Diners' Choice: Innovative restaurants in New York State

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for the best restaurants that are fit for foodies in New York State? 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!

Blackbird Kitchen & Cocktails

4.9

4.9 (1220)

$50 and over

American

Wantagh

About the restaurant

Blackbird Kitchen and Cocktails brings to Long Island the passion and heart of brother-in-law duo determined to bring a taste of the finest cuisine to the South Shore. Seasonally inspired small plates that support local farms and ingredients are complemented by a meticulous cocktail, beer and wine menu. Fresh seafood, premium meats, handpicked produce and homemade pastas are the essence of a menu thats always evolving. Easy elegance meets cozy intimacy in the handcrafted interior that makes every experience memorable.

Top review

JohnVIP

Dined 6 days ago

great cocktails and food. Service was also great. A bit expensive

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Experience

Chef's Tasting Menu

Special Events & Public Tours at The Culinary Institute of America - Hyde Park

4.8

4.8 (326)

$50 and over

American

Hyde Park

About the restaurant

With scenic views of the Hudson River, award-winning, student-run restaurants, and a campus rich in history (and food!), The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY is a foodie destination like no other in the Hudson Valley. See upcoming special events and experiences below!

Check out our CIA Experience, available select Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

Top review

Patricia

Dined 6 days ago

This was a visitor’s tour of the Culinary Institute of America. It was well-conducted and informative, and the student tour guides were a delight.

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Experience

The CIA Experience--Taste, Learn, Tour

Experience

CIA Experience-Taste, Learn, Tour Saturdays 4:30pm

Experience

Beefsteak Dinner--11th Annual

Kinha Sushi Japanese Fusion Cuisine

4.8

4.8 (68)

$31 to $50

Japanese

Garden City

About the restaurant

Fine Authentic Japanese Fusion Cuisine in a Contemporary Atmosphere
We use only the finest and freshest ingredients in all of our dishes, as well as at our expansive Sushi Bar.

Please enjoy the warmth of our hospitality and our dedication to offering you elegant, innovative, and sophisticated dishes. Our restaurant features a spectrum of delectable Japanese Fusion, with unique signature items such as the Kinha Love Bowl, Spicy Tuna Pizza, and Peking Duck Crepes. For the traditional Sushi & Sashimi fan, our fresh sushi bar has your taste buds covered! Whether you are seeking a power lunch special or a night out with friends and family, our goal is to provide our guests with a superlative, relaxing dining experience.

Top review

annVIP

Dined on Jun 24, 2025

Great food! Great service! I recommend it highly.

Shiraz Kitchen & Wine Bar - White Plains

4.7

4.7 (754)

$30 and under

Mediterranean

White Plains

About the restaurant

Welcome to Shiraz Kitchen & Wine Bar in White Plains! Here, Mediterranean magic awaits you with flavors that transport and a vibe that brings you back again and again.

Why We're a Hit:

Michelin Bib Gourmand: 2020, 2021, 2022

"Very Good" by The New York Times: 2016

Top 35 Most Delicious Middle Eastern Restaurants in the U.S.

Dive into Deliciousness:
Our menu is a vibrant feast of Mediterranean delights, inspired by family recipes passed down through generations. Pair your meal perfectly from our curated wine list featuring 175 labels and 25 wines by the glass, or celebrate with a handcrafted cocktail—each sip is something special!

The Perfect Spot:
Whether you're planning a casual gathering, special celebration, or a relaxed night out, our cozy-chic atmosphere and welcoming team promise you'll feel right at home.
Join Us:
Discover what makes Shiraz Kitchen & Wine Bar your next favorite dining destination. We can't wait to welcome you!

Explore more at www.shirazkitchen.com

Top review

john

Dined 6 days ago

Absolutely loved....! Food was out-of-this-world tasty, wines were flowing, and the vibes were pure joy. Can’t wait to go back!

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Experience

Daily Happy Hour

Experience

Shiraz Soirée - $85 Per Guest Package

Experience

Gastronomy Gala - $105 per guest (includes drinks)

Sawasdee Thai Elevated

4.6

4.6 (426)

$30 and under

Thai

Plainview

About the restaurant

We have a 10 minute grace period. Please call us if you are running later than 10 minutes after your reservation. Groups 5 or more subject to 20% service charge.

Tables will be reserved for 1 hour and 30 minutes for parties up to 4; 1 hour and 45 minutes for parties of up to 6; and 2 hours for parties of 7+.

