This Regional Restaurant Is One Of Ohio's Favorite Places To Dine
By Sarah McCosham|Published December 07, 2023
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Sarah McCosham
Author
I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books.
I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.
Pizza is a perfect food that’s beloved by pretty much everyone. Whether you like your ‘za deep dish or foldable, meat-forward or topped with (gasp!) pineapple, pizza is always a crowd pleaser. In Ohio, we’re lucky to have a world of pizzas from which to choose, with pretty much every type and country represented. And while Cleveland and Columbus both have their own namesake pies, as someone who grew up in Southwest Ohio, it was the square-cut pizza from Marion’s Piazza that always filled my belly. Today, this regional restaurant in Ohio remains a fan favorite, and if you’ve yet to try the pizza from Marion’s, let this be a sign to jump in the car for a meal at this delightful Dayton institution.
There are certain experiences you have as a kid that become part of your memory bank. For me, dining at Marion's Piazza is one of them.
This regional restaurant in Dayton, Ohio, has been serving up massive, square-cut 'zas since 1965, earning numerous accolades including the coveted crown of "Dayton's Best Pizza" several times over.
The restaurant's founder and namesake, Marion Glass, created a unique thin crust pizza (now often referred to as “Dayton Style” pizza) that was a game changer in the region.
The founder also did "farm to table" and "local" before it was a thing. By using only the finest ingredients on his pizzas, sandwiches, pastas, and salads, Marion's Piazza quickly set itself apart *and* earned a devoted following.
Over the years, Marion’s Piazza has grown to include nine locations in the Dayton area, making it one of the region's oldest and most beloved restaurants.
It's not just the pizza that makes Marion's so special; the "old Italian courtyard" vibe at this regional restaurant makes it unlike any other pizzeria in Ohio. In a world of carry out and curbside-to-go, dine-in still reigns supreme at Marion's; the nine locations seat between 275 to over 500 each, making the chain a popular gathering place for sports teams, birthday celebrations, reunions, and parties.
As a kid, I remember driving to Dayton with my grandparents and siblings to visit my great aunt and uncle. The red vinyl chairs and unique mosaics made every meal feel special and memorable.
Whether you’re a cheese pizza purist or someone who thinks (ahem) outside the box, Marion’s Piazza is an Ohio gem that’s a regional favorite for good reason!
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