The Best of Dayton

Welcome to the Best of Dayton food guide! We've handpicked the top dining spots in the city, each offering unique and delicious dishes you won't want to miss. Whether you're a local or just visiting, our recommendations will help you savor the best flavors Dayton has to offer. Get ready to explore a culinary journey through the city's finest restaurants, complete with must-try dishes and insider tips on what to order. Bon appétit!

START THE DAY

Butter Cafe, 1106 Brown St in Dayton

Try: French Toast Kabobs With Grilled Pineapple

Sunrise Cafe, 259 Xenia Avenue Yellow Springs

Try: Huevos Rancheros (Dave Chapelle's favorite!)

Original Pancake House, 1516 Miamisburg Centerville Rd in Centerville

Try: The Dutch Baby

First Watch, 4 area locations

Try: Ham & Gruyère Omelette

Christopher's Restaurant, 2318 E Dorothy Lane in Kettering

Try: Homemade Biscuits & Gravy

Elsa's Mexican Restaurant, 6 area locations

Try: Fajita Burrito

Flyboy's Deli, 2515 Far Hills in Oakwood

Try: Liberty Reuben Sandwich

Marion's Piazza, 8 area locations

Try: Deluxe with Mike Sells Potato Chips

SWEET TREATS

Ashley's Pastry Shop, 21 Park Ave in Oakwood

Try: Sand Tarts aka "The Cookie of the Stars"... cash or check only

Dorothy Lane Market, 3 area locations

Try: Killer Brownies & Esther Price Chocolates

Bill's Donuts, 268 N Main St in Centerville

Try: Everything! Nationally renowned as one of the best donut shops in the country, there's no such thing as a bad choice at Bill's.

DINNER FAVORITES

The Pine Club, 1926 Brown St in Dayton

Try: Bone-in Ribeye Steak

The Oakwood Club, 2414 Far Hills Ave in Oakwood

Try: Potato Crusted Chilean Sea Bass

Sky Asian Cuisine, 4090 Wilmington Pike in Kettering

Try: American Dream Sushi Roll

Meadowlark, 5531 Far Hills Ave in Kettering

Try: Lark Burger with Garlic Frites

Thai 9, 11 Brown St in Dayton

Try: Pad Thai or Yellow Curry

The Paragon Supper Club, 797 Miamisburg Centerville Rd In Centerville

Try: Filet Mignon

Cooper's Hawk Restaurant & Winery, 5220 Cornerstone N Blvd in Centerville

Try: Bleu Cheese & Crispy Onion Burger

The Hamburger Wagon, 12 E Central Ave in Miamisburg

Try: Hamburger! Don't try the doubles, bring cash, and eat in your car.

The Trolley Stop, 530 East 5th St in Dayton

Try: Beef Short Rib Sub

Table 33, 130 W 2nd St in Dayton

Try: The Club 33 Sandwich

Wheat Penny Oven & Bar, 515 Wayne Ave in Dayton

Try: The Angela, Wheat Penny's take on a margarita pizza

Manna, 61 W Franklin St. Centerville OH 45459

Try: Arrachera De Peru

From hidden gems to popular hotspots, Dayton’s food scene is a delicious adventure waiting to be explored. We hope this guide has inspired you to dive into the city’s diverse culinary offerings.

We’d love to hear from you—let us know your thoughts or share your favorite local delicacies. If you have any recommendations or hidden gems we should feature, drop us a comment or message. Your input could be the next tasty addition to our blog!