+1 937-222-2892
Nestled in the heart of Dayton on East 6th Street, Jay's Seafood offers an exquisite dining experience that masterfully blends classic seafood fare with elegant steakhouse favorites. This restaurant stands out with its dedication to fresh, high-quality ingredients and an ambiance that gracefully balances historic charm with refined comfort, perfect for both special occasions and intimate evenings.
Jay's Seafood shines with a diverse menu that caters to the discerning palate. Seafood lovers will be drawn to sumptuous offerings like the Alaskan King Crab Legs—tender, sweet, and succulent—and the Pan Fried Eastern Shore Crab Cakes with Remoulade, which deliver a crispy exterior that gives way to a flavorful, delicate interior. The Spiced Bourbon Salmon boasts a vibrant blend of smoky sweetness, while the Greek-Style Swordfish enchants with a rich sauce of butter, cream, capers, bacon, tomatoes, fresh lemon, and feta cheese that elevates each bite.
For steak aficionados, Jay's does not disappoint. Their Filet Mignon, made from choice Angus beef, is perfectly tender and served alongside your choice of potato or vegetable, while the 12 Oz Bone-In Strip Steak offers a hearty, satisfying option. The Prime Rib, tender and flavorful, is a classic that diners often praise alongside their accompanying sides.
The restaurant also thoughtfully caters to lighter preferences with a range of vibrant salads such as their Signature Spinach Salad, tossed with fresh mushrooms and hickory-smoked bacon in a red wine vinaigrette, and the crisp Caesar Salad made fresh with housemade croutons and aged Parmesan.
The dining atmosphere at Jay's Seafood is frequently mentioned by guests as warm and inviting, yet sophisticated enough for celebrations. The staff’s attentive and courteous service enhances the experience, ensuring guests feel well cared for even during busy evenings. While some note a classic, somewhat nostalgic vibe aligned with the historic building's character, many appreciate the genuine and friendly ambiance—it’s a place where memorable moments unfold, whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or a simple dinner out.
Sweet endings to a meal are not overlooked here, with indulgent choices like the creamy Creme Brulee and the tart, refreshing Key Lime Pie. A thoughtfully curated wine list and select craft beers like the Mystic Mama IPA round out the offering, pairing beautifully with the savory and delicate flavors on the menu.
Real guest experiences validate Jay’s Seafood as a Dayton favorite, particularly for special gatherings. Brian Walker fondly remembers celebrating two family birthdays here, highlighting the lovely atmosphere and superb staff, ultimately encouraging others seeking an upscale dining experience to visit. Krishna B Kidambi recommends securing a reservation on busy nights and praises the exceptional scallops and flavorful shrimp, a testament to the kitchen’s expertise. There is a genuine affection for standout dishes like the grilled Walleye and the bountiful bluepoints, shared by Brian Hazelwood’s family during a meaningful birthday celebration.
Whether you’re craving flawless seafood, a perfectly cooked steak, or an inviting setting for celebrating life’s milestones, Jay's Seafood delivers with style, rich flavors, and heartfelt hospitality. It’s a Dayton gem that promises guests not just a meal, but a memorable culinary experience that reverberates long after the last bite.
I have been here twice now, the first my fiancé's birthday and the second for the birthday of my fiancé's mother. Both times were lovely due to the excellent atmosphere, superb conduct of the staff, and of course the food. Would definitely recommend to anyone looking for a fancy place to dine!
This was my 3rd and least favorite trip to Jay's. We were a party of 8 on a packed Saturday. Everything took too long to get, from the drinks, to the apps and entrees. (The server wasn't even aware we had a person that never received their food until we pointed it out.) Our server was okay but far from great. I ordered a bottle of wine for myself and said I'd have some here but take the rest. I ended up with my wine in a paper bag to go . He did open it after I explained i wanted some in the restaurant. I ordered mussels for the table. Some thought they were incredible, I thought they were okay flavor wise. My big complaint is they were SUPER gritty, like I was concerned I may have broken a tooth. I advised the server and he said there had been some complaints about that. He said sorry but we still paid for an item they knew was subpar. Our split checks were a mess. My check was shocking! I knew my entree would be expensive but when I saw $142 for my plate, I was shocked! I added king crab to my filet and cold potatoes. It was 100% my fault that I didn't ask what the market price was. Totally on me. However, I do think servers should state (and most do) what the market price is when you place an order. I absolutely would have passed if I was told they were $95! Lesson learned. Honestly, I'd give the entire experience ⭐⭐⭐ across the board. My previous experiences on slow nights were great which is why I rated ⭐⭐⭐⭐.
Historic charm with a dated dinner-house vibe. Had an old-building smell. Friendly staff; they were very busy so it was pretty slow service to get our orders but server was gracious. FOOD-- soft bread w/ alot of salty topping, Bside salad with mixed greens and lots of tomatoes, good variety of house-made dressings; I had the seared tuna, excellent. The portable a mushrooms were so good. I did not expect the tuna to be on butter, which is unfortunate. I would not have chosen that. The fisherman's platter looked tasty. Recommend ordering a specialty, not by meat/side. The women's bathroom reveals the dated building. Unlevel floor with narrow walls. I can see how this restaurant was at its prime 20 years ago.
I would encourage to have a reservation. The place was packed on a Friday evening. The service was very good. The best scallops I had in Dayton. The shrimp was also very good, flavorful and soft. I got the gumbo (chefs special- not on the menu). It was good. The sausage had a unique flavor. Wife got the pasta which was decent as well. The place looks a little old. They validate the parking.
We had 10 of our family there last night , none of us had been there before Nov21 ,it was my wifes birthday ,it was the first one that i had not celebrated with her since 1978,she would have loved this place but we just never made it .Toni was our server ,she did great !! I had the grilled Walleye over asparagus with sauce ,great !! My son went all out with the bluepoints and king crab ,others had fillets ,grandson had sliders ,they all liked their meals . Biggest Shrimp id seen in a while ,both cocktail and fried. Scallops ,Kobe burgers, I think food was priced accordingly ,there is and has been a shortage of Alaskan King Crab for the past couple years so if you want it ,you'll pay for it,my son shared a little of his and oysters with me.