6 Cool Restaurants in Dayton, Ohio, To Try

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Although Ohio is known for chili and hot dogs, there’s plenty of culinary variety to explore in the Gem City. Here are six cool restaurants in Dayton, Ohio, to add to your dining itinerary. 

All the Best Delicatessen 

You don’t have to fly to Manhattan to have a deli experience. With strong family roots in food retailing, All The Best serves deli classics and its own creations seven days a week. Come by for a lox and cream cheese bagel at breakfast, pastrami on rye or a Reuben for lunch, and order your favorite sliced meats at the counter to take home for dinner. 

Coco’s Bistro 

Voted Dayton’s best place for a romantic dinner, Coco’s Bistro has been delighting diners with its approachably elegant cuisine for 20 years. Ample patio space and private rooms make it a top choice for rehearsal dinners, birthdays and special occasions. Their creamy mushroom soup is a favorite starter. 

The Dublin Pub 

Since opening in 1998, The Dublin Pub has become Ohio’s top seller of Irish whiskey, boasting a selection of over 20 varieties, along with plenty of Guinness on tap. A premier destination for traditional Irish music and Celtic rock, the pub is also known for its house-cooked corned beef and cabbage, and classic fish and chips. Their signature sandwich and guest favorite, The Ruck, features smoked beef brisket, Guinness barbecue sauce, onions, and cheddar on a pretzel roll. Slainte! 

Mudlick Tap House 

Whether you’re grabbing a bite before a show or enjoying a night out with friends, Mudlick Tap House is a downtown Dayton favorite. This gastropub, opened by a local craft beer enthusiast, is a great place to enjoy conversation with friends over craft beer and scratch-made food. Mudlick boasts an incredibly varied menu; vegetarians will love the cauliflower power bowl, and the balsamic fig burger is a favorite among regulars. 

Flying Pizza 

Get a slice of this! Flying Pizza is a Southwest Ohio institution, serving authentic New York-style and Sicilian pizza since 1971. Get your favorite by the slice (triangle or square) or build your own pizza with a selection of cheeses and toppings. Gluten-free and cauliflower crusts are available. 

Tony & Pete’s 

A nostalgic neighborhood market meets an old-school sandwich bar nestled in the Fire Blocks District. Tony and Pete’s is named for the sandwich-loving dads of the husband-and-wife team behind the business. Its menu boasts 16 cold-cut sandwiches, including the popular Italian beef, gabagool and turkey pesto. Seasonal specials like Thanksgiving turkey also make appearances throughout the year. One out-of-town Yelp reviewer even mentioned still dreaming of her sandwich six months later.