Within the depths of the Miami Valley lies the sixth largest metropolitan area in Ohio. Dayton is the home of the Dayton Dragons and Wright Patterson Air Force base, along with 2 public universities. One thing is certain, there is never a dull moment in the Gem city. It’s bars, cafes, and restaurants are no exception. Dayton’s best restaurants have been featured in the New York Times, Fortune Magazine, and USA Today. Famous Hollywood actors and food seekers from all around Ohio and the United States have flocked to the Gem City to get a taste of its eclectic cuisines. Italian, Mexican, Asian, and Indian restaurants can be found all throughout the city, proving it’s cultural inclusivity. Discover award winning steakhouses in Oakwood. Uncover the critically acclaimed eateries at the Oregon District. Venture out to unmask some of Dayton’s hidden treasures. This website intends to capture the best food spots in downtown Dayton. For a spin on the classic “dinner and a movie” date, a nearby activity is paired with each restaurant.
“To eat is a necessity, but to eat intelligently is an art.”-Francois La Rochefoucauld
1. Marilyn’s Grill 2. Linh’s Bistro 3. Oakwood Club 4. Salar Restaurant and Lounge 5. El Meson 6. CJ Chan 7. The Pine Club 8. Jay’s Seafood Restaurant 9. Meadowlark 10. Corner Kitchen.
Marilyn’s Grill
Fried chicken, Philly cheese steaks, brown sugar glazed yams, homemade mac n cheese, and buttery cornbread are popular menu items at this soul food restaurant. Marilyn’s Grill in downtown Dayton has been serving soul food since November 2015. This family owned restaurant on Main Street has only been open for two years, but the concept dates back to 2004, owner Albert Smith tells Dayton.com. The restaurant was formerly called RJ’s. Due to high demand and growth, the restaurant relocated to a bigger facility. Marilyn’s Grill was born when Smith changed the name to honor of his mother. Customers can expect reasonable prices, substantial portion sizes, a family friendly ambiance.
“When you come into Marilyn’s, it’s like walking into your home. We want to make this a home away from home, we want you to be comfortable as soon as you come into the door”- Albert Smith
Specialties: ribs, cheese steak, fish, sandwiches, buffet, vegetarian, gluten-free
143 North Main Street, Dayton, OH 45402
Directions
(937)546-1014
Marilynsgrill.com
Hours
Pair with: RiverScape MetroPark
Just blocks away from Marilyn’s lies the RiverScape MetroPark. According to researchers, taking a walk after a meal helps the digestion process along with maintaining blood sugar levels, and many other health benefits. Ride a link bike to a festival or take a relaxing stroll to the banks of the Miami River. Attempting to connect people to nature, the park offers year round recreational activities for people to enjoy. The park offers fitness in the park, music at lunch, snack bars, and a view of the downtown skyline. Click here to find a list of current events and festivals
237 E Monument Ave, Dayton, OH 45402
(937) 274-0126
Website
Linhs Bistro
In 2013 Phan and Hoa Nguyen, opened Linh’s Bistro to the public. The Vietnam refugees fled from Vietnam after facing political and social challenges. In hopes for a better future, the family opened up two restaurants prior to Linh’s before reaching success. The bistro features menu items such as egg noodles, spring rolls, and pineapple chicken. An average meal at this casual dining restaurant can range anywhere from $10-$20. Customers can expect a family friendly and diverse atmosphere. Its location across the Wright Patterson Air Force Base brings in a diverse crowd, “the base brings a lot of different nationalities to the area” Riverside Mayor, Bill Flaute told the Dayton Daily News. “There’s an opportunity with our menu to be more diverse and explore a little bit. People from different regions are more open to try different cuisines. It’s such a diverse atmosphere” says Mai Nguyen, daughter of the owners.
“Even if you think you don’t like Vietnamese food you need to go! Think soup. Think a bowl of Pho (soup) so delicious that you’ll want to finish the giant bowl, but you won’t be able to!”- Susan Berry, customer
5532 Airway Rd. Dayton, OH 45431
Directions
(937) 252-1857
lihnsbistro.com
Hours
Pair with: National Museum of the United States Air Force
The oldest and largest military aviation museum in the world is located just down the road from Lihn’s Bistro. The museum collects and preserves the history, heritage, and traditions of the United States Air Force. Enjoy flight simulators, a movie in the Air Force theater, and special collections from history. Click here to plan your visit.
