5 Best Pizza Places in Dayton, Ohio to Try Today

Dayton might be best known for aviation history, but locals know the real magic happens in the city’s pizza parlors.

Dayton’s signature square-cut, tavern-style pies are a regional treasure, with cracker-thin crust, edge-to-edge toppings, and a loyal fanbase.

Mixed in are award-winning artisan slices, family-owned icons, and modern innovations—all delivering a unique flavor of the Gem City.

Here are the top five pizza spots in Dayton, Ohio for 2025, where every slice tells a local story.

1. Marion’s Piazza

A true Dayton legend, Marion’s Piazza is the city’s best-known ambassador for classic “Dayton-style” pizza: thin, crispy crust, sweet tomato sauce, lots of toppings, and always cut into squares.

Routinely voted best pizza in Dayton, Marion’s has multiple area locations, boasts a nostalgic family-friendly atmosphere, and remains a local rite of passage.

Try the sausage or deluxe pie for the ultimate Marion’s experience.

2. Dewey’s Pizza

Dewey’s bridges classic and contemporary with its hand-tossed, chewy crust and inventive topping combos.

Favorites include the Bronx Bomber (all the meats!) and the Edgar Allan Poe (goat cheese, roasted garlic, and fresh spinach).

Dewey’s open-kitchen concept, fast service, and top-notch salads make it a hit with families and foodies alike.

3. The Pizza Bandit

Operating from the Yellow Cab Tavern, The Pizza Bandit has quickly become a Dayton staple for creative, craveworthy pies.

Known for their funky topping mashups—think pickle pie, hot honey pepperoni, or weekly offbeat specials—their chewy crust and late-night hours have earned them a cult following.

Their food-truck-turned-permanent-kitchen is also a regular stop for Dayton’s foodies and festival lovers.

4. Old Scratch Pizza

For wood-fired, Neapolitan-inspired pies, Old Scratch Pizza sets the city’s gourmet bar.

Expect a pillowy, charred crust with quality toppings (fresh mozzarella, arugula, prosciutto) and a rotating lineup of crowd-pleasing small plates and craft beer.

Modern, spacious, and perfect for groups, Old Scratch is where pizza lovers go when they want a break from the square-cut tradition—but still want the best in town.

5. Flying Pizza

A downtown institution since 1971, Flying Pizza serves classic, oversized New York–style slices with a loyal lunchtime following.

With a simple menu, real-deal dough, and classic cheese and pepperoni slices piled high, Flying Pizza is the go-to for hungry downtown crowds and anyone who loves a traditional, foldable slice.

Quick, unfussy, and always reliable.