Diners' Choice: Neighborhood gem restaurants in New York State

OpenTable

Updated May 05, 2025

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

Aperiti

5.0

5 (78)

$30 and under

Italian

Scarsdale

About the restaurant

Aperti is serving appetizers, Pizza, mains, cheese and charcuterie boards, select wines, and cocktails. A very intimate, cozy spot Ideal for friends and family dining and private events!

Top review

BarbaraVIP

Dined 5 days ago

Friends wanted to try Aperiti and we hesitant because it can be really noisy. We were relieved to find only a few tables were filled and the room was quiet and cozy. The hostess had called us to let us know a number of the dishes on the menu were not available. We had a wonderful meal because the food and service are always good. Please install noise cancelling panels to make the restaurant more inviting.

Il Villagio Trattoria Italiana

5.0

5 (58)

$31 to $50

Italian

Malverne

About the restaurant

Your go-to Italian spot in Malverne, serving classics in an upscale setting.

Top review

LorraineVIP

Dined 7 days ago

Always a welcome and fun experience at our favorite place!

Heirloom Tavern

4.9

4.9 (1279)

$31 to $50

American

Glen Head

About the restaurant

Heirloom Tavern features gastro pub offerings in a comfortable and casual setting.
Thank you for considering to join us.

Top review

joanVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Amazing specials tonight. Watermelon salad was delicious and will be a great summer addition, cool and refreshing. As always, best Paella around.

La Fontanella - Pelham

4.9

4.9 (463)

$30 and under

Italian

Pelham

About the restaurant

La Fontanella

115 Wolfs Lane, Pelham, N.Y. 10803 | (914) 738-3008

La Fontanella is conveniently located in Pelham, New York and has now been in business over 20 years serving its customers only the best, most authentic Italian-Adriatic cuisine. The building has been recently renovated, offering the most relaxing, elegant ambiance in Westchester with a new full-service granite bar. Whether you're in the mood for a quick lunch, a full course dinner, an evening snack, or something in between, La Fontanella offers outstanding Italian cuisine, a great wine list, extended bourbon and scotch selections , along with a full bar, and exceptional service.

Top review

Daniel

Dined on Apr 26, 2025

As always. Food and service were fantastic. Will be back soon.

The Station Kitchen and Bar

4.9

4.9 (577)

$30 and under

American

Congers

About the restaurant

Our goal is to be a great neighborhood restaurant. We have an eclectic menu that offers a range of choices as well as seasonal specials. We offer a full bar plus innovative cocktails and a quality wine and beer selection.

Top review

Alice

Dined on Apr 15, 2025

Food, service and ambience were all excellent ! We will definitely return!

Chris & Tony's Restaurant & Lounge

4.9

4.9 (203)

$31 to $50

Italian

Syosset

About the restaurant

Long Islands best family style Italian restaurant, a warm and inviting place where every meal feels like Sunday dinner. With authentic charm, hearty portions, and recipes passed down through generations, we bring the flavors of Italy to your table. Gather around with loved ones and enjoy fresh pasta, slow-simmered sauces, and classic comfort dishes.

Top review

Carolyn

Dined on May 1, 2025

The food is family style and it's fantastic. everything we had was delicious and everybody shared perfect amount of food

The Chef's Table - Lynbrook

4.9

4.9 (299)

$31 to $50

Italian

Lynbrook

About the restaurant

The Chef's Table in Lynbrook invites guests to savor the flavors of Italian-American cuisine in a welcoming and spacious atmosphere. Indulge in hearty pasta dishes, savory seafood creations, and classic Italian entrees, all prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Unwind in the warm and inviting dining room, where attentive staff ensures a memorable dining experience

Top review

HollieVIP

Dined 6 days ago

Delicious food, great service, nice atmosphere in the restaurant!

Uncle Franks

4.9

4.9 (195)

$31 to $50

Italian

Wantagh

About the restaurant

Uncle Frank's is a neighborhood cocktail and pizza bar in Wantagh, NY, by the same brothers-in-law of Blackbird Kitchen and Cocktails, and Rustic Root. With our wood-fired pizza oven, we're putting out house favorites like our Caccio e Pepe pizza, and charred pineapple cocktails. We can't wait to serve you all in the coming weeks!

Top review

MichelleVIP

Dined on Apr 25, 2025

I had a 5:45 reservation at a high top . At 7:00 we were being rushed to leave because it was crowded. I didn’t realize we had a time constraint

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Experience

Happy Hour

Blue Waters Mediterranean Cuisine

4.9

4.9 (111)

$30 and under

Greek

Bellmore

About the restaurant

We are committed to offering you the finest ingredients while honoring the authentic essence of traditional cuisine. At BLUE WATERS, we strictly adhere to a model code that prioritizes the use of premium extra virgin olive oil and fresh ingredients. We extend a warm welcome to you and express our gratitude for choosing to dine with us.
Our chefs are passionate artisans, meticulously crafting each meal with love and precision to ensure every bite is a delightful journey for your taste buds. Whether you're savoring a classic favorite or exploring a new culinary adventure, you'll find that every dish at BLUE WATERS is a celebration of flavor and tradition.
As you dine with us, we invite you to relax and enjoy the harmonious blend of tradition and innovation that defines BLUE WATERS. Thank you for being a part of our story, and we look forward to serving you an unforgettable meal. Bon appétit!

For parties larger than 7 guests, please contact the restaurant for accommodations. Thank you.

Top review

Denise

Dined on Apr 29, 2025

Food and service were excellent. The restaurant is small but worth the trip! Definitely going back!

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Experience

PREMIUM DINNER PRIX-FIXE 3 courses meal $31 PP

Experience

GOLDEN LUNCH PRIX-FIXE ( 3 courses meal $ 22 +)

Experience

Mother's Day Celebration at Blue Waters

Venere Ristorante

4.8

4.8 (611)

$31 to $50

Italian

Westbury

About the restaurant

Ristorante Venere, named after the goddess Venus, has been proudly serving the community for over thirty years. Chef/owner, since 1979; Angelo Graziosi, along with his three sons create a lively, warm and friendly atmosphere where you can enjoy signature Italian cuisine at a reasonable price. Please call the restaurant in order to reserve a table for December 24th and December 31st.

Top review

MarkVIP

Dined on May 1, 2025

Food was delicious as always... we all had a delicious meal for restaurant week. our server Maggie was very attentive and took great care of us. Venere is a neighborhood gem!

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