I’ve spent countless weekends exploring the culinary backroads of Upstate New York, and I’m thrilled to share my findings with you! In my quest for the best eats, I’ve discovered that Upstate NY is home to a treasure trove of dining experiences, from rustic farm-to-table bistros to innovative kitchens that are pushing the boundaries of traditional cooking. Each Upstate NY restaurant I’ve visited has its own story, a unique flavor that captures the essence of the region.
In this guide, I’ll take you through my top picks for the best restaurants in Upstate NY, whether you’re a seasoned food lover or just someone looking for a memorable meal through your Upstate NY road trip!
I. Best Upstate NY Restaurants: HUDSON VALLEY
1. The Roundhouse ★
The restaurant at The Roundhouse Hotel is an upscale industrial-chic eatery built beside the Beacon Falls. Small plates are the specialty here, but they also serve burgers, sandwiches, and Sunday brunch.
The hotel itself is really cool, built within a historic former textile mill and factory. Indoor guests have floor-to-ceiling views of the falls, with the option for outdoor dining on the terrace overlooking the gardens.
This is a great commuter restaurant, only three blocks from the town center and 1.5 miles from Metro-North station.
- Location: Beacon, NY
- Type of food: Modern American Cuisine
- Google rating: 4.2
- Availability: Thursday – Monday
2. Melzingah Tap House ★
As art lovers, we really enjoy the artsy murals at Melzingah Tap House. You can peruse local art while trying one of 23 craft beers and hand-crafted cocktails. The food here is fantastic, with a twist on American dishes and factories like spicy tuna crispy rice, tomato braised short ribs, and Hudson Valley duck breast.
If you like the food here, the owner also runs Beacon Barking Frog on Fishkill Avenue. Melzingah is kind of off the beaten path of the main strip in Beacon, so it won’t get as crowded, and parking may be easier to find.
- Location: Beacon, NY
- Type of food: Modern American Cuisine
- Google rating: 4.5
- Availability: All week
3. Kitchen Sink Supper Club
This is one of the newer Beacon restaurants boasting a warm and homey atmosphere with delicious multi-course dishes. Kitchen Sink is right on Main Street, with a rotating chef’s menu that caters to the season.
They serve a variety of savory foods–steaks, poached chicken, and pasta. You can add on optional beverage pairing with each menu choosing from a variety of local craft beers, ciders, and wines.
- Location: Beacon, NY
- Type of food: American-Farm to Table
- Google rating: 4.7
- Availability: Friday & Saturday
4. The Bird and Bottle Inn
The Bird and Bottle Inn is a versatile eatery, perfect for group gatherings or a romantic date night. Guests love the restored 1791 tavern atmosphere, located on the historic Old Albany Post Road.
Even cooler, the restaurant/inn was built on the ancestral lands of the indigenous people who lived in the Hudson Highlands–the Munsee Lenape.
The restaurant serves brunch and dinner, with elegant dishes such as braised duck, Berkshire pork chops, and gold-graded American Wagyu steak.
- Location: Garrison, NY
- Type of food: American Cuisine
- Google rating: 4.7
- Availability: Wednesday – Sunday
Best Restaurants in the Catskills
5. Mountain Brauhaus
The Mountain Brauhaus is tucked away in the mountains of New Paltz and serves outstanding authentic German cuisine. Favorite dishes here are spaetzle and schnitzel which have been served here for over 68 years. Seating is available indoors and outdoors.
They also offer a variety of beers, wines, and seasonal cocktails. Plus, they serve a full menu for both lunch and dinner (as they know how hungry some lunch-goers can get), and they’re vegan and gluten-free friendly!
- Location: Gardiner, NY
- Type of food: German
- Google rating: 4.7
- Availability: Wednesday – Sunday
6. Peekamoose Restaurant
Built in a stylishly restored farmhouse, Peekamoose is known for creating upscale dishes from locally sourced ingredients. This is one of the best farm-to-table restaurants in the Catskill Mountains, considered a culinary beacon with award-winning dishes.
