Dean Martin's Lanning's Wins Top Local Dining Honor
The Akron restaurant recently secured the top spot in a reader poll for the best dining establishments in Summit County.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Food and Drink
Live Poll
Would you choose an expensive theatrical dining experience over a standard restaurant meal?
Dean Martin's Lanning's has been voted one of the top three places to eat and drink in Summit County according to a Cleveland.com readers' poll. The Akron establishment also earned recognition as the winner of the 2025 Best Steak in Greater Cleveland.
Why it matters
The recognition follows a significant transformation of the property aimed at providing a high-end, immersive experience for diners. By focusing on theatrical cocktail service and tableside presentations, the restaurant has distinguished itself within the competitive local culinary scene.
The restaurant, which underwent a $2 million renovation, maintains a 200-selection wine list and features a 45-seat lounge. Happy-hour cocktails are priced at $10 compared to standard cocktails which range from $15 to $17.
The players
Dean Martin
He is the co-owner of Dean Martin's Lanning's who purchased the establishment in 2020.
Bethany Martin
She is the co-owner of Dean Martin's Lanning's who invested in the restaurant's rebranding.
The details
Owners Dean and Bethany Martin purchased the location at 826 N. Cleveland-Massillon Road in 2020 and implemented a strict business-casual dress code. Guests can book the Goodfellas Feast experience for $600, while the owner and chef continue to refine the menu through weekly review meetings.
Timeline
Dean and Bethany Martin purchased the restaurant in 2020.
The restaurant won the Best Steak in Greater Cleveland readers' poll in 2025.
Owner and chef review potential menu additions every Wednesday.
Happy hour service is available daily from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Industry Dynamics
This accolade highlights the ongoing shift in the regional dining landscape toward high-concept, experiential hospitality. Dean Martin's Lanning's positions itself against other upscale competitors by focusing on legacy branding combined with modern tableside performance.
Diners planning to visit should note that the restaurant enforces a strict business-casual dress code that prohibits hats, athletic wear, and shorts. Those looking to save on the bar program can utilize the happy-hour menu, which is offered daily until 6 p.m. and all day on Sundays.
The takeaway
The restaurant's growth illustrates the market demand for immersive dining experiences that prioritize tableside interaction. Diners can expect further luxury additions, such as deboned fish and caviar, as management continues to expand its high-end menu offerings.
Further reading
Explore more local culinary trends in Akron Food and Drink.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Cleveland.
Live Poll
Would you choose an expensive theatrical dining experience over a standard restaurant meal?
