Grist

Restaurant · Dayton

Grist

Restaurant · Dayton

1

46 W 5th St, Dayton, OH 45402

Photos

Grist by null
Grist by null
Grist by null
Grist by null
Grist by null
Grist by null
Grist by null
Grist by null
Grist by null
Grist by null
Grist by null
Grist by null
Grist by null
Grist by null
Grist by null
Grist by null
Grist by null
Grist by null
Grist by null
Grist by null
Grist by null
Grist by null
Grist by null
Grist by null
Grist by null
Grist by null
Grist by null
Grist by null
Grist by null
Grist by null
Grist by null
Grist by null
Grist by null
Grist by null
Grist by null
Grist by null
Grist by null
Grist by null
Grist by null
Grist by null
Grist by null
Grist by null
Grist by null
Grist by null

Highlights

Grist is a cozy Italian eatery where the warmth of homemade pasta and friendly service turns every meal into a family affair.  

Featured in Eater
Placeholder

46 W 5th St, Dayton, OH 45402 Get directions

eatgrist.com
@gristprovisions

$10–20 · Menu

Information

Static Map

46 W 5th St, Dayton, OH 45402 Get directions

+1 937 802 4544
eatgrist.com
@gristprovisions

$10–20 · Menu

Features

wifi
payment credit card
Tap to pay
reservations
outdoor seating

Last updated

Jul 11, 2025

Powered By

You might also like

Terms of Use • Privacy Policy • Cookie Policy
 © 2025 Postcard Technologies, Inc.
@eater

"Grist is the casual fine dining love child of married chef-owners Casey and Patrick Van Voorhis. After early careers in highly respected (and highly competitive) restaurants on the West Coast, the Van Voorhises wanted a spot where they could fall back in love with simple French- and Italian-inspired food. Items change constantly, but a recent favorite is the decadent but rustic, 72-hour braised beef and polenta. Whatever your meal, be sure to start with freshly baked bread still warm from the oven." - David Nilsen

The 18 Best Restaurants in Dayton, Ohio
View Postcard for Grist

Steven B

Google
Amazing food with a great vibe (and great prices). You definitely need a reservation, though. There are 4 seats at a bar top but it was packed even at 8pm on a thursday. I was able to get in and WOW, worth it. Started with the meatballs and i couldnt stop. They were so flavorful. The ended up with the slow roasted pork raviolini as an entree and ate the whole thing. The sauce was amazing. Im pretty sure i licked the plate clean. The lemon olive oil cake for dessert was okay, but i would order it again because i wasnt a fan of the lemon flavor. Highly recommend Grist.

Thomas Kelly

Google
Another perfect dining experience. Grist is by far the best restaurant in regards to food & service that is ever experienced within the greater Dayton area. The thought, intention, and reality that makes up the space on 5th street is next to none. Some things to consider: It is counter service, which means you’ll want to be aware of the menu before hand to avoid any long drawn out encounters at the register. The wine is exceptional, the beer on the other hand is canned and not draft. If you want an appetizer, can’t go wrong with the focaccia. It just melts in the mouth and you’ll definitely have the next piece in hand before the last slice is eaten. We went with the ravolini (mildly spicy). Absolutely delicious, nice little crunch that wasn’t expected which made me fall in love. & the agnolotti which was perfectly refreshing and not too filling (I decided against the lamb shank). For dessert they brought one of everything! Such a sweet gesture for our friend who had never been and was her birthday. This 4.8 is well deserved, however I’m shocked it isn’t rounded up to the 5 star given the caliber Grist operates at. Highly, highly recommend. This is and has been our go to dinner spot for any special occasion. Bravo & encore to the staff and chefs.

Caleb Ritenour

Google
Hand-made noodles are usually a sign of an exceptional Italian restaurant, and Grist lands in my top 5 ever. Their rosemary bread was delicious; soft, warm, and subtly flavored, but of course the pasta was the real star of the show. I don't throw around the word "perfection" lightly, but this was as close as I've ever tasted to that! The sauce was exceptional too, of course: meaty and cheesy, yet somehow light as a feather. I literally scraped every last bit up despite being stuffed. Their portion sizes are spot-on, and they served it at the ideal temperature. 10/10, will be bringing my family here!

