Diners' Choice: Best Ambiance restaurants in Upstate New York

OpenTable

Updated September 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants with the best ambiance 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!

Harvest

4.9

4.9 (470)

$31 to $50

Fusion / Eclectic

Medina

About the restaurant

At Harvest, we are dedicated to crafting an unforgettable dining experience by artfully combining locally sourced and seasonal ingredients from our neighboring farms in our surrounding counties. Using house-made seasonings and with the help of our local farmers, our chefs are able to create Nouvelle and fusion style dishes sure to leave you feeling inspired and eager to return.

Embracing a relaxed approach, there is no dress code. Diners are encouraged to wear whatever makes them feel most comfortable.

Top review

Luis

Dined 4 days ago

Excellent ambience, excellent service and excellent food. This restaurant is always very creative in displaying their food, always creative with types of food and the way they prepare it. They have a taste and pairing menu which consists of an appetizer, and a 4 course meal pairing a wine glass with each course. It’s a brilliant idea. Loved it. You can place this restaurant in the same level as any top fine dining restaurant in the city of Buffalo. I highly recommend it!!!!

Sushi by Bou - Albany NY @ City Beer Hall

4.9

4.9 (108)

$50 and over

Sushi

Albany

About the restaurant

Step into Sushi By Bou Albany, where every bite whispers secrets of a bygone era. Our curated Omakase, meaning "Chef's Choice,"' promises an exquisite journey through culinary artistry in a speakeasy setting. Opt for our signature 12-course offering at $65 or immerse in the lavish 'Bougie' Omakase, $100 for 17 pieces, seated hourly, Bou Albany experience transports you to the prohibition era with its mysterious allure. Nestled on the lower level of City Beer Hall, our Albany hideaway boasts live music and classic cocktails. Explore our full Prohibition-style libations, featuring exotic cocktails and premium sake. Date Nights, Birthdays, or intimate private seatings, let us whisk you away on a journey of mystique. Visit all of our unique locations, each with its own culture-inspired vibe! Reserve now to secure a coveted seat at Sushi By Bou.

Top review

Lindsay

Dined 6 days ago

Great food, nice ambience, but a bit expensive for what you get. I can imagine coming here again for a celebration but not for a random night out.

Le Canard Enchaine

4.9

4.9 (981)

$50 and over

French

Kingston

About the restaurant

Le Canard Enchaine, located in beautiful, historic uptown Kingston, serves wonderful authentic French cuisine in a charming, friendly atmosphere. "Lift a fork and imagine you're in France," wrote the New York Times. Let Chef Jean-Jacques and his welcoming staff take you on a culinary journey! Specialties include garlic snails, duck confit, onion soup, voted best in the Hudson Valley, and so much more!

Top review

Shawn

Dined on Sep 2, 2024

Lovely bistro, with all the traditional dishes you hope to see, moules, steak fritte, a well sauced duck etc. but also a nice array of more contemporary dishes and specials… provides that feeling of having found a hidden gem, every time I go.

Tug Hill Vineyards

4.8

4.8 (342)

$31 to $50

Winery

Lowville

About the restaurant

The Tug Hill Estate is a dynamic business home to an event center, winery, distillery, and cidery - there's always something to do. Reservations can be made for our main hall's public dining events, like Sunday Brunch and Wine Down.
Please inform us if you cannot keep your reservation, especially for parties of 6 or more. We plan ahead for your arrival and look forward to seeing you!

If you are seeing no availability, we may still have room for in house bookings. Please feel free to give us a call at 315-376-4336

Top review

Mark

Dined 4 days ago

It was our anniversary and we wanted a quiet restaurant. We had visited Tughill Estates on many occasions but had never eaten dinner there. We know how beautiful it is there - but were absolutely blown away by how great the meal was. We had Caesar Salads, Chicken Parmesan and Tenderloin Medallions. We kept looking at each other and saying “I can’t believe how good this is!” Service-Cleanliness-Food-Price and of course the venue are all top notch - thank you! Can’t wait to go back!

River Pavilion

4.3

4.3 (65)

$31 to $50

American

Kingston

About the restaurant

Wood-burning ovens and ingredients sourced from nearby farms are the centerpieces of River Pavilion - Hutton Brickyards' open-air restaurant located on the banks of the Hudson River. By daylight, sunset and starlight, guests enjoy a pageant of clouds, color, and activity on the water.

Enjoy a cocktail in our lounge and then a delicious meal near one of our many fireplaces. Lose track of time and enjoy course upon course of elevated cuisine inspired by the Hudson Valley’s bounty.

Top review

Nancy

Dined 2 days ago

This was my second visit to the river, Pavilion, and it was better than my first experience. The first time I went, I was impressed by the ambience and the views, but the food was mediocre. This time the food overall was much better I just ordered eggs, bacon, and grilled toast from the sides part of the menu and was very happy. My dining companions had burgers which they loved, and the other had avocado toast eggs Benedict which she declared was the best eggs Benedict she had had in a long time. Overall, on a beautiful Sunday morning, I couldn’t imagine a nicer place to have a brunch.

