A Dayton restaurant known for pizza and cocktails is getting a sister concept next door.
From their social media, the owners of Wheat Penny Oven and Bar will be opening Piccolo Orsetto at 521 Wayne Avenue in the city’s Oregon District. The new concept will have a breakfast and lunch menu available. Co-owner and chef Liz Valenti told What Now Columbus they are hoping to open the first week of May.
The name means “Little Bear” in Italian, named after Valenti’s dog. Valenti and the team have been seeking a new restaurant for a while, wanting to fill the market of serving breakfast items as their current business is open in late mornings and evenings. Lunch items will also be served, and the full menu has not yet been released.
“We’ve been planning this for over two years,” Valenti said.
Wheat Penny Oven and Bar opened in 2013 and has since been serving California-style pizzas, sandwiches, salads, and plates like beef short ribs and shrimp scampi. The business has gained recognition in Southwest Ohio, as Valenti was a Ohio Restaurant & Hospitality Alliance Ambassador of the Year for 2025. This is the owners’ first expansion since debuting Wheat Penny.
Piccolo Orsetto will not just be a restaurant as a cooking school area is being installed in the back, as well as a private dining room. Valenti said nonprofits can use the space for their cooking, and it is meant to support the Dayton culinary scene. From a recent social media post, the kitchen is being installed, and there will be a coffee area
The two restaurants are on the south side of the Oregon District, and Piccolo Orsetto will be next to Good Hands Bread bakery. This is a few blocks down from the main drag in the neighborhood, and is right off of U.S. Route 35.
The owners will be providing more updates on the opening date on their Facebook page.
Dining and Cooking