Jacqueline Clendenen

Google
I just went on a date with my wife for the first time here and I am blown away!!!! This was the best food, wine, and desert I have ever had. Tara was so helpful, knowledgeable, and sweet. She helped make our experience out of this world with her amazing service and recommendations. I will be telling everyone I know about how great my experience was. We will be back soon!!! Thank you!!

Lokesh Chowdary Manchala

Google
Grist is an absolute gem in Dayton! From the moment you walk in, the warm and inviting ambiance sets the perfect tone for a fantastic dining experience. The food is nothing short of amazing—fresh, flavorful, and expertly prepared. Their homemade pastas are a must-try, and the sauces are rich and perfectly balanced. The attention to detail in every dish truly showcases the passion of the chefs. The wine selection is excellent, pairing beautifully with the menu. On top of that, the service is friendly and attentive, making you feel right at home. Whether you’re dining in or grabbing some fresh pasta to cook at home, Grist delivers top-quality flavors in a cozy, welcoming setting. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a memorable meal!

Shalin Shah

Google
Great lunch spot in downtown. The homemade pasta is the star - bread is great too. I got the mushroom pasta and it was earthy, creamy and cheesy. The pasta was cooked perfectly. Service was outstanding at lunch - quick and very responsive. The tea was stellar too.

Daniel McInnis

Google
I came to Grist a few years ago after they opened. I remember the meal like it was yesterday, especially the ovo ravioli. Without exaggeration, it was one of the best things I've ever eaten in my life. The experience left an impression. I just returned after a long time and the place is exactly the same: just outstanding. The staff is phenomenal. Each person plays every role and they are all very attentive. The food is without question the best Italian I've had stateside. Really. This time I had the artichoke and crab risotto with saffron butter. Unbelievably delicious. One heads-up: the ordering process is a bit different. You can order with your phone (QR code) or up at the counter, but the staff doesn't always come to you for orders. Ordering is very much at your own speed, which is nice. That said, once any order is in, the preparation is efficient and perfectly timed. Just to be specific, the food is brought to your table. All that said, if you need something specific at your table, you can just raise a hand and someone is there very quickly. Great for date nights and small parties. Grist is a gem. Do not skip dessert.

Erika Mercado Almazán

Google
My favorite place to eat at Dayton. The food is amazing, the place is really nice and the service is a 10/10. Also their desserts are A DREAM!

Jenn M.

Yelp
Grist is an absolute gem! Nestled in a charming small-town setting that gives off major Gilmore Girls vibes, this place is a must-visit. From the moment you walk in, you're welcomed by a cozy yet sophisticated atmosphere that's perfect for a relaxed meal or a special outing. The food? Incredible. The focaccia bread is hands-down the best I've ever had--soft, perfectly seasoned, and utterly addictive. Their desserts are equally amazing, each one crafted with care and bursting with flavor. The service is top-notch, with a friendly and attentive staff that makes you feel right at home. Combine that with the warm, inviting vibe, and you've got a dining experience you'll want to repeat over and over. Whether you're a local or just passing through, don't miss out on this little slice of perfection in Dayton!

Leyla M.

Yelp
can't say that i'm a fan of ordering from a QR code at your table or having to get back up from your table to order at the front. the employees seemed nice... but didn't really get to chat with anyone with how they have the restaurant set up. i was really excited to try this place as i heard only good things! and maybe it's really good for the area but i was not impressed. my pasta lacked depth. the focaccia... is not focaccia... but not bad.

Glenn W.

Yelp
This was our first time dining in at Grist. I used to buy their pasta, sauces, and focaccia back before they were an eat-in restaurant. I can't say enough about how good it was. The meatballs and focaccia as appetizers were amazing. The bolognese and raviolini were perfect. I really liked how the mobile ordering and payment system worked. I wouldn't change a thing.

Lisa B.

Yelp
The food, the service, the atmosphere in the back room, the practicality of fair pricing and great wine. Try it. The menu may sound a little "foofoo" but it could just be meatballs. Ask your server for recommendations and try something new! We love this place. Don't skip the dessert. Save a space. It's worth it!

Shari S.

