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Diners' Choice: Hot spot restaurants in Upstate New York

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OpenTable
Updated 05 January 2025

Looking for restaurants that are the best hot spots in Upstate New York? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyses nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you book, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

A photo of Ancora! restaurant
4.9
4.9 (582)
$30 and under
Mediterranean
Utica
About the restaurant
Italian for encore, Ancora! is located adjacent to the historic Stanley Theatre and is one of the area’s premier dining establishments.

With its concrete-exposed high ceilings, stage lighting, custom-designed wine tower bar, open kitchen, colorful, local artwork and seasonal outdoor seating, Ancora! is the perfect blend of rustic old-world and urban design.

Featuring Mediterranean-inspired, mouthwatering cuisine, including a signature select tapas menu, Ancora! will have you begging for more.

Shared with friends or cherished alone, Ancora! is the ideal compliment to any evening, conversation or show.

Top review
Robert
Dined 4 days ago
We drive 30 minutes just for a date night here. We were greeted with smiles even though we were late for our reservation. All the staff was great and the food was excellent. We thought about dinner but decided against it due to too much food during dinner. Our host asked if it was our first time there, which it was, then insisted we ordered a dessert on the house. We got a crepe and forgot we were even too full to try any. We will definitely be back soon!
A photo of The Mouzon House Restaurant restaurant
4.8
4.8 (441)
$31 to $50
Creole
Saratoga Springs
About the restaurant
Providing both an intimate an elegant dining experience, the Mouzon House Restaurant serves dinner daily. In keeping with its farm-to-table philosophy, it uses only fresh and locally grown ingredients in all of its recipes. A diverse menu, the Mouzon House Restaurant serves everything from fried chicken to crawfish beignets.

Formerly a Victorian home, the décor at the Mouzon House Restaurant features lots of period furniture and beautiful artwork. It further provides an outdoor porch space for dining with a view of High Rock Park. Private dining rooms are also available for special occasions such as bridal showers, engagement parties or holiday dinners.

Top review
Jacqueline
Dined on 27 Dec 2024
Fabulous food and ambiance. My favorite place to dine in Saratoga. Authentic and delicious.
A photo of The Colden Mill Restaurant restaurant
4.8
4.8 (433)
$31 to $50
American
Buffalo
About the restaurant
The Colden Mill strives to make your dining experience unique and memorable, and is located just minutes from Kissing Bridge at 8348 Boston Colden Road. The historic and rustic atmosphere of the once grain mill dating back to the 1830’s, gives the impression of a time to be remembered. We aim to delight our guests with our Contemporary American menu created by award winning executive chef Matthew Webb, highlighting Western New York’s abundant variety of produce and meats. Our casual yet elegant dining atmosphere always welcomes skiers and families alike. While our restaurant offers dinner service Tuesday – Saturday, our two banquet rooms can accommodate parties of up to 50 & 80 guests for parties 7 days a week, and also on or off-premise catering for any occasion.
Top review
Erika
Dined on 11 Jan 2025
Absolutely wonderful! 5 star all around!! We can’t wait to go back!!
A photo of Beyond the Sea restaurant
4.8
4.8 (605)
$31 to $50
Contemporary American
Lake George
About the restaurant
Contemporary American restaurant with live jazz, bourbon and electric fun menu. Located in the heart of quaint Bolton Landing. We pride ourselves in the quality of our ingredients and the dining experience that we deliver.
Top review
Stephanie
Dined 2 days ago
The overall experience was excellent. Creative menu, outstanding service, a must
A photo of Rocky’s on the Lake restaurant
4.6
4.6 (114)
$30 and under
Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service
Cold Brook
About the restaurant
Restaurant • Bar • Pizzeria
Top review
Amanda
Dined on 11 Jan 2025
We come here every year on January 11th as it was my brothers birthday who passed away in March 2023 from a battle with cancer. Every year our group grows, but we always make a reservation and include an empty chair for my brother, Michael. The last two years the waitresses we’ve had have been nothing short of amazing. From taking our food and drink order to just chatting with us after our meal and taking the time to listen to our story, sympathizing with us, crying with us. We love coming here and will always be back, not only on this day, but just in general. Thank you for the great atmosphere, food and hospitality.
A photo of Jack Rabbit restaurant
4.6
4.6 (411)
$30 and under
Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service
Buffalo
About the restaurant
Saturday & Sunday: (brunch until 3pm) The kitchen closes at 10pm nightly.
Top review
Teresa
Dined 4 days ago
Service was great and the food was wonderful, as well as the Bloody Mary.
A photo of 42N at The Flats restaurant
4.6
4.6 (47)
$30 and under
Contemporary American
Buffalo
About the restaurant
42 North at The Flats is home to 42 North Brewing Company’s downtown taproom located in the historic Wurlitzer Flats building. In the heart of Buffalo’s theater district, craft beers and a full bar are complimented by creative and contemporary artisan fare from Queen City Bistro. Whether you are stopping in for a beverage or a full meal, 42 North at The Flats is designed to offer a great experience for all.

