The best restaurants in Dayton
118 restaurants we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.
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Figlio Wood Fired Pizza
RestaurantsHip eatery offering wood-fired gourmet & custom pies as well as homemade pasta & a gluten-free menu.
Figlio Wood Fired Pizza
RestaurantsDonatos Pizza
RestaurantsChain selling crispy pizzas featuring provolone cheese & lots of toppings, plus oven-baked subs.
Donatos Pizza
RestaurantsMarion's Piazza
RestaurantsLong-running counter-serve chain featuring a menu of thin-crust pizzas, pasta & sandwiches.
Marion's Piazza
RestaurantsKawa Revolving Sushi
RestaurantsKid-friendly place for conveyor-belt sushi and other Japanese eats.
Kawa Revolving Sushi
RestaurantsAsiana Thai and Sushi of Hyde Park
RestaurantsSimple, relaxed restaurant offering Thai cuisine such as stir-fries, noodles & sushi.
Asiana Thai and Sushi of Hyde Park
RestaurantsPiada Italian Street Food
RestaurantsCounter-order restaurant serving design-your-own Italian food including wraps, pastas & salads.
Piada Italian Street Food
RestaurantsWaffle House
RestaurantsSimple chain spot offering American diner fare & all-day breakfast, including signature waffles.
Waffle House
RestaurantsThe Cheesecake Factory
RestaurantsAmerican chain restaurant offering sizable portions from a vast menu including signature cheesecake
The Cheesecake Factory
RestaurantsHank's Local Bar+Food+Patio
RestaurantsCasual eatery (with a kids' menu) featuring burgers, wings and ribs, plus craft beer on tap and cocktails.
Hank's Local Bar+Food+Patio
RestaurantsDoubleday's Grill & Tavern
RestaurantsChill pub with a massive menu, from their "monster" pizza to burgers to steak, in a relaxed setting.
Doubleday's Grill & Tavern
RestaurantsCulver’s
RestaurantsFast-food chain specializing in frozen custard & signature burgers made with Midwest beef & dairy.
Culver’s
RestaurantsPine Club
RestaurantsLandmark, low-lit supper club serving steaks & American fare plus a wide array of wines.
Pine Club
RestaurantsChina Cottage
RestaurantsLocal chain serving a lengthy menu of traditional Chinese dishes in a relaxed, stylish space.
China Cottage
RestaurantsTreasure Island Supper Club
RestaurantsThis old-fashioned fixture with a u-shaped bar features steaks, chops & seafood with familiar sides.
Treasure Island Supper Club
RestaurantsEl Toro Mexican Bar & Grill
RestaurantsCasual Mexican chain serving traditional dishes, plus beer, wine & margaritas.
El Toro Mexican Bar & Grill
RestaurantsChick-fil-A
RestaurantsFast-food chain serving chicken sandwiches & nuggets along with salads & sides.
Chick-fil-A
RestaurantsOakwood Club
RestaurantsA classic surf 'n' turf menu is presented in an old-school setting with booths & white tablecloths.
Oakwood Club
RestaurantsNarco Burger
RestaurantsThis week, Narco Burger is slinging 100% Angus smash burgers with that crispy sear, plus chicken wraps and fresh salads for when you…
Narco Burger
RestaurantsFat Boyz BBQ
RestaurantsFat Boyz BBQ is all about smoked pork ribs that melt, whole wings with signature sauce, and that Smack'N Mac'N plus candied yams that hit…
Fat Boyz BBQ
RestaurantsLinh's Bistro
RestaurantsLinh's Bistro keeps it simple and satisfying with an extensive lineup of Vietnamese and Chinese dishes, perfect for those nights when you…
Linh's Bistro
RestaurantsSammy's Craft Burgers & Beers
RestaurantsCincinnati sports night needs two things: a juicy, hand-pattied brisket-and-sirloin burger and a proper tap list. Sammy's Craft Burgers &…
Sammy's Craft Burgers & Beers
RestaurantsIzen's Drunken Bento
RestaurantsWhether you’re plotting a sushi roll lineup or chasing bulgogi comfort, Izen's Drunken Bento keeps Clifton happy with fresh rolls,…
Izen's Drunken Bento
RestaurantsThe Foundry
RestaurantsThe Foundry sits atop the AC Hotel Dayton with a wood-fired kitchen turning out Ingot Crab Cakes, a mighty Foundry Reuben, and Loaded…
The Foundry
RestaurantsJ P's Barbecue Ribs
RestaurantsCreating appetizing memories in central Ohio for over 60 years, J P's Barbecue Ribs is the no fuss fix for ribs, wings, and more with…
J P's Barbecue Ribs
RestaurantsEli's BBQ - Riverside
RestaurantsLow-key barbecue joint with some backyard seating, serving pulled pork, ribs & other classics.
