? They certainly have their core crowd spoken for and have no interest in retaining new business.

My family has been dining at Lannings for years. Last night was my boyfriend’s first experience there.
First of all the staff is impeccable; from the valet to the waiters! We spent a little time in the lounge prior to seating and listened to the pianist. She was right next to us but our hushed conversation was not disturbed. We were pleased with the unique wine list too! Lannings is a place that is not marred by the passage of time.
The all-​male waitstaff is perfectly trained and dressed in tuxedos. The dining room features comfy chairs — just right for spending time at a long, leisurely meal. The tables along the arched windows offer a romantic view of Yellow Creek. The steaks (Lannings’ specialty) are grilled to perfection in a hickory smoked au jus. No steak knives are provided — patrons cut the steaks with butter knives. The accroutrements for the salad are introduced to patrons as if they’ve been deprived of fresh anchovies and rochfort dressing at other restaurants.
Incidentally, the waiters polished each wine glass and checked them against the lights (even the stem bases) to ensure that the glasses were clear for the next seating.
Take a special someone here for dinner!

I thought it was terrible. From the highschool basketball team masquerading as fine dining waiters (a tux does not make the service right!) to the fact that everyone gave me a blank stare when I asked if they had pasture raised beef. I cannot recommend this place — it only survives because it’s old and the clientele is too.

Best steak in Akron. I have dined at all of the upscale chain steak houses in Akron and nothing compares to Lannings. Their filet is incredible (10 oz) and they also carry a 16 oz grilled lobster tail. Make sure to bring your appetite. They provide fresh breads throughout the meal and offer complimentary after dinner coffee.
I love this place and make it there a few times a year. Crowds are light during the summer months, really only getting busy on the weekend. However, you will want to make sure you get reservations if you are planning on dining around the holidays. One visit and you will know why Lannings had stood the test of time.

I thought it kinda sucked. First off, I have been wanting to try Lannings for years. I was born and raised in Akron but moved away about 13 years ago. When we return for holidays and/​or to visit the in-​laws, we are always looking for new, nice restaurants. As such, I remembered Lannings and elected to take my father in law there for his birthday.
Initially we were surprised when we showed up for a 6:30 reservation on a Thursday and the place was literally empty! It should have been a clue.
We were sat in the bar area which I really thought was quaint and nice.
Now for the food: I ordered French Onion Soup while the rest of the table got the house salad that comes with the meal. The soup was just OK. Not bad but not great… just soup. The salad was good. They do bring out a number of salad dressings and toppings which included some pretty darn good blue cheese.
As for the main meal, this is where things turned south in a hurry. My father in law and I both ordered the Delmonico (Ribeye). It came with a baked potato that appeared to have a microwave feel and taste to it. Not an overly large potato either.
Then the steaks… I’m not sure if we were given bad, bad, BAD meat or if it was the sauce they put on it but it tasted about as foul as anything I had ever eaten. I mean it tasted like the steak was spoiled. I also tried my father in law’s just to compare and his tasted the same way. So I think it may be their sauce (which by the way they sell) and it was just absolutely horrible.
We were not checked on during our waiter until after the meal so we sat there with a ¾ steak on our plates without recourse. Ultimately after telling them, they comped 1 steak (but still charged us for the baked potato and salad!!! LOL — how hard up for money is this place?) They still charged us for the other steak.
Lastly, we elected to call and tell the manager the next day and he was a real pompous jerk. I mean dude, you work in a restaurant. Show a little humility,
I’d never go back. Sad to say, but I think this place is doomed.

Lanning’s is a classic. Nothing complicated, just as close to perfection as you can get with stellar quality food, preparation and service. What you’ve read in the other 5 star reviews here is all true. Definitely a treat to dine here.

Absolutly some of the best food I have ate since I have been back in Ohio. Filet is to die for. The only place to eat crab cakes also. Service was a 10. Thanks for a great meal.

Lanning’s is another one of those old school places that isn’t trying to impress you with the latest foams and molecular gastronomy. They’ve been in business forever with a simple business model. High-​quality ingredients, expert preparation, and flawless service. This is not cutting edge, folks. But, it’s reliably excellent.
Lanning’s is one of the few places where I’ll get a steak. Lanning’s «steak sauce» (do not think A1 style, for it is not like that) is awesome. Very natural, more like a jus than a sauce, a perfect complement to the steak. While I normally prefer a strip, this is about the only place I’d even consider a filet. The Lanning’s Sauce brings the flavor.
As Jackie said in her review, you can get a baked potato, and much like with the salad, you get a tray of topping options that, yes, includes cheese sauce. Fancy? No. Just what the doctor ordered good? You bet.
Lanning’s is a place where wealthy people who don’t care about being part of the latest trends go for dinner. It’s an old money place. My parents would rather go here over Lola or that type of place in a heartbeat. While I don’t personally feel the same way, I’m always happy to meet them at Lanning’s for a delightful meal (it’s about a 45 minute drive for each of us and is a convenient «halfway» meetup).

MMMM… Lanning’s. One of the best places for steak — ever. I’ve never had anything BUT steak there so I can’t comment on anything else. I usually order the filet mignon.
First you get a salad — baby mixed greens. But along with the salad, they bring 2 or 3 types of salad dressings, along with a tiered tray of different accoutrements for the salad. Anchovies, beets, crumbled blue cheese, croutons, olives usually make up the choices.
On to the entrée. Steaks are cooked in a super hot oven (I believe 600 degrees), which has the effect of searing the outside while keeping the inside nice and juicy. The steak usually comes in its own juices and is so incredibly good — my mouth is watering just writing about it.
I tend to order the baked potato with my steak. That also comes with options for toppings. They bring a cheese sauce, bacon, chives, sour cream. And it’s a sizeable potato too.
I’ve never had room left for dessert, but always leave so incredibly happy that I went.
Now, the down sides. You more or less have to use the valet. Definitely need reservations… though the last time, we had reservations and ended up eating in the piano bar (I personally preferred that…). Many window seats have a nice view of the creek running alongside. The chairs are those old style, high-​back chairs — like you might picture in a classic wood-​lined library. The whole style of the place is classic, which to me also means it could use some updating, but if it works, why change it? Service is dressed in tux and bowtie… all around very classy and a GREAT place for a date if you can afford it.
With dinner and drinks, expect to pay roughly $ 40 to $ 50 per person. This is a periodic splurge for me, but I never regret it — worth EVERY penny!