Yelp
Food was subpar. Went here when they first opened. Hopefully, they've improved. Atmosphere was dismal. Service was terrible we had to order three times. Food was cold, deli meat was cheap.

Liana S.

Yelp
Feels like an Italian cafe. Would definitely recommend a trip here because there are not many restaurants like this in Dayton. House-made pasta is delicious. Tables were a little close together in a small restaurant.

Karl K.

Yelp
This place makes me wish I lived in downtown Dayton. Or at least nearby. Omigosh is everything here the best quality and taste! Never a bad meal. Cozy but not tiny, pricey but not outrageous (first quality!), service is very courteous and friendly, very mom and pop like feel. If you are ever anywhere near this place you are missing a royal treat if you don't find a way to get a meal here.

Steve B.

Yelp
Ordered carryout. The meatball sandwich was excellent. Will definitely be going back.

Nancy R.

Yelp
Location: 46 W. 5th Street , Dayton Ohio Website: https://www.eatgrist.com Hours: see website Price: $35-$50 per person for 2 courses, wine by bottle really well-priced but also available by the glass. Parking: plenty of street parking or public parking garage within 1-2 blocks I've been wanting to try Grist for years and finally went tonight for dinner with friends. Don't let the previous model discourage you - you can now place an order from your table and pay electronically using a QR code. In other words, 'problem solved' - the incredible menu is very convenient to enjoy now that you no longer need to place your order at the counter to be brought at your table. (However, you may still order at the counter if you prefer) You can count on fresh, well-balanced, flavorful food featuring Grist's handmade pastas. Our table enjoyed the following dinner menu items: Starter selections: Cows Milk Burrata Tahini & Roasted Garlic Puree, Roasted Beets, Matcha Foam, Daikon Radish, Toasted Sourdough 15 ‍ House-made Meatballs Calabrian Tomato Sauce, Parmesan Reggiano, Fino Verde Basil 12 Entree selections: Tagliatelle alla Bolognese Beef, Pork & Veal, San Marzano Tomatoes, Grana Padano, Basil 22 Braised Beef & Polenta Chianti Braised Beef, Herbed Polenta, Sun-dried Tomato Gremolata, Crispy Shallots (GF) 25 ... we also had a crab, fennel, lemon campagnelle pasta entree. Dessert was delightful. Tiramisu and olive oil cake. The pastry case has many options - it was difficult to decide, but there is no bad decision other than skipping dessert. Tips: 1. Make a reservation. 2. Bring your cell phone. You will need it to order from your table. 3. Portions are sized to share. Not too big, not too small. I would estimate 1.5 servings but order with your heart. 4. Do not skip pasta.

Linda I.

Yelp
As a visitor to Dayton, I was SO excited to try Grist! In fact it was my number one request to my friend who I was visiting, that we come here for a meal. The vibe is super approachable and comfortable there, but the food is on another level. You can just tell that Grist loves food and cares about serving high quality meals with thoughtfully sourced ingredients, as well as being good community members. We ended up walking in for lunch, and feel lucky to have found a table for 2 right away. My friend told me that their sandwiches are large, so we ended up splitting a sandwich, soup, and chips. They were so kind to serve the food already split for us, including the soup in separate bowls for each of us. We got the It's Poultry In Motion sandwich, with turkey, garlic aioli, fig and bacon jam (yum!), triple cream brie, green apple, and arugula on ciabatta. Perfect combination of interesting flavors and textures! The soup special for the day was a tomato, which was a perfect backdrop for the sandwich. They also had really yummy sounding lemonade at the counter, so of course we each got one of those as well. All in all, I loved my visit to Grist! They also have so many pantry, bakery, and fresh food options to takeaway. If I were a Dayton local, I would definitely be a regular.

David R.

Yelp
We were at Grist this evening for a family dinner. This is a small restaurant located downtown with indoor and outdoor dining, that brings Italy to mind. Dress up or go casual you will be comfortable. Beer and wine. Beautifully presented food that is bested only by its quality and taste. This unique spot has to be one of the very best restaurant's in Dayton. The husband and wife owners are both award winning chefs who bring from California a love of making breads, pastries and best of all delicious meals using only the best fresh ingredients available. Prices are very fair and better than many other restaurants in the area. The concise menu is always evolving and changing, offering your palate an exciting new experience. Well worth giving Grist a try!

