Diners' Choice: Neighborhood gem restaurants in Upstate New York

OpenTable

Updated September 05, 2024

Looking for the best restaurants that are the best neighborhood gems 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!

IL FARO

4.9

4.9 (464)

$30 and under

Italian

Albany

About the restaurant

Global whole food to feed omnivores & herbivores with a zero & full proof bar

IL FARO means "The Lighthouse." We envisioned being just that: a beacon in the Albany neighborhood, a safe haven from the stresses of everyday life. Strength and serenity. Creating food that please all of the senses. We believe food should look beautiful, smell amazing and taste delicious. We know that dining out is more than just a meal; it's a great new glass of wine, a much needed break from work, a romantic evening with promise, a perfectly mixed cocktail and a memorable meal that you will crave.

Top review

Stanley

Dined 6 days ago

We love Il Faro. The service is friendly and attentive, and most importantly, the food is always excellent! I love the variety of choices. Something for everyone -- meat, fish, or vegetarian/vegan. And both presentation and taste is always outstanding, no matter what we choose. Good variety of wines as well. It's our favorite restaurant in the area.

Nic's Trattoria

4.9

4.9 (650)

$31 to $50

Contemporary Italian

Albany

About the restaurant

Nic's Trattoria is a casual restaurant offering small plates, wood-fired pizza and homemade pasta. We are currently open Tuesday through Saturday for dinner (seating from 5:00pm until 8:30pm).

Top review

Sue

Dined 3 days ago

As usual our favorite place! Food always on the mark. Service is great. Never disappointed.

CORAY KITCHEN

4.9

4.9 (169)

$31 to $50

Farm-to-table

Delmar

About the restaurant

Please call the restaurant for parties of 6 or more if you don't see any availability.

Warm and intimate neighborhood kitchen and gathering place offering seasonally-driven, globally-inspired flavors by Chef Javier Villatoro. Starting in his home country of Honduras, and spending 15 years as a chef in San Francisco, Coray Kitchen tells the story of how migration shapes who we are, and influences the flavors we find on the plate.

Located in the heart of Delmar, NY, Coray Kitchen delivers an elevated dining experience, fresh oyster bar, craft cocktail program, and down-to-earth atmosphere for the greater Capital Region.

Specializing in farm-to-table, New American and California Cuisine, with a focus on scratch cooking.

Top review

justine

Dined 4 days ago

lovely with beautiful flowers. outdoor dining is in the works. all the help is friendly and helpful and the food is absolutely delicious.

Mason's Grille 52

4.8

4.8 (996)

$30 and under

American

Buffalo

About the restaurant

Welcome to Mason’s Grille 52!

Located on historic Main Street in the Village of Hamburg Mason's is a neighborhood gem. The Ayer family has been proud to serve this
community since 2004. Our goal is to continue providing the best possible experience for our guests.

Mason's Grille offers a comfortable, casual, fine dining experience. Our menu succeeds in satisfying everyone. From tasty appetizers such as our Bacon BBQ Wrapped Shrimp and specialty Flatbreads to a variety of freshly tossed salads, homemade soups, mouthwatering sandwiches, chicken wings and delicious dinners such as Macadamia Crusted Salmon, Certified Black Angus steaks and Bourbon Glazed Pork Chops. Even our desserts are delightful!

Our full-service bar features 10 draft beers ranging from your favorite domestic to some of the best local micro and craft brews around. Mason's also has a full martini and extensive wine list .

Top review

Rebecca

Dined 4 days ago

I always get the lemongrass gnocchi with grilled chicken and it's ALWAYS amazing. And... the new butter for the bread is great addition!

Pasquale's Italian Restaurant-West Seneca

4.7

4.7 (601)

$30 and under

Italian

Buffalo

About the restaurant

Pasquale's has proudly been serving fine Italian food for dining and takeout in WNY since 1975.

Top review

SYLVIAvip

Dined on Aug 23, 2024

This is my go to place for italian and comfort food. Morgan was our waitress tonight and she was awesome.

