Location: Albany
Top Restaurants in Albany
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Where to Eat in Albany: The Best Restaurants and Bars
A rich 300-year history, a thriving arts community and seemingly endless wilderness make this New York capital city on the Hudson River a great weekend getaway. Outdoor enthusiasts come here to ski, hike, canoe and fish; trout and small-mouth bass fishing is among the best in the U.S. Mountains surround the city, and the tapestry of golds and reds on an autumn day is breathtaking. The city is dominated by an elaborate 10-building complex that includes the State Capitol; the New York State Museum, with life-like dioramas such as American Indian life and an Adirondack logging operation; and the oval-shaped Empire State Performing Arts Center, nicknamed "The Egg." History buffs will enjoy the colonial homes, historic churches and museums, and can tour 18th-century mansions, like the Schuyler, a superb example of pre-Revolutionary War architecture. Whether nature or history is your passion, you'll find an abundance of both in this upstate New York gem.
Things to do in Albany
1. Athos Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 599 reviews
Athos was voted one of the 100 Best Greek Restaurants in America by The National Herald. Casually elegant, Athos serves only the very freshest seasonal ingredients, lovingly brought together using time-honored recipes and techniques, like clay pot cooking, and whole fresh fish-filleted table-side.
Reviewed By Analia G - Staten Island, New York
When in Albany, it is worth your while to eat here. Close to the Crossgates Mall with ample parking- the service is great, plentiful seating and delicious fare. We made last minute reservations for 5 for Sunday night and were immediately seated around 6:30pm. We shared appetizers and a lamb meal, a fish dinner filleted at the table, and even enjoyed some prix fixe in our selections. We all agreed that we would recommend and return again. Also, kudos to Charlie our server for his suggestions and patience. Well done!!
2. Sri Siam
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 80 reviews
Reviewed By pamela655 - Albany, New York
This was my first experience with Thai food and I'll be going back! This is a small restaurant but was able to accommodate our group of 7 comfortably for dinner. The service was fast and everyone had something different. Having a vegan and vegetarian in the group sometimes make going out to restaurant a challenge but this place hit the spot for all. The portions were good sized with most of us bringing home a doggie bag. Prices were very reasonable. Try it!
3. Grappa '72 Ristorante
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 285 reviews
Traditional/Contemporary Italian Cuisine, affordable entrees, great service, and the atmosphere is sure to please.
Reviewed By HokieGal30 - Albany, New York
While the restaurant was a bit on the loud side, the atmosphere was upbeat and bustling. Once we got our food, we knew why...DELICIOUS!! Outstanding calamari and appetizer specials. From seafood to pasta to chicken..no one was disappointed. Best tiramesu I've had! The service was not rushed and friendly. And the prices very fair and they offer a great coupon on LocalFlavor!. Will definitely go back!
4. Casey's Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 123 reviews
Reviewed By sicuani - Bridgeport, Connecticut
Went out for dinner with two of my brothers and my sister in law at Casey's a local favorite in Rensselaer, Casey's. I had been there about four years ago and had wanted to go back so we made a reservation for a table of four. The fried calamari was great, crisply fried, and piping hot. Next time I think I will order that as an entrée as it was bountiful and easily served as an appetizer for four of us. I ordered a seafood fra diavolo which was perfect. Great flavor and chock full of clams, large scallops, and calamari. I had half and took half home with me. Two of our group had the hot Turkey sandwich which they said was good. And one of my brothers had the quesadillas which he said were excellent. Casey's has a varied menu and there were two or three things I will try when I return. Dinner for four including a couple of drinks and tip was less than 100 dollars, so in addition to having a very good meal, we had a very reasonably priced one as well. The waitress we had was excellent and given the very crowded dining room service was both quick and very attentive.
5. Angelo's 677 Prime
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 369 reviews
A fine dining steakhouse restaurant with upscale ambiance perfect for everything from a romantic dinner to a business luncheon, and a second floor set of three banquet rooms perfect for business meetings or an intimate wedding, Angelo's 677 Prime is a premier destination for all of your dining occasions.