Eli's BBQ - Riverside
RestaurantsSacred Beast Diner OTR
RestaurantsTrendy destination featuring modern takes on classic diner plates in a sophisticated, airy interior.
Sacred Beast Diner OTR
RestaurantsHeyday
RestaurantsStraightforward joint dishing up classic American fare such as burgers, fries, and tater tots.
Heyday
RestaurantsSalar Restaurant and Lounge
RestaurantsStylish eatery featuring a menu of global fare, 2 full bars making specialty cocktails & a lounge.
Salar Restaurant and Lounge
RestaurantsJimmie's Ladder 11
RestaurantsRestored 1892 firehouse turned folksy-chic tavern, serving American chow & an extensive beer list.
Jimmie's Ladder 11
RestaurantsDewey's Pizza - University of Dayton
RestaurantsCasual Midwestern chain serving inventive specialty pizzas & seasonal craft beers.
Dewey's Pizza - University of Dayton
RestaurantsCooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant
RestaurantsChic eatery, wine bar and tasting room featuring modern American fare, a full bar and a wine club.
Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant
RestaurantsThe Ugly Duckling
RestaurantsCozy local breakfast spot dishing up comfort fare such as pancakes and breakfast burritos.
The Ugly Duckling
RestaurantsKoji Burger
RestaurantsCasual, modern eatery for fried chicken and other dishes, beers and cocktails in chic surrounds.
Koji Burger
RestaurantsBenjamin's the Burger Master
RestaurantsHomey burger joint with antique decor offers signature patties, ribs & wings, plus lunch specials.
Benjamin's the Burger Master
RestaurantsPho Lang Thang
RestaurantsUpbeat Vietnamese joint inside Findlay Market for bowls of pho & banh mi sandwiches.
Pho Lang Thang
RestaurantsCafé Alma
RestaurantsCozy cafe offering a Mediterranean-style brunch menu with vegetarian and vegan options.
Café Alma
RestaurantsThe Echo
RestaurantsOpened in 1945, this neighborhood fixture offers ample portions of comfort food plus a full bar.
The Echo
RestaurantsLily's Dayton
RestaurantsEclectic global dishes & tiki-inspired craft cocktails in a relaxed setting.
Lily's Dayton
RestaurantsTAGLIO OTR
RestaurantsCasual eatery for classic pizzas (including Detroit-style and gluten-free options), plus salads and fried appetizers.
TAGLIO OTR
RestaurantsCourt Street Kitchen
RestaurantsOld-world and contemporary influences are blended together on the menu at this chic eatery.
Court Street Kitchen
RestaurantsAdriatico's
RestaurantsEasygoing, brick-lined joint offering classic pizzas, subs & salads, plus many craft beers on tap.
Adriatico's
RestaurantsWings and Rings
RestaurantsModern sports bar with a wide range of wing flavors, plus other pub eats & kids' deals.
Wings and Rings
RestaurantsJoe's Pizzeria
RestaurantsCasual parlor offering up pizza, pasta & sandwiches for dine-in or carryout since 1959.
Joe's Pizzeria
RestaurantsCloud 9 Sushi
RestaurantsUnpretentious, upbeat sushi bar with specialty rolls, cocktails, half-price specials & late hours.
Cloud 9 Sushi
RestaurantsMt. Lookout Tavern
RestaurantsHosting live music on weekends, this buzzing bar features big-screen TVs & serves classic pub fare.
Mt. Lookout Tavern
RestaurantsStylish spot with high ceilings & decorative tiles serving tapas, Latin entrees & cocktails.
