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Cafe Capriccio, Albany, NY
Cafe Capriccio, Albany, NY
Cafe Capriccio, Albany, NY
Cafe Capriccio, Albany, NY
Cafe Capriccio, Albany, NY

Cafe Capriccio

4.8
4.8
1907 Reviews
$31 to $50
Italian
Cafe Cariccio, the region's only authentic Tuscan restaurant, has been a favorite dining destination in Albany for 30 years. The Cafe was voted Best Restaurant in the Capital District by Metroland Magazine for 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, and many times previously. Jim Rua and Franco Rua are proprietors. The Cafe is open for dinner every night. See our web site for details and photos.


Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 15 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Mediterranean, Sicilian
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Daily 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (518) 465-0439
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Executive chef
    Franco Rua
  • Catering
    Catering is available for small or large parties for pick up or for on premise events. Our menu is filled with our classics from our kitchen as well as the elaborate authentic Italian dishes that we serve at our Chef's Table.
  • Private party facilities
    The Cafe has a wonderful private dining rooms for private events. Our Chef's Table, located on the second floor above the main restauant, can hold parties of 10-17 and is an intimate open kitchen concept room where the chef cooks in front of your guests. The room also features a private entrance and private bathrooms just for this room. Our private room has wireless internet, screens and private staff. Our rooms regularly host business events and speaker presentations as well as family event, birthdays, anniversaries as well as couples dinners with friends.
  • Neighborhood
    Albany
  • Cross street
    Hamilton St.
  • Parking details
    Parking available without charge at the OGS State parking lot at the corner of Hamilton and Grand Street to the right of the restaurant on Grand Street.
  • Entertainment
    Walter and Julia Donnaruma perform jazz on Friday nights.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Beer Garden, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Wine

What 1,907 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.6Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Upstate New York

    Italian

  • Capital District

    Best Overall

  • Capital District

    Best Food

  • Capital District

    Best Value

  • Capital District

    Neighborhood gem

  • Capital District

    Great for fine wines

  • Capital District

    Romantic

  • Capital District

    Italian

1,907 Reviews
  1. DavidB

    Charlotte

    18 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    18 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall2food2service2ambience2
    Disappointed, in a horrible neighborhood, food was average and service was poor

    Is this helpful?

  2. OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Ambiance wonderfully kitschy! We loved our meals and the waiters.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Pamela

    Greater Boston

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great service, food and atmosphere! Perfect when going to the Egg for a concert.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Robert

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was excellent and loved sitting outside. Almost like being in Tuscany.

    Is this helpful?

  5. PeterC

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall3food4service3ambience3
    Felt a bit rushed the entire time. Had to move tables. Ordered a pasta dish that came with the wrong type of pasta. It was good. Great cheesecake.

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  6. jimf

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience5
    Been going there for 35 years. Most recently was there in December '22 for birthday, June '23 for birthday. This visit for wedding anniversary was bit of a disappointment. Firstly we asked for the rounded corner booth in main dining room. When we arrived 20 minutes early we planned on sitting at the bar for a cocktail but was immediately taken to a booth next to the requested one. A couple was dining there who finished and departed after we were seated and well before our scheduled reservation of 6:30. We ordered Beefeater G&T and a very dry Beefeater martini. Both had an identical unusual perfume like scent in the glasses. My wife sent her's back and I switched to Bombay Martini. Again, this unusual perfumey fragrance permeated to glass. I drink Beefeater or Bombay dry martini's pretty regularly and never have this strange after taste. My Duck and Porcini confit ragu literally had no duck! There were bits of shredded duck meat hidden in the tagliatelle but certainly no chunks of duck meat at all. My wife's Pesto and Shrimp came out swimming in a broth. Perhaps that's how it is served, but there was no mention of a broth and she expected the pesto to be adhered to the pasta and oily, not soupy. As much as we love Capriccio over three decades, this was a disappointment. We didn't bother staying for dessert. We'll be back again, but I hope I don't have to write a negative review. I normally don't bother but I felt I had to this time

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  7. Alex

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I gambled and took my Italian mom to dinner here. She ordered something her grandmother used to make that she missed and took 2 bites and was like this is just as good as I remember. PHEW! Delicious food.

    1 person found this helpful

  8. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We made a last minute late in the evening reservation on a Saturday night. The service from all of the staff was outstanding. They were very helpful, had great suggestions, and excellent sense of humor. The food far surpassed our expectations. If we are ever in the area again we will most definitely be back!

    Is this helpful?

  9. JillL

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    DEEELISH! Great service, great food from the bread, to the appetizers, to the pasta and veal, to the dessert and cappuccino! Reasonably priced. Nice wine selection. Knowledgeable and efficient staff. Great night out!

    Is this helpful?

  10. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    It was our first experience dining at Cafe Capriccio for both my wife and I. I chose the location for our anniversary dinner after reading reviews and desiring to try some place new. The restaurant was quaint and cozy once inside. The service was excellent and food was very delicious. The only negative I have is that the dessert was $15 per slice of cheesecake which I find a bit excessive. With that said, it was very good and I would dine here again. All around nice experience.

    Is this helpful?

  11. FrankS

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 25, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience3
    We really enjoyed the food but to be very honest, we most likely won’t return because of the location. We had a party of 4, and none of us were comfortable walking from any area including the parking garage. Sorry but I think it’s time to move, we really loved the food. Move to Loudonville - you would do wonderful!

    Is this helpful?

  12. PeterD

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Simply put, Cafe Capriccio is an institution. A restaurant in America that makes and serves fresh pasta every day is quite a find, these days. Can't say enough good things about this place. Food is off the charts delicious.

    Is this helpful?

  13. OpenTable Diner

    Greater Boston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 20, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    The ambience and vibe are immaculate. I’ve eaten both indoors and outdoors and either situation is wonderful! The food is always incredible. The Pork Osso Bucco with saffron risotto is a must-have meal. The stuffed shrimp as an appetizer is awesome. The overall experience is a 10/10!

    Is this helpful?

  14. MelissaG

    Greater Boston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 20, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Charming and local. Wonderful experience. mmmmmmmm

    Is this helpful?

  15. PeterD

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    excellent in every aspect. we hightly recommend dining there.

    Is this helpful?

  16. Susan

    New York Area

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on August 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The Pork Osso Buco is an absolute must. The dish was perfectly seasoned and braised to tenderness with the meat falling smoothly off its bone. Every dish and dessert our family ate was divine and masterly prepared by an excellent chef and served by friendly, warm staff. The housemade pistachio gelato was the best way to finish the meal, too. The restaurant itself was cozy, charming and welcoming. Do not miss or skip this!

    Is this helpful?

  17. Peggy

    New York Area

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on August 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Cafe Capriccio has been a favorite restaurant of ours for over 20 years. It was almost shocking that the service was supreme (with the shortage of staff everywhere) and that the food came out hot in a timely manner. The quality of the food was as fine as ever (the risotto special was amazing), the waitstaff super attentive, welcoming, friendly and so professional. It remains a favorite and we can't wait to go back. No decision to be made - make a reservation and you'll never regret it.

    Is this helpful?

  18. OpenTable Diner

    Baltimore

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Outstanding, delicious food and excellent service. We also enjoyed the lovely ambiance of outdoor dining on the Tuscan Garden Patio. A wonderful oasis in downtown Albany!

    Is this helpful?

  19. MichaelH

    San Antonio

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    What a pleasant surprise! So glad we found the place. I would definitely go back.

    Is this helpful?

  20. Good

    Greater Boston

    110 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    110 reviews

    Dined on August 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food, service, ambiance was all amazing! Go here and go back!

    Is this helpful?

  21. MichaelK

    Toronto

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    It was the most delicious meal of our trip. Ravioli and lemon chicken were great and so was the service. Thank you.

    Is this helpful?

  22. Foodie4

    New York Area

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on August 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The Tuscan Garden is a lovely setting for a meal. A+ on music. Service is lovely, down to Earth and genuine. ((Ryan is a charmer) Might be helpful to warn diners about the many steps to be climbed to get to garden area; would be impossible for a person with disabilities. We went for a a birthday celebration and the guest of honor was THRILLED with the entire experience. Get the fried artichokes!!!

    Is this helpful?

  23. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Come here at least once a month. Our first time on the patio and we loved it. See you in a couple weeks!!

    Is this helpful?

  24. Daniel

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    Party of 4. 3 different appetizers. 4 different entrees. 4 different desserts plus coffee & cappuccinos. Not a single dog in the mix. The food was EXCELLENT! My daughter-in-law is a vegetarian, and she was most pleased with their menu selections. I would go back in a heartbeat! Bon appetite!

    Is this helpful?