Reviewed By A TripAdvisor Member
The food and service was amazing. The best dining experience in the capital region! Hands down. I have never been disappointed. The prices are on the expensive side, but worth it. We has appetizers, salads, entrees and dessert. Every course was better than the previous...MoreYES! So glad you and your date went all out and had the experience we love delivering. Thank you!
6. Caffe Italia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 185 reviews
Reviewed By Louis59 - Charlotte, North Carolina
Our group of four colleagues headed to Caffe Italia for dinner and what a treat! This is a classic Italian neighborhood restaurant, small but nicely appointed and very comfortable.
We were promptly seated, offered beverages, and the pace of service through our entire dinner was perfect. Our waitresses detailed the specials and made recommendations as we ordered, and were helpful, but not overbearing.
The wine list is varied in terms of types and price range, and a full bar is available.
Our appetizers (Utica greens, mussels, and artichoke appetizers) were all well-prepared and tasty. Our entrees were more than ample in size, all served hot and perfectly prepared. The pumpkin cake was a perfect dessert for us to split after dinner.
Super restaurant, and one that I'd absolutely visit again on my next trip to Albany!
7. New World Bistro Bar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 611 reviews
A farm-to table Bistro serving global comfort food at 300 Delaware Ave in the city of Albany, NY. Offering farm raised meats, sustainable seafood, vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options.
Reviewed By wildwolfen - Albany, New York
Great food, great service, great menu with a constantly changing set of options. Ric Orlando strikes again. This is not a huge place so reservations would be a good idea. You would not want to show up and find out you can't get in. Likewise, check the menu online since it's always changing and what you had last month may not be available this month. Surely though it will have been replaced by something just as excellent. Honestly, I have never had a bad meal here. The food has always been excellent and the service as well.
8. Yono's Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 239 reviews
Yono's has been Albany's premiere World Class restaurant for almost 30 years. Owned & operated by Chef Yono, Donna & Dominick Purnomo, the intimate, elegant split level dining room has recently been updated and is elegantly appointed with neutral colors, bronzed mirrors, a large fireplace, crystal chandelier, and stunning floral displays. Chef Yono Purnomo presents an innovative menu of blending French Technique, Asian Influence & American Ingredients. Award Winning Chef Sommelier Dominick Purnomo offers a wine list with some 1000 labels representing every major wine growing region in the world. Let the Yono's 4 star service staff anticipate your needs, while you experience luxury and elegance of a bygone era. Located adjacent to Yono's, is dp An American Brasserie, a decidedly more casual alternative.
Reviewed By SCL432013 - Birmingham, United Kingdom
Pleasant and attentive service. Excellent wine flight. But small portions? The opposite. Far too much. I turned down desert even though included. Quantity rather than quality. Hints of Indonesia but basically American. And to come round offering Hershey bars at the end? Not in the fine dining category.
9. Iron Gate Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 157 reviews
Reviewed By sheilal921 - Albany, New York
Although this isn't a new place, we had brunch at Iron Gate for the first time today with a large group of friends. Although we were unable to make reservations, the manager was most accommodating to us. The restaurant is quaint and quirky, with a beautiful entrance from Washington Ave. The menu offers something for everyone, including the vegans in the group. I cannot really recommend one thing - the pancakes were yummy (add blueberries or chocolate chips if you want) and the omelets were beautiful. This is an Albany treasure. Plan a trip to this charming eatery.
10. Druthers Brewing Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 193 reviews
Reviewed By ScarlettO39 - Albany, New York
If it were legal to marry mac and cheese, I'd march down to Druthers and propose. It is out of this world delicious! Homemade pasta, loads of cheese and all the extras make a simple dish divine. All the other food that I've tried there is also good, but it's impossible for me not to order the mac and cheese. Oh, and this place serves good beer. ;-)
