>> Restaurants serving special menus this Valentine’s Day
The best part is that you don't have to just do this on Valentine's Day or Sweetest Day. You can enjoy a cozy, seductive experience year-round.
>> The 12 best restaurants in Dayton, period
Here are a dozen of the most romantic restaurants in the Miami Valley, in alphabetical order. We recommend calling ahead to check availability and make reservations early.
💕BLACK ROCK BAR & GRILL
Credit: Black Rock Bar & Grill- Toledo
Credit: Black Rock Bar & Grill- Toledo
Basics: 2745 Fairfield Commons Blvd., Beavercreek | (937) 988-0026
Why it rates: Here's a destination for a unique evening out. Black Rock Bar & Grill serves steaks, seafood and other entrees on a 755-degree volcanic rock, allowing diners to cook their meals to their liking. It also features an assortment of appetizers, sandwiches and desserts, as well as a full-service bar that includes 17 craft beer taps and signature cocktails. Dayton's Black Rock opened in May 2019 and is one of two Ohio locations.
💕THE CAROLINE
Credit: HANDOUT
Credit: HANDOUT
Basics: 5 S. Market St., Troy | (937) 552-7676
Why it rates: Great blend of an intimate atmosphere and well-crafted dishes and cocktails. This restaurant, located on the picturesque Public Square in downtown Troy, specializes in American cuisine and also offers craft beer, a wide variety of wines and craft cocktails.
💕CLUB OCEANO SEAFOOD & BAR
Credit: Mark Fisher
Credit: Mark Fisher
Basics: 4429 Cedar Park Dr., Beavercreek | (937) 988-0909
Why it rates: Club Oceano Seafood & Bar at The Greene Town Center is the newest entry on the local fine-dining seafood scene. Great service and well prepared food including Agave Salmon, Fresh Cut Chilean Sea Bass and Fish & Chips has already earned it a delicious reputation.
More info: Website
💕COCO’S BISTRO
Basics: 250 Warren St., Dayton | (937) 228-2626
Why it rates: This restaurant has carved a strong reputation with its eclectic menu and inviting atmosphere. It's the reigning champ in the Best of Dayton contest for Best Place for a Business Lunch — perfect for business or pleasure.
💕COLDWATER CAFE
Basics: 19 E. Main St., Tipp City | (937) 667-0007
Why it rates: This restaurant in downtown Tipp City serves up perfectly executed, creative dishes in a charming atmosphere with A-plus service. It was recently named the best restaurant for fine dining in Ohio magazine's latest Best of Ohio awards.
>> Local restaurant named one of '100 Most Romantic' in U.S.
💕COOPER’S HAWK WINERY & RESTAURANT
Basics: 5220 Cornerstone North Blvd. | (937) 900-9463
Why it rates: Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant is an upscale/casual wine-themed restaurant with a full -service bar, private barrel-aging room and Napa Valley-style tasting room. This new restaurant, located in the Cornerstone of Centerville development, is known for wine but also serves inventive dishes and full-strength cocktails, some of which utilize wine as an ingredient.
>> New Cooper’s Hawk brings some imaginative new dishes to Dayton
💕JAY’S RESTAURANT
Credit: HANDOUT
Credit: HANDOUT
Basics: 225 E. Sixth St., Dayton's Oregon Historic District | (937) 222-2892
Why it rates: Jay's antique bar is breathtaking, it has the best wine list in the city, and the decadently rich chocolate mousse is guaranteed to melt a woman's (or man's) heart. Jay's is the reigning winner of Best Seafood in the Best of Dayton contest.
>> The best fine dining destinations in the Oregon District
>> 40 things we love about Jay’s Seafood
💕LILY’S BISTRO
Basics: 329 E. 5th St., Dayton | (937) 723-7637
Why it rates: Lily's has it all. It boasts a romantic atmosphere, numerous nooks and crannies for privacy and a laid-back attitude, not to mention killer cocktails, killer brunch and killer patios. It's easy to see why it's been a frequent Best of Dayton winner.
