If you’re looking for some of the best restaurants in Dayton Ohio, then you’ve come to the right place!
I was born and raised in Youngstown Ohio, and I’ve spent a lot of time traveling around my home state.
Dayton is a unique Ohio town with tons of fun and unique things to do.
It’s also home to some amazing restaurants!
Dayton Ohio is actually starting to become known for having a vibrant foodie scene.
That just means that there are tons of up-and-coming chefs leaving their mark on the restaurant scene in Dayton.
Throughout the year, the city hosts ‘Restaurant Week’ where you’ll have the opportunity to try delish menu items at some of the more popular restaurants in Dayton.
However, no matter when you travel to Dayton, you’ll want to try some of these excellent Dayton restaurants.
On this list, I’ve tried to include a variety of different cuisines. You’ll find classic American fare, Asian cuisine, European-inspired restaurants, and more.
So, let’s take a look at 15 of the best restaurants in Dayton Ohio that you simply must try!
15 Best Restaurants In Dayton OH You Must Try
Enjoy The Casual Atmosphere At Mudlick Taphouse
Mudlick Taphouse is a casual restaurant in Dayton that specializes in classic American comfort foods.
While reservations aren’t required, they are highly suggested.
This Dayton restaurant is becoming pretty popular. So, you’ll have a much shorter wait time for a table if you plan ahead and make a reservation.
They have space in the indoor taproom, and if the weather is nice, you can sit outside on the patio.
However, if you want to sit outside on the patio, it is first come first served.
They do not take reservations for the patio, so just keep that in mind.
On their menu, you’ll find a wide variety of classic American comfort food.
That includes dishes like Shrimp and Grits, Fried Chicken, the Rueben, and Crab Cakes.
They also have a few vegetarian menu items like the Cauliflower Power, Fried Leeks, and the White Bean Tabbouleh Burger.
Because they are a taproom, you’ll also find a wide range of beers and ciders on tap to go perfectly with your meal.
If you’re looking for some amazing food in Dayton, you’ll want to stop by the Mudlick Taproom.
Enjoy Classic Italian Dishes At Franco’s
You’ll find Franco’s in Dayton’s Historic Oregon District, one of the best places to visit in Ohio.
This restaurant in Dayton has been open since 1976 and has become a staple in the community.
If you’re looking for elegant restaurants in Downtown Dayton, Franco’s is a must-visit restaurant.
They are open Monday through Friday for lunch and dinner, and Saturdays for dinner only.
On their menu, you’ll find staple Italian dishes. If you aren’t sure what to try, they suggest their “World Famoso” Spaghetti.
You’ll also find dishes like Calamari, Antipasto, Pasta Balsamico, and Alla Parmigiana.
They also have a ‘Build Your Own Pasta’ where you can pick and choose your sauce, pasta noodles, toppings, and proteins to make your own dish.
Franco’s is a wonderful restaurant in Dayton to visit if you’re looking for authentic, classic, Italian dishes.
Basil’s On Market Is One Of The Best Restaurants In Dayton
Basil’s On Market is actually a small restaurant chain in Ohio.
However, with only three locations throughout the state, it is a very, very, small chain.
One of their locations is in Dayton, on Patterson Boulevard.
It’s a restaurant in downton Dayton right by the Dragon’s stadium with views of the river.
If you want classic American fare in an urban setting, then you’ll want to try this Dayton restaurant.
On their menu, you’ll find dishes like Risotto Tater Tots, Slow Roasted Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich, Lobster Mac and Cheese, and more.
They also serve a few delicious desserts like Creme Brulee, Lemon Cake, and NY Style Cheesecake.
Whether you’re going to a Dragon’s game or simply exploring downtown Dayton, you’ll want to stop at Basil’s On Market Street!
Sample Classic Peruvian Dishes At Salar Restaurant And Lounge
For those who want to try something a little different, I suggest stopping by Salar Restaurant and Lounge.
It’s another restaurant in downtown Dayton in the Historic Oregon District.
While reservations are highly suggested, they aren’t required if you want to enjoy a meal at Salar.
Salar is a Peruvian restaurant, however, they have menu items with roots in different countries throughout the world.
So, there is something for every taste and palette on their menu.
Some popular menu items include the Vegetarian Empanadas, Seafood Rice, Northern Peruvian Style Lamb Shank, and the Macchu Picchu Pork Chop.
Salar Restaurant and Lounge truly has some of the best food in Dayton Ohio, you won’t want to miss trying it!
Table 33 Is A Casual Restaurant In Dayton Ohio
If you’re looking for an excellent restaurant in Dayton Ohio for breakfast and lunch, I suggest trying Table 33.
Table 33 is a casual restaurant and cafe that is known for its amazing breakfast and lunch menu items.
