01
Dayton classic
Marion's Piazza
South Dayton • Old-School, Ultra-Thin-Crust Pizzeria • Longtime Local Favorite
A Dayton institution known for party-cut, ultra-thin pizzas loaded edge-to-edge with toppings in a no-frills, family-friendly setting.
If you ask around for Dayton’s most iconic pizza, Marion’s almost always comes up first. The crust is cracker-thin, the toppings are chopped fine and spread generously to the edge, and pies arrive already party-cut into squares. It’s the kind of place locals grow up with, and out-of-towners get introduced to as a rite of passage.
02
Best for craft pizza and beer
Old Scratch Pizza
South Park • Wood-Fired, Modern Pizzeria • Best For Groups And Beer Lovers
Lively, counter-service spot serving blistered, wood-fired pies with inventive toppings and an impressive craft beer lineup.
Old Scratch feels more like a modern beer hall than a traditional pizza parlor, with long communal tables, high ceilings, and a busy open kitchen around the ovens. The crust lands between Neapolitan and Midwestern, with plenty of char and chew, and the menu plays with both classic and creative combinations. It’s an easy go-to for groups, with quick service, shareable starters, and plenty on tap.
03
Campus-area favorite
Dewey's Pizza
Brown Street • Hand-Tossed, Contemporary Pizzeria • Best Near The University Of Dayton
Bright, bustling spot near UD known for hand-tossed pies, smart topping combos, and a polished but relaxed dining room.
Dewey’s draws a mix of students, families, and neighborhood regulars thanks to its consistently well-made pies and friendly service. You can build your own, but the house combinations are the real draw, balancing bold flavors without feeling gimmicky. Large windows and an open kitchen make it a comfortable place to linger over a pizza and a pint before or after a game or campus event.
04
Most creative menu
Wheat Penny Oven and Bar
Oregon District Edge • Chef-Driven, California-Leaning Pizza Bar • Best For Food-Focused Nights Out
Chef-led restaurant turning out deeply flavored, pan and hearth-baked pies alongside seasonal small plates and an excellent bar program.
Wheat Penny is where you go when you want pizza to feel like a full night out rather than just a quick bite. The crust has serious character, with a hearty chew and a caramelized edge, and toppings lean seasonal and slightly adventurous without losing comfort. With thoughtful cocktails, a strong wine list, and plenty beyond pizza on the menu, it suits both date nights and dinners with food-loving friends.
05
Neighborhood staple
Dayton's Original Pizza Factory
Wayne Avenue Corridor • Casual, Build-Your-Own Pizza Shop • Best For Customizable Pies And Takeout
Easygoing spot on Wayne Avenue turning out generously topped, made-to-order pies that feel tailored to regulars’ tastes.
Dayton’s Original Pizza Factory feels like a neighborhood standby, the kind of place where they remember your usual after a couple of visits. The menu covers the basics, but the real appeal is how flexible it is, with plenty of topping choices and sizes for everything from solo dinners to game-day orders. It’s especially handy for carryout or low-key nights when you want solid, straightforward pizza without any fuss.