1100 Spaatz St, Dayton, OH 45431
(937) 255-3286
Website
Hours
El Meson
This old school supper club was voted Dayton’s best fine dining restaurant in 2016, according to Dayton.com. Oakwood Club provides a classy, dim setting, perfect for romantic evenings or business meetings. Famous Hollywood guests include the “Sundance Kid”, Robert Redford, singer and songwriter, Tom Waits, and retired professional golfer, Nancy Lopez. Popular menu items include South African lobster tails, Maryland crab cakes, and escargot. The restaurant prides itself in using the freshest and highest quality ingredients. The seafood is freshly important from Florida’s East and West coastlines, and the beef is cured and aged for 21 days. Fresh herbs and vegetables are hand picked from their own garden. Dayton’s best steak winner has been open since 1962, making it one of the Gem City’s oldest restaurants.
“Classic Midwestern restaurant throughout – decor, menu, wait staff, regulars at the bar. Great place for beef – partner’s bone-in filet was perfectly prepared.”-John L., Yelp
2414 Far Hills Ave, Dayton, OH 45419
Directions
(937) 293-6973
Hours
Website
Pair With: Belle of Dayton
Belle of Dayton is an award winning distillery in Dayton, Ohio.”We spent 10 months and 93 distillations crafting Dayton gin and we are honored to be recognized as one of the best in the world” said the owner, Tim LaSelle. Dayton Gin brought home a double gold medal from the 2017 San Francisco World Spirit Competition, beating 43 competitors from all around the country. In 2015, Dayton small batch vodka earned a Platinum medal at the SIP awards and won a silver medal in 2014 and 2015 in the New York World Wine and Spirits competition. Things to try: Hells Vodka. Warning: ingredients include 7 of the hottest peppers on Earth, including one that is 800 times hotter than the jalapeno.
122 Van Buren St, Dayton, OH 45402
(937) 867-2355
Website
Hours
Salar Restaurant and Lounge
Salar Restaurant and Lounge is an upscale Peruvian restaurant located in the heart of Dayton’s infamous Oregon District. This “green certified’ restaurant specializes in Peruvian dishes, with a twist. Peruvian Chef, Margot Blondet, derives cooking inspiration from Spanish, Chinese, Italian, West African, and Japanese cultures and incorporates French techniques. The proof is in the menu. Featured items include crispy yucca and crab cakes with avocado, topped with a grapefruit dressing. Another customer favorite are empanadas, Peruvian-spiced beef tenderloin wrapped in a crispy, golden-brown turnover. The candle-lit dining area is ideal for date nights while the lounge area suits bigger crowds. For a more private experience, Salar offers 4 separate choices of seating.
- Chefs Table: take a behind the scenes peek into the kitchen made possible by two-way mirrors for you convenience while dining. This is ideal for a more intimate event, such as small dinner parties of 4-6 guests.
- Bubble Room & Lounge: entertain larger crowds of 60 guests for a cocktail party in the bubble room. This area includes a dining and lounge area.
- Twig Room: for the ultimate fully private experience, the Twig room is available for up to 36 guests, which includes a private entrance and patio access.
- Wine Bar: candle-lit tables and bar and high-top seating provide the perfect atmosphere for a party of 22.
400 E 5th St, Dayton, OH 45402
Directions
(937) 203-3999
Website
Hours
Pair with: Victoria Theatre Association
In 2016, the Victoria Theatre Association entertained nearly half a million guests and included over 300 performances. Performances include broadway acts, comedy, concerts and films. “By offering our community members many different avenues to explore creativity, VTA hopes to provoke inspirational conversations, deep self-reflection, and inspired celebration in Dayton” according to VictoriaTheatre.com. Click here to find upcoming events and performances.
138 N Main St, Dayton, OH 45402
Directions
(937) 228-7591
Website
Hours
El Meson
Owners of El Meson travel abroad twice a year to places like Central America, South America, Spain and the Caribbean to gather inspiration for their dishes. The recent trips inspired popular menu items like the Chilean salmon stack, machego cheese puffs, and chicken tortilla soup. This Colombian and South American family owned restaurant offers 20 different types of tequila, including Doebel, specially bottled for El Meson.
“El Meson is not a chain or a franchise, but rather an extension of our tradition.”-Herman Castro, Owner
This restaurant specializes in dinners, tapas, desserts, and includes a full bar. It’s seating capacity of 450 provides a spacious environment for casual dinner plans or business meetings.
Pair With: Cox Arboretum
Located only 8 minutes away, Cox Arboretum is the perfect post dinner activity. The best view of the Miami Valley lies 65 feet high, up the 81 steps of the famous Tree Tower. The Tower was designed by world renowed architect, Francois Goffinert. Visit the Butterfly House and watch butterflies in all stages of metamorphisis. The Barbara Cox Center for sustainable horticulture provides visitors with educational information about gardening and restoration projects.
