Diners' Choice: Romantic restaurants in Upstate New York

OpenTable

Updated September 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants that are the most romantic 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!

The Horned Dorset Inn

4.9

4.9 (431)

$31 to $50

French

Cooperstown

About the restaurant

The Horned Dorset Inn is the quintessential destination for memorable fine dining and lodging in central New York, serving seasonal, contemporary and classical French cuisine. Chef Wratten combines produce from the restaurant’s own organic gardens with locally produced meats and cheeses. Fish is an affinity for the chef, given 25 years at his signature restaurant in Rincon, Puerto Rico, and vegetarians will delight in his mindful creations. Aaron is an alumnus of “Aureole” under Charlie Palmer and “Restaurant Daniel” under Daniel Boulud. Located in a beautifully restored historical building, in the small town of Leonardsville it has been lovingly managed by the same family for nearly 44 years. Information about accommodations in their gracious Victorian inn and off-premises catering are available on the website or by phone.

Top review

Patricia

Dined 7 days ago

We go there every year, they never disappoint! A rare find in central rural New York.

BUFFALO CHOPHOUSE - PRIME STEAKS & FRESH SEAFOOD

4.8

4.8 (3283)

$50 and over

Steak

Buffalo

About the restaurant

Buffalo Chophouse is Western New York's premier steakhouse, serving only the finest USDA Prime steaks as well as a selection of fresh, succulent seafood. Located in the heart of Buffalo’s Theater District, we are in close proximity to Shea's PAC, the Convention Center, KeyBank Center, and all major downtown hotels. Buffalo Chophouse is the perfect place to begin or end your evening, celebrate a special occasion, or simply treat yourself to the most fabulous dining experience offered in the WNY area. Whether you prefer filet mignon, strip steaks, ribeye or lobster, our knowledgeable service staff and reputable kitchen team offer our guests an exclusive dining experience. Make a selection from our expansive wine cellar, sip on handcrafted cocktails prepared by our veteran bartenders, and be sure to indulge with a decadent dessert to conclude your memorable experience.

Established in 2002, Buffalo Chophouse remains WNY's most dependable steakhouse for the ultimate dining experience.

Top review

Judyvip

Dined 4 days ago

Outstanding! We sat at the bar and enjoyed every bit of our dinning experience. It was professionally served by Micki the bartender. The food to the drinks were outstanding. We celebrated two birthdays. It was a fabulous evening.

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4.8

4.8 (90)

$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

zhanneta

Dined 4 days ago

Meet 1909 Restaurant, your go-to expert in all things food and dining. They're passionate about sharing their love for delicious meals and creating unforgettable culinary experiences. With their inviting and warm approach, they'll take you on a journey to a world of delightful flavors and unforgettable dining moments. Whether you're a foodie, a romantic, or simply someone who loves the finer things in life...

Russell's Steaks, Chops, and More

4.7

4.7 (7923)

$31 to $50

Steak

Buffalo

About the restaurant

ONE OF THE TOP STEAKHOUSES IN NY STATE, RANKED TOP 5 LAST 7 YEARS. Come see for yourself what 70 years of hard work has created. Russ Salvatore continues to work every night insuring perfection. While completing his finest vision yet, Russ and his team have created a Steak House that continues to impress. While In Buffalo experience genuine hospitality and a delicious cuisine all under one roof at the new Salvatore’s Grand Hotel and his signature restaurant… Russell’s Steaks, Chops & More.

TOP 100 ROMANTIC RESTAURANTS IN AMERICA.
Start your evening with something special from our vibrant menu. With service and quality above the rest, we have pulled out all the stops to create an intimate atmosphere for your dining experience with modern décor and hand-crafted finishing touches

Enjoy!

Top review

Ruth

Dined 5 days ago

I love to go to Russell’s for a special occasion .The ambience is incredible and the food very tastefully presented. and delicious.The service outstanding .Pricier than the norm but very nice.Makes you feel special

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4.7

4.7 (91)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Syracuse

About the restaurant

The Tasting room is a unique dining experience in the heart of Downtown Syracuse (just a few doors away from the Landmark Theatre). Experience our passion for great food, wine and whiskey in a relaxing environment where you're welcome to linger as long as you want.

Our menu changes monthly. Chef de Cuisine J Carlos Rodriguez who is classically French trained, but enjoys global cuisines crafts his dishes from the best and freshest ingredients that taste as amazing as the plates look. And many of our offerings are gluten free.

You can't enjoy food, without libations... we offer craft cocktails, craft beers and a wine and whiskey list that is unmatched. Our wines and whiskeys are curated from around the world. We also offer tastings and flights.

Live Music on Fridays 6p-9p
Happy Hour Tuesday-Saturday
Jazz the last Saturday of the month
Local artwork featured on our wall is from artist Craig Anderson
And while you're here, check out our gourmet food store next door, Epicuse.