  25. JosephM

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Yet another excellent dining experience. Daniele and Karlee took great care of me and my guests. So easy to recommend gem.

    Is this helpful?

  26. MelissaS

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was delicious, and the service was exceptional. We had to search for a parking spot, but that's because there was a show at the MVP Arena. Would 100% recommend.

    Is this helpful?

  27. MegN

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on July 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Loved it! Very strong Italian vibes (obviously, but wasn't disappointed :))

    Is this helpful?

  28. BethT

    New York Area

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on July 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    This was our first time and we will be sure to be back, particularly before a show at the arena since it’s within walking distance. The food was outstanding with great service!

    Is this helpful?

  29. DeeF

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 25, 2023

    overall3food5service3ambience3
    Food was delicious… but we felt very rushed through our meal. No break between apps and entrees.

    Is this helpful?

  30. SusanM

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on July 23, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Cafe Capriccio is our go to place to dine. Consistently good and great atmosphere!

    Is this helpful?

  31. Rania

    New York Area

    10 reviews

    4.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on July 21, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Whenever we're in town for this client, we make a point to come here. Delicious food in a cozy setting ... a lovely backdrop to work talk, or any talk for that matter. Between the food, the wine list, the staff, and the atmosphere - really almost captures eating at an Italian home!

    Is this helpful?

  32. TaniaJ

    Greater Boston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious food! Wonderful experience! Highly recommended!

    Is this helpful?

  33. OpenTable Diner

    Key West

    8 reviews

    3.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on July 17, 2023

    overall3food4service4ambience4
    Good Italian food. Nice place. Good service, waitress was very nice

    Is this helpful?

  34. lexx

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    the outside area was so cute and quaint. had the veal chop & burrata stuffed ravioli special and both were outstanding. staff was very attentive and friendly, got recommended the best espresso martini i’ve honestly ever had. thank you for making our experience great!

    Is this helpful?

  35. TWEJR

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great Menu. At tentative service. Terrific place.

    Is this helpful?

  36. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    What a great experience, staff was attentive and friendly. The food was amazing. Will come back again the next time I travel to Albany!

    Is this helpful?

  37. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Old school Italian cooking. Delicious and service was great !

    Is this helpful?

  38. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 15, 2023

    overall2food3service1ambience3
    Called to try to have us come in earlier than our reservation. We were unable as we were out at a show that ended up running about 15min late. We called to make sure this was okay and they said no problem. When we arrived we began to review the menu and were told we only have 2 minutes before the kitchen closed. we would have gone elsewhere if we knew we’d be rushed, it could have been disclosed over the phone when we called that it had gotten too late. Food was okay. Bread was cold. Original waitress disappeared after taking our order, odd experience for a couple looking for a romantic dinner date.

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  39. LorettaB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was perfect. I need to come hete more often.

    Is this helpful?

  40. philokvetch

    Baltimore

    16 reviews

    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on July 14, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Great homemade pasta and meatballs and tiramisu, ambience is retro, loved the wood and booths and soul oldies followed by live music.

    Is this helpful?

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Sealed or wrapped utensils used
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners
    • Distancing maintained in common areas
    • Extra space between tables
  • Protective equipment

    • Waitstaff wear masks
    • Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Cafe Capriccio offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (518) 465-0439.

Cafe Capriccio is rated 4.8 stars by 1907 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 15 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Cafe Capriccio

49 Grand Street, Albany, NY 12207

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Hamilton St.
  • Neighborhood
    Albany
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Daily 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Mediterranean, Sicilian
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    Parking available without charge at the OGS State parking lot at the corner of Hamilton and Grand Street to the right of the restaurant on Grand Street.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Franco Rua
  • Entertainment
    Walter and Julia Donnaruma perform jazz on Friday nights.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Beer Garden, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Wine
  • Phone number
    (518) 465-0439
  • Catering
    Catering is available for small or large parties for pick up or for on premise events. Our menu is filled with our classics from our kitchen as well as the elaborate authentic Italian dishes that we serve at our Chef's Table.
  • Private party facilities
    The Cafe has a wonderful private dining rooms for private events. Our Chef's Table, located on the second floor above the main restauant, can hold parties of 10-17 and is an intimate open kitchen concept room where the chef cooks in front of your guests. The room also features a private entrance and private bathrooms just for this room. Our private room has wireless internet, screens and private staff. Our rooms regularly host business events and speaker presentations as well as family event, birthdays, anniversaries as well as couples dinners with friends.
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