6733 N Springboro Pike, Dayton, OH 45449
(937) 275-7275
Website
Hours
CJ Chan 
Cj Chan opened in 2010, specializing in an Asian fusion cuisine. This modern and contemporary restaurant serves lunch and dinner daily from 10:30am-10:00pm.
Their menu features over 80 dishes of Chinese and Japanese blended eats. Noodles, miso soup, salads, and a sushi bar take center stage as popular menu items. The shrimp tempura roll, deep-fried shrimp and veggies rolled into sticky rice, is a customer favorite. The “green dragon”, a sushi roll with eel, cucumber, avocado, and tobiko received five stars.
“We absolutely love this place! Never had a bad meal or experience here. The freshest food and never greasy! I am particularly fond of the chicken in garlic sauce.” Kurt K, Customer
536 Wilmington Ave, Dayton, OH 45420
Directions
(937) 259-9866
Website
Hours
Pair with: Carillion Historical Park
The same architects that designed Central Park added their touch on Carillion Historical Park’s 65 acres. The park is the legacy of Colonel Edwards Deeds an his wife, Edith Andrews Deeds. The museum first opened in 1950, today it features industrial innovations and transportation achievements. The Rail and Steam society provides $1 mini train rides. Victorian tea parties are also a popular activity. Click here to see a list of current activities.
1000 Carillon Blvd, Dayton, OH 45409
(937) 293-2841
Website
The Pine Club
Throughout their 70 years of service, The Pine Club has managed to build up a five-star reputation, not only in Dayton, but all around America. Food Network calls it one of the top two steakhouses in the nation. The New York Times raved, “one of the world’s greatest dining establishments.” USA Today knows it as their “favorite steakhouse in the United States.”
This classic, American steakhouse started business in 1947, as Lonnie’s Bar, and they haven’t stopped since. In 1979, owner, David Hulme, took over and expanded the restaurant into the success it is today.
As seen in Fortune and Sauveur magazine, this old school, fifties vibe restaurant specializes in an original American cuisine and nationally recognized cocktails. The Pine Club continues to be one of Dayton’s top restaurants, as well as America’s.
“My tip? Don’t eat other meals, go early, order the 42 oz. rib eye. I mean it. Bring leftovers home if you must, and leave time to suck every morsel off that bone in the privacy of your own kitchen.”- Christine, customer
“A wonderful place to eat and enjoy the days gone by. Reminds me of a movie scene from the 50’s. Sinatra and Dean Martin enjoying a cigarette and martini.”-Yelp reviewer
Quick Menu:
Appetizers: Broiled Lobster, Nantucket, Shrimp Cocktail, Fried Blue Point Oysters
Dinners ( includes stewed tomatoes or vegetable of the day, choice of potatoes, salad dressing, and dinner rolls): Filet Mignon, Roast Prime Rib of Beef, Broiled Lamb Loin Chops, Broiled Veal Chop, plus sandwiches, burgers & more
1926 Brown St, Dayton, OH 45409
Directions
(937) 228-7463
Website
Hours
Pair with: Boonshoft Museum of Discovery
The Boonshoft Museum of Discovery offers a family fun friendly atmosphere for crowds of all ages. Guests will engage in interactive learning based on the studies of biology, anthropology, geology, and paleontology. Boonshoft is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. Explore the workshops, robotics, exhibits and more.
2600 Deweese Pkwy, Dayton, OH 45414
Directions
(937) 275-7431
Website
Hours
Jays Seafood Restaurant
Rated number 15 out of 643, on TripAdvisor, Jay’s Seafood Restaurant serves up some of the freshest seafood in the Midwest. This elegant and romantic eatery has been standing since the 1900’s, making it a historical landmark. Owner, Amy Haverstick says, “Jay’s is a destination restaurant because we have become a staple of Dayton. We have a great reputation of serving food.”
Specialty menu items include bourbon salmon, grilled rare tuna, and calamari. Chef JD Robinson has 37 years of experience and hand-crafts each meal. Take a drive to the Oregon District, dine in or have a seat at the fully equipped bar made from 5400 pounds of Honduras Mahogany, to see what Jay’s has in store.
“Jay’s is the “go to” place for seafood in Dayton. High ceilings and a fascinating bar make for a very unique decor for a top quality restaurant.”- Dayton customer
“We love it here! Always enjoy the hot appetizers. The calamari is the best we’ve ever had and we lived in Europe for three years. We’ve tried most of the entrees over the years and have never been disappointed.”-TripAdvisor
Quick Menu
Appetizers: clam chowder, crab cakes, oysters Rockefeller
Favorites: Jays Poke- yellow fin tuna marinated in soy, Yuzi and wasabi vinaigrette, topped with red peppers, scallions, and cherry tomatoes. Fish taco- fried strips of North Pacific squid, battered in tomato and basil marinara or baked in garlic butter.
