Dining Out: The Top Restaurants in Dayton, Ohio

When you think of Ohio, the first thing that comes to mind might not be gourmet dining, but much to the surprise of many people, the restaurant scene in Dayton, Ohio, has a little something for everyone. The dining scene gets its inspiration from places all around the world, and you’ll find everything from family-owned restaurants to fine dining establishments with menus designed by world-class chefs. Here are some of the top dining spots worth checking out in and around Dayton, Ohio.

Coldwater Cafe

Coldwater Cafe sits in a former bank building right in the heart of downtown Tipp City. This spot offers a relaxed atmosphere with food you’d get in a fine dining restaurant. There’s a fireplace to give the large space a warm and cozy feel, and a full bar gives diners a spot to relax and have a drink while they wait for a table.

The menu features signature dishes such as Scottish salmon, filet mignon, and their homemade carrot cake.

Silas Creative Kitchen

You’ll find Silas Creative Kitchen at Hotel Versailles in Versailles, Ohio. This spot has an eclectic menu representing a variety of cuisines. The wine menu is extensive, and the cocktails are inspired.

You never know what you might get to dine on when you head to Silas. The menu changes with the seasons and is inspired by what the chef gets from the local farms and produces.

BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse

If you’re looking for casual and delicious food, head to BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse in Beavercreek. This brewhouse has been around since 1978, and it not only serves award-winning beer brewed right on site, but also Chicago-style deep dish pizza, and, of course, the Pizookies. Whatever you do, make sure to save room for this dessert.

Coco’s Bistro

Head to Coco’s Bistro in midtown Dayton, Ohio, for classic American food in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. When the weather is nice, the large patio is a great place to sit. Ingredients for the menu at Coco’s are sourced from local producers, and all the breads, desserts, and salad dressings are all made right in house.

For dinner make sure to start with the Brussel sprouts, fried brie, or the spinach artichoke dip, but make sure to save room because the entrees are delicious. You can choose form risotto with local wild mushrooms, Chilean sea bass, strip steak, and short ribs.

Jay’s Seafood

If you’re looking for one of the best places in town for seafood, you can’t beat Jay’s Seafood. This Dayton area restaurant has been serving it up since the 1970’s. You can find all your favorites on the menu from shrimp cocktail to clam chowder, oysters, and their famous crab cakes. The house specialties include grilled rare tuna, cedar plank salmon, and the spiced bourbon salmon with bourbon sauce. It’s served over horseradish mashed potatoes and comes with a sweet potato puree.