Diners' Choice: Neighborhood gem restaurants in Mohawk Valley

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for the best restaurants that are the best neighborhood gems in Mohawk Valley? 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 (598)

$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

Lynn

Dined on May 27, 2025

Fantastic food and service! We both tried something new for us, and saved room for the dessert special ( lemoncello cheesecake, with strawberries and a berry puree drizzle). It was so delicious!! We arrived a little early for our reservation but it was no problem. It was my restaurant choice for my birthday dinner, and did not disappoint!

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4.9

4.9 (669)

$31 to $50

American

Utica

About the restaurant

mōtus (Latin); movement, progress, passion, revolt

A tradesman's gastropub with an undeniable message of purpose.

Top review

PeterVIP

Dined on Jun 11, 2025

Superb meal for all of our group, lamb shank was amazing with sauce to die for. Beef Tartare was beautifully presented with lovely garnishes , great cocktails that update periodically, impeccable service and thoughtful options for gluten free diners including an amazing focaccia bread option and most items on menu could be adjusted (aside from a few sauces) This is my favorite restaurant in the area

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Experience

Summer Sunday dinner Series

Ocean Blue Restaurant & Oyster Bar

4.8

4.8 (1656)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Utica

About the restaurant

At Ocean Blue we take our food seriously, but not ourselves. We are inspired to create a dining experience where our guests feel welcome and at home in our inviting setting to enjoy quality food, and warm hospitality. Borrowing influence from our most favorite era and styles, Ocean Blue’s interior boasts a mix of elegant black and white décor, a large copper bar, and floor to ceiling windows that offer a panoramic view of our city. Perhaps the most striking feature is our vast, open kitchen that allows guests to watch the culinary team in action, preparing our signature dishes. We cook the food, and craft the drinks that make us happy, and we want to extend to you the same feeling. Great service, great food and great drink is not enough. We create an experience. We are a feeling. We are all of the above.

Top review

Joe

Dined on May 28, 2025

Loved the engaging atmosphere. Great place for a business dinner.

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Popular dish

Signature Lobster Bisque

Mr. G's Food & Spirits

4.7

4.7 (440)

$30 and under

American

Verona

About the restaurant

Featuring choice steaks, seafood, pasta dishes and some of our chefs favorite creations.

Top review

Elridge

Dined 2 days ago

Bianca is absolutely a wonderful waitress. We will be back over and over requesting her.

Delmonico's Italian Steakhouse - Utica

4.6

4.6 (672)

$31 to $50

Italian

Utica

About the restaurant

Delmonico’s Italian Steakhouse affords Utica diners that want a real challenge the opportunity to give a 24-ounce certified Angus Delmonico steak an attempt. The 16-ounce center cut New York sirloin is nothing to sneeze at either. Not just large, the steaks are full of flavor with perfect seasoning and seared to perfection. The menu at Delmonico’s Italian Steakhouse doesn’t end there, however. Chicken is also well represented at Delmonico’s Italian Steakhouse with dishes such as chicken Sinatra, chicken prosciutto, chicken marsala and chicken riggies. The classics like shrimp scampi, veal parmigiana and lasagna are all available as well. Dessert options such as the homemade cannoli and amaretto cheesecake finish off the meal perfectly.

Top review

Robert

Dined 5 days ago

As usual Delmonicos delivers a great dining experience. We use the facility in Orlando and Utica as often as possible and they never miss.

Nostro Restobar and Lounge

4.6

4.6 (505)

$30 and under

Contemporary Italian

Utica

About the restaurant

Nostro connects our approach to modern Italian cuisine with the nostalgia of mid-century modern design. The Oneida National Bank lobby delivers a stylish scene starring simple, user-friendly dishes paired with classic cocktails and prosecco. Our spacious yet intimate dining room mingles alongside the lively energy of the lounge; offering cozy seating for a perfect social setting. With an atmosphere constructed of rich leathers, cherry woods, terrazzo, and a scenic backdrop of a museum-worthy bronze mural, Nostro provokes your senses and fuels your desires to make 268 Genesee St. your new gathering spot.

Top review

Melissa

Dined 6 days ago

The ambience was great. Will come back again. The service was wonderful.

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Popular dish

White Truffle Garlic Bread

Portofino Restaurant & Events

4.6

4.6 (125)

$31 to $50

Italian

Utica

About the restaurant

Nestled on the banks of the picturesque Erie Canal, Portofino is more than just a restaurant – it’s an exquisite taste of Italy in the heart of our beloved city.

Step inside and immerse yourself in an ambiance that blends classic Italian charm with a modern touch. Our menu showcases the rich and diverse flavors of Italy, prepared with passion and the finest ingredients.

Whether you’re seeking a romantic dinner for two, a gathering with friends, or a memorable family celebration, Portofino offers a warm and inviting atmosphere for any occasion. Join us and embark on a culinary journey to Italy without leaving Utica. Buon appetito!

Top review

Anne

Dined 7 days ago

We had a gift card that we’ve been hanging on to. The weather was beautiful and we ate outside. We ordered 3 meatballs for an appetizer. I love the sauce! My filet was amazing! My husband got the chicken parm and he really enjoyed that. The outside seating area is so nice. A great night out!

Chesterfield's Tavolo

4.5

4.5 (426)

$30 and under

Italian

Utica

About the restaurant

The Chesterfield Family invites you to join us on this exciting new journey! After 30 years in the old neighborhood, we have packed up and moved some of our classic dishes into a modern atmosphere. Take your taste buds on an adventure with our NEW menu with contemporary twists on old dishes, as well a few new dishes all together!

Top review

ChrisVIP

Dined on Jun 6, 2025

Greeted quickly by the hostess and seated promptly. Server was excellent, ( friendly, perfect amount of attention throughout meal). Food was tasty and served hot. Not inexpensive but fair given prices today.

The Hawkeye Bar & Grill

4.5

4.5 (550)

$30 and under

American

Cooperstown

About the restaurant

Open year-round, Hawkeye Bar & Grill serves a diverse menu of seasonal favorites in a beautiful location overlooking Lake Otsego. Enjoy an enticing medley of comfort foods and regional specialties, including the best burgers in town, at this exceptional restaurant in Cooperstown, NY. Sample beers, cocktails and cordials while relaxing outside on the seasonal patio, or grab a seat inside.

Top review

David

Dined 3 days ago

We had a wonderful dinner at the Hawkeye Bar & Grill, where the ambiance perfectly complemented the stunning lakeside setting. The food was well-prepared, with a great selection of comfort dishes and regional specialties. The service was attentive and professional, making the experience even more enjoyable. The cocktail menu impressed us, and dining on the patio offered a breathtaking view of Lake Otsego. Overall, the Hawkeye Bar & Grill delivered a memorable and satisfying meal in a refined yet cozy atmosphere.

Rocky’s on the Lake

4.3

4.3 (128)

$30 and under

Italian

Cold Brook

About the restaurant

Restaurant • Bar • Pizzeria

Top review

KathrynVIP

Dined on May 17, 2025

As always, dinner At Rocky's on the Lake was delicious with a great choice of Specials and hand crafted cocktails.