225 E 6th St, Dayton, OH 45402
Directions
(937) 222-2892
Website
Hours
Pair with: America’s Packard Museum
America’s Packard Museum showcases more than 50 classic automobiles dating from 1930 to 1958. Founder and Dayton attorney, Robert Signom, opened the museum in 1992. Its careful preservation of motor vehicles earned them the elite James J. Bradley award. Car Collector Magazine named it one of the top ten automobile museums in the United States.
420 S Ludlow St, Dayton, OH 45402
(937) 226-1710
Website
Hours
Meadowlark
Elizabeth Wiley, founder and owner of Meadowlark, uses her 35 years of experience along with her self taught culinary skills to create some of the most popular dishes in Dayton. According to an interview with Dayton.com, Chef Wiley first learned of her love for cooking while working at her aunt and uncles restaurant in Olathe, Kansas. Wiley drew inspiration from their Army cooks’ authentic, made from scratch cooking. At Meadowlark she implements these cooking strategies into her menu items. These include:
- Seared Garlic Chicken with Goat Cheese, Capers, Spinach and Lima BeansRicotta Tacos with Green Chiles, Capers and Spicy TomatoesStrip Steak with Haystack Onions, Rosemary and Herb Butter.
A customized menu is available in private dining which can seat up to 25 people. Specially crafted orders can be made in advance for those with dietary restrictions.
In 2015, Wiley, who is also owner of Wheat Penny and Bar, made local headlines when she was featured in a cooking segment for NPR, a nationally recognized media organization. “A Little Chiltomate Raises The Underappreciated Turkey Thigh” describes how Wiley makes her famous beer-braised turkey thighs.
For more information follow Meadowlark on Instagram to find out the inside scoop on specials, behind the scenes, current events.
“Meadowlark is a neighborhood style restaurant without pretension. No bells and whistles. We aren’t reinventing cuisine of getting too chefy with the food.” –Chef, Elizabeth Wiley, Dayton Magazine
5531 Far Hills Ave, Dayton, OH 45429
Directions
(937) 434-4750
Website
Hours
Pair with: Orville Wright Hawthorne Hill Mansion
Charles Lindbergh, Thomas Edison, and Henry Ford were all famous visitors of this Orville Wright mansion. The world’s first pilot, Orville, resided in this now historic landmark, in 1914 with his wife and father. Guests can take a tour of the mansion and get a glimpse of the 1900s lifestyle. Schedule your tour here.
901 Harman Ave, Dayton, OH 45419
Directions
(937) 293-2841
Website
Hours
Corner Kitchen
This fine dining establishment made its way into the Dayton restaurant scene in 2015. According to Dayton.com, owners, Jack and Natalie Skilliter felt the void of quick lunch options downtown therefore, decided to create their own. Former OSU alumni, Jack Skilliter’s background in French cuisine influence the unique spin on American classics. Enjoy hamburgers made with freshly ground beef or Natalie’s favorite Ratatouille. The owners take pride in creating everything on the menu from scratch.
“Jack and I have been working with farmers for years and it’s part of the soul of our restaurant. There’s nothing in this world that tastes as good as a tomato in the height of its season, or that sweet snap of corn. Local growers are our partners in offering fresh, natural”- Natalie Skilliter, owner
For a quick bite during a lunch break or a craving for comfort food, indulge in salads, pastas or entrées.
- Quinoa pita salad: chickpeas and quinoa with pita chips topped with mint and lemon garlic vinaigrette.
- Squash pasta: zucchini and yellow squash with tomato, basil, and garlic scape
- Stuffed eggplant: vegan and gluten free ratatouille with locally grown eggplant
613 East Fifth Street Dayton, OH 45402
Directions
(937)719-0999
Website
Hours
Pair With: The Neon Movies
Pair dinner at the Corner Kitchen with a movie at The Neon, just a short 3 minute drive down Fifth street. This independent movie theater features award winning indie and foreign films and documentaries. The funky, eclectic atmosphere caters to mature audiences. Beer, wine, coffee, and concession stand foods are available for purchase.
“The Neon brings in the best films- many of which are not available elsewhere. I enjoy their unique snack bar and the fellowship of the smaller crowd.”-Amanda K., Customer
130 East Fifth Street
(937)224-8452
Website
Hours
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