Diners' Choice: Contemporary American restaurants in Upstate New York

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants with the best overall Contemporary American cuisine in Upstate New York? You’re in the right place. Each month OpenTable analyzes more than 400,000 new diner reviews. We sort the results by category to help you discover new favorites. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Century House - Latham, NY

4.9

4.9 (1418)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Latham

About the restaurant

The Century House Restaurant, located in Latham, New York, is a premiere fine dining establishment well known in the Capital Region for its steak and lobster fare. Order online for pickup or delivery today or stop in and enjoy the comforting ambiance of a historic eatery on U.S. Route 9.

Our Federal-style restaurant allows our community to share a good meal, good company, and important celebrations in their lives. We offer several private dining rooms perfect for small parties and events for any occasion.

Speaking of community, our Enjoy One, Share One program has provided over one million meals to the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York. Dining with us helps to give back to the local community one meal at a time.

Top review

Sean

Dined on May 21, 2025

Great Prime Rib, great Old-fashioned cocktails. Excellent service.

Wildflowers at Turning Stone

4.8

4.8 (1232)

$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

Edward

Dined 4 days ago

Beef Short ribs and Salmon were outstanding, server was very knowledgeable and had a pleasant personality. 4th time there and thoroughly enjoyed it every time

Beyond the Sea

4.8

4.8 (622)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Lake George

About the restaurant

Contemporary American restaurant with live jazz, bourbon and electric fun menu. Located in the heart of quaint Bolton Landing. We pride ourselves in the quality of our ingredients and the dining experience that we deliver.

Top review

Greg

Dined 2 days ago

Food was delicious. The sea bass and pea risotto was some of the best i have ever had . Wish the dining room wasnt so dark. know it romantic vibe . It was a bright sunny warm day outside and it would be nice if they had better lighting to make it feel light and airy . A

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Popular dish

Maine Lobster Ravioli

The Daisy

4.8

4.8 (22)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Cohoes

About the restaurant

The Daisy: Where Flavor Blooms in Cohoes

Step into The Daisy, a vibrant haven of culinary creativity and cozy charm. Our menu features a global tapestry of fresh, seasonal ingredients with a whimsical twist.

Indulge in creative small plates like our fried burrata and rosemary lemon white bean dip. For heartier options, enjoy our delicious flatbreads, burgers, and pasta dishes.

Quench your thirst with refreshing cocktails, inventive margaritas, craft beers, and a curated wine list.

The Daisy is more than just a restaurant; it's an experience. Our warm atmosphere and friendly staff make you feel at home. Perfect for any occasion—date nights, catching up with friends, or family dinners.

Come discover The Daisy, where every bite is an adventure!

Top review

Lilia

Dined 2 days ago

loved it. will definitely be back. the girls who work there killed it! and the food was amazing!

Yono's Restaurant

4.5

4.5 (1106)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Albany

About the restaurant

Step into Yono's, Albany's world-class dining destination for almost 40 years! A two-time "Top 100 Restaurants" winner, Yono's is now even more exquisite.

Under Dominick Purnomo's guidance, our intimately elegant, recently renovated dining room shines with neutral tones, bronzed mirrors, a grand fireplace, and a crystal chandelier—a vision of refined luxury.

Prepare to embark on an unforgettable gastronomic journey with an innovative menu that masterfully blends the precision of French technique, the vibrant essence of Asian influence, and the finest American ingredients. Each dish is a tribute to the rich culinary legacy of founding Chef Yono Purnomo, promising flavors that are both familiar and excitingly new. Our 4-star service staff anticipate your needs, while Sommelier Josh Turo's wine list boasts some 1000 labels.

Experience the luxury and elegance of a bygone era, perfected for today.

Top review

EstellaVIP

Dined 2 days ago

The tasting menu and wine pairings were perfect! Thank you to the staff for taking such good care of us. This is a terrific place for a special occasion.