Reservations open 6 weeks in advance for bookings

Top review
Elwyn
Dined on 4 Jan 2025
42 North offered our family excellent dining experience after a Shea’s performance. Our server was very helpful and attentive and our meals were excellent.
A photo of Tin Rooster at Turning Stone restaurant
4.5
4.5 (824)
$30 and under
Barbecue
Verona
About the restaurant
Dine on world-class BBQ at Tin Rooster, prepared by our expert pitmasters. Enjoy it while listening — or dancing — to some boot-stomping country music. Enjoy all-American, mouth-watering, slow-smoked goodness with scratch-made sauces, appetizers and sides plus creative cocktails.
Top review
Kenneth
Dined 4 days ago
Food is fantastic! Great service. Fun atmosphere. Could stand to be a titch quieter but I am getting old!
A photo of Hofbrauhaus- Buffalo restaurant
4.5
4.5 (2126)
$30 and under
German
Buffalo
About the restaurant
Hofbräuhaus Buffalo, German Inspired and Locally Owned.

Steps away from the KeyBank Center and Canalside, we are Buffalo's biggest party! Featuring live music, indoor and outdoor dining, Hofbräu Beer brewed on-site, and the best Bavarian cuisine. Hofbräuhaus Buffalo welcomes parties of all sizes!

For events, please reach our Director of Marketing and Events at MC@hofbrauhausbuffalo.com
If you encounter any issues booking your reservation, please call us at 716-939-BEER (2337) for assistance.

Top review
Kris
Dined 4 days ago
Love this place. Always a fun atmosphere. Food & service is always great!
A photo of New Vida Preserve Restaurant restaurant
4.1
4.1 (117)
$30 and under
Global, International
Lake Placid
About the restaurant
New Vida Preserve Restaurant is located in the re-imagined former Paleface Ski Mountain Lodge and now the largest resort in the Adirondacks at 2000 acres. It offers stunning views of Whiteface Mountain. Enjoy a creative menu that includes American Classics with a twist combined with bold globally-inspired flavors. You can dine in our Grand Dining Room, our Craft Bar area with live music or our more casual Billiards Lounge, all with stunning view and beautiful architecture. The expansive & diverse menu, the sensible pricing and feel-good vibes make NewVida a place where you can gather in with friends and family regularly for a memorable Adirondack experience. The restaurant is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings from 5pm to 9pm. Come in early and enjoy a drink at our handmade craft bar, lined with skis from the Preserve’s former life as a ski resort or take a stroll after dinner around our romantic pond & dock. Reservations are preferred, but walk-ins are always welcome.
Top review
TomVIP
Dined 4 days ago
Excellent meal and experience. Adjustments they have made to staffing, menu and service are paying off. Highly recommend.
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