Diners' Choice: Best Service restaurants in Upstate New York

OpenTable

Updated September 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants with the best service 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!

IL FARO

4.9

4.9 (464)

$30 and under

Italian

Albany

About the restaurant

Global whole food to feed omnivores & herbivores with a zero & full proof bar

IL FARO means "The Lighthouse." We envisioned being just that: a beacon in the Albany neighborhood, a safe haven from the stresses of everyday life. Strength and serenity. Creating food that please all of the senses. We believe food should look beautiful, smell amazing and taste delicious. We know that dining out is more than just a meal; it's a great new glass of wine, a much needed break from work, a romantic evening with promise, a perfectly mixed cocktail and a memorable meal that you will crave.

Top review

Stanley

Dined 4 days ago

We love Il Faro. The service is friendly and attentive, and most importantly, the food is always excellent! I love the variety of choices. Something for everyone -- meat, fish, or vegetarian/vegan. And both presentation and taste is always outstanding, no matter what we choose. Good variety of wines as well. It's our favorite restaurant in the area.

CORAY KITCHEN

4.9

4.9 (169)

$31 to $50

Farm-to-table

Delmar

About the restaurant

Please call the restaurant for parties of 6 or more if you don't see any availability.

Warm and intimate neighborhood kitchen and gathering place offering seasonally-driven, globally-inspired flavors by Chef Javier Villatoro. Starting in his home country of Honduras, and spending 15 years as a chef in San Francisco, Coray Kitchen tells the story of how migration shapes who we are, and influences the flavors we find on the plate.

Located in the heart of Delmar, NY, Coray Kitchen delivers an elevated dining experience, fresh oyster bar, craft cocktail program, and down-to-earth atmosphere for the greater Capital Region.

Specializing in farm-to-table, New American and California Cuisine, with a focus on scratch cooking.

Top review

justine

Dined 2 days ago

lovely with beautiful flowers. outdoor dining is in the works. all the help is friendly and helpful and the food is absolutely delicious.

MezzaNotte Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (840)

$30 and under

Italian

Albany

About the restaurant

Whether you call it Classic Italian with a Modern Twist, or Modern Cuisine with Italian Influences, locally owned MezzaNotte Ristorante is sure to please. Highly rated food, prepared fresh from scratch using seasonal and local products. Whether for an intimate dinner, business meeting or dining with friends and family, MezzaNotte will exceed your expectations. Come try us and see why we are a Trip Advisor Restaurant of Excellence.

Top review

Debivip

Dined on Aug 30, 2024

We would give MezzaNotte 20 stars if it were possible. We are only in Albany a few times a year, but we make sure to have dinner there every time. This trip, we ate there twice in one week --- for "Parm night" and again two nights later. We have eaten at some of the nicest restaurants all over the U.S. northeast, as well as in Europe, and yet MezzaNotte always ranks near the top of our "favorites" list. The veal parmesan was excellent --- super-tender veal cooked perfectly, with rigatoni in a simple but delicious marinara sauce. The portions were very large. The second night, my husband had barramundi with a lemon risotto and said it was outstanding. I had a beautiful filet that almost melted in my mouth. He also had the caesar salad, which he said had the best dressing he has had in a while. I had the MezzaNotte salad, which is my favorite salad t any restaurant, which is a spring mix with thinly-sliced apples and pears, hazelnuts, figs, tomatoes, and crispy-coated goat cheese in a balsamic vinaigrette. We were too stuffed to have dessert then, but we took out a chocolate mousse cake and a ricotta cake with cherries, and both were fantastic. I should also mention the scrumptious olive tampenade and warm, crusty bread, which we could have made a meal of, it was so good. The service here is beyond excellent. Madison and Mimi, with a very special shout-out to Madelina, were all super-professional as well as very friendly. They made us feel right at home and anticipated our every need. The star is the owner, Connie, who knows exactly how to make diners feel welcomed and cared-about every time. I'd also like to add that this is also one of the cleanest restaurants around. Not a speck of dust or dirt anywhere and everything just shines. All is all, yet another absolutely perfect two evenings at MezzaNotte. We honestly can't recommend a better restaurant.

The Mansion at Keuka Lake

4.8

4.8 (143)

$50 and over

American

Penn Yan

About the restaurant

Casual fine dining in an 1838 greek revival mansion.

Top review

Deborah

Dined on Sep 7, 2024

Delicious dinner with excellent food in a lovely location.

Siro's Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (72)

$31 to $50

American

Saratoga Springs

About the restaurant

Siro's is the Saratoga place to dine, drink, and be seen after a winning day at the Saratoga Race Course.

Top review

Athenavip

Dined on Aug 30, 2024

This was our second time at Siro’s as we came last year as well. Our server Nicole and her helper Sophia were wonderful! So polite, helpful with the menu and the wine, just overall exceptional service! Our food was delicious from the tuna tartare to the Caesar salad to the filet and can’t forget the olive oil cake. To some it may be pricey but in my opinion it is worth it. Conveniently located within walking distance from the track. We cannot wait to go to Siro’s again next year when we are in Saratoga during the summer!

The Cellar - Corning

4.9

4.9 (1371)

$31 to $50

Fusion / Eclectic

Corning

About the restaurant

The Cellar presents to its guests options for a casual dining experience in the bar area or fine dining experience in our restaurant area. If you are looking for a non-intimidating and fun atmosphere in which to enjoy great wines from local Finger Lakes wineries, as well as highly acclaimed domestic and hard-to-find international producers you'll find it here at The Cellar.

The Cellars presentation of over 300 deliciously unique wines by the bottle as well as 40 available by the glass will certainly have something you'll love. While here please enjoy food from our delicious Modern Fusion Menu!

Top review

Travelfrau

Dined 2 days ago

The food was fantastic as always. The decor is very vibrant and eye appealing. Everyone seem to be enjoying themselves, and the place was full. I would recommend a reservation, especially for the weekend. When we visit Corning again that will definitely be a priority stop.

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Sushi by Bou - Albany NY @ City Beer Hall

4.9

4.9 (110)

$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

Bethany Autumn

Dined 2 days ago

Amazing as always! Good is excellent and the environment is perfect. A great unique spot to come for date night!

Harvest

4.9

4.9 (471)

$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

OpenTable Diner

Dined 1 day ago

Excellent—all the way around. From the friendly staff to the special touches and excellent food! Such a gem

Ama Cocina

4.8

4.8 (295)

$30 and under

Mexican

Albany

About the restaurant

Located in Downtown Albany, ama cocina delivers a fresh and funky twist on modern mexican street food.

Our mission is to encompass the three most important elements of life -food•laughter•love

Let's get back to the days when we bond over a good meal and tasty beverage. Discuss our dreams, plan our next adventure, and remember the feeling you get when a thoughtfully prepared meal hits you. Don't forget to relax and laugh while you’re here - we will do the rest.  Welcome to our kitchen - and know that there is a lot of thought, fun & love here at ama.

Top review

Danielvip

Dined 2 days ago

Ama never disappoints - great authentic food and excellent service. Highly recommend.

BUFFALO CHOPHOUSE - PRIME STEAKS & FRESH SEAFOOD

4.8

4.8 (3284)

$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

Judyvip

Dined 5 days ago

Outstanding! We sat at the bar and enjoyed every bit of our dinning experience. It was professionally served by Micki the bartender. The food to the drinks were outstanding. We celebrated two birthdays. It was a fabulous evening.

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