Sueño
RestaurantsElevated Mexican eatery with wood-fired hearth serving contemporary dishes and cocktails.
Sueño
RestaurantsP & S Family Diner
RestaurantsCheery institution dishing up diner standards, including chili, burgers & breakfast.
P & S Family Diner
RestaurantsO'Bryon's Bar & Grill
RestaurantsClassic pub grub in a casual, brick-lined space with 2 full bars, a party room & a rooftop patio.
O'Bryon's Bar & Grill
RestaurantsLucius BBQ
RestaurantsSmoked meats & craft beer served in an upbeat, industrial-chic venue with a patio & local bands.
Lucius BBQ
RestaurantsWheat Penny Oven and Bar
RestaurantsRustic-chic bar & eatery creating California-style pies & Italian fare with carefully sourced meats.
Wheat Penny Oven and Bar
RestaurantsPig Candy BBQ
RestaurantsRelaxed eatery serving BBQ classics like brisket and waffle dishes, along with an outdoor patio.
Pig Candy BBQ
RestaurantsThe Original Pancake House
RestaurantsSignature pancakes & other American breakfast classics all day in a casual setting.
The Original Pancake House
RestaurantsThe Turf Club
RestaurantsA quirky joint doling out beers & jumbo burgers with adventurous toppings in a neon-lit room.
The Turf Club
RestaurantsMilkman
RestaurantsSnappy hamburger joint dishing up classic burgers and fries, plus boozy and non-alcoholic milkshakes.
Milkman
RestaurantsKTOWN BBQ & HOTPOT
RestaurantsAll-you-can-eat restaurant for classic Korean barbecue (with nonstick grills) and hot pot options.
KTOWN BBQ & HOTPOT
RestaurantsKeystone's Mac Shack
RestaurantsFast-casual eatery known for mac 'n' cheese dishes in a retro-styled space.
Keystone's Mac Shack
RestaurantsVV The Italian Experience
RestaurantsCasual Italian coffee shop offering espresso drinks, pastries, and classic meals paired with wine, beer, or cocktails.
VV The Italian Experience
RestaurantsWild Eggs
RestaurantsRestaurant chain serving breakfast, sandwiches & salads in a warm, contemporary setting.
Wild Eggs
RestaurantsRosie's Italian
RestaurantsEast Coast-style Italian joint serving pizzas and cocktails, plus a wine list, in a cozy space.
Rosie's Italian
RestaurantsThe Silos
RestaurantsTrendy space featuring 4 restaurants, plus a bar and outdoor seating.
The Silos
RestaurantsMamma DiSalvo's
RestaurantsOld-school Italian eatery serving pizza, pasta & other classics, plus wine, in a relaxed setting.
Mamma DiSalvo's
RestaurantsGrist
RestaurantsCasual eatery offering pasta dishes and sandwiches at the counter.
Grist
RestaurantsShen's Szechuan & Sushi
RestaurantsContemporary restaurant serving Chinese fare & sushi, plus unique cocktails & craft beer
Shen's Szechuan & Sushi
RestaurantsPho District
RestaurantsCasual Vietnamese eatery cooking grilled chicken and noodle dishes, plus Banh mi sandwiches and pho soup.
Pho District
RestaurantsHickory Bar-B-Q
RestaurantsFamily-friendly barbecue pit, doling out broasted chicken, ribs, broiled steaks & fried seafood.
Hickory Bar-B-Q
RestaurantsMetropole
RestaurantsChic American outfit serving seasonal, fireplace-cooked cuisine & cocktails in the 21c Museum Hotel.
Metropole
RestaurantsOld Scratch Pizza
RestaurantsCreative, wood-fired pies paired with a rotating menu of craft taps in this hip, lofty pizzeria.
Old Scratch Pizza
RestaurantsKrueger's Tavern
RestaurantsStylish, seasonal New American kitchen with a menu of small & large plates.
Krueger's Tavern
RestaurantsGoodfellas Pizzeria - OTR
RestaurantsLocal pizzeria chain serving NY-style pies, subs & calzones in a relaxed, stylish setting.
Goodfellas Pizzeria - OTR
RestaurantsIncline Public House
RestaurantsThis laid-back gastropub has a seasonal outdoor deck with skyline views & an American menu.