Top review

Elizabeth

Dined on Aug 29, 2024

This is my second time eating at The Tasting Room. Before leaving the first time, I knew I would bring my family back for another meal. It is a few doors down from The Landmark Theater making it a perfect place to eat before seeing a show. (You also get street parking space early, a definite plus in that part of Syracuse.) The ambiance is wonderfully calm. And the staff is beyond welcoming. The seasonal menu means you always get to enjoy something new on return trips. The food is simple but flavorful and filling, and not overpriced for what you get. The desserts are also fantastic. It’s hard to choose just one! I highly recommend The Tasting Room for anyone befor seeing a show at The Landmark or for any special occasion.

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Experience

Happy Hour Menu

Experience

Friday Vibes with Live Music

Experience

7 Course Tasting Menu (available daily 6p-8:30p)

The Chateau on the Lake

4.5

4.5 (1566)

$50 and over

Contemporary European

Lake George

About the restaurant

Kids 12 and under are welcome only at the 5pm seating.

Welcome to the Chateau, as aired on the Food Networks series Summer Rush.

It is with great pleasure and 20 years of traveling that we bring you our interpretation and flair of the American gusto to traditional European dishes. We offer something for everyone and we invite you to explore your palette and indulge in our fresh ingredients and attention to detail and cleanliness. Whether joining us for homemade bread and coffee in the morning, stopping in for wine tasting, Italian meats, and cheese for your afternoon pleasures, or escaping for a date night, an exquisite experience awaits you.

Top review

Dave

Dined 5 days ago

Our first time here, we had seen this restaurant on Food Network's "Summer Rush", it did not disappoint. We had the Escargot app, it was great. My wife had the Calamari app, for dinner, while I had the Chicken Cordon Bleu, both were delicious, service was prompt and pleasant.

Shepard's at Erlowest

4.5

4.5 (480)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Lake George

About the restaurant

Experience a truly exceptional dining opportunity at Shepard's at Erlowest, situated overlooking the picturesque Lake George.

Nestled within a historic stone mansion crafted in 1898, Shepards offers a serene ambiance for a one-of-a-kind dining experience. Immerse yourself in the captivating history of our Queen Anne mansion, where you can savor your meal in the cozy fireplace dining room or on the veranda which offers outstanding lake views.

Chef Scott Dewar, our talented culinary maestro, consistently delights diners with an array of daily specials, showcasing his culinary expertise and diverse menu offerings.

Please note the bar is open for lighter fare at 3pm daily. The restaurant serves dinner from Wednesday to Monday.

Reservations subject to $25/person cancellation fee within 48 hours.

Top review

Larryvip

Dined 5 days ago

We are from California and I checked online for reviews for this restaurant before traveling to Lake George. We were not disappointed. Natalie the bartender was excellent as was our server Alexandra. The ambience is traditional and very nice. The food was beyond excellent. If I had this restaurant where I live I would be there all the time. Excellent chef

Italian Prime at Salvatore's

4.4

4.4 (4232)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Cheektowaga

About the restaurant

Established in 1967, ITALIAN | PRIME at Salvatore's is recognized as one of Western New York's premier full-service fine dining restaurant. The chefs have created an inspired menu with Steaks, Seafood and Italian Cuisine. Awards include the DiRONA and the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence — Two Cups.

Our team of Chefs are continually updating the menu and services with creative offerings and is now noted as Buffalo's only Italian Steakhouse.

The Chandelier Bar, at Salvatore's, has become a destination on its own. The Salvatores have created a relaxing contemporary space for a casual meal, happy hours, weekday specials and live music.

Salvatore's Hospitality, also offers two boutique hotels. The Garden Place Hotel and The Delavan Hotel and Spa offer hotel, Spa and dinner packages, perfect for a quick getaway, and out of town guests. Buffalo Niagara International Airport shuttle service is complimentary with your hotel rese

Top review

Carlosvip

Dined on Aug 9, 2024

Every time we go the we have great food awesome service

River Pavilion

4.3

4.3 (65)

$31 to $50

American

Kingston

About the restaurant

Wood-burning ovens and ingredients sourced from nearby farms are the centerpieces of River Pavilion - Hutton Brickyards' open-air restaurant located on the banks of the Hudson River. By daylight, sunset and starlight, guests enjoy a pageant of clouds, color, and activity on the water.

Enjoy a cocktail in our lounge and then a delicious meal near one of our many fireplaces. Lose track of time and enjoy course upon course of elevated cuisine inspired by the Hudson Valley’s bounty.

Top review

Nancy

Dined 6 days ago

This was my second visit to the river, Pavilion, and it was better than my first experience. The first time I went, I was impressed by the ambience and the views, but the food was mediocre. This time the food overall was much better I just ordered eggs, bacon, and grilled toast from the sides part of the menu and was very happy. My dining companions had burgers which they loved, and the other had avocado toast eggs Benedict which she declared was the best eggs Benedict she had had in a long time. Overall, on a beautiful Sunday morning, I couldn’t imagine a nicer place to have a brunch.

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Experience

Oktoberfest Specials at River Pavilion

Kanu @ The Whiteface Lodge

4.1

4.1 (654)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Lake Placid

About the restaurant

Sophisticated Adirondack-inspired cuisine is elevated by magnificent mountain views at Kanu. Hand-hewn log beams and granite stone fireplaces add rustic warmth to an unforgettable dining experience.

Top review

ralph

Dined on Sep 1, 2024

Great experience. Great service and food. Lovely atmosphere.

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