Albert T.

Yelp
We were looking for a quick brunch before spending the entire rest of the day in the National Museum of the USAF and Grist seemed to meet our needs. They open at 10AM and serve some very interesting sounding sandwiches. We ordered online and stopped by a bit after they opened. Won't you stand Banh mi ($15.75) - My first thought as I saw this sandwich was that it seemed to have way too much meat in it. In a normal banh mi, the meat rests on the bottom of the baguette and a bunch of pickled veggies lie on top. In this sandwich, I could only see the meat/mayo mixture poking out of the bun. It wasn't until I started eating that I saw all the veggies were on the bottom interior of the sandwich. Starting at the top, there's a generous amount of kewpie mayo mixed with the pulled pork, adding a creamy sweet element. The pork itself is tender and moist. I wasn't expecting it to be pulled when I ordered the sandwich; I thought it would be more of a sliced tenderloin or something similar to match the banh mi theme but the pulled pork was pretty good. The meat is on top of a mix of sweet and sour pickled cucumber and carrots and some red chili skins. There's not any real heat from the chili or anything else in the sandwich. There's a very savory and umami pate that's spread on the bun, which is a nice and chewy hoagie that doesn't easily flake off crumbs. All the ingredients individually are pretty good, and on the whole is excellent. The only problem I can find is that the sandwich is so large that it's hard to get all the ingredients in one bite. Instead, a lot of time, you are eating just pork/mayo and bread, or veggies and bread. (4/5) The Italian Stallion ($15.75) - The sandwich is made on an airy and chewy focaccia studded with browned cheese and roasted herbs on top. A layer of a sweet and slightly acidic tomato pesto is spread on the bottom slice, followed by a couple of layers of salami and prosciutto, two slices of smoked mozzarella, arugula with a vegetal bitterness, and then a generous layer of basil aioli spread on the top piece of bread. I found the construction to be superb, resulting in a taste profile that really starts at the bottom with the tomatoes hitting the tongue, then the saltiness and savoriness of the meat, and finally finishing with an oily blend of cheese and herbs. (5/5) Each sandwich comes with a bag of chips. We chose the Torres Cured Cheese and the Iberico Ham flavored chips, imported from Spain. I hadn't ever seen those flavors before! The cured cheese is quite funky, like the flavor of a parmesan rind. Just funky enough, but not to the level of a blue cheese. The Iberico Ham mostly tastes like salted chips and only has the faintest aroma of ham. Grist was certainly a great choice for an early lunch! We were quite full and satisfied after eating our sandwiches and ready for an entire day at the museum.

Tim A.

Yelp
stopped in to try it out. I had heard so much about the restaurant so I decided to drop in. The atmosphere was very casual but classy enough to make it a good date place. The food was very good and felt like high quality ingrediants. Very enjoyable and Highly recommend!

Tiffany S.

Yelp
This restaurant is just lovely. The hostess was welcoming when I called about a reservation. The cauliflower and leek soup was so very good and perfectly balanced. I forget the topping (maybe fried shallots?) but it was delightful. For pasta I ordered the Casarecce Della Mare. Oh. My. Goodness. Just delicious. And one of the owners, Casey, greeted us and chatted with us. The whole visit was perfect. We can't wait to go back.

Samantha A.

Yelp
Great food with a fun atmosphere... met a friend for a weekday lunch... staff was friendly and food was quick

Ray S.

Yelp
Beautiful spot. Bright. Spacious. Every entree coming out of the kitchen looks picture perfect.

Philip A.

Yelp
Great ambiance, clean and well-lit. Food was reasonably priced with high quality ingredients and great flavor. Would recommend.

Katie D.

Yelp
Stopped in without a reservation, which they recommend, but they pleasantly found me a spot! I was very lucky, but will definitely make a reservation next time! The food was gorgeous and delicious! I ordered the Burrata to start, and Braised Beef with polenta for entree. So good !

Mike M.