Tatu Tacos & Tequila

4.7

4.7 (360)

$30 and under

Mexican

Troy

About the restaurant

Chef/Owner Kareem NeJame brings inspired cuisine from the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico, featuring the most extensive library of Tequila & Mezcal in the region, all wrapped in an elegantly funky tattoo art gallery! Thoughtful dishes, exciting cocktails, fun vibes, private and patio dining all come together to bring you Tatu, voted Best New Restaurant and Best Chef in the region for 2021.

Top review

Nancy

Dined on Aug 3, 2024

This was our first visit to Tatu and we thoroughly enjoyed it. Really cool decor and vibe. The house margarita was delicious-made with fresh lime juice and not overly sweet. We shared kibbis and guacamole appetizers which were amazing and super fresh. Everyone enjoyed their meals, which were all very generous portions except the fish tacos. I had the birria which was the best I’ve ever had. Our server was super attentive and very nice. Will definitely go back.

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Popular dish

Birria Tacos

Acropolis OPA

4.6

4.6 (50)

$30 and under

Greek

Buffalo

About the restaurant

Acropolis OPA is a modern Greek/Mediterranean neighborhood restaurant located in the heart of Williamsville, NY. We offer a great breakfast and lunch program and a weekend brunch menu as well. Open 6 days a week 8am-9pm Wednesday through Saturday. Tuesday and Sunday we open 8am-4pm. Mondays we are closed. We are known for our breakfast and lunch and dinner and our signature dish is our Souvlaki Salad. For dinner, Our Roasted Lamb Shank is a must. Authentic dishes like Pastitsio and Mousaka and desserts like Rice Pudding and Bougatsa and Baklava are made in house by Effe who started the restaurant in 1982.

Top review

Fritz19

Dined on Aug 31, 2024

Been there 3 times Once for lunch Twice for dinner Great each time

The Burning Buffalo Bar & Grill

4.6

4.6 (249)

$30 and under

American

Buffalo

About the restaurant

At The Burning Buffalo being a good neighbor is at the forefront of everything we do. We serve our community by providing impeccable food and beverages served with exceptional hospitality. In the spirit of generosity and kindness, we support our neighbors by sponsoring local sports leagues, hosting local events and giving back to the community where we live and work.

We specialize in elevated pub fare, craft cocktails, and craft beer. Come join us for cocktails, dinner, lunch or brunch. We also offer takeout and online ordering.

Top review

RonJ

Dined on Aug 17, 2024

Delicious food and excellent service. Our waitress was very helpful and attentive.

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Popular dish

Steak Burger

Santa Fe Woodstock

4.5

4.5 (42)

$31 to $50

Mexican

Woodstock, New York

About the restaurant

Santa Fe Woodstock is an extension of the Santa Fe family which includes longtime Dutchess county favorite, Santa Fe Restaurant in Tivoli, NY – the Hudson Valley’s original award winning Mexican restaurant, and Santa Fe Uptown, located in the historic Stockade district of Kingston, NY.

For bold foods in a fun and inviting social bar, visit Santa Fe Woodstock in Woodstock, New York. Dine in and takeout flavors include such guest favorites as golden plantains, lobster quesadillas, grilled chicken enchiladas, sweet potato tacos, grilled fish and more. Santa Fe Woodstock provides select vegan and vegetarian dishes, and much of the menu is also gluten free!

The oversized bar provides a long list of imported and local tequila brands to try straight or in a blended cocktail. Santa Fe Classic frozen or rocks margaritas are hand-made, from scratch. Wine by the glass is also available, along with an extensive craft beer selection - draft, cans and bottles.

Top review

Christinevip

Dined on Aug 20, 2024

Allows a pleasant experience. Food is great and Charles takes good care of us!

Little Venice Restaurant

4.3

4.3 (1047)

$30 and under

Italian

Binghamton

About the restaurant

Welcome to the home of Binghamton's original Italian eatery, Little Venice Restaurant. Since 1946, Little Venice has been serving authentic Italian dishes to Greater Binghamton. Little Venice prides itself on its original family recipes, specializing in homemade pasta, a variety of Italian and American entrées and most notably our famous homemade tomato sauce. The sauce recipe is a guarded family secret only known to 3 people.

Top review

Annevip

Dined 4 days ago

As always, good solid Italian food and great service. Thanks!

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