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  4. Upstate New York
  5. Albany

Cafe Capriccio

4.7
4.7
1799 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 17 times today

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

Popular dishes

What 1,799 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.4Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Upstate New York

    Italian

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Filters

  1. Joanfromtheadirondacks

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    I will definitely go back to Cafe Capriccio! The food and service was wonderful!
  2. OpenTable Diner

    New England

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had an amazing meal! Would definitely make it a point to come back next time in Albany!
  3. MindyGA

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Intimate atmosphere, delicious food. Perfect for a celebration or just because.
  4. Giovanni

    New York Area

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on March 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was excellent, service exceptional, location was tricky to find with gps as this was our first time there. Only one thing disappointed when we asked for a second basket of their bread with dinner but were told they ran out. By the way, their Italian bread is phenomenal.
  5. GailRichmond

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    As always, we had a wonderful meal at Café Capriccio. The service is always outstanding. We are never rushed from our table. We had lots of laughs together. I got the red snapper special and the rest of the family got pasta dishes. Everyone cleaned their plates so that should be a testament to just how good the food is.
  6. MelanieW

    New York Area

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on March 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always a good night out at Cafe capriccio. Very attentive staff that has been there for years. Delicious food 😋
  7. PatrickP

    New York Area

    22 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on March 10, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Always a pleasure going to Cafe Capriccio. This place hits the mark in all categories. Food, atmosphere, service, and selection of menu items. Definitely worth a visit!
  8. Kira

    New York Area

    11 reviews

    4.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on March 10, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    This was our first time coming to Cafe Capriccio and we will definitely be back! The service was friendly and accommodating to our needs. We ordered drinks to start; the pear martini was so delicious- almost creamy. I'm not usually a fan of pear flavor, but I tried something new and loved it. The appetizer we ordered was the stuffed shrimp. The flavors were good, but the stuffing was a little lackluster in texture. Would have loved a bit more wine flavor to the sauce as well, but the shrimp were cooked perfectly. We both ordered the short rib ravioli for our entree, which is not something we'd typically order. The pasta was delicate and tender and the sauce was perfect with just a hint of spice. We both agreed that a bit more short rib in the filling would have made this a 10/10, but overall we were pleased. We enjoyed a few beers before dessert and ended with classic tiramisu, which was beyond perfect, and the turtle cheesecake. It was a bit expensive, but worth every penny.
  9. LAHM

    New England

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on March 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing food! Even better service if that’s even possible! We love it each and every time more and more!
  10. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our favorite restaurant in Albany due to the food, wine, and service which are consistently excellent.
  11. CarolA

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Cafe Capriccio is like going to little Italy. Ambiance is inviting and warm with wait staff welcoming and friendly. Food was just as described on the menu and chef accommodates with sharing a salad. Our food arrived quickly and was delicious. We are already planning our return visit!
  12. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    I will make this in a regular place to eat. My second time there and it was awesome very friendly and knowledgeable staff. All the customers seem like they were having a good time & good conversation.
  13. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on March 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Such a great find. Definitely going back again soon!
  14. DocW

    New York Area

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on March 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food is exquisite. The staff take such pride in their work and their food, it's such a pleasure to share in the joy of the food! One of my favorite places to eat on the planet!
  15. Newton

    New York Area

    44 reviews

    4.0

    44 reviews

    Dined on March 6, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience4
    Food service was good
  16. Jpcgolfer

    New England

    24 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on March 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Service and food were really good. Always is! Just wish wines by the glass was better (red).
  17. MattH

    Chicago

    5 reviews

    1.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on March 3, 2023

    overall1food1service2ambience2
    Went to Cafe Capriccio for dinner. Not a good experience. The restaurant serves some of the worst Italian food that Ive ever had. The service, at best, was adequate. We left a tip that was far more than the server deserved. The restaurant then had the audacity to call us to question our tip. There is no way I would recommend this restaurant to anyone. For the money spent, if you want great Italian, try Villa di Como.
  18. OpenTable Diner