Yelp
Grist is a downtown restaurant that currently enjoys a 5 star average on Yelp and that's why I dined there last night. it's a counter service restaurant and has separate lunch and dinner menus. Parking is on the street and metered but after 6 pm it's free. Reservations are recommended due to its popularity and not being very large inside but it does also have outside uncovered sidewalk seating too. The lady at the counter told me that Grist is known for its house made pastas and breads so I ordered for the entree Tagliatelle alla Bolognese ($22) and added an half order of Rosemary & Parmesan Focaccia ($6). I then sat down and 2 minutes later (no exaggeration) both meal items arrived at my table. More on that later. Two observations about the meal. First the bowl of pasta and meat sauce were very good taste wise as I really noticed the quality pasta. Delicious! The bolognese was good too but I would have liked a little more flavor in the sauce to match the superb pasta. That same word "delicious" also goes for the bread that was served with whipped butter. She wasn't kidding about what they are known for! The second observation was my 1/2 order of focaccia was enough for 3-4 people to share. It was huge! Unless you bring a party of 8 just order the 1/2 order and it will be enough. So why a 4 instead of a 5? Like I said the bolognese was good but I wanted more flavor. Really though it had to do with the 2 minute delivery time. For a restaurant that serves such good pasta and bread made in house (with a viewing window to prove it) please make me think you are making my food specially for me! I don't get food from McDonald's that fast.

Tiffany S.

Yelp
We stopped at Grist on our road trip down from MI to KY! I always somehow seem to find California folks out here in the midwest. Grist's owners have some serious Chef creds & spent some time in the fine dining scene in California, but I'm so happy they brought it home to Ohio! This place gives Zingerman's Deli a run for its money. There is a time and place for both but damn Grist is so good, it's almost rude. The flavors are incredible, inventive and the names are so PUNNY. I've also been wanting to try Torres chips (gourmet potato chips from Spain that have fantastic flavors like truffle, iberico ham, etc) and I love that they had it there! It also didn't cost extra; every sandwich comes with a bag of chips. The also had this fantastic double chocolate cookie with pistachio that I still think about. Their dinner menu looks fantastic as well as it really highlights their fresh, handmade pasta. It's definitely worth a stop in!

Kesha B.

Yelp
I've heard nothing but great things about this restaurant! We were driving through down on a road trip and decided to make a quick stop for food. We decided on Grist, and ended up taking our food for carry out. I got the Cheesey Does It and for a sweet treat, got the tiramisu. I wish we were able to dine in at the restaurant because the rest of the menu looks incredible. The Cheesey Does It has cheddar, ricotta, pear, spinach and truffle aioli. It was delicious, it had the nice crunch from bread, and the pears. The tiramisu was nice and creamy, and was very heavily espresso based so if you're sensitive to caffeine like myself, you may feel a bit wired after. All in all it was a great experience, next time I'm in town, I will be sure to set aside more time to be able to enjoy a sit down meal to enjoy the pasta.

Sergio P.

Yelp
Very nice spot in Dayton. (My first time in this city). The house made pink lemonade was great, not too sweet - perfect for me. My meatball sandwich came with chips. And the sandwich was great. Nice friendly staff and great clean location.

Steve S.

Yelp
It's the great Yelp reviews that brought us here for lunch. And those great reviews are spot on. It's certainly worth all those 5 outta 5 reviews. We shared a Italian Stallion sandwich and a That's a Spicy Meat A Ball sandwich. The Italian Stallion was delicious. Just delicious. But that Meat Ball sandwich was OFF THE CHARTS delicious. We both agreed it was the best meat ball sandwich we have ever had! The dinner menu is completely different and I included that in the photos. And check out the cooking classes on Sunday nights! As Arnold said, 'I'll be back!'

Jessica H.

