Home » TRAVEL NEWS » Trumbull County Tourism Debuts Italian Food Trail to Highlight Local Eateries in Ohio, Here’s All You Need to Know
Published on
October 27, 2025
Trumbull County Tourism Bureau has officially launched an updated Italian Food Trail. Designed to guide residents and visitors alike to over 50 local eateries, specializing in Italian-inspired cuisine. Italian-American Heritage is a strong influence in the area. The Italian cuisine trail highlights the family tie traditions associated with local eateries that shaped the food culture in the area over the years. The Italian trail provides an opportunity to visit a variety of Italian restaurants, pizzerias, and bakeries, as well as a new passport program that allows food enthusiasts to participate in a more interactive and rewarding experience.
The Growing Appeal of Trumbull County’s Italian Food Scene
Trumbull County, located in northeastern Ohio, has long been home to a vibrant community of Italian-American families whose culinary traditions have contributed significantly to the region’s local food scene. The Italian Food Trail brings attention to this rich history by showcasing the diverse and beloved dishes that residents and visitors alike enjoy. From the classic pizza to the sweet crunch of pizzelles, and the warmth of a wedding soup or fried greens, the trail provides a snapshot of the area’s distinctive flavors.
As an integral part of the tourism offerings in Trumbull County, the updated trail aims to attract food tourists and culinary enthusiasts who want to experience the authentic tastes of the area. The initiative aligns with the county’s broader effort to support local businesses and preserve the cultural heritage of its Italian-American roots.
The New Passport Program: A Fun and Rewarding Way to Explore
A key feature of the updated trail is the introduction of a passport program, designed to encourage participants to explore the full breadth of the county’s Italian food establishments. This interactive program adds a gamified element to the experience, making it a fun way for food lovers to sample dishes and visit some of the best-known restaurants and bakeries in the region.
To participate, visitors can either download the passport online or pick up a physical version at the Trumbull County Tourism office or one of the participating restaurants. The goal is simple: dine at eight featured stops along the Italian Food Trail and collect a sticker after each purchase. Once all eight stickers are collected, the completed passport can be submitted for a chance to win a $50 prize box, with monthly drawings held for those who complete the trail.
Participating Locations: A Wide Range of Italian-Inspired Dining Experiences
The updated Italian Food Trail spans more than 50 locations across Trumbull County, each offering its own unique twist on traditional Italian dishes. From family-owned pizzerias to long-established restaurants known for their homemade pasta and sauces, the trail provides a comprehensive tour of the area’s best Italian eateries. Here are some of the standout participants:
Amen Corner in Girard: A cozy spot offering both food and spirits, serving up a mix of Italian-American dishes with a hometown touch.Antone’s Kitchen in Howland: A place where family traditions of Italian cuisine continue, offering classic dishes and a warm atmosphere.Belleria Pizza in Cortland and Hubbard: Known for pizza, calzones, and hot sandwiches, the Hubbard location also doubles as a sports bar, offering a lively setting to enjoy great food.Caesar’s Italian Restaurant in Warren: Famous for its homemade sauces and fried chicken, a place where traditional flavors shine.Café 422 in Warren: Offers brick oven pizza, seafood, steaks, and Italian-American favorites, making it a staple for both locals and tourists.CharBenay’s Wine on the River in downtown Warren: Featuring a wine menu paired with delicious Italian-inspired dishes, this spot offers a more upscale dining experience along the scenic riverfront.Cocca’s Pizza: With multiple locations throughout the county, Cocca’s is known for its pepperoni rolls and authentic pizzas.Enzo’s Restaurant & Lounge: Specializes in fresh pastas and house-made sauces, offering a cozy yet refined dining experience.
In addition to these, the trail also includes a variety of bakery and delicatessen options like Pesa Italian Rolls, a bakery specializing in savory and cinnamon rolls, and Franky’s Pizza and Delicatessen, known for its NY Sicilian-style pizzas and deli sandwiches. Whether you’re in the mood for a casual pizza night or a gourmet Italian meal, the trail has something to satisfy every craving.
The Economic and Tourism Impact: Boosting Local Business and Regional Identity
The Italian Food Trail is not just about food—it’s also about strengthening Trumbull County’s tourism infrastructure and boosting the local economy. As visitors flock to the area to participate in the trail, they will also explore other attractions, shopping districts, and hotels, contributing to a broader economic impact. Local restaurants, cafés, and bakeries benefit from increased foot traffic, while tourism-related businesses such as transportation services and retail shops also see a boost in business.
By highlighting local dining traditions, the Italian Food Trail is also an effective tool for building a strong regional identity. The program helps preserve the culinary heritage of the Italian-American community in the area, providing an educational experience for visitors about the history of Italian immigration and the traditions that have been passed down through generations.
Building Community Engagement and Celebrating Local Heritage
Beyond the economic impact, the trail fosters a sense of community pride by bringing attention to local businesses and the importance of preserving cultural traditions. As participants travel from one stop to the next, they become immersed in the heritage of Trumbull County, learning about the local stories, recipes, and families that have shaped the region’s food scene. For locals, the trail serves as a reminder of the cultural richness that defines their home, offering a chance to celebrate and share their history with visitors from near and far.
Encouraging Local Tourism and Bringing Visitors to Trumbull County
The Italian Food Trail is an innovative way to engage both residents and tourists, encouraging them to explore Trumbull County’s local culinary scene while also experiencing the charm of the area’s neighborhoods and cultural landmarks. With its emphasis on Italian-American cuisine, the trail draws attention to the region’s unique heritage, making it an exciting destination for travelers seeking both authentic food experiences and cultural exploration.
Whether you’re a local resident rediscovering familiar flavors or a tourist seeking to explore the authentic tastes of Trumbull County, the Italian Food Trail offers something for everyone. As the program continues to grow, it is set to become a key feature of the county’s tourism offerings, providing visitors with a flavorful and unforgettable way to experience the area.
A Tasty Tour of Trumbull County’s Italian Heritage
Offering a $50 prize box and more than 50 participating locations, the Italian Food Trail a deliciously interactive way to discover the Italian heritage that has shaped Trumbull County’s culinary history. The promoted businesses, the tourist and community ties strengthened the bond with tourism. This will continue to be a highlight and lure for residents and visitors and maintain Trumbull County’s status for tourists seeking quality food, culture and historical tourism.
Dining and Cooking