Roost Modern Italian
524 E 5th St, Dayton, OH, 45402
Roost Modern Italian Menu
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Visit below restaurant in Dayton for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Dayton for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Dayton for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
524 E 5th St
Dayton, OH, 45402 - Phone (937) 222-3100
- Website https://www.roostdayton.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Tue
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : No
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Dressy
Ambience : Trendy
Noise Level : Loud
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
Categories
Italian Cuisine
The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.
Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.
If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.
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Neal D.
This place is a great date night location. Valet parking only. Small place so gets loud. Food was complex and delicious without being pretentious.
(4)F T.
Nice staff, great food, healthy food, healthy sized drinks! Perfect for a first date.
(5)Jesy A.
The food is amazing! A little on the pricey side but worth every penny spent! Great for a special evening or a night out with friends! Try the desserts, sooooo good! The owner and staff are super friendly. I visit a few times a year, can't say it enough, you must try!
(5)Amy N.
5 stars by default because they happened to have a dish combining two of my favorite things to eat - filet mignon and polenta (see photo). Creamy, goat cheese polenta. I was beginning to think Daytonians didn't know this side dish underdog existed. My +1 ordered the asiago crusted chicken. Coming from the most difficult diner I know, it's a true compliment when he says it's one of the "tastiest" dishes he's had in a while. And for goodness sake, order the truffle fries to snack on while waiting for your entree. I will return... repeatedly until I've tried everything on the menu.
(5)Guy C.
Great servers and bartenders. Amazing food. Unfortunately the worst hostess i've ever encountered. We were a party of three and were refused a table. We weren't even given a wait time. We sat at the bar and watched empty tables for two hours. Skip it.
(2)Adam J.
Every aspect of tonight was remarkable! The hosts were very helpful and kind, our server Ashley was fantastic and the owner Dana's welcoming presence throughout the establishment was beyond hospitable. Each of our meals contained a well balanced array of flavor and perfectly proportioned. I have heard many positive things about Roost prior to my visit tonight. Tonight exceeded my expectations and I will make sure to regularly visit!
(5)Daniel W.
Came out of hibernation to write an update on Roost. I would not want anyone thinking my old review is what I feel now. This has always been a special occasion restaurant for me. It's a great location, great ambiance, good food, and the chef is always there and very friendly and accommodating. It is however overpriced. Thus the special occasionan visit. So my dads 70th birthday came around, I decided to take my parents out. For Italian they usually go to Bravo, Brio, or someplace like that. I looked at the menu on the website for Roost. My parents don't eat pork and shellfish. My wife is vegan. The menu had the wild mushroom linguine and lasagna verde. I knew my dad would like the lasagna and my wife would like the linguine, because she has had it before. This is where this episode turned for the worse. When we got there the restaurant menu was different. Those two items are no longer on the menu. Asked the waiter what entree is vegan. Initially he said the squid ink pasta was and then he went in the back. He came back and said that the only thing that could be made vegan would be a plate of veggies, steamed with some sauce. He was asked if any grains or pasta could be added to the dish and he said no. I asked why the chef no longer cared to have a vegan entree on the menu. He said, "she no longer wants to deal with that anymore." I told him that I would not be coming back if that is the case and he didn't seem to care. We ordered anyway. I'm going to try to cut this short because I'm boring myself. Great update to the restaurant in terms of space and decor. Unfortunately the service and food do not fit the restaurants decor and price. Someone in management needs to get on the ball before more customers are lost. 1. Update the menu on the website. 2. Train the wait staff 3. Have a vegan entree other than steamed vegetables. We no longer live in the 80s. 4. Don't alienate some of your customers.
(2)Jonathan D.
During a recent weekend trip to Dayton, my boyfriend and I had dinner at Roost Modern Italian. Located in the popular Oregon District, Roost can prove to be an enjoyable dining experience. Roost is a fairly small restaurant, so I'd suggest giving them a call and making a reservation in advance. We dined at 7p on a Saturday night and almost every table in the dining area was full. My only major gripe of the evening is that the tables are too close to each other. So, if you're looking for a private dining experience where you're more than 6" from the next table, go somewhere else. The cocktail/beer/wine menu at Roost is quite expansive - you wont' be hard pressed to find something on the menu that doesn't sound good. I often stick with ordering a cocktail or glass of wine, but ended up joining the significant other in ordering a 10 Ton Oatmeal Stout - it was quite delicious. A small basket of bread is served with a tomatoish, salsaish dipping sauce. To be honest, I'm not really sure what the sauce was (we weren't told), but it really wasn't necessary and didn't excite me at all - the bread was perfect on its own. For food, we skipped the appetizers. Instead, he ordered the iceberg carpaccio salad ($6) and I the caesar salad ($4). Both were modest in size, but were fine since we also were ordering entrees. Prior to dining at Roost, he had already selected his entree, the shrimp and 'grits' Italian style ($17). Although there were several other yummy sounding entrees on the menu, I also ordered the same. You should know that you can have this dish prepared with shrimp only ($15) or vegetarian style ($12). We both enjoyed the entree . Served with house made chorizo, swiss chard, peppers, onions, and mushrooms, the shrimp and grits really hit the spot. It's served in a deeper, bowl-like dish to accommodate a sizable amount of tasty, 'brothy' liquid. I didn't mind this, however, he noted that he would have preferred a less 'liquidy' experience. We didn't have room for dessert, instead we headed over to Wheat Penny for after dinner drinks (multiple, in fact). Lastly, I really appreciated that they have a free valet service. If you've ever been down to the Oregon District, you know that parking can be as hassle. That said, having valet service is quick and convenient.
(4)Angie C.
Roost is a great, modern, lighter alternative to the other Italian restaurants in Dayton. The dining area is very small but manages to be cozy vs. cramped. There is also additional outdoor seating. I ordered the Shrimp & Grits Italian style which was heavenly while my husband ordered the pasta carbonara which he also very much enjoyed. Our server was very friendly and knowledgeable and was quick with beverage refills. We will be going back.
