Diners' Choice: Good for special occasions restaurants in Mohawk Valley

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for the best special occasion restaurants 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!

Discover more

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

Discover more

Experience

Summer Sunday dinner Series

1909

4.9

4.9 (142)

$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

Blair

Dined 7 days ago

A wonderful experience from start to finish! Such a lovely surprise in this small town.

Wildflowers at Turning Stone

4.8

4.8 (1229)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Verona

About the restaurant

Experience a delightful display of culinary dishes as traditional continental cuisine is prepared to your exact preference by Chef Joseph Kolo. Discover our exquisite weekend brunch offerings for an unforgettable dining experience.

Top review

DawnVIP

Dined on Jun 10, 2025

The service was exceptional and the food was outstanding.

TS Steakhouse at Turning Stone

4.8

4.8 (3801)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Verona

About the restaurant

Located atop the Tower, TS Steakhouse features panoramic views and craft cocktails in our penthouse bar and sky-view balcony, plus an exquisite selection of steakhouse favorites created with seasonal accents. The restaurant and bar are smoke-free, but for those who like to linger over a cigar after dinner, there’s an intimate smoking parlor with its own spectacular views. TS Steakhouse has received the Casino Player Magazine Best View and Best Romantic Restaurant in New York awards including the Forbes Travel Guide Four Star Award.

Top review

mike

Dined 2 days ago

The NY Strip Steak was amazing. Full of flavor. Creamed spinach is always amazing . We were fortunate to have Erik as both our bartender and waiter. He is the best, and makes the best Cosmo ever.

Discover more

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.

Discover more

Popular dish

Signature Lobster Bisque

Pino Bianco at Turning Stone

4.7

4.7 (3985)

$31 to $50

Italian

Verona

About the restaurant

Choose either the dining room with its classic red-and-white checked tablecloths, or the casual charm of indoor patio seating near the fountain rotunda. Both serve the same delicious menu that blends “old world” and “new world” Italian specialties -- our homage to northern Italy and its rustic, hearty comfort food. Bar Pino, adjacent to the restaurant, offers a comfortable setting to sip some vino while waiting for your table, or before or after a show.

Top review

christian

Dined 2 days ago

The Filet Mignon was exceptional. Not sure if something was changed but it was the best tasting in all of my visits.

Peach Blossom at Turning Stone

4.7

4.7 (1625)

$31 to $50

Asian

Verona

About the restaurant

Peach Blossom incorporates primarily Chinese and Thai Cuisine. Both are well known for their variety, fresh ingredients, unique blend of flavors and their sweet to spicy flavors. Our chefs create innovative and artistic dishes that not only satisfy your palate but delight your eyes.

Top review

Darline

Dined 6 days ago

Service was very good. The staff were attentive and friendly. The food was pretty good.

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!

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.

Explore Diners' Choice best of Mohawk Valley

Explore more Diners' Choice lists