Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Upstate New York

Diners' Choice: Good for special occasions restaurants in Upstate New York

Red OpenTable logo
OpenTable
Updated October 05, 2024

Looking for the best special occasion restaurants 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!


A photo of Ancora! restaurant
4.9
4.9 (571)
$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
Deborah
Dined on Oct 21, 2024
Ancora is one of my most favorite Restaurants!! The food and staff are excellent ... You will not be disappointed!! Deb Dempsey Scialdo
A photo of Russell's Steaks, Chops, and More restaurant
4.8
4.8 (7966)
$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
Heather
Dined 7 days ago
Outstanding service and the steak was amazing! You cannot beat the experience at Russell's Steak, Chops, and More! We will be back, SOON!
A photo of Giancarlo's restaurant
4.8
4.8 (3457)
$50 and over
Steakhouse
Buffalo
About the restaurant
Our Sicilian Steakhouse is an original concept that celebrates the Sicilian-immigrant culinary experience. Referred to as the "original fusion cuisine," Sicilian food is a historical mosaic influenced by the various conquering nations. Traces of Greece, North Africa, Rome, the Middle East, Germanic nations, France, Spain, and Italy are evident in traditional Sicilian cuisine. At Giancarlo's, our love of history-rich Sicilian cuisine is combined with our interpretation of both the great American Steakhouse and the Neapolitan Pizzeria.
Top review
Sheila
Dined 5 days ago
Celebrated my birthday which when the host greeted me at the door they also had the menu with happy birthday printed so you can keep. The food and drinks were outstanding it was my first time there Def worth going again.
A photo of BUFFALO CHOPHOUSE - PRIME STEAKS & FRESH SEAFOOD restaurant
4.7
4.7 (3322)
$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
Derwickvip
Dined 2 days ago
Food and service were outstanding. The braised short ribs were excellent.
A photo of black & blue Steak and Crab - Buffalo restaurant
4.7
4.7 (2636)
$50 and over
Steakhouse
Buffalo
About the restaurant
black & blue Steak and Crab sets the bar for the New American Steakhouse; elegant yet unpretentious, sophisticated yet approachable. b&b offers an inventive design and an unparalleled, vibrant ambiance for you and your guests. Our inspired cuisine coupled with our gracious hospitality is perfect for your special occasion dinner, night out with friends, family gathering or executive business event. black & blue also offers a variety of private rooms and tailor made menus for large groups. We would be happy to help plan your next business meeting or celebratory function. Whether it’s an intimate party, a lavish reception, or an important business meeting, you can be certain the black & blue experience will be effortless and memorable. The Club Room accommodates up to 45 guests for a sit-down meal. The Board Room accommodates up to 20 guests for a sit-down meal. You are sure to find a wine you like in their 20 foot climate controlled wine rack.
Top review
OpenTable Diner
Dined 3 days ago
Fantastic all around. Best ribeye ever! Dipping sauces were nice treat.
A photo of Daniella’s Seafood and Pasta House restaurant
4.7
4.7 (331)
$31 to $50
Steakhouse
Syracuse
About the restaurant
Nestled within the New York State Fair Grounds (at the former Empire Room), we are open Thursday through Saturday. Our menu features an array of dishes including seafood, pasta, chicken, steak, duck and more. During warm months our patio is open for casual outdoor dining.

*Please note all of our menu prices are listed as a cash discount price. We will gladly accept your credit card with a small 3.75% non-cash fee.

Top review
Edward
Dined on Oct 25, 2024
It is a true hidden gem! Tucked away inside the NYS Fairgrounds it is actually more convenient since there's ample parking and pretty much in a secured area. Upon arrival we were greeted by a friendly hostess and sat down at a table that is surely a delight for two since it's larger than the average. Food was impeccable and the drinks were spot on. Our server Adam was very pleasant and attentive. I highly recommend Daniella's if you want a more private intimate gathering without the hassle of traffic.
A photo of Ciao Bella restaurant
4.7
4.7 (111)
$30 and under
Italian
Monticello
About the restaurant
Ciao Bella Restaurant
Northern Italian Cuisine

Top review
Andrew
Dined 3 days ago
Exceptional service. The food and beverage was excellent. Highly recommend to all.
A photo of Ruth's Chris Steak House - Albany restaurant
4.7
4.7 (712)
$31 to $50
Steakhouse
Albany
About the restaurant
Ruth's Chris Steak House in Albany serves the finest USDA Prime beef available, broiled at 1,800° and served on 500° plates, so your steak stays hot, juicy and delicious from first bite to last. Enjoy our New Orleans-inspired appetizers, USDA Prime steaks, fresh seafood, signature side dishes and homemade desserts. All this while you enjoy our warm, inviting atmosphere and Ruth’s Chris’ genuine hospitality. So, whether you’re a regular or have just been wondering what all the buzz is about, Ruth's Chris is the perfect excuse to enjoy the perfect night out. Dinner is served nightly, reservations are suggested, and private dining and offsite catering may be arranged.
Top review
Katherinevip
Dined 5 days ago
Food was amazing and our server was well trained and fun!
A photo of Albany War Room Sushi & Steakhouse restaurant
4.2
4.2 (139)
$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
Edwin
Dined on Oct 21, 2024
We had an excellent sushi dinner at The War Room before attending a concert at The Egg. It was good that we had made a reservation in the dining room through Open Table, or we would have had to sit at the bar downstairs. Our server was pleasant, helpful and attentive. We enjoyed the Omakase sushi dinner, a wonderful assortment of appetizers, special plates, very fresh and delicious sushi and dessert. It was plenty of food for two of us.
Explore Diners' Choice best of Upstate New York
Explore more Diners' Choice lists
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Businesses
  • Restaurant reservation software
  • Industry insights
  • Hospitality resources
  • Marketing resources
  • Operation resources
  • How to open a restaurant
  • For restaurants
  • For restaurant groups
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo