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 Anniversary? Birthday? Girls' Night Out? The Oregon Arts District has long been known as the consummate special-occasion destination thanks to its posh restaurants. These independently owned eateries serve up some of the most savory fare in town, also making the district a go-to spot for Miami Valley foodies anxious to sample such delicacies as farfalle prosciutto and salmon en croûte. Luscious food and ever-changing menus make for meals to remember ― and worth a wait, which you may encounter on weekend nights if you don't have a reservation.
For more places to eat, see Casual Dining, and for a list of places to imbibe, see Bars & Clubs.
Boulevard Haus
329 E. Fifth St.
937-824-2722
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The former Cafe Boulevard has morphed into Boulevard Haus to create the newest addition to the District's dining scene. Boulevard Haus serves a blend of modern and traditional fare, and is the brainchild of owner Eva Brcic-Christian, who grew up in Germany. The menu includes vegetarian options, as well as seafood, chicken, beef and, of course, the classic Wiener Schnitzel. Boulevard Haus has three patios, one of which is tucked away behind the restaurant and truly is an urban getaway. The adjacent Le Monde Lounge specializes in martinis, many of which include infused vodkas made in-house, as well as German beer and wine. Le Monde also features live jazz on Friday and Saturday evenings.
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Coco's Bistro
515 Wayne Ave.
937-228-2626
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Coco's serves up an eclectic menu of contemporary American fare with entrees ranging from duck to halibut, ribeye to vegetarian lo-mein. Even the grilled cheese and tomato soup on the lunch menu is a delicacy. The bar menu is just as diverse, including an extensive wine and beer list and such cocktails as the "chai martini" and "bourbon bath." Enjoy the restaurant's relaxed, trendy atmosphere indoors or on its patio.
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Franco's Ristorante & LaTaverna
824 E. Fifth St.
937-222-0204
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Since 1976, Franco's namesake and owner has shared the art of Italian cuisine made from his family's recipes. The menu may be all Italian, but the variety seems almost endless, as the restaurant's entrees feature a variety of meats, as well as vegetarian selections. The rich, delicious Franco's World Famous Spaghetti is not to be missed. Franco's also has an inviting full-service bar and patio facing Fifth Street.
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Jay's Seafood Restaurant and Jay's Kitchen Door
225 E. Sixth St.
937-222-2892
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Simply walking past Jay's will make your stomach grumble as its wonderful aroma drifts out onto the sidewalk. This longtime district eatery features fresh fish flown in several times a week, Angus beef hand cut on-site, desserts made in Jay's own bakery, and a wine selection that has earned the restaurant the only entry from southwest Ohio in the "Best of Award of Excellence" list by Wine Spectator magazine. Located in a former grist mill, Jay's ambiance is distinctly old-school, with a huge carved mahongany bar circa the 1880s, brick walls and antique lighting fixtures. Jay's also has a private dining room that seats up to 35, and the adjacent Jay's Kitchen Door features a seafood market, wine shop and prepared foods. Jay's hosts special luncheons, such as the Lobsterfest Wine Luncheon, and Jay's Kitchen Door hosts wine tastings from 4 to 8 p.m. Fridays and 1 to 5 p.m. Saturdays.
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SideBar
410 E. Fifth St.
937-723-9415
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Enjoy Mediterranean-inspired small plates with an American twist in this Oregon Arts District bar with a distinctive, classy atmosphere. SideBar specializes in premier cocktails and spirits, as well as an eclectic wine list. Small plate menu items can be doubled, allowing customers to grab an appetizer or a have a complete dinner.
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Thai 9
11 Brown St.
937-222-3237
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Everything here is authentic, from the Asian-inspired décor, savory Thai dishes, and sushi and sashimi that are made on the spot by bona fide sushi masters. This former blacksmith and livery stable also features a full bar, cozy patio and second-floor seating. Choose your heat on a 1-9 scale, but the hard decision is what to order from the large three-page lunch menu or whopping six-page dinner menu. Starting with such appetizers as papaya salad to such desserts as green tea ice cream, diners are guaranteed to get an exquisite taste of exotic at Thai 9.
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