Phoebe's Restaurant & Coffee Lounge

4.8

4.8 (651)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Syracuse

About the restaurant

Originally known as Phoebe's Garden Café, the restaurant has a long and colorful history in Syracuse. Local lore claims that the building was originally a brothel, and Phoebe was its madam.
In the summer of 2004, Phoebe's experienced a refreshing makeover with a bright new look in the atrium dining room with fresh paint, new upholstery, and artwork. The coffee lounge also opened that year, and it became an instant hit with the surrounding university and business crowd. Those changes also warranted a new name to reflect the updated attitude and ambiance: Phoebe's Restaurant and Coffee Lounge. Classic elements of Phoebe's remain untouched—the French onion soup and enticing crème brulee, for example, but other menu items change seasonally.
The Lounge also has its own seating area and free wireless internet capabilities. Phoebe's old world charm is right at home in a revitalized area of the city.

Top review

Gail

Dined on Jun 26, 2025

Phoebe's is always excellent! Great food and friendly, efficient service! A fantastic place and experience.

Bacchus Wine Bar & Restaurant

4.7

4.7 (2813)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Buffalo

About the restaurant

Bacchus wine bar and restaurant is located in the historic Calumet building in the heart of Buffalo's entertainment district. A seasonal menu highlights the best available ingredients from local and regional farms. Together with our Wine Spectator award winning wine list, this elegant yet casual restaurant has continually been ranked as one of Buffalo's best.

Top review

Kay

Dined 6 days ago

Server was very helpful with selection of gluten free items on the menu - quite a few options! Wines by the glass nicely priced. Always enjoy it here!

Carte Blanche

4.6

4.6 (1646)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Hamburg

About the restaurant

The Carte Blanche Team is passionate about combining fresh ingredients to create a local cuisine for the Hamburg NY area. We are dedicated to creating an atmosphere that is both friendly and inviting for our local residents and visitors.
During this time we must follow all CDC guidelines regarding masks.
Guests must arrive promptly for their reservation wearing a mask. When moving throughout our space we require you to be wearing face covering correctly. Guests who arrive without masks will not be allowed to enter. Please understand that we are trying to keep our staff, their families and you safe during this time.
Reservations are given a 15 minute grace period. We ask that if you are going to arrive late or if you have to cancel your reservation please alert us as soon as possible. Given our smaller capacity all tables are given a 90 minute time limit to ensure proper sanitation and so that we can seat future reservations in a timely manner.

Top review

Imad

Dined on Jun 25, 2025

The food was delicious and the staff warm, professional and knowledgeable

Gerties

4.4

4.4 (39)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Buffalo

About the restaurant

Specializing in modern comfort food, Gertie’s in New York provides a vintage country atmosphere that gives patrons a relaxing chance at a fresh breath of air away from the city noise. Recipes change weekly and are influenced by diners from all across the world. Lunch offers specialty comfort items such as baked sweet potato fries, meatloaf, hand made pizzas and sandwiches. Gertie’s is made famous for its baked desserts, offering unique and custom twists on modern delicacies. The restaurant offers such desserts as ganache brownies, carrot cake and scones. Gertie’s gives New York diners a chance to experience the warmth and radiance of country family living, with many patrons returning to see that some of their favorite dishes have been added to the menu. With a certificate of excellence, the restaurant is a fresh step into a vintage home with a modern flair.

Top review

HelenH

Dined 3 days ago

It was great food, but I was just a little surprised they do not serve bread

42N at The Flats

4.5

4.5 (76)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Buffalo

About the restaurant

42 North at The Flats is home to 42 North Brewing Company’s downtown taproom located in the historic Wurlitzer Flats building. In the heart of Buffalo’s theater district, craft beers and a full bar are complimented by creative and contemporary artisan fare from Queen City Bistro. Whether you are stopping in for a beverage or a full meal, 42 North at The Flats is designed to offer a great experience for all.

Reservations open 6 weeks in advance for bookings

Top review

Michael

Dined 2 days ago

Service was great. Enjoyed my burger. Beer is excellent.

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