(4)Craig M.
The romantic decor is contemporary and relaxed, with an interesting opening directly in to an immaculate kitchen. The menu offers unusual combinations with vegetarian or vegan options available.
(3)Stan Y.
This is a great place for Sunday brunch. I ordered the eggs carbonara, which came out really well. The interior is inviting and I believe there's even some outdoor seating for when the weather is warm. The servers are quick and attentive. Definitely a place to check out, especially given that it's a new, local business.
(4)Kevin C.
NOTE TO READER: This review makes me seem a bit like a pretentious foodie prick. Before you judge, I want you to know that I have participated in three organized eating contests. I also enjoy White Castle, Old Country Buffet and Taco Bell. In other words, I am not a picky eater. That's not to say I love everything, but I try to hold restaurants to the standard they are trying to project. That said, enjoy the review: Sigh. This place has such potential but it just didn't deliver for me. Ambiance was wonderful. Service was speedy and friendly. Menu was exciting and modern. Food was surprisingly bland. The chef seemed to be at the forefront of the war on salt. But it wasn't just a lack of salt. Most of the stuff was just under-seasoned all around. Pretty much the only thing I had that night that was amply flavored was the Caesar Salad. When we got our artichoke heart appetizer my girlfriend made the comment that it was bland. While complaining is hardly out the ordinary for her, she rarely says that something is too bland; usually it's quite the opposite. That worried me but I brushed it off. Sadly, the trend continued. My girlfriend had a pasta dish with mussels and swordfish. I had a ciabatta crusted pork chop. Neither were terrible but definitely not worth the 20something dollars each paid for them. Even the olive oil and herbs they served bread with could have used more basil. Now I've read several reviews here saying that Roost is inconsistent. Perhaps I got them on a off night. Still, they're not going to be getting another chance to prove themselves any time soon. If I'm looking for something of this price and caliber in the Oregon District I would much rather go to Sidebar 410 or Coco's Bistro. Both have menus that include the phrase "pan seared" at least three times and actually deliver tasty treats in addition to style.
(3)Lisa F.
This was such a fantastic experience.Amazing food service and atmosphere. Loved it, I was visiting from out of town. Beth and Dana rock. You have to check this place out. From the front door to the fresh flowers in the bathroom. These gals got it down!!!! Will for sure come back next time I'm in town. A little pricey but well worth it.
(5)Nate M.
Delicious. Had the mussels appetizer and swordfish. Both were amazing. Small so I'd call ahead for a party of more than 4. Patio looks real pleasant but it was still a bit too chilly to sit outside.
(5)Alex M.
2 out of 6 meals were good. The previous 2 times we ate here were phenomenal and we recommended to so many people! This time was much different. My swordfish was tough, fishy and tasted like something I could have picked up from Kroger from the freezer aisle. Filet was way over cooked when ordered medium rare and Veal tasted more like a pork chop than anything. We were so excited to take our family here and really talked it up. But when the bill came, most of us were disappointed that we spent so much on mediocre food and unwelcoming service. Will definitely try Corner Kitchen next time instead!
(3)Maria B.
My mussels had dirt in them and my asparagus was burnt. Good presentation poor performance. Thank goodness I have a gift card!
(1)Kelly E.
We were in town for the Dayton Celtic Fest and wanted a nice dinner out after two days of beer and festival food. We had an absolutely lovely Sunday dinner at Roost. The interior of the restaurant is minimalist and soothing, and the hostess was very willing to accommodate requests to adjust the lighting and ceiling fans. We did not have any noise issues, but there were only 8-10 other diners insider (there is a small outside patio for dining as well). Our waiter was professional, friendly and attentive without being intrusive. For starters we had the Caesar salad and the special watermelon, arugula, red onion and feta salad. The Caesar was a nice size and done well. The watermelon salad was a refreshing and interesting combo of flavors, but could have used a light dressing to tie it all together. For an entree, I had the shrimp and grits (polenta) and it was outstanding. The sauce had a lovely balance of flavors with a touch of heat that would have been delicious on its own, and perfectly complemented the shrimp and polenta. The kitchen deleted mushrooms from the dish upon request, which was appreciated. One companion enjoyed the lamb, ricotta and mint crespelles and commented that the red sauce was delicious. Another had the drunken mussels as her entree (this "appetizer" was ample enough for dinner) and was similarly impressed, devouring every morsel and soaking up the delicious broth. For dessert we shared a chocolate/caramel mousse with berries in balsamic vinegar which was creamy and satisfying, and more than enough to share. All in all, a very good meal and a perfect ending to our fun weekend.
(5)Benjamin B.
Once again roost was an excellent experience. I'm fairly convinced that at this point it's just about the best "fine dining" restaurant in the Dayton area, or at very least hovering in the top 3. Service was impeccable, especially considering that I believe we were the last table sat, and the last to leave. No annoyance or rushing, just excellent precise service. Wine recommendations helped us sort out which of our top picks would best suit the meal, and a Vietti Perbacco Nebbiolo from Langhe was the choice. Perfect wine for this meal and less expensive than my top choice, but suggested by the server. The drunken mussels were excellent, and had us fishing out every last bite of the swiss chard from the broth. Her wedge salad was a classic that they had enough sense to not mess with. My Caesar was perhaps a little over dressed, but that's so minor in comparison to the fact that white anchovies were available on it. Sure, that's not "traditional", whatever that means, but it's a fantastic combination and I always love it. I had a Veal Chop Picatta. Perfect medium rare, incredibly tender, paired wonderfully with the wine. The linguine was good, but I was too focused on the veal to pay enough attention. She had the Annerito Scallops, which were very well cooked with a nice crust and nearly rare interior. The risotto was not too sticky, as most usually is, but was loose enough as it should be. We were too full for dessert this time. Every time I come here, I want to go back as soon as possible. Very highly recommended.
