How Wheat Penny Won Dayton Hearts
Dayton loves its history, but this restaurant proves the city looks forward just as much as it looks back.
Chef Liz Valenti took a gritty auto repair shop and transformed it into a vibrant, inclusive home for some of the Midwest’s most creative dough.
Locals flock here to experience a menu that treats vegetables with the same reverence as pepperoni. It is pure joy. 🍕
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The story starts with pedigree.
As the sister restaurant to the beloved Meadowlark, Wheat Penny opened with immediate trust from the community, but it earned its own cult status by creating a space where everyone truly belongs.
Valenti didn’t just build a pizzeria; she built a sanctuary for dietary inclusivity, mastering a gluten-free crust that even wheat-eaters order by choice.
The team celebrates local ingredients with a rustic, California-inspired approach that feels fresh yet deeply comforting.
By turning a former tire shop into a polished yet unpretentious hangout, they gave Dayton a “third place” where the cocktails are strong, the staff wears their hearts on their sleeves, and the mantra on the wall actually feels true. ✨
Food Highlights
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The Miss Ohio: A summertime legend that defines the menu, this pie features a sweet corn crema base topped with roasted corn, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil for a bite that tastes exactly like an Ohio August afternoon.
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Tommaso: This adventurous option challenges pizza norms by pairing sweet grapes with a savory Roman sauce, aged blue cheese, and crispy shoestring onions for a flavor profile that hits every single taste bud at once.
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Magic Mike: Meat lovers rejoice over this complex creation, which layers spicy capocollo and fontina cheese with marinated mushrooms, then finishes everything with a drizzle of sweet and earthy Lion’s Mane mushroom honey.
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The Unbeetable: Vegetarians swoon for this colorful masterpiece that swaps traditional sauce for a vibrant beet pesto, pairing it with spinach and whipped goat cheese for a tangy, creamy, and earthy experience.
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Duck on the Mountain: This luxurious pie elevates the humble pizza night with house-made smoked duck bacon, caramelized sweet onions, and fontina cheese on an extra virgin olive oil base that lets the rich ingredients shine.
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Atmosphere
The vibe strikes a perfect balance between industrial cool and Midwestern warmth.
High, exposed ceilings and concrete floors hint at the building’s mechanical past, but the aroma of the wood-fired oven softens the edges immediately.
Large, colorful artwork lines the walls, while the open kitchen allows you to watch the chefs work their magic with the dough.
It feels energetic and loud in a happy way, like a family reunion where everyone actually likes each other. 🍷
Bottom Line
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The menu offers perhaps the most extensive and safe options for gluten-free and vegan diners in the entire city.
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Chef Valenti’s unique flavor combinations, like grapes or beets on pizza, will completely change your perspective on what a slice can be.
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The cocktail program matches the food in quality, making it a perfect spot for a full night out rather than just a quick bite.
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You support a woman-owned business that actively prioritizes community engagement and staff well-being. ❤️
Address: 515 Wayne Ave, Dayton, OH 45410
đź“ž (937) 496-5268
🕔 Open Mon–Sat, 11 AM–10 PM (closed Sun)