Sawasdee (sah-wah-DEE) is spoken both as a greeting and a farewell. Sawasdee Thai Elevated brings authentic Thai cuisine to Long Island in a setting that is warm, inviting and stylish.
Our founders began their journey in the heart of Thailand. Owner John Conrad met his wife Walailak in Thailand, where she was born and raised. John lived and worked in Thailand for 5 yrs and adored the experience. He looked for a way to bring an authentic Thai cultural experience back to America.
That’s how Sawasdee was born: as a restaurant that combines authentic Thai cuisine with modern dining. Thai food is all about marrying complexity with harmony, Sawasdee aims to continue that tradition.

Top review

John

Dined on Jun 18, 2025

Very good food, excellent service, very pleasant staff, I would recommend this to anyone that enjoys Thai food

Maldon & Mignonette

4.6

4.6 (190)

$30 and under

American

Sea Cliff

About the restaurant

Maldon & Mignonette is an authentic American Bistro with a seasonal rustic flare. All dishes are “SEASONED WITH AUTHORITY”. The menu provides all customers with a chance to appreciate seasonal cuisine showcasing what the island has to offer. Chef Occhipinti creates his menu of classics, with an emphasis on seasonality, simplicity, and flavor. Here at Maldon & Mignonette we pride ourselves on authentic food and chic ambiance. The next best thing about eating food, is talking about it.

Top review

katherine

Dined on Jun 15, 2025

Amazing!! Thank you for a great fathers day brunch

Nisen Sushi - Commack

4.5

4.5 (560)

$31 to $50

Creative Japanese

Commack

About the restaurant

Nisen Sushi is a contemporary Japanese restaurant.

Top review

Ariana

Dined 5 days ago

Great sushi and drinks. Wasabi was fresh. Service was good

The Social Fusion Restaurant

4.5

4.5 (17)

$31 to $50

Fusion / Eclectic

Hauppauge

About the restaurant

At The Social Fusion Restaurant, we believe in blending the best of global culinary traditions to create a one-of-a-kind dining experience. Nestled in Hauppauge, New York, our kitchen crafts innovative dishes using locally sourced ingredients, highlighting flavors from around the world. Beyond the table, and immerse yourself in the intrigue of our hidden Speakeasy, where handcrafted cocktails and a warm atmosphere await. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or simply seeking a memorable evening out, The Social Fusion Restaurant promises an unforgettable fusion of tastes and traditions.

Top review

TheresaVIP

Dined on Jun 7, 2025

I had a wonderful dinner here! The food was delicious • everything we ordered was flavorful and well prepared, best martini I’ve ever had. The ambience of the place was really nice, cozy with really comfortable chairs a cool bar with a gigantic tv which they had the ufc fights on. The staff was welcoming, friendly and polite which added to the overall positive vibe. The had a speak easy we went to after dinner around a back wall that had a DJ, Jenga, Chess/Checkers comfy couches and chairs. The place was not packed at all I don’t think they advertise because if they did it would be really hard to get in. Definitely a hidden gem I will be back and telling everyone about it. This is a must go to restaurant you will not be disappointed.

Chutney Masala

4.4

4.4 (610)

$31 to $50

Indian

Irvington

About the restaurant

Discover Chutney Masala – Westchester’s premier Indian restaurant and a proud Michelin Bib Gourmand winner. Led by James Beard–recognized Chef Navjot Arora, our menu showcases bold, authentic Indian cuisine from street food favorites like pani poori, avocado papdi chaat, and kati rolls to classics like chicken tikka masala, saag paneer, and our fragrant, slow-cooked biryanis. Voted Best Indian Restaurant in Westchester and praised by The New York Times, Chutney Masala blends vibrant flavors with warm hospitality. Whether you're joining us for our popular lunch specials, a celebration, or a casual coworker meetup, expect an unforgettable dining experience just minutes from the Hudson River. For 17 years, food lovers have returned for our rich flavors, inventive dishes, and welcoming ambiance. Come taste why we're one of the top-rated Indian restaurants in New York.

Top review

Josefa

Dined on Jun 18, 2025

Excellent in every way. Even the leftovers were memorable. I’ll be back.

Birdsall House

4.3

4.3 (237)

$30 and under

Gastro Pub

Peekskill

About the restaurant

Established in 2010 by Tim Reinke and John Sharp, the Birdsall House quickly became a destination for craft beer and locally sourced cuisine (some from our own garden!) in the Hudson Valley. Chef Sturgess Spanos, a French-trained veteran, showcases his talent and flair for innovation, which compliment the gastropub's beer-centric beverage program. The Birdsall House Beer Garden opened in 2011 offering patio dining and picnic tables for groups to congregate and socialize over a pint. We look forward to your visit.

Top review

NancyVIP

Dined on Jun 13, 2025

Excellent server, Nick T., responsive to special request and food sensitivities. Food was very good for Gastropub fare. I had the fried chicken sandwich and the chicken was perfectly cooked. The bacon and onion jam was a delicious addition. The option of outdoor seating was nice but we remained indoors because of the threat of rain.

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