    Houston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic food. We had the Osso Buco and the fish special of the day. The vegetables were fresh and the wine list was very respectable. But the steal of the show was the dessert. Pistachio cake & a Chocolate cake were our favorite items of the meal. It was so good, we went back the next night.
  19. BethK

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 24, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    Visiting this gem is a treat anytime we are in Albany. The staff is very warm, engaging, and knowledgeable. Wine list is small-but affordable and very interesting wines--and wines by the glass (from Italy) were lovely with the food. The homemade pasta is exceptional, the entrees and appetizers are also very special. Perhaps our favorite is the tiramisu (imported from Italy). Our favorite items on the menu are the stuffed shrimp, the wood fired meatballs, Chicken and Eggplant Sorrento, Steak and Gorgonzola Pasta. But honestly--everything is delicious.
  20. WilliamB

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was great. The staff were so helpful and friendly.
  21. ConorG

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food and service! Will absolutely be returning. Cozy ambiance
  22. BevH

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on February 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always a fabulous meal. I had the osso bucco it was incredibly moist my wife had the short ribs..wonderful as well.
  23. LAHM

    New England

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on February 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fabulous dinner as always! The staff is absolutely wonderful each and every time!
  24. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    As usual exceptional food at an exceptional restaurant.
  25. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    What a wonderful experience !!! Our waitress , Sam was so amazing, and the food was beyond fantastic . A perfect location for a date night , or even dinner with family / friends. A wonderful wine list and great cocktails.
  26. TCtheRipper

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My wife and I were looking for something different for this Valentine’s Day and a friend recommended Cafe Capriccio! It was excellent, we will definitely be back! Delicious! A hidden Albany gem
  27. MichaelS

    New York Area

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 13, 2023

    overall3food3service1ambience3
    Quality control seems to have taken a dip. Of the five of us only two found their main course to be great. The other three were unimpressed. Service was terrible. The waitstaff was down-right rude. I do love cafe capriccio but am afraid their quality (especially their service) has gone down. I will give it one more chance but could very well be the last time if the service is as dismal and, quite frankly, offensive as it was last night. I hope they pull it back together as it has been a staple of Albany dining for so long.
  28. JamesA

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on February 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent. One of the best,if not the best, Restaurants in the area..been there multiple times, always consistent, always a great experience..loveit!!
  29. RoryM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was great, as always. So was the service.
  30. WilliamB

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 12, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    The best restaurant in Albany. Could rival good restaurants in NYC.
  31. DeniseP

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on February 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My husband and I enjoyed a relaxing evening filled with wonderful cocktails and wine, delicious food, and excellent service. Thank you for making our evening special!
  32. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always great food, atmosphere and service
  33. MichaelM

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 8, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience5
    I only have one complaint: I ordered dessert and a Bailey's and coffee after my dinner. When the coffee arrived and I took a sip it also had Irish whiskey it was a shock to my taste buds as I was not expecting that.
  34. MaryB

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    loved our veal dishes and scrumptious desserts! staff was attentive and made great suggestions!
  35. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Outstanding food and service. Always an excellent experience.
  36. MichaelT

    Washington DC

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on January 31, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We are regulars at Capriccio. The Rua family are wonderful and excellent cooks. Their staff is quite friendly and very attentive. The wine list is has excellent choices at very reasonable prices…
  37. Bill

    Houston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Everything I like - fast service, great suggestions for entrees, highly recommend the Negroni cocktail!!!
  38. LAHM

    New England

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on January 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We took our colleagues out to dinner and everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves! Great food as always and superb service!
  39. SpenCo

    London

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 22, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    Great food, nice ambiance, warm and knowledgeable staff. The portions could be a little larger for the price, but otherwise great experience
  40. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 21, 2023

    overall1food1service5ambience5
    The service was amazing but the food was not good at all. My friend got veal involtini and it was inedible. It was fatty, dry and covered in salt.

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 4.7 stars by 1799 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 17 times today
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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