Incline Public House
RestaurantsZip's Cafe
RestaurantsBurgers, fried fish sandwiches & other pub-grub classics go alongside beer at this longtime hangout.
Zip's Cafe
RestaurantsLinh’s Bistro Wilmington Pk
RestaurantsCasual dining room for pho and other Vietnamese standards, plus takeaway.
Linh’s Bistro Wilmington Pk
RestaurantsKungFu BBQ
RestaurantsCasual spot serving up brisket, tacos, and grilled cheese sandwiches, plus catering services.
KungFu BBQ
RestaurantsOregon Express
RestaurantsOld-style pub with pizza, train-themed sandwiches & artisan brews, plus trivia & live music nights.
Oregon Express
RestaurantsAkashi Sushi Bar
RestaurantsComfy option for sushi & other Japanese dishes, from teriyaki to udon, plus sake, wine & beer.
Akashi Sushi Bar
RestaurantsIchiban
RestaurantsSushi bar serving traditional Japanese noodles & skewers in a stylish setting.
Ichiban
RestaurantsSwensons Drive-In
RestaurantsCasual fast food chain serving freshly made burgers, fries and shakes at a drive-in window.
Swensons Drive-In
RestaurantsHangOverEasy
RestaurantsFrench toast, burgers, draft beers & cocktails in a diner & bar with a hip vibe & patio seating.
HangOverEasy
RestaurantsButter Cafe
RestaurantsOrganic American breakfast & lunch fare, including vegan options, served in a relaxed, quirky cafe.
Butter Cafe
RestaurantsFireside Pizza
RestaurantsAiry, industrial-style venue with a full bar featuring wood-fired pizzas & rotating microbrews.
Fireside Pizza
RestaurantsSouth Park Pizza Tavern
RestaurantsCraft beer tavern serving creative pies & pub fare, plus arcade games & live music on weekends.
South Park Pizza Tavern
RestaurantsIvory House
RestaurantsCreative menu for surf-and-turf fare, plus cocktails and wine served in elegant surroundings.
Ivory House
RestaurantsThe Eagle OTR
RestaurantsConvivial eatery & beer hall dishing up Southern classics such as fried chicken & spoonbread.
The Eagle OTR
RestaurantsWat Da Pho - Beavercreek
RestaurantsA menu specializing in pho & traditional Vietnamese rice dishes, salads, & banh mi sandwiches.
Wat Da Pho - Beavercreek
RestaurantsWest Social Tap & Table
RestaurantsCasual food hall featuring multiple vendors serving soul food, Caribbean fare, pizza and more.
West Social Tap & Table
RestaurantsChilli's Wings & Fish
RestaurantsCasual eatery serving wings (party, garlic, whole, breast tenders) as well as fried fish and other sides.
Chilli's Wings & Fish
RestaurantsThe Original Pancake House
RestaurantsSignature pancakes & other American breakfast classics all day in a casual setting.
The Original Pancake House
RestaurantsCity Barbeque
RestaurantsCounter-serve smokehouse chain offering classic barbecue fare in down-home settings.
City Barbeque
RestaurantsEli's BBQ - Findlay
RestaurantsBarbecue joint known for ribs, pulled pork, and other classics, plus live entertainment.
Eli's BBQ - Findlay
RestaurantsYouYu
RestaurantsCasual eatery featuring a menu of Balinese, Nepalese, Mandarin, Cantonese, Japanese, and Vietnamese dishes.
YouYu
RestaurantsSmashburger
RestaurantsCounter-serve chain featuring signature smashed burgers, plus sides & shakes.
Smashburger
RestaurantsBushido Ramen
RestaurantsTrendy bubble tea shop offering milk teas, smoothies, and snacks in a casual space.
Bushido Ramen
RestaurantsSake Japanese Steak House & Sushi Bar.
RestaurantsUnassuming Japanese eatery with sushi & a selection of hot entrees like hibachi meats & teriyaki.
Sake Japanese Steak House & Sushi Bar.
RestaurantsFrench Toast Heaven
RestaurantsCasual destination for a range of French toast dishes, breakfast plates, omelets and lunch entrees.
French Toast Heaven
RestaurantsFUSIAN
RestaurantsModern counter-serve option featuring creative build-your-own sushi rolls, tea & Japanese sides.
