Upstate New York isn’t just about lakes, forests, and charming towns—it’s also a dream for food lovers.
From small towns to scenic wine regions, this part of the state serves up dishes full of flavor and heart.
Whether you’re craving comfort food or a fancy night out, these restaurants have something special. Here are 22 beloved spots that locals swear by and visitors can’t stop talking about.
1. Moosewood Restaurant – Ithaca
Known for its legendary vegetarian cuisine, Moosewood brings vibrant, wholesome dishes to life using seasonal local produce. The menu changes often but always feels fresh.
Since the 1970s, it’s inspired cookbooks and loyal fans. Every bite celebrates earthy, colorful, deeply satisfying food without needing meat to shine.
2. The Tailor And The Cook – Utica
Set in a historic brick building, this restaurant honors regional ingredients with upscale flair. Think house-made pastas and thoughtful plating.
The atmosphere is cozy yet refined, with menus that rotate by the season. It’s a go-to for special occasions and serious flavor.
3. FLX Table – Geneva
With just one communal table, this tiny spot offers a tasting menu that feels like a private dinner party. Each dish is a surprise.
Located in the Finger Lakes, its food and wine pairings showcase the region beautifully. Reservations go fast for a reason.
4. New World Bistro Bar – Albany
Global flavors mix with local ingredients in this lively bistro. Expect jerk chicken, Asian dumplings, and plant-based delights side by side.
The vibe is casual but adventurous. With creative cocktails and bold dishes, it brings a little world tour to Upstate plates.
5. Just A Taste – Ithaca
This beloved tapas bar is big on sharing and flavor. From garlicky shrimp to smoky chorizo, the small plates hit all the right notes.
The wine list is extensive and thoughtfully chosen. Whether it’s a date night or group outing, the energy always feels bright.
6. Café Capriccio – Albany
Classic Italian elegance lives here. Fresh pasta, house-cured meats, and rich sauces come together in an old-school setting with charm.
Family-run and full of soul, it balances fine dining with comforting tradition. Each dish carries a sense of home.
7. The Krebs – Skaneateles
Historic, stylish, and rooted in fine American cuisine, The Krebs is a local icon. The menu leans upscale but never feels stiff.
Diners enjoy elegant takes on steak, seafood, and pasta in a beautifully restored setting. A true Finger Lakes gem.
8. Dano’s Heuriger On Seneca – Lodi
A slice of Austrian wine country on the shores of Seneca Lake. Dano’s serves schnitzel, sausages, and spreads that are rich yet delicate.
Hearty and refined at once, the flavors pair perfectly with local Rieslings. It’s a lakeside meal that transports you.
9. Barber’s Farmhouse Kitchen – Middleburgh
Tucked into a family farm, this rustic spot makes magic from what’s growing right outside. The food is simple but beautifully crafted.
Think soups with heirloom veggies and sandwiches stacked with just-picked greens. It’s farm-to-table in the truest sense.
10. The Grange Community Kitchen – Hamburg
Bright, inviting, and focused on seasonal cooking, The Grange takes local ingredients seriously. Wood-fired pizzas and inventive salads anchor the menu.
It feels both modern and homey. With brunch crowds and dinner regulars alike, it’s a community favorite for good reason.
11. Hattie’s Restaurant – Saratoga Springs
Famous for its crispy fried chicken and Southern sides, Hattie’s has served comfort food with love since 1938. The seasoning is legendary.
Every meal comes with a side of history and hospitality. The line out front is always worth the wait.
12. Druthers Brewing Company – Saratoga Springs
Burgers, mac and cheese, and house-brewed beer—this spot blends classic pub fare with serious culinary care. The portions are generous.
Set in a sprawling space, it’s perfect for a casual hangout. There’s always something on tap that pairs just right.
13. Good Luck – Rochester
A moody, modern interior and a menu made for sharing define this downtown favorite. The burger alone has a cult following.
Large-format dishes like roasted chicken or beef tartare shine alongside standout cocktails. It’s effortlessly cool and always buzzing.
14. The Left Bank – Buffalo
With candlelit charm and bold Mediterranean flavors, The Left Bank feels timeless. Seafood pasta and veal dishes steal the show.
Crowds come for the warm atmosphere as much as the food. It’s date-night perfect without ever trying too hard.
15. Elm Street Bakery – East Aurora
This sunlit bakery and café churns out wood-fired breads, pastries, and heartwarming meals. Even the toast feels like an event.
Lunch features local veggies, soups, and sandwiches built with care. The air smells like butter and comfort.
16. Lucas Confectionery – Troy
A wine bar with vintage vibes and a small-plate menu built for nibbling. The charcuterie boards are generous and beautifully arranged.
Tucked into a brick alleyway, it feels like a secret spot. Come for the wine, stay for the chocolate pot de crème.
17. Savor – Niagara Falls
Run by culinary students from Niagara Falls Culinary Institute, this teaching restaurant surprises diners with professional-level finesse. The menu constantly evolves.
From filet mignon to risotto, each dish is prepared with skill and heart. Dining here supports the next generation of chefs.
18. Gaskins – Germantown
This farmhouse-style restaurant blends Hudson Valley charm with bold, modern dishes. The burger is beloved, but the vegetables shine too.
The space is warm and rustic, filled with wood beams and candlelight. It’s perfect for a cozy evening with big flavors.
19. Mercato – Red Hook
Italian fare meets seasonal bounty in this intimate eatery. Handmade pastas and roasted meats feel both rich and restrained.
The wine list favors small producers, and the room hums with conversation. It’s unpretentious fine dining with a local twist.
20. Black & Blue Steak And Crab – Rochester
An upscale surf-and-turf house with slick interiors and show-stopping plates. Steaks come perfectly seared, and seafood arrives with sparkle.
The service is polished, the drinks are strong, and the meal always feels like a splurge. Perfect for anniversaries or big nights out.
21. The Cookery – Dobbs Ferry
This Westchester favorite leans Italian-American with playful touches. Bone marrow pastas and meatballs share space with funky small plates.
The open kitchen and rock-and-roll vibe bring a lively edge. It’s loud, bold, and deliciously different.
22. Blue Hill At Stone Barns – Pocantico Hills
Tucked inside a working farm, this world-famous restaurant redefines what fine dining can be. Every ingredient is grown or raised nearby.
Dishes change daily and highlight what’s freshest that day. It’s more than a meal—it’s a journey through the soil of the Hudson Valley.