(5)S L.
What a pleasant surprise! Truth be told we were heading next door for bar food at Lucky's when we made a decision to add $60 to our food tab and eat at Roost. Was it worth it? Yes. Yes, it was. I should probably give Roost 5 stars just for not doing what other Dayton restaurants do: The salad was a delicious mix of interesting ingredients and not iceberg lettuce served with dressing in a plastic cup. The service was professional. Italian wasn't defined as pasta slathered with marinara sauce. What baffles me most is that in the three years I've been in Dayton, NO ONE has recommended Roost to me. It's always Mama DiSalvo's. NO! NO! NO! NO! Roost is SO much better! Don't get me wrong, Mama Disalvo's is nice; I've enjoyed their food. But Mama Disalvo's is like a fancy Olive Garden. Lots and lots of pasta. And sweet marinara sauce. Roost is beyond the typical Dayton restaurant and the food measures up. I had the veal chop and it was quite delicious. I don't remember what my companion had, but he was thoroughly satisfied with his entrée. Any negative comments? No, not really. I loved the bread, but I wasn't quite sure about the tomato-y sauce served with it. Oh, it was good, but I love me some olive oil. I did, however, appreciate that Roost did something different. I enjoyed trying this dipping sauce. The only other thing - and this is JUST ME - I intensely dislike the grayish-green or greenish-gray color of the walls. That and the yellow artwork. My companion liked it. It just felt so dingy to me. I HATE gray. Or maybe it's the color of an Army Jeep. It made what is a very cozy room so not cozy to me. But again...that's just me. With that said, I highly recommend Roost. I truly appreciate this awesome dining option in a sea of Dayton disappointments. The owners of this restaurant "get it."
(4)Tracie F.
Probably the best restaurant in Ohio...no DEFINITELY the best restaurant in Ohio. This quaint little hole in the wall brings chic and classy twisted with a modern feel to the heart of the city. The atmosphere is stellar. It is perfect for a relaxing casual dinner preferably outside in the summer. The food is out of this world. My husband and I ate up everything with wonderful smiles on our faces. There was nothing that disappointed. Service was fabulous as well. We really prefer supporting small businesses and if you do too this is most definitely one to support. Everything is top notch and the prices are pretty reasonable for what you get. I highly recommend dining here. Roost did not disappoint!
(5)Amy L.
I've been twice. Each time was pleasant and the food - amazing. Everything came out in a timely fashion and the atmosphere is nice. If you're going to go somewhere and spend money, this is the place to do it.
(5)Jed M.
Truffle fries are not sweet. I thought they would be. But I was pleasantly surprised. So good! Parmesan all over the place! The filet mignon was deliciously cooked to order. The atmosphere is loud and they were very busy on a Saturday night. It took over half an hour for our server to find us. But I'll give the place four stars for potential and quality of their food. Another good thing is that the manager let us stay at our eight-person table even though only four people in our party showed up. I felt bad about that so we'll call it even! Hope to frequent again!
(4)Debbe T.
We came here for my husband's birthday. We started with a bottle of white wine. We were given samples of a couple of bottles before settling on a French white. The entire wine list is adequate and is accompanied by descriptions. My food was amazing and our server, Kris was very knowledgeable about everything on the menu and did not experience extending waiting times for ordering or receiving our food. I had the warm mushroom salad to start with. It was served on a bed of greens and had bits of candied walnuts. For my entree I had the evening's special which was some kind of white fish (can't remember the exact type) served with putanesca sauce all on a bed of risotto. My husband had an appetizer of mussels but many of them were unable to be opened His entree was saltimbocca. The saltimbocca on the menu was made with chicken but had no problem substituting it with veal. However, he did not feel that the cheese they used did not compliment the veal it was too strong. The portions were large and prepared perfectly. My only criticism is on the presentation. There didn't seem to much effort into the arrangement on the plate. We finished the meal with a creme brulee topped with a cherry sauce. The fruit sauce was a welcome addition to this dessert. The biggest draw back to this place is it is small and noisy but was told by our server that they are expanding and will be addressing the noise issue. I would be willing to give this place another try once the renovations have taken place. We took advantage of the complimentary valet parking since parking in the Oregon District can be an issue in the evening.
(4)Jessica H.
I absolutely loved Roost. On a Friday night, I took a friend here for a birthday after touring the Air Force Museum. Two creatively classic cocktails, the mushroom and mussels appetizers, a bottle of wine, veal and scallops put us back about $165. It was delicious. Seriously amazing. We tasted a red and a white wine to decide our preference without any issues before deciding. We enjoyed the stemless glassware. The bread with the muscles was delicious!! It was our server's first week on the job, but she was charming and was more than willing to figure out what she didn't know. They even did a nice dessert with a candle! All this with no reservations and entering on a whim b/c we didn't know the timeline of the day. We gladly accepted the offer of a table for two on the window. A bit cramped with the other tables around, but such a wonderful experience overall! It is a little loud and cramped, but it kind of reminded me of Chicago, LA or NY upscale dining nooks.
(5)Romano D.
If you are gluten free... Stay away from this place. They don't even know there's great gluten free pasta in this country. If you are Italian and not gluten free, it's par at best.
(1)Liz F.
I live down the street from Roost and this is by far one of my favorite restaurants in the area. I could eat the mushroom crusted scallops everyday and die (of a heart attack) a happy woman! The prices are are not cheap, but the food is absolutely worht it. The service has always been nothing short of excellent. They also have an extensive, ever-changing cocktail and wine selection. The restaurant is small, so don't expect much elbow room, but they are currently renovating in hopes of creating more seating throughout the colder months. I only wish I could give Roost 6 stars!
(5)Amanda B.
