Diners' Choice: Innovative restaurants in Upstate New York

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for the best restaurants that are fit for foodies 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!

Motus

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

The Wedge

4.9

4.9 (48)

$31 to $50

Contemporary French / American

DeWitt

About the restaurant

The Wedge
A cheese-centric bar & restaurant in Eastwood in Syracuse! We focus on cheese based dishes and highlighting seasonal produce. We offer a new menu daily to honor seasonality.
We are open for dinner service Wednesday through Saturday and we serve Brunch on Sundays!
The Wedge is brought to you by The Curd Nerd, an award-winning cheese shop, located right next door.
We focus on community & highlight it by offering a community table!
We do not take reservations for parties larger than 6 on OpenTable & the restaurant does not accommodate parties larger than 8 without a private event.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined 1 day ago

Delicious food and fun vibe! The cocktails were creative and yummy! Sarah, Siraj and Stella have us attentive service. It feels like community.

Sushi by Bou - Albany NY @ City Beer Hall

4.8

4.8 (184)

$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

Oliver

Dined 1 day ago

Easily the best Sushi in Albany! We tried a bunch when we moved here from NYC and were very thankful when we found Sushi by Bou!

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Experience

60 MINUTE, 12-COURSE SIGNATURE OMAKASE $65

Experience

60 MINUTE, 17-COURSE BOUGIE OMAKASE $100

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 3 days ago

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

Innovo Kitchen

4.7

4.7 (2330)

$30 and under

Gastro Pub

Latham

About the restaurant

Chef John LaPosta has had a long and exciting career path which has landed him in the restaurant of his dreams. Along with his partner, Tina Kruger, he has created a wonderful American Gastropub full of great energy, fine hospitality, and of course, outstanding food.

It is his passion for excellence, beaming hospitality and tireless work that have been the hallmarks of John's 30+ years as one of the Capital Region’s most popular chefs. He is known for his outstanding food that he serves to "real" people in a fun and unassuming style. His simple philosophy has always been "put the love on plate." In doing this, people feel comfortable when reading his menus and do not feel as if they need to be a chef themselves to understand it. Inspired food and service in an unassuming manner with outstanding hospitality!

Top review

ShelleyVIP

Dined 5 days ago

Excellent service. We enjoyed the Monday night burgers. Just the right size and amount of sauce, lettuce, tomatoes and cheese. Great onion rings.

Regent Restaurant & Bar

4.7

4.7 (83)

$31 to $50

French

Saratoga Springs

About the restaurant

Dining at Brookmere is more than just a meal—it’s a refined culinary journey at the Regent Restaurant & Bar, our chef-driven, regionally-inspired French brasserie in Saratoga Springs. Indulge in premium cuts, farm-fresh vegetables, and an expertly curated wine list. Every dish is a carefully crafted masterpiece of flavor and presentation, set against an elegant ambiance and complemented by attentive service.

Top review

JenniferVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Wow!!! What a great experience. The renovation to the space is wonderful; it is modern with a bit of a rustic feel. It is a French menu and everything we had was amazing. My husband said the onion soup was the best he’s ever had. Both of our entrees were terrific - I had the cod and he had the chicken. There’s a small bar menu available as well. The service was impeccable and the sommelier was friendly and knowledgeable. My only regret was we didn’t get the bread. When you go, order the bread! It is a basket of in house made bread and a French baguette. It looked amazing. Give Regent a try. It’s worth driving a few minutes out of town to have such a good meal.

Ocean Blue Restaurant & Oyster Bar

4.6

4.6 (1659)

$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

Yury

Dined on Jun 21, 2025

The jewel of Utica. Great place with a rooftop terrace! Food, decor, service are spectacular! Our favorite part: tables are far from each other.

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Popular dish

Signature Lobster Bisque

Texas de Brazil - Syracuse

4.4

4.4 (2625)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Syracuse

About the restaurant

Texas de Brazil, is a Brazilian steakhouse, or churrascaria, that features endless servings of flame-grilled beef, lamb, pork, chicken, and Brazilian sausage as well as an extravagant salad area with a wide array of seasonal chef-crafted items.

Top review

Karen

Dined on Jun 15, 2025

This was our first time visiting Texas de Brazil. I highly recommend and hope to return for another dinner. Thank you for the great experience. Staff was very accommodating and friendly.

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Experience

HAPPY HOUR Mon-Fri

Albany War Room Sushi & Steakhouse

4.4

4.4 (167)

$30 and under

Sushi

Albany

About the restaurant

The Albany War Room Tavern is Albany's finest sushi and steak restaurant located in a political-themed historic tavern in downtown Albany. Award winning Japanese sushi by Chef Saso. Where Albany's A-list celebrities and politicians like to dine. Voted best sushi North of New York City. Nightly entertainment with a hip bar scene. Located across from the Albany Capital Center and the Renaissance Hotel.

Top review

Brian

Dined on Jun 24, 2025

Service was slow, but food was good… they gave us 50% off of our bill

Food Lab

4.3

4.3 (23)

$30 and under

American

Ithaca

About the restaurant

Welcome to Food Lab Kitchen & Bar, located just off the Ithaca Commons. Our ever-evolving selection redefines culinary creativity, blending bold flavors, interactive presentations, and unexpected pairings. Complement your meal with expertly crafted cocktails, curated wines, and a diverse beer selection. Join us in our comfortable casual atmosphere in the heart of Downtown Ithaca.

Top review

Joseph

Dined on Jun 14, 2025

Good overall experience, the food and the service were about average. Definitely try the triple fried potatoes!!

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