Yelp
The food is really good, but they really need signage that says you need to wait to be seated. It says it's a "casual dining experience" and you order at a counter or using a QR code at the table. But apparently you need to wait to be seated at the least and probably have a reservation to eat here. We've been here twice now and both times the service confused me. We had a reservation the first time, and despite several people being at the front no one came to check us in. We waited about 10 minutes. Since there wasn't a sign and we were waiting awhile, we went to sit (there was only one other party in the restaurant at the time) and ordered with the code. The second time we didn't have a reservation and again, after waiting at the front for awhile unsure of what to do we sat and started looking at the menu. A woman came out and was somewhat rude telling us we needed to check in before sitting because tables are reserved for reservations. She then told us we had 45 minutes to order and eat-- which we had to go back to the counter to order. Ok-- please add a sign to your front that says "please wait to be seated." Simple. Then we know that even if it appears no one wants to serve us that we need to wait. The food is good which is why I still rate this a 3. But the uncertainty of what to do when you come in and how long you wait to be acknowledged makes for confusion and made me feel unnecessarily bad. Others came in with no reservation and were treated like it wasn't an issue. A man who heard what the waitress said to me and my family stood behind me in line when I went to order and apologized to me for her-- saying "they usually aren't so rude." He said he also didn't have a reservation. Maybe it's because I came with my 7-year-old-- who is the quietest most polite child in the world. I don't know. If you need a reservation or that's the expectation please post that on your website or on your social media so people know that. And add a sign.

Geethankshi M.

Yelp
Amazing Italian Food! Definitely recommend. The food is freshly made in front of you and taste is so good and flavorful. Their drinks, chips and desserts are also very different and unique.

Soren D.

Yelp
Okay. Best in town. If you are looking for the absolute freshest breads and more, this is your place. Service is outstanding. The whole store is an eyeful of wonder as you see bakers and servers scurry around creating amazing baked goods. You owe it to yourself to visit just once. You will be back.

Ross N.

Yelp
I'm a regular have eaten at Grist at least twenty times and it's ALWAYS good. This restaurant crafts the most amazing, 100% homemade, unique culinary delights that are so far elevated beyond what you typically find around downtown or even Dayton at large. The dishes, soups, and desserts are consistently excellent. While the service is usually fast, when they are busy, the food can take a while. I once waited nearly thirty minutes for a sandwich. They apologized and gave me one of their amazing chocolate chip cookies to make up for the long wait. The price can be a touch high for a lunch, but the quality and portion sizes are there. I see a lot of new staff so I can tell the owners are working on the improving their processes and service speed. Also the staff are always super nice and helpful. Thank you Grist for being in downtown Dayton.

Jessica B.

Yelp
Go- just go. It's great. We went during the week at lunch- no tables were remaining but we opted for take out. Do yourself a favor- show up when they open so you can eat and enjoy the atmosphere. This place is a gem. The food was delicious. Handmade pasta and amazing tiramisu. My husband didn't like the sauce on his sandwich but I thought it was fine. We will be returning. They offer cooking classes also- I've already signed up for the waitlist.

Rhonda W.

Yelp
The reviews had our expectations set high. Was excited they made their own pasta and was looking forward to Aldinte pasta. The big disappointment was the food. I'd decided what to order from the reviews but nothing we had read about was still on the menu. This was a small place ... when we arrived, most tables were empty, so i sat down. There was no sign up indicating waiting to be seated. The employee said i couldn't sit at the table by the window or any of the open tables in the other room. Only offer was the outside table during heatwave, stool at the counter, or small table over there. With so many empty tables. I dont get why they keep them empty. The room we werent allowed to sit in was more attractive. Had to find parking ..either way there is a cost. Hubby set alarm to feed the parking meter, which was a hassle. You order at the counter .. get your own drink, and they bring your food out whenever. So our starter and entree arrived minutes apart which isnt ideal. My husband liked his food, but we both agreed mine was not good. I dont eat much meat and wanted pasta, not risotto, so my options were limited. The menu is as small as the restaurant. I had cheese ravioli. Wasn't expecting it to be one large ravioli with raw egg in it. The raw egg yoke wasnt mentioned on the menu. Ughhh. I usually love Aldinte pasta, but it was not good for ravioli.. and flavor wasn't there. The bread and butter were good but not exciting. Once they drop off your food, no one follows up ... your own your own like a cafeteria. Not reallyvmy idea of fine dining experience. If we ever returned, i would see if they do reservations and we could get a better table. Plus, find what's on current menu. We shared a canolli. It was crunchy, but flavor wasn't as good. It was supposed to be so Carmel flavor mixed into the Ricotta. I didn't taste anything.

Karen M.

Yelp
I don't like having to order my food at the register. Food was very good though. The server that brought our wine was a bit rude as well.

Daniel W.