You’ll get scenic mountain views with your meal and right down the road from Big Indian Park.
Reservations are encouraged, but the taproom and lounge are operated on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Location: Big Indian, NY
- Type of food: Contemporary American
- Google rating: 4.6
- Availability: Thursday – Monday
7. SILVIA ★
The vibe at SILVIA is super casual, with wood accents and art-lined walls. You get to watch your meal being cooked with the open kitchen concept that lets you see the magic. SILVA sources local produce for its dishes and specializes in wood-fired cooking.
You can try a variety of natural wines and unique cocktails. There’s an outdoor patio when the weather is nice that has space heaters and twinkle lights for night dining.
- Location: Woodstock, NY
- Type of food: New American
- Google rating: 4.6
- Availability: All week
8. Phoenicia Diner ★
Settle down with comfort food at Phoenicia Diner with modern twists on classic diner dishes. Operating since 1962, this establishment caters to hungry mountain locals and visitors who are looking for a casual dining experience.
It’s a great location for a bite to eat if you’re hiking in the area or visiting the Empire State Railway Museum. Prices are very affordable for the amount of food you get, and no reservations are needed–first come, first served!
- Location: Phoenicia, NY
- Type of food: Classic American
- Google rating: 4.6
- Availability: Thursday – Tuesday
Best Restaurants in the Finger Lakes
9. F.L.X. Table
F.L.X. Table is an intimate dining experience with a shared community table set only for 14 guests. They offer a small menu with farm-to-table upscale dishes and also sport an open-kitchen layout where you can see the chef’s cooking away.
Menus change often based on the season, meaning you’ll never have the same one twice. You can book each seat individually or reserve the entire restaurant for parties from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm.
- Location: Geneva, NY
- Type of food: Fine Dining
- Google rating: 4.6
- Availability: Thursday – Tuesday
10. Finger Lakes Ciderhouse ★
If you’re looking to try a variety of artisan ciders, the ones at Finger Lakes Ciderhouse are epic. They pair their ciders with a menu of excellent soups and sandwiches and the best cornbread ever.
Looking for a weekend getaway? Book a stay at the ciderhouse yurt and loft by the brook with views of Cayuga Lake.
- Location: Interlaken, NY
- Type of food: Cider bar
- Google rating: 4.7
- Availability: All week
11. Elephant and the Dove ★
Elephant and the Dove has a super fun and cozy atmosphere. All dishes are Mexican inspired with a modern twist. The drinks are fantastic, and they host Margarita Mondays and Happy Hour to make sure you get a taste of them all!
No reservations are required, and they serve a great selection of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free meals.
- Location: Skaneateles, NY
- Type of food: Mexican
- Google rating: 4.3
- Availability: Thursday – Monday
12. Graft Wine + Cider Bar ★
Welcome to the only wine and cider bar in the area that exclusively offers New York State hand-crafted ciders and wine! Graft Wine + Cider Bar is a small eatery serving Dominican-inspired tapas-style plates. The atmosphere is casual and laid back, and the dishes have great flavor. Menus change often based on seasonal availability.
Graft is a great food option if you plan to Watkins State Park, less than a 10-minute drive away.
- Location: Watkins Glen, NY
- Type of food: Wine Bar
- Google rating: 4.8 $$
- Availability: Tuesday – Saturday
13. Veraisons Restaurant (Glenora Wine Cellars) ★
This is a fine dining experience with amazing flavor. Veraisons Restaurant has a chic country setting on a beautiful vineyard with stunning views. The inside features cherry trim, cathedral ceilings, and a stone fireplace lit on chilly days.
You can sip local drinks on the terrace when the weather is nice from an excellent menu of wines and ciders.
They source their produce and meats from over 30 farms in the Finger Lakes region. Veraisons hosts a variety of fun-themed food night: Pasta Night, Fish Brew Friday, Prime Rib Saturday, and more.
