"Thai 9 serves the titular national cuisine, but is also one of Dayton’s best sushi restaurants. The dining rooms and balcony (open during peak hours) are bustling, but the service is always impeccable. The menu is almost overwhelmingly broad, but the yellow curry with coconut milk, pineapple, onion, potatoes, and red and green peppers is top tier, particularly with fish. For any curry, you can choose from nine spice levels depending on how much heat you can handle (I’m a three, thanks for asking). Whatever you order, get the mango salad topped with cilantro and lime juice as an appetizer for the table. This popular spot doesn’t take reservations, so be sure to be at the door when it opens at 5 p.m., or expect to wait." - David Nilsen