The Dayton Daily News decided to start featuring local eateries in yesterday’s go. Guess they’ve been reading this site for a while and thought it was a good idea. If you want to know what makes Dayton different than any place else- and market it, one of our main points of differentiation is our local restaurant scene.

They broke their article up into three pieces- but, I’m putting links here for you to explore- and add what would make your list.

Have you discovered Dayton’s hidden-gem restaurants? We have
Then there are those other eateries in out-of-the-way places or sometimes simply tucked into the back of your mind. They keep a low profile, work hard to serve up excellence on a plate and often succeed in attracting a loyal clientèle — usually without an advertising budget.

The Miami Valley is blessed with a slew of hidden restaurant gems. We’ve discovered some of them — and we want to share.

Here are some of the restaurants they featured- and if you click on the name- you’ll get to the DDN capsule review

Some not-too-pricey, not-too-cheap hidden gems

Bahn Mai Thai Café

The basics: 725 Lyons Road (just off Ohio 725) in Washington Twp [Map]. (937) 435-0624. Open for lunch and dinner Monday through Friday, dinner only on Saturdays, closed Sundays. www.bahnmai.com

Bosco’s Grill & Tavern

The basics: 5900 Bigger Road, Kettering [Map]. (937) 436-1128. Open seven days a week. no site link available

Chin’s Ginger Grill

The basics: 965 W. Main St., Tipp City [Map]. (937) 667-6664. Open Monday through Saturday for dinner, lunches on Thursday and Friday only. Web site: www.chins-ginger-grill.com

Coldwater Cafe

The basics: 35 E. Main St., Tipp City [Map]. (937) 667-0007. Open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday. Web site: www.coldwater-cafe.com

K-Village Inn

The basics: 8794 Ohio 274, Kettlersville, northwest of Sidney. From Dayton or points south: I-75 north to Ohio 274, head west. The restaurant is about four miles from the interstate [Map]. (937) 693-6432. Open daily. No Website provided

Trattoria Da’ Francesco

The basics: 3 E. Market St., Germantown [Map]. (937) 855-2111. Open Tuesday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. No Website provided

Treasure Island Supper Club

The basics: 4250 Chief Woods Lane, Dayton [Map]. (937) 299-6161. Open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Closed Sundays. No Website provided

Hidden dining gems on a budget

Cedarland Bakery & Restaurant

The basics: 4515 Linden Ave., Dayton (across from Carroll High School) [Map]. (937) 610-2888. Open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday. No website provided

Christopher’s Restaurant

The basics: 2318 E. Dorothy Lane, Kettering [Map]. (937) 299-0089. Open Monday through Saturday for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Web site: www.christophers.biz

Culp’s Café

The basics: 1000 Carillon Blvd., Dayton [Map]. (937) 299-2277. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Sunday. Web site: http://carillonpark.org/culpscafe.html

DiSalvo’s Deli & Italian Store

The basics: 1383 East Stroop Road, Kettering [Map]. (937) 298-5053. Open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Web site: www.disalvosdeli.com

Evan’s Café

The basics: 1939 N. Main St., Dayton [Map]. (937) 276-2556. 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The restaurant also runs a catering business — Erica’s Catering. For more info on catering, call (937) 854-4359. no site link available

Jimmie’s Cornerstone Bar & Grille

The basics: 1001 Brown St., Dayton [Map]. (937) 424-1784. Bar is open Monday through Sunday; the kitchen is closed on Sundays. Web site: www.thecornerstonebar.com

Linh’s Restaurant

The basics: 4770 Airway Road, Dayton [Map]. Call (937) 252-1857. Open Tuesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner; closed Mondays. no site link available

Nelly’s Chicken

The basics: 37 Alexandersville Road in Miamisburg (Rand Plaza, visible from Ohio 725, west of I-75) [Map]. (937) 859-5555. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Web site: www.nellyschicken.com

The Oregon Express Tavern and Restaurant

The basics: 336 E. Fifth St., Dayton [Map]. (937) 223-9205. Open Monday through Friday for lunch and dinner. Open for dinner Saturday, closed Sundays. no site link available

Taqueria Mixteca

The basics: 1609 E. Third St., Dayton [Map]. (937) 258-2654. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Sunday. no site link available

Now you and I both know there are a lot more places in Dayton that have rockin food for those who are on a budget- or are a bit more adventurous than Friday’s or Applebees. The South Park Tavern has the awesome Pizza Factory Pizza, John Henry’s has an amazing bar menu. Lets go out and support local restaurants tonight!