Yelp
So our friends dinner was scheduled another place, but we all agreed that we loved Grist so much we should go back, and we did another great night with friend and the staff could not be more pleasant to be around. Can't wait for a lunch meet and greet so I can suggest this lovely little place again.

Martin K.

Yelp
Delicious food. Had the meatball sandwich with the spring salad. Very flavorful and balanced. Lychee Lemonade was very flavorful; I needed to water it down for my tastes Service was good. Nice ambience. Old time crooners in background, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra and others made for a relaxing luncheon.

Bill G.

Yelp
Best food in Dayton without a doubt. The ingredients are fresh and the dishes are original. Great value, too. I had the limited-time tasting menu, which was a multi-course sampler sourced with fresh ingredients from Emilia-Romagna. Amazing! I highly recommend Grist.

Lisa L.

Yelp
Fresh made pasta! The bolognese sauce was very well balanced! Even the chocolate chip cookie was a contender to my favorite chocolate chip cookie! You get just right portion!

Anna J.

Yelp
Highly recommend Grist. We went for the first time last night and we loved it. Homemade starters, entrees and desserts in a casual setting with a great wine selection. This place has a homey feel, but definitely a setting you could get dolled up for a date night and not feel out of place. There were 5 of us and we shared 4 appetizers (If the carrot appetizer is on the menu - order it! So good!) , 7 entrees and 5 desserts. The Foccocia is delicious! And homemade pasta and gnocchi to drool over! We like to splurge and share and this is the setting to do so. They have a few items that are always available (meatballs, bolognese) and then change their menu quarterly. As much as we enjoyed everything we had, we can't wait to try the next lineup. We were too busy chowing down that I completely forgot to snap some photos, but everything was lovely. We met one of the co-owners when we were there and she was so welcoming and informative. Her and her husband have fine dining backgrounds and have brought a taste of that back to Dayton in a casual, approachable way. We highly recommend making reservations and getting in as soon as you can. We will be adding it to our regular rotation.

Julie O.

Yelp
Grist is the place to go when you want authentic Italian deliciousness in a warm, inviting atmosphere. It's the place where you can close your eyes and point to anything on the menu and be delighted with your choice. It's the place you would be proud to recommend to all your friends and take out of town visitors to. It's the place you go for unique and delicious food, in perfect sized portions that won't break the bank. It's the place where you feel welcomed like family. I only recently discovered Grist, thanks to our Italian friends who recommended it. I was initially put off by the fact that you place your order at a counter, but after trying it myself, I really don't mind. If it helps them keep costs down, that's a win-win. They also have an option to order from your table using a QR code (I haven't tried that yet). Service is fast and friendly and they bring your food to the table, so at least you don't have to listen for a number to be called. The menu is small, but changes frequently. We were looking forward to going back for the duck lasagna we had the last time and just missed it due to the menu change. That's actually a positive, as it forced us to try and discover other amazing creations. I especially love that they take reservations, but they fill up fast, so plan ahead. And when you do go, remember that the rosemary focaccia bread is a MUST. Supporting this locally owned restaurant run by a lovely and talented couple is a no-brainer. Trust me, you will love Grist too. Can't wait to go back again!

Rick B.

Yelp
The short ribs, pasta, risotto, and bread were all fantastic. My sister and I had a wonderful meal. The service was pleasant and we felt welcomed and comfortable. The environment was great with others enjoying their dining experience nearby, but not overly crowded. We'll definitely be back.

Aaron X.

Yelp
Extremely high quality food, intentionally barebones service, and nice ambience. Reservations are recommended; you order at the counter, and then the chef brings food to you as it's prepared. Prepared desserts stare at you from a glass case and may disappear if you wait too long to ask for one at the counter. On one hand, it feels weird to wait in line to order at the counter at a restaurant charging over $20 per entree. On the other hand, everyone has a different expectation of what good service looks like, and this method puts the focus more squarely on the food. The Cow's Milk Burrata was incredible, served with asparagus, prosciutto, arugula, and warm toasted bread slices. An octopus appetizer was unlike anything I've had before, in a good way. All of the pastas I tried have been flavorful and perfectly cooked. The cannolis and tiramisu also meet a solid standard. Glasses and bottles of wine were actually priced lower than you would expect. A gem in this city!

Christina L.