- Location: Dundee, NY
- Type of food: New American
- Google rating: 3.9
- Availability: Wednesday – Sunday
14. Nickel’s BBQ Pit ★
Nickel’s BBQ Pit has excellent chicken wings and is a must-stop for meat lovers offering two locations: Corning and Watkins Glen. The Watkins Glen restaurant is a small outpost in a historic building near Seneca Lake. The Corning location is on Franklin St. near The Rockwell Museum.
Both locations offer delicious barbeque dishes and craft beers. The Watkins Glen location has a dog-friendly patio but is only open on Saturdays.
- Location: Watkins Glen & Corning NY
- Type of food: Barbecue
- Google rating: 4.6
- Availability: Watkins (Saturday); Corning (All week)
15. Grist Iron Brewing Company ★
Grist Iron Brewing is one of the best breweries in Upstate New York and is especially known for its lagers and IPAs. The brewers here believe in beer served with great-tasting food, so they offer a menu of seasonal-pub foods like Bavarian pretzels, Polish sausage bites and a mac and cheese you have to try!
Live music is available every weekend, with dog-friendly accommodations. The brewery is independently owned and overlooks Seneca Lake with killer sunset views.
- Location: Burdett, NY
- Type of food: Brewery
- Google rating: 4.6
- Availability: Thursday – Tuesday
Best Restaurants in Central New York
16. Red Sun Fire Roasting Co. ★
Red Sun Fire is well-known for its wood-fired pizza, craft beers, and wines. Close to Main Street, this is the perfect stop when walking about in Oswego. The drink menu is huge, with a ton of options for fun cocktails: fruity, boozy, fizzy, and more! If you don’t like pizza, they also cook steaks, salmon, and burgers.
- Location: Oswego, NY
- Type of food: New American
- Google rating: 4.6 $$
- Availability: Monday – Saturday
17. mōtus
Located in the beautiful city of Utica, mōtus is a modern American gastropub that offers fresh seasonal menus. They focus on sustainable cooking and avant-garde dishes. Executive Chef JD Smith brings creativity to every entree, using local grains, produce, and whole animals prepared fresh every day.
The pub is located on Genesee St, close to several other shops and the Mohawk River.
- Location: Utica, NY
- Type of food: Gastropub/American
- Google rating: 4.7
- Availability: Wednesday – Saturday
18. Rudy’s Lakeside
Burgers and fried seafood are the specialties at Rudy’s Lakeside! Step back in time to the old-school drive-in days and have delicious food delivered to your car. There are also picnic tables along the lake if you dine outside your vehicle.
Rudy’s is a seasonal eatery that opens end of March. It’s a wonderful restaurant to combine with outdoor activities and recreation in Oswego.
- Location: Oswego, NY
- Type of food: American
- Google rating: 4.5
- Availability: Seasonal eatery (Check availability)
19. Eden
Eden is another wood-fired pizza joint you have to try if you’re in Central New York. All ingredients are sourced from Syracuse farmers, distillers, brewers, and other local producers. The restaurant offers upscale, casual dining with a menu that changes by the day depending on what’s fresh. Eden only serves dinner and offers both small and large plates.
- Location: Syracuse, NY
- Type of food: American
- Google rating: 4.8
- Availability: Wednesday – Saturday
20. Apizza Regionale
Considered one of the best restaurants in Syracuse, Apizza Regionale sports a cozy, intimate atmosphere to enjoy local artisan pasta and pizzas. The space is mean to be small to inspire a family-like style of dining.
Apizza’s speciality is Neapolitan-inspired wood-fired pizza made in a custom-built oven. You can also try the Antipasti Bowls, topped with a fried egg!
- Location: Syracuse, NY
- Type of food: Pizza
- Google rating: 4.7 $$
- Availability: All week
21. Eva’s
You have to stop at Eva’s if you’re curious about authentic polish cuisine. Hosted in a casual, neighborhood-style setting, Eva’s has been serving delicious polish foods and desserts for over 25 years. Try their Pierogis, plackis, or Biogos stew, paired with a list of Eastern European and Polish beers.