You can stop by Table 33 for breakfast and lunch Tuesday through Sunday.
On Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday, you can also enjoy dinner at Table 33.
On their breakfast menu, you’ll find a mixture of classics and reimagined dishes. They have French Toast, Chicken and Waffles, Spring Pancakes, and more.
Their lunch menu includes dishes like the Veggie Bowl, the Un-Beet-Able Burger, the Club 33, and the daily soup or salad.
If you stop by for dinner on Tuesday, Friday, or Saturday, you can try dishes like their Braised Short Ribs, Pan Seared Faroe Island Salmon, and most of their lunch menu.
They also have a bakery that sells freshly made baked goods like Cinnamon Rolls, Carrot Cake, Seasonal Pies, and the Nana Chip Muffin.
Visit A Historic Tavern At The Trolley Stop
The Trolley Stop is a historic tavern located in Dayton’s Historic Oregon District.
This tavern dates from 1839 and it still retains a lot of its original charm.
It’s easily one of the most unique restaurants in Dayton!
They have live music, a party room with a pool table and free books to read, and a great outdoor patio.
If you’re looking for a fun restaurant in Downtown Dayton with tons of history, you’ll love The Trolley Stop.
Along with the great atmosphere, they also have a great menu full of classic American fare.
You can try menu items like Charred Brussel Sprouts, the French Onion Grilled Cheese, the Club Sandwich, Red Beans and Rice, and more.
They also have a selection of homemade desserts that vary daily.
Try Wheat Penny Oven And Bar, A Unique Restaurant In Dayton OH
One of the most unique restaurants in Dayton OH is the Wheat Penny Oven and Bar.
The Wheat Penny Oven and Bar is a California-style pizza restaurant.
Their menu is full of fresh, homemade dishes and excellent baked pizzas.
The pizzas aren’t wood-fired like you’d see in a traditional Italian kitchen. Instead, they are oven-baked, which makes them distinctly American.
Wheat Penny has become a popular Dayton restaurant thanks to its unique fare. So you’ll want to make a reservation before visiting.
But, it’s worth it to try some of the best food in Dayton.
Their menu isn’t just pizzas, but that is their main focus.
You’ll find dishes like The Oklahoma Fried Onion Burger, Housemade Porchetta, and Seared Salmon with Poblano Butternut Cream.
They also have sandwiches, pasta, and a variety of salads. You can choose one of their pizza recipes or build your own!
With their varied menu, delicious pizzas, and more, it’s easy to see why people agree that Wheat Penny has some of the best Dayton food options.
Enjoy Upscale Thai Cuisine At Thai 9
One of the best Dayton restaurants for a romantic or upscale meal is Thai 9.
Thai 9 is an elegant and modern Dayton restaurant in the Historic Oregon District.
When you visit, it’s important to keep in mind that they have a ‘business casual’ dress code.
So, while jeans and t-shirts are okay, they ask that you don’t wear tank tops.
However, they’d prefer it if you wore something a little nicer than jeans and a t-shirt.
They are open throughout the week for lunch and dinner.
Along with traditional Thai dishes, they also have a large sushi menu.
You’ll be able to enjoy dishes like Golden Tofu, Papaya Salad, Shrimp Cakes, and the Seafood Clay Pot.
With a large selection of vegetarian dishes as well as meat protein dishes, there is something for everyone on this Dayton restaurant’s menu.
Find Vegan Dishes At The Invoke Food Stall
Invoke is a food stall located in the 2nd Street Market, one of the best things to do in Dayton.
It’s the go-to place for vegan food in Dayton, and it doesn’t disappoint.
You can stop by Invoke any time the 2nd Street Market is open throughout the week.
On their menu, you’ll find dishes like their Potato Carrot Hash, the Car Dawg, the Zucchini Basil Samme, and more.
There are only a few menu items that aren’t vegan, like the Chicken and Waffles and the Eggs Benne.
They also have vegan desserts like their Chocolate Chip Cookies, Passion Fruit Cheez Cake, and the Dayton Style Cheez Cake.
If you’re looking for delicious vegan food in Dayton, then you’ve got to try Invoke!
Lily’s Dayton Is A Reincarnation Of One Of The Best Dayton Restaurants
Lily’s Bistro was open from 2013 to 2020, before the pandemic hit.
To survive the pandemic, Lily’s Bistro shut down and reemerged as Lily’s Dayton.
Most of Lily’s Dayton’s dining spaces are the three large patios. However, they do have a small indoor dining area.
Because seating is limited, reservations are highly suggested, but they do have walk-in availability too.
Lily’s Dayton is located in the Historic Oregon District and features a Polynesian-inspired menu.
You’ll find new menu items along with classics from Lily’s Bistro’s original menu.