Yelp
The food was delicious. I had the Burrata Triangoli and it was phenomenal. I also had the tiramisu for dessert and again, so good. The woman at the front gave me her suggestions and thankfully I took them!

Kylee J.

Yelp
Omg this place. This place has the audacity to serve the most amazing sandwiches that I have ever eaten. So, of course they are located in a city I do not live in. This is a must stop every time we are in Dayton! Seriously the sandwiches... I dream about them. They are huge! You really get the best bang for your buck here. We've tried several different sandwiches they offer and every single one has been great. Do yourself a favor and just go here. CHEERS!

Lori M.

Yelp
Great homemade food. The wine is delicious, not your run of the mill selection. Try the Clay wine! Staff is friendly and atmosphere is really cool.

Brandi M.

Yelp
Grist never disappoints! Phenomenal food and service! A nice perk, you can take in your own wine for a nominal corkage fee. Support local!

Nancy J.

Yelp
My dinner was heavenly. I ordered the shrimp and saffron risotto with fresh herbed foam and uni butter. This was my first time eating here and I wish I would have discovered the place years ago. Everyone in our party of 6 loved the food. As one of servers was cleaning off our table, I told her to let the chef know how much we all loved our food. Her reply was "will do, that's my man!!!" Loved it :) Cannot wait to go again.

Alex B.

Yelp
Best pasta in the downtown Dayton area!!! I ordered the Porcini Rigatoni past dish and the flavor was amazingly good. Truthfully, the mushroom and pasta sauce had me wanting more with each bite. I will definitely return to this welcoming hidden gem. Next time, I'm going to also order the tiramisu. They were sold out by the lunch hour so I'll be sure to get there earlier. Also, this is a great place for a lunch date with coworkers or friends. Awesome environment!

Gary C.

Yelp
The food is outstanding and worthy of one's attention! The service is unique in that one orders either at the front register or online and then is seated to await delivery of the food. We were fortunate to have been seated in the back adjacent to where the food was prepared. It was a visual and audio pleasure!

Gabrielle M.

Yelp
Lovely shop! Beautiful atmosphere; light and airy! Friendly staff! Nice array of well crafted sandwiches on freshly made bread. I tried the vegan mushroom and tofu sandwich, so yummy and a huge portion! I also enjoyed the Couscous and veggie soup with awesome croutons! The prices are a little high in the sandwiches but they are substantial and come with chips. I didn't try the desserts but another customer I was chatting with recommended the lemon tart!

D G.

Yelp
We were in the area visiting relatives at dinner time, and I just looked at at yelp for a place to eat at 5:30 on a Thursday evening. This one was not as close as others but it had five solid stars with 66 reviews---I had to look at it. Man, am I glad we did! This place is incredible! We highly recommend it to anyone We love the atmosphere--casual but VERY nice we ordered three of the "at the table" kind of appetizer/salad items, two of the dinner, items, and three desserts :-)! We took a lot home, needless to say! We would have eaten more of the menu items here all night if we had the capacity Owner Casey came out and visited with us. Explained things new to us about Italian cuisine and the wonderful way they prepare it. Their offering of training classes sounds great, so we customers can learn to cook this way We will be back! Advice: 1. pace yourself 2. Parking is pay by a new app (to me), but free after 6pm 3. Make a reservation at least a day ahead! We walked in 6pm Thursday and got the last two seats at a window bar by the entry door . A little chilly at times so wished we'd reserved a table earlier I can't tell enough about Grist so am posting a lot of photos here. Enjoy!!!!

Natalie M.

Yelp
Gem in dayton near the orogen and historical district. Staff was so kind and helpful. Tried their sweet corn pasta, highly recommend.

Megan F.

Yelp
Third time here for dinner and I still can't get enough of Grist! SUCH a gem for us daytonians. I was joined by my family and cousin for a Friday night dinner at Grist. I love the concept of Grist. Great food, great atmosphere and great staff. We enjoyed focaccia at the start. I chose the tortelli di zucca for dinner. The balsamic addition was perfect and very fitting for fall. Per usual, I was too full for dessert but I wish I would have grabbed something for home. We sat in the back room (where they hold lessons on Sundays) and we were able to watch them make the pasta mains! Until next time, Grist!