Here’s what rose to the top of my list to love during the 2024 year in dining.
Breakfasts of champions
In late February this year, Bellbrook’s Blue Berry Cafe (facebook.com/TheBlueberryCafe) opened its second location in the former Golden Nugget Pancake House on S. Dixie Drive in Kettering and it’s been packed to the gills with a wait for those who don’t call ahead ever since. They have creative spins on breakfast favorites and, of course, the calorie-packed muffins from the Muffin Man, Tony Darden, who comes through the restaurant announcing the delectable delights that have just been taken out of the oven.
Credit: Alexis Larsen
Credit: Alexis Larsen
The Brunch Pub (brunchpubcenterville.com) in uptown Centerville also opened at the beginning of the year offering a farm to table breakfast menu that includes Shakshuka, a robust, flavorful dish of eggs poached in a tomato and pepper sauce that is popular throughout North Africa and the Middle East. It’s a really strong menu, consistently great execution from the kitchen and a terrific spot if you are looking for something fresh for your weekend brunch outing. Don’t be fooled by the name however, they are open for dinner as well which is just as good.
The new kids on the block joined with familiar favorites such as Butter Cafe (buttercafedayton.com) near the University of Dayton, which continues to keep things interesting. Highlights from the new Christmas breakfast menu includes the Griswold’s fig and bacon omelet and a Polar Express hot chocolate French toast.
The Florentine in Germantown (theflorentinerestaurant.com) added a new brunch menu this year that they serve Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., which has been a nice addition for those looking for something a little different. Fairborn’s Honey Toast emerged on the scene in the early part of the year as well (honeytoastfairborn.com) and the Foundry (thefoundryrooftop.com) on the rooftop of the AC Hotel downtown added hours for a Sunday brunch from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Most recently Table 33 (table33dayton.com) opened for brunch at the end of November in the space that formerly housed Est! Est!! Est!!! in the Dayton Arcade. It will be opening for dinner and is currently taking reservations for New Year’s Eve.
Credit: Jim Noelker
Credit: Jim Noelker
The breakfast and brunch game has been impressive locally with plenty of new options to enjoy and that has made for some satisfying eating this year.
One deli to rule them all
The weather wasn’t the only moody thing to contend with in April. We got the news that the Gourmet Deli at Top of the Market on Webster Street and Flyboy’s Deli in Oakwood closed their doors. Both were go-to spots for great sandwiches and it was sad to see their run come to an end.
But all is not lost — in late June All the Best Delicatessen celebrated its first year in business. This spot has earned its name with owner Lee Schear bringing what he considers the best of the best from across the country to Dayton.
Credit: Submitted Photo
Credit: Submitted Photo
The deli’s ingredient “map” is complex with Schear’s favorites sourced from across the county ... smoked fish from Brooklyn, corned beef and pastrami from Detroit, chopped chicken liver “inspired by” Zabar’s in Manhattan, rugelach from Cincinnati, and even rye bread from Dorothy Lane Market, right here at home. This destination has made that old-world deli experience and throwback menu within reach. It’s absolutely fabulous and the secret is the ingredients.
Their fish is no ordinary catch; it’s sourced from the renowned Acme Fish Company in Brooklyn, NY. The frankfurter and salami comes from Vienna Beef in Chicago. The corned beef, soft pastrami, brisket and tongue is sourced from Sy Ginsberg’s Meat & Deli in Detroit. Matzo Balls are from Brooklyn, New York’s Matzo Project. Ohio companies supplying dishes and ingredients include Cleveland’s Davis Bakery (coconut bars, tea cookies), Herman’s Pickles in Garettsville, Ohio and locally Rachael Bakes which will be responsible for the cheesecakes and seven-layer cakes. This is the real deal and as a deli connoisseur it has been a hugely welcome addition to our dining scene.
Mexican with a twist
Mexican restaurants locally and across the state have been increasingly mixing things up and not sticking with the standard fare or decor that seemed to be the cookie cutter menu and delivery that we have so long been familiar with.