OH WOW! In all kinds of ways WoW! It's unassuming from outside but then when you enter, BOOM, chic, organic pleasing color palette decorated minimally with beautifully design for such a small space with very high ceilings. It has that quaint intimate feel when it comes to the space but then you get the acoustics of being in a crowded bar... kind of sad which is where I have to give them a negative star. I'm not sure I can give a remedy for this problem since people will always talk... perhaps padding on the walls as to not destroy the lovely open layout. I do think they should lose the TV at the extremely small bar at the back and not put bar stools right behind a seated table (imagine butts behind your head). These are my only complaints. The cocktail drink selection is wonderful and very unique, most price are around $10 perhaps due to the fact they are muddling things fresh and using better quality purees and alcohol selections. These aren't run of the mill jack and coke style cocktails, these exude class and a refined palette. I had the El Toro and the spicy Thai chili leaves a fun subtle heat in the back of your throat while tickling it with prosecco and pleasing your tongue with a tiny hint of sweetness from the strawberry. They provide warm crusty yet super soft fresh bread for your dipping pleasure into a cold light marinara sauce that I wish I had more words to describe. Just delicious. Seriously I could have sat there and ate just that. Price range for entrees is from $15 to $30 and every plate offers something a bit more special than just an average authentic Italian restaurant. I had the Lasagna Verde (every Vegetarian and paleo's dream) which was made with fresh spinach pasta, crimini and shitake mushrooms, Swiss shard, frizzled leaks and zucchini. The Spagetti e Polpette is about the most basic dish they have here and its just phenomenal too! I wish I had more time to frequent this establishment before I leave because I saw some of the desserts come out to other patrons and I drooled all over the table. Decadent!
(4)Matthew J.
As always, the staff here prepared an incredible meal. Dana was working the line, showing her integrity as an executive chef that has not forgotten the basic art of her craft. The scallops and veal were perfectly cooked, and delivered by wait staff whose great attitude sealed the deal. Thanks to Roost for making this the perfect meal!
(5)Josephine F.
Went there for our anniversary, wanted the best place Dayton had to offer, this place was voted #1. It was fine but if this is all Dayton has to offer, very disappointed . Lived in NY and Columbus, maybe expectations were too high.
(3)Mark R.
Had been years ago and it was great then... Many updates only make it nicer. The food is and was fantastic! Great downtown place.for dinner...
(5)Michael T.
I really wanted to like this restaurant but it's just falls short in several areas that stop me from recommending it. My girlfriend and I chose to eat here for our 1 year anniversary. We had an 8pm reservation and arrived around 7:50. They said it would be a small wait before we could be seated. That small wait turned into 30 minutes past our reservation time. I understand that you can't always perfectly time reservations so a delay is fine but 30 minutes past the reservation time is just too much. The next major issue was that the restaurant was out of numerous items. After reading the great reviews and seeing pictures we were very excited to try the Parmesan Fries with a trio of sauces. Unfortunately when we placed the order our waiter told us they ran out of fries the previous night and were also out of the marinated olives appetizer. When we tried to order dessert we found out they were also out of the chocolate cake. It really leaves a bad taste in your mouth when multiple items you planned on ordering are unavailable especially considering the small menu. Food: For our entrees we ordered the mushroom crusted scallops with ravioli and the asiago crusted chicken. Both items were very good but not great. The pastas and proteins were cooked very well but both just lacked anything that made the dishes particularly stand out. I'm not sure if the problems were in execution or concept but the dishes just didn't hold up to similarly priced items in other big city restaurants. Decor: The decor was great. The restaurant is very intimate and modern. You really felt like you were in hip spot in a big city. Decor wise it's one of my favorite restaurants in Dayton. Service: The service was solid. Our table was out of water for a couple minutes but on the whole the service was pretty good. However, the night was capped off with another mistake as the waiter brought me a check that listed one of the entrees incorrectly and resulted in the total being about $15 less than it should have been. I was honest and notified the waiter and he corrected the issue. Certainly not a big deal but another mistake. Overall this is a solid restaurant but it poorly imitates a restaurant in a bigger city as the food and experience just do not meet the level of quality that they are trying to achieve. I would have given more than 2 stars but the multiple issues knocked down its rating.
(2)Juan R.
Had the lamb. It was a giant piece of lamb. Unfortunately it was done well done and it was dry
(3)McKenzie S.
I had dinner here with my mom as my first restaurant experience in the Oregon district. I had a very long day of moving and all I needed was a nice meal and cocktail. I walked into roost and I already fell in love! The ambiance is great. It is a quaint restaurant that could use some much needed expanding. The outdoor seating is great if it's not too hot, and the indoor tables are limited but we did not mind. We were seated right away. In regards to the meal, ordered the filet and my word I have never had a better meal! First off they were very accommodating and substituted the potatoes for a pasta dish made up on the spot. And when I get the meal all the food is just melt in my mouth delicious. Bravo to this restaurant! Best meal I have ever had. Thank you again! And thank you to my server Chris- you were phenomenal as well with your service. Friendly and welcoming.
(5)Christianne B.
A great place to enjoy a nice dinner for sure. The restaurant is very small, so it was a bit awkward to have to wait 10 minutes past our reservation time. The waiting area was right next to the kitchen and bar, so I felt that I was in the servers way, but we were offered drinks while we waiting. The cocktail list is huge! I tried the Georgia on My Mind, and was very happy with it. The service was terrific once we were sat to our table. Our server was always there when we needed him, but not bothersome. I had the mushroom crusted scallops while my friend had the Asiago chicken with pesto noodles (not sure of the actual name of the dish). Both were terrific, but I preferred my scallops over the chicken. There are still several items on the menu I would love to try, so I would consider returning. My only compliant is that it was very loud, I felt like I was yelling during my entire dinner conversation to try & be heard over the chatter of the restaurant. I understand that given the space, there isn't much that can be done about that though. I will likely go back during the summer and check out their patio.
