BEST OF DAYTON: The best destinations for vegan dining

When it comes to vegan dining, Dayton has some delicious options.

These are the top three winners of Best Vegan Dining in Dayton.com’s Best of 2018 contest:

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WINNER: Wheat Penny Oven & Bar

Credit: Wheat Penny, Facebook

Wheat Penny is a restaurant built around pizza, but it has evolved to be a dining destination for brunch, vegan and diet-friendly meals as well. It’s even brought in a few famous faces over the years. You can substitute vegan cheese on your pizza. There are also a ton of vegetarian dishes that can be made vegan upon special request. One of the most popular menu items is the Cauliflower T-Bone. Wheat Penny encourages customers to call ahead to discuss special menu requests as well.

“The kitchen preps a thick center-cut slice of cauliflower, poaching in aromatic broth and cooking it to a deep, burnished brown on the flat top until it looks like a steak. It is garnished with a rough-chopped salsa-like sauce of olives, garlic, capers, raisins, orange segments, herbs and good olive oil. It's billed as a savory, dramatic, center-of-the-plate take on a favorite vegetable and it is that exactly,” Dayton.com food writer Alexis Larsen wrote.

Want to go?

515 Wayne Ave., Dayton | 937-496-5268 | Website | Facebook

SECOND PLACE: Christopher's Restaurant

Christopher’s Restaurant, tucked away in a Kettering Plaza, has been a Dayton dining gem for 25 years. This restaurant goes above and beyond to cater to special dietary needs, from gluten-free to vegan. It even goes so far as to offer special theme nights: Gluten-free Taco Tuesdays and Vegan Wednesdays.

View this post on Instagram

Vegan Wednesday! Creamy Local Hill Family Farm Polenta and Mushroom Trio, with zucchini, chickpeas, wilted spinach, sundried tomatoes, and garlic. We're open til 9 pm!

A post shared by Christopher's (@christophersrestaurant) on May 24, 2017 at 2:08pm PDT

Want to go?

2318 E. Dorothy Lane, Kettering | 937-299-0089 | Website | Facebook

THIRD PLACE: Lucky's Taproom & Eatery

Take one look at the menu for Lucky's Taproom & Eatery in the Oregon District, and you'll see just how vegan-friendly this restaurant can be. Vegan Tequila Chili, vegan sauces, vegan cheese, vegan bread faux chicken and veggies are just some of the many options.

Want to go?

520 E. Fifth St., Dayton | 937-222-6800 | Facebook | Website

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About the Author

Dayton.com Staff