10 Best Italian Restaurants in Dayton, Ohio (2024)
Want to know all the best Italian restaurants in Dayton, Ohio? We’ve got you covered with all of our favorites!
This list highlights some of the best Italian restaurants in Dayton, Ohio.
No matter where your taste buds take you in Dayton, there are endless dining possibilities waiting to be explored.
Whether you’re in the mood for fine dining or a quick bite to eat, there’s something to satisfy every palate.
Be sure to check out these amazing places on your next visit to the Gem City!
Planning A Trip? Use Our Favorite Resources Below!
👉🏼 Accommodations
👉🏼 Tours/Experiences
👉🏼 Flights
👉🏼 Car Rentals
Best Italian Restaurants In Dayton, Ohio
1. Spaghetti Warehouse
Location: 36 West 5th St, Dayton, Ohio 45402
Spaghetti Warehouse is a Dayton tradition that has been serving up delicious spaghetti dishes since 1972.
The restaurant offers an extensive menu of spaghetti dishes including chicken parmesan and spaghetti with meatballs.
The restaurant also offers other classic Italian favorites like ravioli, lasagna, and eggplant parmesan.
Spaghetti Warehouse also offers a selection of wines, draft beers, and cocktails to accompany your meal.
Don’t forget to check out their dessert menu with treats like Godiva Double Chocolate Cake and seasonal rotating desserts.
2. Est! Est!! Est!!!
Location: 45 W 4th St, Dayton, Ohio 45402
Est Est Est serves modern Italian cuisine.
The name of this restaurant is a play on the story about the wines of Montefiascone, Italy.
Essentially, a German bishop had sent his servant to test out wines to let him know if he should drink it or not when he arrived in each town.
“Est” meant that it was good, so when the servant arrived in Montefiascone, he had written “Est! Est!! Est!!!”
3. Mamma DiSalvo’s
Location: 1375 E Stroop Road, Kettering, Ohio 45429
Mamma DiSalvo’s has been an Italian staple in Kettering since 1979.
They offer a rotating menu of daily specials that you can check on their website each week or at the restaurant.
4. Wheat Penny Oven and Bar
Location: 515 Wayne Avenue, Dayton, Ohio 45410
With its oven baked pizzas, handcrafted cocktails, and variety of shareables, Wheat Penny is a must-visit spot in Dayton.
Best known for their delicious pizzas, this restaurant also features inventive small plates and entrees that highlight local ingredients.
5. Roost Modern Italian
Location: 524 East 5th Street, Dayton, Ohio 45402
With its range of classic Italian dishes and local specialties, Roost Modern Italian is a favorite for many locals.
Its intimate atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for romantic dinners or family gatherings.
Best known for its handmade pasta, the menu also features delicious salads, and decadent desserts.
6. Bravo!
Location: 2770 Miamisburg Centerville Road, Centerville, Ohio 45459
Bravo! Italian Kitchen is an upscale, casual Italian restaurant.
I’d say it’s a step above Olive Garden and most similar to restaurants like Buca di Beppo on the west Coast or the Cheesecake Factory.
They offer special menus for holidays throughout the year and for Sunday brunch.
Their menu has a little bit of everything.
I don’t have any pictures, but when I was in high school we had a group dinner here before seeing a theater show at the Schuster Center one night.
It’s a great restaurant for groups.
7. Tony’s Italian Kitchen
Location: 615 S Main Street, Englewood, Ohio 45322
Tony’s has been ranked as one of the best Italian restaurants, best overall restaurants, and best hidden gem restaurants in Dayton.
It’s located in Englewood, up toward the airport.
8. Figlio Wood Fired Pizza
Location: 424 E Stroop Road, Dayton, Ohio 45429
While they’re obviously known for their wood fired pizzas, they also have a pretty good sized selection of pastas and chicken and seafood based entrees.
Save room for dessert though and try the voodoo brownie, tiramisu, or chocolate mousse.
9. Troni’s Italian Restaurant
Location: 1314 E Dorothy Lane, Kettering, Ohio 45419
Troni’s is another great Italian restaurant in Kettering.
They have an extensive wine selection and all your favorite chicken, seafood, and pasta dishes that you’d expect at an Italian restaurant.
10. Franco’s Ristorante Italiano
Location: 824 E 5th Street, Dayton, Ohio 45402
Franco’s is located in the historic Oregon District near downtown Dayton.
Franco’s “World Famoso” Spaghetti is a must try when you eat here.
The recipes here were passed down from generation to generation in the owner’s family from Duronia, Italy.
More Great Dining Options In Dayton
In addition to these phenomenal Italian restaurants, here are more of our favorite restaurants around Dayton.
✅ Romantic Restaurants in Dayton
Whether you’re looking for a place to go out for Valentine’s Day, an anniversary, a birthday, or even just a first date, Dayton is home to plenty of romantic restaurants for these special occasions.
✅ Best Restaurants in Dayton
If you’re just looking for the best restaurants overall, we’ve got a list of over 30 of our favorites.
From local chains like Milano’s, Donato’s, and Skyline, to popular mom and pop restaurants.
Fun Things To Do In Dayton
No matter what time of year you’re here, there are so many festivals, special events, and tourist attractions that are open year round.
We’ve got you covered all year!
Check out our Dayton travel guides for Summer, Fall, Winter, and Spring.
If you’re interested in venturing outside of town, check out our guide on the Best Day Trips From Dayton, Ohio or take a day trip out to Cincinnati or Columbus.
But if you’re wanting to explore the whole state, read up on The Ultimate Ohio Bucket List: Top 5 Things To Do In Ohio.
What is Dayton Known For?
Dayton is known for its rich history, welcoming locals, and vibrant culture.
The city has been home to many great inventions such as the Wright Brothers’ first successful flight, the cash register, and the pop top can.
Dayton is also well-known for its cultural attractions like Carillon Historical Park, Dayton Art Institute, and Victoria Theatre.
There are also an array of outdoor activities in Dayton including biking trails, kayaking on the Great Miami River, and hiking at John Bryan State Park.
Additionally, Dayton’s food scene offers a variety of cuisines from classic American diner food to upscale Italian cuisine with craft beer breweries sprinkled throughout the city.
Conclusion: Best Italian Restaurants In Dayton, Ohio
In addition to the popular chains like Olive Garden and Fazoli’s, Dayton is home to a variety of some more authentic Italian restaurants, many of which are family owned and operated.
Some of these restaurants have already been around for over 50 years and are still as popular as ever.