FUSIAN
RestaurantsThe Trolley Stop
RestaurantsThis tavern, dating to 1839, offers American eats, craft beers & cocktails, plus pool & live music.
The Trolley Stop
RestaurantsAgnes
RestaurantsRelaxed eatery with a menu spotlighting Caribbean comfort foods, including oxtail, jerk chicken and curried chicken, plus rice bowls.
Agnes
RestaurantsMaplewood Kitchen and Bar
RestaurantsSpacious cafe for Californian cuisine for breakfast through dinner amid wooden tables & greenery.
Maplewood Kitchen and Bar
RestaurantsTable 33
RestaurantsCasual restaurant & cafe serving refined, locally sourced New American breakfasts & lunches.
Table 33
RestaurantsMeadowlark Restaurant
RestaurantsCreative New American spot with craft cocktails, an exposed-brick setting & a neighborhood vibe.
Meadowlark Restaurant
RestaurantsTea n Bowl Malaysian and Thai Cuisine
RestaurantsCasual, Thai, Malaysian restaurant also serving ramen, nasi lemak and bubble tea, plus selling trinkets.
Tea n Bowl Malaysian and Thai Cuisine
RestaurantsPepp & Dolores
RestaurantsUpmarket destination offering family-style Italian dishes, plus homemade pasta & bread.
Pepp & Dolores
RestaurantsAlfio's Buon Cibo
RestaurantsElevated eatery featuring Italian dishes with an Argentinean twist & cocktails in an intimate space.
Alfio's Buon Cibo
RestaurantsSotto
RestaurantsBasement dining spot with an austere brick-&-wood interior serving inventive rustic Italian cuisine.
Sotto
RestaurantsSleepy Bee Cafe - Downtown
RestaurantsKid-friendly spot serving breakfast staples, including pancakes and sandwiches, alongside brunch fare, coffee and mimosas.
Sleepy Bee Cafe - Downtown
RestaurantsSake Japanese Restaurant
RestaurantsExtensive menu of teppanyaki, sushi & teriyaki dishes, plus Monday-Saturday lunch specials.
Sake Japanese Restaurant
RestaurantsCoco's Bistro
RestaurantsModern, upscale New American eatery & lounge serving pasta, eclectic entrees & artisanal pizzas.
Coco's Bistro
RestaurantsEl Meson
RestaurantsLatin tapas & specialty cocktails served in a festive eatery that seats over 450 guests.
El Meson
RestaurantsThe Farm
RestaurantsFamily-run restaurant, with a simple interior and a pole barn-style building, serving familiar fare from home-cooking classics to buffet…
The Farm
RestaurantsJimmy's Italian Cuisine & Bar
RestaurantsCasual Italian eatery featuring pizza, pasta, and other classics, plus beer and cocktails.
Jimmy's Italian Cuisine & Bar
RestaurantsOld Hickory Bar-B-Q Carryout
RestaurantsHumble fixture turning out barbecue sandwiches & plates with classic sides, along with sweet tea.
Old Hickory Bar-B-Q Carryout
RestaurantsMontgomery Inn The Boathouse
RestaurantsVeteran barbecue chain dishing up classic meat dishes in sauce, plus grills, salads & seafood.
Montgomery Inn The Boathouse
RestaurantsPizza Factory - Dayton's Original
RestaurantsParlor serving inventive pizzas with creative toppings. Pickup & delivery only.
Pizza Factory - Dayton's Original
RestaurantsThe Oak Tavern
RestaurantsUnpretentious sports bar with patio seating & multiple TVs, plus pub fare & live music.
The Oak Tavern
RestaurantsThe Brunch Club
RestaurantsTime-tested, neighborhood nook preparing generous portions of breakfast & lunch standards.
The Brunch Club
RestaurantsSpaghetti Warehouse
RestaurantsPasta is the specialty of this casual Italian chain with a family-friendly vibe.
Spaghetti Warehouse
RestaurantsBRU Burger Bar - Downtown Cincinnati
RestaurantsA chic spot for burgers (over a dozen varieties) & other bites paired with a lengthy beer list.
BRU Burger Bar - Downtown Cincinnati
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