Credit: Submitted Photo
Credit: Submitted Photo
In 2023 the first El Asadero took over a space in the middle of Centerville’s Cross Pointe Centre. The flamboyant drinks, black light walls and dancing robots and characters at times seem more like a rave than a restaurant. It’s a concept that has caught on and recently the El Rancho Grande in Huber Heights on Old Troy Pike became the region’s second El Asadero Bar & Mexican Grill. These places are big fun and seem much more like a party than dinner. Just check out the website and you’ll get the idea — dayton.elasaderobargrill.com — it’s over the top across the board.
Mamacitas Cantina (mamacitascantina.com) opened in early May in Belmont. The fusion restaurant is inspired by exciting dishes and flavors from around the world including Costa Rica, Columbia, Cuba, Mexico and Puerto Rico. The authentic plates and flavors on the menu also have some American classics like wings and nachos. Every Friday at 8 p.m. the Mamacitas Cantina Robot makes an appearance. Make sure you’re at least one margarita in for it. On Wednesdays they have maybe one of the best deals on margaritas with a 50% off special.
Early in the year, El Toro opened a new concept in a spot across from the Greene. Vallarta Mexican Seafood (vallartamexicanseafood.com) features authentic recipes, many of them seafood, direct from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. It’s another welcome addition with decor and a vibe that’s not always what you would expect to find. It’s sleepy and tame compared to the Al Asadero concept, but I always love when there are things you are not used to seeing on the menu.
Centerville’s dining scene
Last year, Manna opened its fine dining doors in Centerville’s bustling historic Uptown neighborhood. It’s the second restaurant for Chef Margot Blondet, executive chef and owner of Salar in the Oregon District. The name for the beautifully appointed two-story restaurant with two bars means “food from the gods to feed the soul.” As with Salar this is an infusion of cultures, with Manna focused on European cuisine with elegant decor and appointments to match. The entrees are as delicious as the visual feast that greets you at the door.
Just down the street from Manna is Agave & Rye Tequila and Bourbon Hall. Its trademark epic tacos and rocking decor are a treat for the eyes and the taste buds with a menu packed with flavor and interesting dishes and combinations. It has a great bar program and the vibe is big, bold eclectic fun.
And in the same area is the fabulous Meridian, offering a rotating menu of small plates, cocktails, wine and even a brunch. It’s a beautifully appointed destination worth seeking out. In a relatively short time this has become a go-to hub for some really terrific dining destinations.
Credit: Alexis Larsen
Credit: Alexis Larsen
Familiar favorites
Some of my favorite meals this year have come courtesy of Coldwater Cafe, The Winds, El Meson, Meadowlark, Grist, Jollity, Roost, Jimmie’s Ladder 11, Little Fish, Coco’s Bistro, Salt Block Biscuit Company, Salar, Manna, Pasha Grill, Nanyea Restaurant, Speakeasy Ramen, Speakeasy Miso, La Michoacana Mexican Market #5, Linh’s Bistro, Kabuki, Amber Rose, Kung Fu Noodle, Sea Jax and these are just the ones coming to mind in a brain dump. There are so many amazing restaurants and chefs worth seeking out that offer a rich bounty of possibilities. Things start to get really boring when you lose sight of that.
Credit: Submitted Photo
Credit: Submitted Photo
Looking to the future
There are several high-profile openings coming down the road, including the Silos (facebook.com/silosdayton), an expansive food and beer hall. The location near the 2nd Street Market has recently announced some of the vendors and they have hit home runs with the culinary talent that they are bringing in.
Credit: Submitted Photo
Credit: Submitted Photo
Credit: Submitted Photo
Credit: Submitted Photo
Three Birds will be opening at Carmel’s Southwest Bar & Grill location on Shroyer Road. It’s a concept from the owners and operators of Sueño and Tender Mercy, so you know it will be high style with an exciting concept.
And just as 2024 has been an exciting year, 2025 is already shaping up to be the same.
About the Author