Their menu includes dishes like Caribbean Pulled Pork Nachos, Kimchi Miso Soup, the General Tso Boy Sandwich, and their famous ramen.
A lot of their menu items feature locally sourced ingredients and most, if not all of them, are made fresh daily.
Enjoy Casual Dining At Lucky’s Taproom And Eatery One Of The Restaurants In Dayton
Lucky’s Taproom and Eatery is another Dayton restaurant located in the Historic Oregon District.
Unlike many of the restaurants you’ll find in the Oregon District, Lucky’s is a more casual atmosphere.
They’ve been open since 2011 and have established themselves as having some of the best Dayton food options in the area.
So if you’re exploring the city and just want a cool place to hang out and enjoy a good meal, then stop at Lucky’s Taproom and Eatery.
They are open daily for brunch, lunch, and dinner.
Their menu includes menu items like the Ale Soaked Chips, Cauliflower Bites, the Seitan Gyro, the Falafel Sandwich, and the Fried Chicken Sandwich.
They also serve a variety of burgers and entrees like Cajun Pasta and Beer Battered Fish and Chips.
Along with their full food menu, they have a large selection of beers and ciders on tap that pair perfectly with their menu items.
Sample Ethiopian Fare At Nanyea Restaurant, Coffee House, And Bar
Nanyea Restaurant, Coffee House, and Bar is easily one of the best restaurants in Dayton.
They are the only place with Ethiopian food in Dayton.
Not only are they the only place in Dayton that serves Ethiopian fare, but they also have some of the best food in Dayton in general!
Nanyea is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Their menu is full of Ethiopian classics like Kinche, Bozena Shiro, Misir, and Rice with Chicken Tibs.
They also serve Ethiopian Coffee and Fruit Smoothies.
If you’re looking for an awesome Dayton food option that is a bit more unique, head to Nanyea.
Butter Cafe Is A Great Dayton Restaurant For Breakfast And Lunch
Butter Cafe is a Dayton restaurant that specializes in breakfast and lunch.
You’ll find them on Brown Street, and they are open weekdays from 8 am to 2 pm and on weekends from 8 am to 3 pm.
Their breakfast and lunch menus are both massive with tons of options. So you’ll easily find something you’ll love.
They are also known for having a large variety of vegan options, even though they aren’t a strictly vegan restaurant.
For breakfast, choose from dishes like the Tomato Bacon Avo Omelette, Jelly Donut Pancakes, Chai Tea French Toast, Vegan Cinnamon French Toast Crunch, and Classic Breakfast Combos.
If you’re visiting Butter Cafe for lunch, you’ll find menu items like the Jackfruit Ruben, the Bacon BBQ Burger, and the Vegan Impossible Beef Burger.
No matter what kind of food you like to eat for breakfast or lunch, you’ll love eating at Butter Cafe.
Have Dinner In A Restored 1892 Firehouse At Jimmie’s Ladder 11
There are tons of Dayton restaurants in unique and restored buildings. One of those restaurants in Dayton is Jimmie’s Ladder 11.
Jimmie’s Ladder 11 is in a restored 1892 firehouse that actually opened on 11/11/11.
It’s a family-owned and operated Dayton restaurant that has a cool atmosphere and some of the best food in Dayton.
They are open Monday through Sunday for lunch and dinner and they stay open until 2:30 am. That’s because it is also a popular bar.
On their menu, you’ll find dishes like Creole Cheesecake, Momma’s Meatballs, Spicy Cauliflower Bites, and a wide selection of sandwiches and burgers.
After 5 pm, they offer entrees like Fettucine Alfredo, Canadian Walleye, and Brandel Baked Ziti.
They also have a selection of desserts including Peanut Butter Pie, Turtle Cheesecake, and Fresh Baked Cookies.
Slyder’s Tavern Is One Of The Iconic Restaurants in Dayton
Slyder’s Tavern has been open in Dayton Ohio since 1948.
In that time, they’ve become an iconic and staple Dayton restaurant.
With a casual atmosphere, delicious menu, and a large selection of draft brews, it’s no surprise that it’s one of the best restaurants in Dayton.
On their menu, you’ll find dishes like Fried Mushrooms, Wings, Burgers, and a selection of sandwiches.
Their menu items all pair perfectly with the brews they have on tap.
If you’re looking for casual dining in one of Dayton’s iconic restaurants, head to Slyder’s Tavern.
With so many amazing restaurants in Dayton, you’ll want to plan to spend a few days in this vibrant midwest city to explore – and try all of the restaurants!
The Dayton food scene is continuing to grow and there is always something new to try there.
If you’ve tried any of these great restaurants in Dayton, I’d love to hear about your meal in the comments!
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