(4)Erin-n-Charlie O.
Great service! From the friendly hostess to our amicable server, we were thrilled with our dining experience. This is one I would recommend for anyone looking for the BEST restaurant in Dayton. I had the filet and it melted in my mouth. The dessert is also not to be missed! Can't wait to go again!
(5)Bianca D.
First off- one of the better places to catch dinner in Dayton. However for the price I've had better. My meal: Risotto fritters: slightly underdone and under seasoned. Ill make sure to ask for them well done when I go back. (2/$7) Truffle fries: amazing. (Huge order/$4) Meatballs: they were good but I tasted a little too much filler (breadcrumb/bread) and not enough actual meat. (3/$4) Finally the climax of our meal: a shared entrée of shrimp and grits ($17) I recall four shrimp total, not quite rubbery overdone; but they were at the cusp. The greatest sin of all: under seasoned grits. After all, the greatest god given blank canvas deserves better. The house made chorizo was delicious and salty which was the only bite that balanced out the bland grits. The chard and bell pepper were prepared well and all of it was covered in a spicy broth. Delicious...but it was missing some things; sweetness and a burst of freshness/rawness. This is essential because the spicy broth, while great, turned the whole dish into a one note symphony. Recommendations for the chef: 1. Salt 2. Stone ground rustic grits prepared with less water as opposed to its sad, standard, instant, and fine ground counterpart. 3. A sweet corn relish, or tomato jam for that contrasting sweetness and break of freshness. Something to lighten up the dish... Decor: love it. Close quarters, but it's well designed. Service: excellent.
(4)Joseph H.
Lovely folks working there, nice martini drink, wine selection. If you are lactose intolerant best head somewhere else ( my feeling is that too much quality of food is masked by cheese ). Linguini was al dente, dente, two steps out of the box, vegetables were bitter and cabbage cooked to dark brown. The lamb was very good. Leek frizzels were tasty in lasagna that was enjoyed by wife, creme brûlée expresso seemed thickend by gelatin??? Was a dance to squeeze past the bar to get to the dining room. Hope it gets better
(2)Tim A.
The food is usually very good; we've only had a couple misses but have never left dissatisfied with a meal. The wine and cocktail selections are pretty good and not unreasonable. I've really liked the Caesar and Iceberg salads as well. The swordfish and both scallop dishes have definitely been the highlights of the menu for us. The filet was decent and the lamb was just ok. We've notice jumps in price since their opening, particularly on the scallops. My one complaint on the food would be that the specials never really seem to be all that special - it would be nice if they stepped it up here creatively and maybe used their Facebook page to feature them - that would lure me in. We've also always had great service, and the servers have been one of our reasons to keep coming back. However, our last two visits the chef/owner has been hanging out at the bar area and leading the loudness that can overtake the small restaurant space. Most recently, as we were waiting at the host stand for our table to become available, she blew past us once to answer the phone and then a second time to go in the back room. Didn't offer a simple hello/welcome; didn't even bother to make sure we had been helped. While we were dining she remained at the bar almost the entire time and eventually moved behind it, drinking a glass of wine. The servers looked embarrassed by it, and I can't blame them since they probably thought it was hurting their tips. A once classy place that was worth the prices on the menu and has now become somewhere I doubt we will visit as regularly. Some grace and professionalism might change that.
(4)James B.
Great spot for a night out with your SO or some close friends! The restaurant is small but provides a warm intimate feel for those you choose to dine with. Not the quietest restaurant as result if the size, bit not overly loud either. Most importantly, the food was great. Thru are known for their scallops and their reputation precedes them. Cooked to perfection, they were so tender, a fork was the only utensil needed. Didn't try desert since we were sufficiently satisfied and full from our meal. Definitely looking to go back once again!
(5)Christina B.
This was my second time visiting Roost. First time it was just my husband and I, and this trip we brought one of his buddies that was in from out of town. This restaurant is super small so be warned. They are working on an expansion which will be awesome once its completed. They have a nice outdoor patio, but depending on the day, it can be way too hot to sit out there. As long as you call ahead for a reservation, you should be good to go. The food is awesome! We started with the parmesan fries and they are delish. You get a small bucket of fries and 3 dipping sauces which are all pretty addicting. For my main course I got the mushroom scallops and I ate every last morsel! They were seriously yummy. I thought they were overpriced, but I went for it and I am glad I did since they were so good. Both guys got the shrimp and grits. They both liked their meals but said it wasnt exactly what they expected. For dessert, I got the 3 canolis and I must say, this was the one disappointment of the night. They were way too hard and I thought it was odd to serve them on a napkin. Our friend got the spumoni thingie which is really just a ball of ice cream coated in a chocolate shell. Overall, we all really liked this place and would definitely return. I cant wait to see how the expansion turns out!
(4)Steve E.
Food was good. Has Spaghetti & Asiago Chicken. Both were very good. Service was mediocre. Eg waiter didn't offer fresh parmesan for our dinner, other waiter had to refill our water glasses Etc. I would come back but hope service would be a notch higher.
(2)Melissa F.
Took the boyfriend to Roost for his birthday dinner, on a Saturday evening (8:30 p.m.) during a lousy snowstorm. Everyone, from the moment we entered, was attentive, warm and helpful. Our waiter, Antonio, was terrific; at my apologetic note of having a very restrictive diet (I know, why go to a restaurant? Because I wanted my man to experience the deliciousness of Roost!), suggested a dish that worked perfectly, and offered a vegetable substitution for polenta. The restaurant was filled, but the atmosphere was warm and simply elegant. I had the citrus-and-caper braised chicken with a medley of vegetables that were cooked perfectly crisp-tender. The sauce was delicious, and the chicken breast/drum was crispy and good. My boyfriend had the lamb with a demiglace, over linguine. It looked marvelous, and he said it was. We had numerous people check on us during the meal (never obnoxiously), including the chef, and we were happy to report how delicious everything was. The final touch: The sweet and efficient valet, who had to slog through all that snow to bring my boyfriend's rear-wheel drive car to us. She did it with a smile. That's service!