>> The story behind the name of one of Dayton’s favorite restaurants
>> The best restaurant and bar patios in Dayton
💕MEADOWLARK
Credit: Ohio Pork Council
Credit: Ohio Pork Council
Basics: 5531 Far Hills Ave., Washington Twp. | (937) 434-4750
Why it rates: An eclectic but comfortable vibe, inspired cuisine and a well-chosen wine list make this an inviting destination. Meadowlark Chef Elizabeth Wiley was named the best chef in Dayton in the most recent Best of Dayton contest.
💕THE MELTING POT
Credit: Carolyn Desalu
Credit: Carolyn Desalu
Basics: 453 Miamisburg-Centerville Road, Washington Twp. | (937) 567-8888
Why it rates: This fondue restaurant's subdued lighting, glass-walled wine cellar and wine-themed artwork create an undeniably romantic atmosphere. And if you find chocolate an aphrodisiac, save room for dessert.
💕SHEN’S SZECHUAN & SUSHI
Credit: HANDOUT
Credit: HANDOUT
Basics: 7580 Poe Ave., Vandalia | (937) 898-3860
Why it rates: The soft lighting and rich woods of this restaurant's interior make it one of the most inviting atmospheres in the Miami Valley. It's famous for its sushi and Asian cuisine.
💕SALAR RESTAURANT & LOUNGE
Credit: Amelia Robinson
Credit: Amelia Robinson
Basics: 400 E. Fifth St. | (937) 203-3999
Why it rates: With strong influences of Peruvian French and Mediterranean, the food at Salar is world class and locally sourced or made fresh in house daily. The menu is updated seasonally. Its cocktails are inventive. It's also a beautifully renovated restaurant after extensive damage from a 2017 fire.
💕ROOST MODERN ITALIAN
Basics: 524 E Fifth St., Dayton | (937) 222-3100
Why it rates: Roost Italian is the Oregon District's destination for an unforgettable Italian dinner. Cozy and dim atmosphere, and upscale Italian cuisine combine to boost the romance quotient.
>> PHOTOS: The Oregon District’s Roost Modern Italian is a feast for the eyes and the palate
💕WATERMARK
Credit: Amelia Robinson
Credit: Amelia Robinson
Basics: 20 S. First St., Miamisburg; call (937) 802-0891
Why it rates: A quiet, intimate atmosphere and an ever-changing, yet consistently fine, menu, enhanced by some creative cocktails. A relative newbie to Dayton's dining scene, it was a finalist for Best Hidden Gem in the most recent Best of Dayton contest.
>> Owners of Watermark planning new restaurant in downtown Dayton
💕WELLINGTON GRILLE
Credit: Jim Witmer
Credit: Jim Witmer
Basics: 2450 Dayton Xenia Road, Beavercreek. Call (937) 426-4600.
Why it rates: With high-backed, comfortable booths and elegant comfort food, it's got the best of all worlds. The words "extraordinary" and "incredible" have been used by many a diner to describe the dishes here.
Other romantic restaurant options
If none of the options above struck your fancy, give one of these a whirl, or, if your favorite doesn't appear here, suggest it by sending us an email at contact@dayton.com:
- Basil's on Market, Troy and Dayton
- Bonefish Grille, Miami Twp.
- Brio Tuscan Grille, Beavercreek
- Carvers Steaks & Chops, Washington Twp.
- Greenfire Bistro, Tipp City
- Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, Beavercreek
- J. Alexanders, Washington Twp.
- Mamma DiSalvo's, Kettering
- Michael Anthony's at the Inn, Versailles (currently closed after fire)
- Oakwood Club, Oakwood
- Pasha Grill, Beavercreek
- P.F. Chang's, Miami Twp.
- View 162 Restaurant & Lounge in the Crowne Plaza hotel, Dayton
- Thai 9, Dayton
- The Winds, Yellow Springs
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