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Experience

Oktoberfest Specials at River Pavilion

The Mouzon House Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (410)

$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

Lia

Dined 2 days ago

The Mouzon House feels like a warm hug. It's got this cozy, country-rustic French vibe with wildflowers and a beautiful garden that makes you feel right at home. The food is a delicious blend of Creole, and I can’t rave enough about the Portuguese clams. We didn’t get the Beignets this time, but we’ll definitely be back for those. The blackened salmon and blackened catfish? Outstanding. The service was just as wonderful, with thoughtful recommendations. We even discovered a new favorite vodka called Two Sisters (a great substitute made in NY for Tito's). For my husband's 38th birthday, we had the perfect private room, with soft mood lighting that made everything feel special yet relaxed. It’s not cluttered; everything is beautifully put together, from the food to the space, and Sophie, the hostess, was so kind. Mouzon House is a spot we love for special occasions, and I’m excited to come back and try their brunch. I highly recommend making a reservation to enjoy great food in the heart of Saratoga.

1909

4.8

4.8 (88)

$50 and over

American

Cooperstown

About the restaurant

With an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients, guests will find a menu that offers something for every palate, including the finest cuts of meats, fresh seafood and salads. The cozy setting, featuring outdoor seating on the veranda in season, and the serene backdrop of Otsego Lake provides a perfect complement to your dining experience.

Top review

Rachel

Dined 4 days ago

We had a beautiful 10 year anniversary dinner at 1909. Special thanks to Bryan the manager who comped our first glasses of sparkling and was extremely attentive the entire service. Not only that but they provided a special extra dessert that was incredible (4 chocolates!) We enjoy a fine dining experience and this was definitely top notch. The evening was gorgeous, the restaurant itself is so elegant. They were busy, several events at the Otesaga Resort that night plus a wedding but we never felt rushed or ignored. The bread service presentation is so much fun and delicious. We loved our entrees but needed to pack some bites away. We accidentally left without them (note they leave it at the host stand!) and Bryan called to see if we were staying at the resort and wanted to come grab it. Unfortunately, we couldn't get a room there so we were 20 minutes away. We planned to swing by the next day but didn't (so sorry about that, Bryan, thanks again for storing it for us!) We can't wait to go back, hopefully with a stay at the resort, and eat there again. The trout roe with crab emulsion with the salmon was just incredible, I'm still thinking about it.

1833 Kitchen & Bar at the Aurora Inn

4.6

4.6 (1604)

$50 and over

American

Finger Lakes

About the restaurant

Award-winning, refined seasonal cuisine created by Chef Elsa Jorgensen is inspired by the diverse and fresh regional offerings. Using as many New York State products as possible to create a thoughtful and delicious culinary experience. Our primary 4 course seasonal Chef's Menu is paired perfectly with the many Finger Lakes and Old World wines from our Wine Spectator award-winning wine and beverage list.
The Aurora Inn is warm and welcoming with exquisite décor. From intimate anniversary dinners to parties for up to 25 guests, we are prepared to make yours an event to remember. Whatever the occasion, it will be remembered for fine cuisine, warm service, and beautiful surroundings.

Top review

Adam

Dined 2 days ago

It’s always amazing to eat here food and staff are great!!

BUFFALO CHOPHOUSE - PRIME STEAKS & FRESH SEAFOOD

4.8

4.8 (3281)

$50 and over

Steak

Buffalo

About the restaurant

Buffalo Chophouse is Western New York's premier steakhouse, serving only the finest USDA Prime steaks as well as a selection of fresh, succulent seafood. Located in the heart of Buffalo’s Theater District, we are in close proximity to Shea's PAC, the Convention Center, KeyBank Center, and all major downtown hotels. Buffalo Chophouse is the perfect place to begin or end your evening, celebrate a special occasion, or simply treat yourself to the most fabulous dining experience offered in the WNY area. Whether you prefer filet mignon, strip steaks, ribeye or lobster, our knowledgeable service staff and reputable kitchen team offer our guests an exclusive dining experience. Make a selection from our expansive wine cellar, sip on handcrafted cocktails prepared by our veteran bartenders, and be sure to indulge with a decadent dessert to conclude your memorable experience.

Established in 2002, Buffalo Chophouse remains WNY's most dependable steakhouse for the ultimate dining experience.

Top review

Linda

Dined 2 days ago

It’s always a good experience dining at the Buffalo Chophouse. The food never disappoints you.

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The Horned Dorset Inn

4.9

4.9 (430)

$31 to $50

French

Cooperstown

About the restaurant

The Horned Dorset Inn is the quintessential destination for memorable fine dining and lodging in central New York, serving seasonal, contemporary and classical French cuisine. Chef Wratten combines produce from the restaurant’s own organic gardens with locally produced meats and cheeses. Fish is an affinity for the chef, given 25 years at his signature restaurant in Rincon, Puerto Rico, and vegetarians will delight in his mindful creations. Aaron is an alumnus of “Aureole” under Charlie Palmer and “Restaurant Daniel” under Daniel Boulud. Located in a beautifully restored historical building, in the small town of Leonardsville it has been lovingly managed by the same family for nearly 44 years. Information about accommodations in their gracious Victorian inn and off-premises catering are available on the website or by phone.

Top review

Robert

Dined 3 days ago

Great meal and great value for an outstanding restaurant.

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