(5)Michael B.
Always great. I have never been disappointed with a meal here. The food is always cooked perfectly and their dishes have lots of flavor and depth. It's a small place that's almost always packed, so I would highly recommend reservations.
(5)Morgan E.
Delicious!!! Went on a Sat around 830pm,it was busy but we were seated right away. Very small place but that doesn't matter once you get comfy. The staff was very attentive,and helpful with drink selections. The food was fantastic! We had scallops and the beet salad to start off the meal, both were wonderful! The filet and wild mushroom fettucini were the entrees and they too were amazing. I dont think you could go wrong with anything on the menu. Would love to go back!
(5)Gail W.
Really enjoyed my dinner at Roost. Super cool decor, great menu. I chose the Blacked Scallops and Risotto and the addition of the chorizo was spectacular! For a solo traveler on business, Roost was a perfect choice! Had the pleasure of meeting the owner Dana the following night. Was thrilled to chat about the restaurant and menu. Roost is the place to go! Hope you do...you won't regret.
(5)Jonathan A.
AMAZING!!!! Best real Italian restaurant in Dayton by far! Food & service top notch! Our server Chris was very attentive & friendly!
(5)Katie C.
Went with my mother and best friend over the winter. The service was terrible. We had a reservation, but did not get seated until 45 minutes past the res... The food was very bland. not impressed.
(2)Sara M.
Roost rules! We went here for my birthday tonight, and the food and service were OUTSTANDING! We went at 8pm on a Saturday night with a reservation - so glad we made one bc it was packed. With good reason. The owners, Beth and Dana, are super sweet and take the time to greet/thank each customer. Our server let us take our time without service dragging or bring slow. Perfect pace. Now...the food. On the recommendation of several Yelpers, we started with the truffle fries. They were phenomenal. So was bread and super fresh tomato dip. Fiancé ordered the ciabatta-crusted pork chop as entree and I ordered the mushroom crusted scallops. We both completely cleaned our plates...I just barely resisted the urge to lick them. Do yourself a favor and get the prosecco w the scallops! We were insanely full, but ordered the caramel-filled puff pastry dessert special anyway. And espresso. The caramel wasn't the sickening sweet type, and the bittersweet chocolate drizzled overtop was a good foil. Only one complaint - acoustics are weird, which equals lots of noise. We were able to talk without too much trouble, though, and it is well worth a little noise for this incredible experience! Yum!
(5)Elizabeth C.
We were in town for business and found this place on Yelp...we were not disappointed. It is a small place and it is a little noisy--recommend calling ahead. Nice wine selection and reasonably priced bottles...we had a good Chianti for $30/bottle. Menu has a lot of variety and is all very fresh. Food at the table was a little heavy on salt, but was very flavorful. I had the Asiago Chicken with fresh pesto pasta--it was great and a perfect serving. My friend had the scallop ravioli and enjoyed her dish as well. Recommend highly--would not go with a group larger than four...or take kids.
(4)Ashley A.
A little small & noisy, but super trendy w great service. The menu isn't too big or too small & everyone at the table was more than satisfied. I had spaghetti & meatballs... o. m. g. The beef/pork combo was excellent & I could tell that both the pasta & sauce were fresh made in-house. I'll be back, without a doubt. Oh, they also served me the strongest Manhattan I'd ever had. If you're into those ;)
(4)Vivian J.
Love it! My husband and I popped by Roost without a reservation on a Saturday around 5ish. We were in luck and got the last table that was not already reserved that evening. Our server was extremely polite, attentive and knowledgeable regarding wine selections even offering several samples. We ordered the scallops and soup of the day to start. I really hate to say neither was impressive...just so-so. I really liked the crusty bread, but wasn't a big fan of the salsa dip...would prefer an oil type dip. But I digress... We were blown away by our entrees!! I ordered the Citrus & Caper Chicken and the hubby had the Swordfish. One of those memorable meals you just rave about and can't wait to experience again. Sure, we wish it were larger inside (intimate is fine, but this is small). But we still highly recommend...make a reservation and prepare yourself for a wonderful meal!
(4)Tim P.
Are you sure this is Dayton??? The service is great. The food is a bit inconsistent. They seem to do pasta better than protein. The pastas were great but the short ribs and scallops were under seasoned and under sauced. It's extremely loud on the weekends...but it's certainly worth a visit. Just ask a lot of questions and choose your meal carefully.
(5)Jim W.
Had an early reservation, so missed out on the noise issues. Right sized menu with enough variety, but not so many that they overextend themselves. Among appetizers, zucchini fritters were feathery, olives & gorgonzola were decent. The side Caesar salad was unexceptional, and one would have hoped a place like this would amp up a typical offer like this. For entrees, the Asiago chicken was fine, though nothing really exceptional. The shrimp & grits was exceptional, a modern Italian cover of a southern dish (or does the classic southern dish have Italian roots?). But the clear winner was the scallops and ravioli. A real wow and off the charts. Service was friendly, but forgot a side of polenta (apologized and comped). Wine list isn't huge, but impressive. Enough food that desserts had to go takeaway. All in all, definitely worth a try. Don't think it would make the short list of "go-to" places like the nearby Olive, an Urban Dive. But Roost is a fine and smart addition to the downtown dining sceinne
(4)Daniel C.
Absolutely loved almost everything about the place... Roost truly shows that Italian food still has room to change and develop, and I applaud their creativity in what is normally a stifled cuisine. Everything we ordered was delicious and expertly presented. Drawbacks: It is pricy, and the indoors area is almost painfully loud. The volume nearly ruined the intimate setting and delightful food.
(4)Skippity L.
