$50 Gift Card from Cassese’s MVR
Website: https://www.youngstownmvr.com/
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Cassese’s MVR
Cassese’s MVR (Mahoning Valley Restaurant) is a beloved Youngstown institution that’s been serving up hearty Italian-American dishes since 1927. Located in the heart of Smoky Hollow near YSU, MVR is known for its old-world charm, welcoming atmosphere, and family-style hospitality.
Guests come for classic pasta dishes, hand-tossed pizza, homemade soups, and generous portions that taste just like Sunday dinner at Nonna’s. Beyond the food, MVR is also a gathering place—famous for its bocce courts, local sports memorabilia, and decades-long tradition of hosting celebrations, post-game meetups, and community events.
Whether you’re craving a plate of rigatoni, a glass of Chianti, or just a place to relax with friends, Cassese’s MVR offers an authentic slice of Youngstown’s heritage that keeps locals and visitors coming back year after year.
Website: https://www.youngstownmvr.com/
Phone: (330) 746-7067
Address: 5555 Cerni Pl, Austintown, OH 44515, USA
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Address: 5555 Cerni Pl, Austintown, OH 44515, USA
Business Hours
🟢 Open now
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 4:00 – 9:00 PM
- Wednesday: 4:00 – 9:00 PM
- Thursday: 4:00 – 9:00 PM
- Friday: 4:00 – 9:00 PM
- Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed
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Google Reviews
Susan Sunday –
Delicious Tortellini. The sauce was sooo good and plenty of it too. The Italian salad dressing was delicious. Tasted home made. The Hells Shells were also delicious with Spicy peppers on top of a generous portion of home made sauce that covered all of the shells. Perfect for dipping the Italian bread in. If you want home made Italian food cooked right then this is the place. They don’t skimp on the portion sizes or the amount of sauce on the food either. Go there! Eat well!
R.J. Weinberg –
MVR is an absolute gem for Italian food lovers in Youngstown! I recently grabbed the Tressel tortellini to go, and it was fantastic. The tortellini was cooked perfectly, and the sauce was rich, creamy, and full of flavor. Every bite was a comforting reminder of why MVR is such a beloved spot. Even though it was a to-go order, the food was packaged well and still hot by the time I got home. The staff was friendly and efficient, making the pickup process a breeze. I’ll definitely be back to explore more of their menu—next time, maybe I’ll stay to soak in the restaurant’s ambiance. Highly recommend!
Jason Koncz –
We had a great experience with our son's rehearsal dinner here. Even with two different events and regular Friday night patrons, Joe was able to run a smooth operation. Our attendant for the night, Summer, was awesome. With 46 people in attendance, she made sure food and drinks were readily available. We had the Trussel tortellini, spicy bowtie, salad, bread, chicken francese, and steamed broccoli. The kitchen staff are commendable in their efforts. Well done and well pleased.
Company Facts
Team
Cassese’s MVR has stayed firmly in family hands across generations—from Carmine T. Cassese, to his son Carm (“Carmine L.”), and now to grandson Joe. Each has contributed uniquely to the restaurant’s legacy: from its founding, to building a gathering place with bocce and camaraderie, to modern-day revitalization and expansion under Joe’s leadership.
History
Cassese’s MVR, originally known as the Mahoning Valley Restaurant, has been a Youngstown institution since the early 1930s. Founded by the Cassese family in the historic Smoky Hollow neighborhood, the restaurant began when the family moved their house to make space for the business. Over the decades, MVR became known not only for its Italian-American food but also for its strong community ties and bocce courts, which were added in the 1980s. Today, it stands as a proud symbol of tradition, family, and local heritage in the Mahoning Valley.
Unique Qualities
What sets Cassese’s MVR apart from other restaurants is its deep-rooted connection to community, tradition, and local history. Unlike typical dining spots, MVR blends a casual Italian-American eatery with a vibrant social hub—featuring outdoor bocce courts, live events, and a welcoming atmosphere that spans generations. It's not just a place to eat; it’s where locals gather to celebrate, compete, and connect. With nearly a century of family ownership and a loyal following, MVR offers an experience that feels more like visiting an old friend than dining at a restaurant.