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.

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.

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.

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!

Absolutely delicious food— we got porcini rigatoni with focaccia and the kimchi burger. It was VERY busy at Friday lunchtime and definitely stressful finding a seat for dine-in, but at quieter times it seems like a good spot to sit and chat or to study. They also sell handmade pasta for take-home cooking, something we’d love to try at another visit!

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!!

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.

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!