Diners' Choice: Hot spot restaurants in Upstate New York

OpenTable

Updated January 05, 2025

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

Ancora!

4.9

4.9 (580)

$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

valerie

Dined on Dec 28, 2024

Food and service always excellent. One of our local favorite places!

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Popular dish

Chicken Francaise

Popular dish

Pan Seared New York Strip

Popular dish

Chicken Riggies

The Colden Mill 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 4 days ago

Absolutely wonderful! 5 star all around!! We can’t wait to go back!!

The Mouzon House Restaurant

4.7

4.7 (442)

$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 Dec 27, 2024

Fabulous food and ambiance. My favorite place to dine in Saratoga. Authentic and delicious.

Beyond the Sea

4.6

4.6 (602)

$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

ErickaVIP

Dined on Jan 5, 2025

Very attentive and warm service. Excellent dinner overall.

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Popular dish

Maine Lobster Ravioli

Rocky’s on the Lake

4.6

4.6 (114)

$30 and under

Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service

Cold Brook

About the restaurant

Restaurant • Bar • Pizzeria

Top review

Amanda

Dined 4 days ago

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.

Jack Rabbit

4.6

4.6 (410)

$30 and under

Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service

Buffalo

About the restaurant

Saturday & Sunday: (brunch until 3pm) The kitchen closes at 10pm nightly.

Top review

ChristaVIP

Dined on Dec 28, 2024

Excellent food and atmosphere! Had a terrific brunch with friends and looking forward to our next visit!

42N at The Flats

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 Jan 4, 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.

Tin Rooster at Turning Stone

4.5

4.5 (823)

$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

Jeffrey

Dined 4 days ago

Excellent overall experience. Food was fresh and tasty .

Hofbrauhaus- Buffalo

4.5

4.5 (2122)

$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

Todd

Dined 3 days ago

Great place for food and entertainment! Food and beer are amazing!

New Vida Preserve Restaurant

4.1

4.1 (115)

$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

Cathryn

Dined 4 days ago

It is clear that New Vida has some kinks to work out in the staffing area, the staff is friendly, but runs from almost non- existent to clearly understaffed and stressed during busy dinner/ cocktail time. The atmosphere is a home run and menu selections are good. My husband and I both had to send our dinners back, initially. They gave him the wrong meal and my fries were stone cold and toppings on my burger were wrong. However, it was only a few minutes until they corrected the mistake and dinner was enjoyable and delicious. I could see that, in general, people were having trouble getting drinks and served in a timely manner. I would give it another try. For us, the good outweighed the bad, but they need to figure out staffing, in general.

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