Amazing meals! I had the filet, my Dad had the asiago chicken, and my husband had the swordfish. All indescribably delicious! Well worth the price!
(5)Jennifer H.
My husband and I love Roost! I have been eating this great chef's food since she was back at 2nd street market and followed her and her lovely partner to Roost when they opened. The space is small and can be noisy but the patio if it is nice is amazing- eat out there!!! Great cocktail and wine menu, sampling my way through it all as I go and loving many of them. My favorite thing to get being veg is the lasagna verde which as mushrooms and zuchinni (two of my least favorite vegetables) but turns out to be spectacularly delicious- with the best thing ever fried leeks on top! The parmesan fries are really good as well (they can't match Meadowlark though). My husband and brother have tried a variety of meaty things on the menu- lamb, veal, spag and meatballs, chicken and everything is always good. Try this place!
(5)Jennifer L.
Great service. Server was attentive but not over bearing. Host was very friendly. Went w my mom and had the lasagna, iceberg, and creme brulee! Will be coming back!
(4)Jason W.
I want to like this place so bad it hurts. Dayton really needs a nice upscale place with a modern menu and Roost appears to deliver. However, after three separate trips there over the last six months I can definitively say that this is not that place. Don't get me wrong - some aspects are wonderful. The drinks are strong and the desserts are wonderful. The entrees however, are downright bad and the 'chef' has no desire to improve the restaurant. It's very clear that the chef uses small portions to cut down on costs rather than deliver a proper culinary experience - scallops are the size of a quarter in most cases and those plates run ~$30. The menu is centered around a few key ingredients - scallops and chorizo play a key role in most entrees. Remaining proteins - pork, chicken, and beef, take a backseat in both preparation and menu presence. I'll dive into the heart of the problem w/ the entrees: outside of the key ingredients list, the food is awful. Even within those two ingredients, it's hit or miss at best. As other reviews describe, most food comes out well underseasoned. I made the mistake of ordering the filet the last two trips there, both times medium rare, and both times it came out between medium to medium well. I NEVER send food back, period. I finally decided that after this recent trip to send the steak back, because at $30/plate, they had better be able to cook a proper medium rare or simply not offer it at all. This is where I made the decision never to return. My wife and I were in no way pushy, rude, or ever made a scene. The chef/owner (Dana) told me in no uncertain terms that she knows the steak was cooked properly and would let me choose something else off the menu at full price, but would not recook a steak. I hate to break it to you, but a grey filet has no place being called 'medium rare'. As I said, we are not the people to ever complain about food and we eat out a large amount, but this attitude of superiority is intolerable. Regardless who's correct on their definition of medium rare, it would be simple to recook the steak to a lower temperature so everyone is happy and then part ways. Take this review as you will. I sincerely wanted this place to be wonderful because my wife and I crave a nicer place to frequent in Dayton. This place is most definitely not it if you plan on eating dinner there.
(2)Melissa P.
Roost is one of my favorite restaurants in the area. The menu items are always interesting and very well prepared. I've always had excellent, friendly service as well. I highly recommend!
(5)Raj E.
Loved the cute well appointed place. It IS small, but that makes it so much attractive. The service was excellent. The appetizer and soup were awesome. We liked the entree but it was not something to write home about. In better weather, I would think outdoor seating would be very cute, specially using the outdoor heaters they provide. Wish they had more vegetarian options on the menu. Overall, we need to go back there again.
(4)Keelin C.
Yum! Roost is a nice little treasure in Dayton. My husband and I made reservations for dinner here this past weekend. It was wonderful! Our server was attentive and knowledgeable and the food was awesome! Highly recommend their shrimp and grits or the warm mushroom salad. Another great part of the experience was the small and cozy feel of this restaurant. The dining room couldn't seat more than 20 people, but this also means reservations are a must, especially on weekend nights.
(5)Kobe C.
I love this place! Just moved here from California and found this place on Yelp! This restaurant is super rustic chic which reminds me of SF. From the decor to the food, everything was excellent!
(5)Dan B.
Roost is a 4.5 star! Great food and service served by a professional staff in a casual atmosphere. I enjoyed a beet salad that was perfectly dressed. The scallops with sausage risotto was delicious. I highly recommend Roost.
(4)Alice E.
Truly as good as it gets! Great food, service and looks! Yes it is small and you must have a reservation, but it is a treat worth it! The warm mushroom salad was the best ! As was the rest of the meal. Can't wait to go back!
(5)Linda S.
My husband and I went to Roost last night and were very pleased with the food and the service. The place is small but they do take reservation. We sat at the bar. We were happy with the service and how nice the bar tender was. The food was excellent. We will go back.
(5)Xtine B.
My mates and I had a wonderful experience here recently. On the recommendation of a fellow chef and former classmate of the EChef here, we decided to give Roost a chance. We were certainly not disappointed! I must say that I have never had polenta quite that good and I've been making it for years! Detractors from the 5-star mark: price and design. I feel like I'm eating in a hallway and the open kitchen view kind of enhances that perception. And they are far out of my budget for anything other than a very special ocassion. Being in the industry, I don't make enough to eat here more than maybe twice a year as it is absolutely closer to the high end of that $$ rating. However, with the small seating (maybe 50) it certainly fits more into the we-don't-care-what-the-bill-is crowd anyway.
(4)Derek D.
Just dessert shoulda done dinner. Chocolate pyramid and creme brule were delightful. Intimate modern setting. See on Sunday for brunch.
(5)Ann K.
