Want to get Trumbull County natives involved in a heated discussion fast? Ask them about their opinions on sauce.

Whether we’re adding it to pasta dishes, pizzas, or buying it in jars, people in Trumbull County know a thing or two about red sauce. It can’t be too sweet or too sour, and it has to have just the right blend of spices. If you grew up in an Italian family (or have Italian friends), you’ve probably heard of Sunday Sauce—a beloved tradition of the perfect long-simmered pot of tomato sauce, incorporating olive oil, meat, garlic, onions, and a varying blend of spices. Some Sunday Sauces include oregano, basil, and bay leaves. Since most are family recipes that are passed down from each generation, we’re sure they also include a few “top secret” ingredients. That’s what makes Sunday Sauce so special.

As our lives get busier, not everyone can dedicate the time it takes to perfect a pot of Sunday Sauce. Don’t worry though—we’re in luck. Here in Trumbull County, there’s no shortage of great places to get sauced. Here are a few of our local favorites.

Restaurants & Pizzerias with Sunday Sauce in Northeast Ohio

If we listed every place in Trumbull County that serves a fantastic dish of pasta with red sauce or an ideal pizza, we would be here forever. Be sure to check out our Italian Food Trail for a full rundown of all Trumbull County has to offer in this space.

Salvatore’s Italian Grill (Howland): Two words: Pizza Bread. Served as a starter and also available on its own, this comforting and satisfying mix of sauce and bread is the perfect introduction to Trumbull County red sauce.

Café 422 (Warren): A prime spot for family celebrations, casual catch-ups with friends, and everything in between, Café 422 offers classic Italian dishes as well as steaks, seafood, and sandwiches. In addition to their sauce, we’re big fans of their famous hot peppers in oil. Be sure to check their event schedule—Café 422 hosts regular live music events and is also the new home of the Funny Farm comedy club.

Vernon’s Cafe (Niles): You know it’s good when there’s an entire menu section dedicated to the red sauce! Try it like a true local with cavatelli, a small shell-like pasta. Vernon’s also has a great wine list!

West & Main (Warren): Chef Nate Barker and his incredible team at West & Main pride themselves on their fresh, locally sourced, seasonal food. In line with this, you’ll see their Sunday Sauce listed on the menu multiple times and ALWAYS made fresh and in-house. Some highlights include their meatballs with fresh ricotta, pesto and Sunday sauce or their incredible East coast calamari appetizer served with Sunday sauce for dipping.

Franky’s Pizza & Deli (Warren): We couldn’t write this article without talking about Franky’s Pizza & Deli. Since opening in 2024, Franky’s has become a quick favorite for their signature Sicilian style crust and unique flavor combinations. Earlier this year, they launched a new “Sunday Sauce Sicilian” pizza, an “upside down” Sicilian style pie with the sauce on top of the cheese. The Sunday Sauce Sicilian features extra-virgin olive oil, house white seasoning, and mozzarella topped with slow simmered meatball and mild Italian sausage Bolognese sauce. It’s topped with toasted Italian breadcrumbs, grated Romano cheese, and fresh basil. It’s not just locals that love this pie—Franky’s won first prize in the International Pizza Challenge in Las Vegas this year, winning the prize for best Sicilian Style Pizza in a competition against over 750 global pizza makers.

Sunrise Inn of Warren (Warren): If you’re stopping in Trumbull County, make it a point to try Brier Hill pizza. Brier Hill pizza is made with a breadlike crust, thick tomato sauce, and bell peppers. Instead of mozzarella cheese, Brier Hill is topped with Romano. There are countless places that offer this local favorite, but you can’t go wrong with Sunrise Inn, a Warren staple since 1929.

Jarred Sauce: You might not have the time (or cooking skills) to make your own Sunday Sauce every week. That doesn’t mean you can’t bring a taste of authenticity to your homemade meals. With locally-made jarred sauces, your pastas, pizzas, and other dishes can taste delicious.

Jimmy’s Italian Specialties (Liberty): There’s no shortage of good food to be found at Jimmy’s. Stop in for fresh pasta, delicious pastries, and grab & go hot food items—but don’t leave without a jar or two of their homemade sauce. Several varieties are available, so why not try them all?

Vasilio’s Restaurant & Pizzeria (Cortland): For 40 years, Vasilio’s has been serving up pizza, pasta, and other beloved dishes to Cortland and the surrounding areas. Their beloved sauce is now available at local stores throughout Trumbull County and beyond, including B& K Farm Market.

We hope you’ll try some (or all!) of these suggestions. Maybe this will even inspire you to make your own Sunday Sauce. It may take some time, but trust us—it will be worth it.