Don’t leave without grabbing one of their European desserts, all homemade cheesecakes, pies, cakes, and more.
- Location: Syracuse, NY
- Type of food: Polish
- Google rating: 4.8
- Availability: Tuesday – Saturday
ADIRONDACKS REGION: Best Upstate NY Restaurants
22. Fiddlehead Bistro ★
This has to be one of our favorite places to eat in the Adirondacks; definitely worth the stop. Fiddlehead Bistro offers a unique menu that changes every week, with a mix of American and International dishes.
You can grab dinner, drinks, desserts, or all of the above while enjoying Tuscany decor and curated art on the wall. The food is outstanding and the place fills up pretty quickly–make a reservation to save your seat!
- Location: Saranac Lake, NY
- Type of food: American
- Google rating: 4.7 $$$
- Availability: Friday – Monday (Business hours change without notice; Call ahead)
23. Stagecoach Inn Restaurant ★
You MUST call ahead to eat at the Stagecoach Inn Restaurant, but it’s highly recommended and worth the effort. Every dish here is exceptional, creative, and simply delicious. It’s such a delight for the palate, offering meals such as wet-aged beef sirloin, Icelandic cod, and a variety of small plate options.
The restaurant itself is a true fine dining experience not often found in the Adirondacks, with a grand hall, stone fireplace, and cozy upscale decor.
- Location: Lake Placid, NY
- Type of food: American/Farm-to-table
- Google rating: 4.7 $$$
- Availability: Call to check availability (518-523-9698) and make reservations
24. Top of the Park ★
You’ll get a stunning view of Mirror Lake from Top of the Park right off Main Street in Lake Placid. The appetizers here are great, and it’s the perfect place to share small plates with friends and family. You have to try some of their unique cocktails: signature cocktails, CBD cocktails, kombucha cocktails, and beer cocktails.
This establishment does not take reservations but they do recommend calling 1 hour before to check for availability.
- Location: Lake Placid, NY
- Type of food: American Bar- Food
- Google rating: 4.6 $$
- Availability: Call 1 hr before visiting for availability
Best Restaurants in the Capital Area
25. Boca Bistro★
Boca Bistro is another tapas-style restaurant with small plates to share. They blend traditional Spanish techniques with a contemporary/Mediterranean influence to create a unique taste you’ve never tried. For the vegetarians in your life, Boca has a ton of options. You feel like you’re fine dining but in a casual environment that’s welcome to all.
- Location: Saratoga Springs, NY
- Type of food: Spaniard food
- Google rating: 4.5 $$
- Availability: Friday – Tuesday
26. Bon Appetit Cafe
This quaint restaurant run by an Egyptian couple with some of the most fantastic Mediterranean food in the area. Bon Appetit Cafe serves amazing breakfast and lunch dishes such as homemade falafels, large salads, and kebabs.
All food is freshly made by cheerful staff that invites you in wholeheartedly. Portion sizes here are big for what you pay for–come hungry!
- Location: Albany, NY
- Type of food: Egyptian
- Google rating: 4.9
- Availability: Monday – Friday
Best Restaurants in Western New York
27. Las Puertas
Las Puertas operates on a seasonal tasting menu schedule, switching up their dishes every 5 weeks. When you book at Las Puertas, you put a deposit down on the menu to secure your spot.
Meals are served in courses to inspire a true dining experience and intimacy among you and your guests. The best part is the menu also offers wine accompaniment, perfect for wine enthusiasts looking to explore wine pairings.
You must create your reservation on their website before you can attend your dinner.
- Location: Buffalo, NY
- Type of food: Fine Dining
- Google rating: 4.4
- Availability: Thursday – Sunday
28. Happy Gut Sanctuary
Happy Gut Sanctuary is all about serving drinks that feed the body and soul. They started in a home kitchen to help others regain their health and have grown into a fantastic non-alcoholic brewery with Taiwanese and Korean roots.
