From red-sauce landmarks to modern pasta makers, these locally owned spots capture Dayton’s Italian spirit. Expect house-made sauces, family recipes, and community roots. Go hungry—and consider reservations or call-ahead at peak times.
Italian Restaurants in Dayton
9 Places
From red-sauce landmarks to modern pasta makers, these locally owned spots capture Dayton’s Italian spirit. Expect house-made sauces, family recipes, and community roots. Go hungry—and consider reservations or call-ahead at peak times.
Mamma DiSalvo's
Italian restaurant
A third-generation staple since 1979 where sauces simmer from family recipes. Frequently praised by Dayton Daily News and a perennial Best of Dayton winner, it’s the go-to for classic lasagna, meatballs, and Abruzzo-inspired comfort.
Wheat Penny Oven and Bar
Italian restaurant
Chef-driven California-Italian cooking with serious pies, seasonal vegetables, and a lively bar. Celebrated by local food writers and the Miami Valley Restaurant Association; a reliable downtown choice for inventive pizza and Italian-inspired plates.
Jimmy's Italian Cuisine & Bar
Italian restaurant
The Oregon District outpost of a local operator brings generous portions, classic parmigiana, and pepperoni rolls. Spotlighted by Dayton Daily News for its opening, it quickly became a dependable downtown stop for red-sauce cravings.
Troni's Italian Restaurant
Italian restaurant
Family-run favorite famous for garlic rolls, chicken parm, and New York–style pies. Locals swear by the generous lunch specials and dependable hospitality; the Troni name has deep roots in Dayton’s Italian dining scene.
Giovanni's
Italian restaurant
Operating since the 1950s, Giovanni’s blends Dayton-cut pizza with old-school pasta dinners and house bread. Recognized by local media and readers’ polls, it’s a time-capsule experience that still pulls a devoted crowd.
Tony's Italian Kitchen
Permanently closed
Small, family-run spot known for a well-seasoned red sauce, baked pastas, and friendly service. Listed by the Dayton Convention & Visitors Bureau and often mentioned by local diners as a true neighborhood standby.
Napoli's Pizza Miamisburg
Pizza restaurant
Carryout-focused New York–style pies, calzones, and baked pastas made from family recipes. Covered by regional restaurant news for its growth, it’s a solid, independent option for a casual Italian night in.
Roma's Pizza & Pasta
Italian restaurant
Independent Springboro kitchen led by a family connected to Dayton’s Italian restaurants. Expect stromboli, lasagna, and NY-style slices; highlighted by Dayton Daily News when it opened and still popular with locals.
Grist
Restaurant
Downtown pasta shop and restaurant turning out fresh-rolled noodles, sauces, and Italian-leaning plates. Applauded by local critics and featured in regional roundups; cooking classes and a market add to its community feel.