I've been here three times now: once for dinner, once for brunch, and once for late-night drinks. Every time, my experience was lovely. It is a small place, but decorated well: super cozy, warm, I may even dare say romantic. I am vegan, and the chef whipped up a great veggied-out pasta for me for dinner, which I had after I had the warm mushroom salad, which is fantastic. There are a few different balsamic marinated mushrooms that are served with arugula, and you can get it with goat cheese too. The bar can only seat about 6 people, which I liked: it was the only place around the Oregon District on a weekend night where I could sit, relax, and have a quiet conversation with my friends and not have to push and shove my way through the crowd to get to the bar and scream at each other in order to hear anything. I was there again yesterday for brunch, and the pasta was REALLY REALLY good. Perfectly al dente, tossed with arugula pesto (that's made sans fromage), arugula, and sun dried-tomato. Delicious. The only complaint is the music...a bit of an elevator jazz...
(4)Real D.
Food was very good, and I liked the menu. Good wine list. Service adequate. Enjoyed the decor, but it has nothing to dampen the cacophony. NOISY. LOUD. Everything in there is a hard, reflective surface. The tables aren't that big, and I couldn't hear our dinner partners from across the table. Would have lingered and maybe had dessert or another drink, but the noise was giving me a headache. I found the place just plain annoying for that reason. Go at an off hour when it might be quieter or take a hearing horn. I'm not going back until they hang something to baffle the NOISE.
(3)Mindy C.
Thrilled that a new (non-chain) place has opened in OD. Can't wait to try it when I'm back in Ohio for the summer...all I can say right now it their website leaves a lot to be desired.
(5)Stephen R.
If you are a vegan, no problem. Portions are of generous size, service is generally good, the atmosphere is energetic, and I have never been disappointed.
(4)Jenny C.
My husband and I went on a Friday night and were extremely happy. We both think it was likely one of the best restaurant experiences we've had! It's expensive but TOTALLY worth every penny! We got the Drunken Mussels as an app and they were wonderful and melt in your mouth. For those that complain about the noise, it's a narrow space and the place had all seats taken as well as the bar seats. People were talking and the music was lightly playing in the background. It's was perfect! We will definitely be back!!
(5)Thomas N.
I'd go back just for the mushroom arugula salad - it was fabulous. It came with a side of fried brie that took it over the moon. Best part of the meal hands down. I was told this place was vegan friendly, but the waitress wasn't the most knowledgeable. She went to get the hostess for help, but I feel like talking to the chef would have made my visit 10x's better. The result - a bowl full of noodles with a few vegetables on top for $20 - not a good look at all. They had kids meals for around $6 - nice portion sizes. My kids chose grilled cheese and the other chose macaroni. I saw another parent whose kids chose mac n cheese and spaghetti and they split the two. I think we'll try that next time. I'm glad that a place this nice offers something for the kids. The place is very nice - elegant, cozy, a small bar (with a great blood orange martini), and a nice patio. The plates that went by all looked great. I think I got a bad deal this time around, but I'll try it again. I was a supporter when they were at the farmers market, so I know the food is good. If you're looking for fancy Italian or a romantic dinner - go here. For a simple, good (cheaper) Italian meal - go to Mama Disalvos.
(4)Grace S.
The food here was great! Our Waitress was extremely helpful with the wine choices. It is a bit cozy here but I enjoyed myself immensely. The atmosphere is very classy. You would never guess you could find a place like that in the part of town we were in.
(5)Aminah J.
My Boyfriend and I went to Roost on a Tuesday evening for dinner with our little girl. The food was okay, kind of bland I just wish our service was at least decent to lighten the experience Our server came to the table, she didn't introduce herself, or offer specials. The meal took a while to get to the table while we we waiting we ran out of drinks and the host had to refill them.We started with Ricotta Fritters they were cold on the inside. For dinner I had the shrimp and grits it was a bit bland and there were way more grits than there were shrimp. My boyfriend had the Spaghetti with Meatballs, that was mediocre , and my daughter had a grilled cheese and fries she picked over. We weren't offered Parmesan cheese and we had to ask the host for the check. We are new to Dayton from Atlanta and had heard such great things about "ROOST" in the Oregon District...I wasn't impressed. The food was decent but I've had better service at Denny's .
(2)Leslie W.
No Tiramisu on the menu? What kind of Italian restaurant is this???
(3)Art J.
Wonderful food, service and atmosphere. I highly recommend this restaurant if you visit or live near Dayton.
(5)Traci C.
Outstanding food and service, time after time!!! Thank you Dana!
(5)Ted L.
Food, service and staff knowledge was excellent. Menu is small and limited, but I like that. Bartender was was very knowledgable and personable. Owners were very cordial and personable. Will return if back in Dayton.
(5)Debbie B.
Have been back several times now, and wishes do sometimes come true; Roost continues to be consistent and good. I must encourage you to try the mussels de jour. The wine list has become more adventurous and service has found its niche. Definitely put Roost on your list of restaurants to visit in Dayton.
(4)Mike M.
Went to Roost last week for the first time. Wasn't really sure what to expect. The restaurant was perfectly decorticated for the style of food and the size of the building. There was 8 people in our group, so we ordered almost one of all the appetizers. Everything came out perfectly. Roost also has a awesome wine list. For my main entree, I ordered the Florentine Stuffed Airline Chicken Breast. It was one of the best chicken dishes, I've ever had. I tried a piece of my friends Grilled Veal Chop. I'm not the biggest fan of veal, but after tasting his, I will definitely order that next time I go. It was awesome. My only problem the whole night was that I didn't save any room for dessert. The staff was great. Dana Downs has opened a gem of a restaurant!!
(4)L P.
We ate here for the first time tonight. We ordered marinated olives and drunken mussels for our starters. The olives could have come out of a jar, nothing special. The drunken mussels were fair, kind of bland, but not rubbery at all. For my entrée I had the butter poached filet mignon. Fan.......tastic! This was the best filet I have ever eaten and I have had a number of them. My husband had the mushroom crusted scallops, the were good despite the asparagus, almond stuffed ravioli which I tried and found them to be tasteless and the texture was off. Oh I also had the beet salad, don't bother. We will go back because I feel the filet was so tasty that there has to be something else on the menu that is that outstanding!
(4)