Happy Gut focuses on tea, coffee, kombucha, and other drinks. They collaborate with local food vendors to provide delicious bites with their drinks, with an emphasis on supporting LGBTQ+ and Asian American entrepreneurs. While it’s non-alcoholic, we’d still consider this one of the best breweries in Buffalo based on its uniqueness.
- Location: Rochester, NY
- Type of food: Non-alcoholic bar
- Google rating: 4.9
- Availability: Friday – Tuesday
29. Rella
Seafood lovers will love this eclectic menu of seafood and wine. Rella offers seafood favorites, including oysters, mussels, and chowder, with unique concoctions like shrimp sliders and saffron lamb risotto. You can make a reservation here, but walk-ins are perfectly welcome. There’s also a seafood counter perfect for a quick stop.
- Location: Rochester, NY
- Type of food: Seafood
- Google rating: 4.8 $$
- Availability: Tuesday – Saturday
30. The Grange Community Kitchen
The Grange Community Kitchen offers a wonderfully airy and open environment that allows you to watch your food as it’s made. They serve wood-fired pizza, steak, seasonal salads, soups, and other traditional American dishes.
The vibe is super casual and down to earth, meant to inspire gatherings of friends and family. You can eat indoors or sit on the outdoor patio to enjoy your meal. The Grange offers breakfast through dinner.
- Location: Buffalo, NY
- Type of food: New American
- Google rating: 4.6 $$
- Availability: Wednesday – Sunday
WESTCHESTER: Restaurants in Upstate New York
OK, don’t kill us. We know Westchester is on the border of New York City. But for the sake of the dictionary’s definition of “upstate” meaning whatever is north of you, we’re adding every region north of NYC.
31. Goosefeather ★
Goosefeather is a popular Chinese establishment in Tarrytown, highly recommended by locals and visitors. They specialize in Cantonese cuisine, especially with Thai and northern Chinese influences. While they do offer traditional dishes, the chef likes to put a modern twist on the cuisine as a surprise.
The 1840s mansion Goosefeather is settled in has really cool historical features, and the natural sculptures surrounding the property are perfect for exploring after your meal.
- Location: Tarrytown, NY
- Type of food: Cantonese
- Google rating: 4.3
- Availability: Tuesday – Sunday
32. Hudson Farmer & the Fish ★
Hudson Farmer & the Fish brings the best of farm-to-table cuisine from their farm in Purdy Upstate NY, to the bustling cities of Westchester County. Nestled on the Riverwalk in Sleepy Hollow, this eatery offers New England-style seafood favorites with outdoor views of the Hudson River and Tappan Zee bridge.
You can enjoy fresh seafood from the raw bar or tasty favorites, including Thai fish tacos, fish and chips, and lobster rolls. Exploring Sleepy Hollow is one of the most exciting things to do in Westchester, so make sure to carve out enough time before or after your meal.
- Location: Sleepy Hollow, NY
- Type of food: Seafood
- Google rating: 4.1 $$
- Availability: Thursday – Monday
33. Blue Hill at Stone Barns
Blue Hill is one of the best farms in Upstate New York, and their restaurant is a must-visit for those who love the country and farm-to-table food. There are three ways to dine here: the cafeteria, the dining room, and private dining rooms.
The cafeteria offers a casual lunch with small plates highlighting seasonal dishes. The dining room reservation includes a walking exploration of the property for parties of 1 to 6, and the private dining rooms can be booked for groups up to 12.
They also offer Community Table nights which are casual dinners hosted by the staff where everyone comes together to enjoy the farm. Stones Barn is one of our favorite places to visit in Upstate New York, offering many other ways to explore the property and history of the area.
- Location: Tarrytown, NY
- Type of food: American
- Google rating: 4.7 $$$
- Availability: Dining Room (Thursday – Saturday; Sunday lunch), Cafeteria (Wednesday – Sunday; And for community table nights)
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