Diners' Choice: Best Service restaurants in Upstate New York

OpenTable

Updated 05 September 2026

Looking for restaurants with the best service in Upstate New York? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyses nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you book, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Sushi by Bou - Albany NY @ City Beer Hall

4.8

4.8 (274)

$50 and over

Sushi

Albany

About the restaurant

Step into Sushi by Bou, an intimate omakase hideaway where bold flavors meet unforgettable experiences. A nod to the past with a playful twist, our Albany location was inspired by the glamour of the 1920s Prohibition era, combining vintage ambiance with modern culinary artistry. Indulge in our 12-course Signature Omakase, an Edomae-style experience highlighting seasonal ingredients and our chefs’ artistry, or upgrade to our 17-course Bougie or Bou Reserve Omakases, a luxurious evolution featuring a progression of seasonal, imported fish and premium enhancements. Elevate your experience with our selection of craft cocktails, sake, beer and wine, designed to pair perfectly with our sushi. From date nights and girls night out to birthday celebrations and private parties, our team will curate the perfect evening.

Top review

DylanGold

Dined on 10 Sept 2026

The restaurant staff is always professional and welcoming. Going above and beyond what is necessary to make your experience unforgettable. Hands down best experience in Albany!

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Experience

60-MIN, 17-COURSE RESERVE OMAKASE $150 per person

Experience

60-MIN, 17-COURSE BOUGIE OMAKASE $100 per person

Experience

60-MIN, 12-COURSE SIGNATURE OMAKASE $70 per person

Villa di Como Ristorante

4.9

4.9 (334)

$50 and over

Italian

Albany

About the restaurant

At Villa di Como, we provide a professional, yet homey style of hospitality that makes our guest feel welcome, warm, and happy. Our focus is attracting guest who value quality and the Italian experience over price and quantity. We have a 7 table very intimate dining room with a bar and a private dining room for special events. We are the perfect restaurant to celebrate your special dates with your loved ones.

Chef Ali is from Lake Como, Italy and cooks unique authentic Italian food, makes small batch, super premium Limoncello & Orangecello Liquor, gourmet jarred Italian sauces for you to take home. Chef Ali imports his ingredients directly from Italy. Chef Ali's family owns a hotel and three restaurants in Lake Como, Italy where he brings you authentic recipes for you to enjoy.

We look forward to hosting you and your loves ones!

Top review

Ana

Dined 2 days ago

Amazing food. The apps, main course and dessert were superb

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The Tailwater Bar and Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (859)

$31 to $50

American

Syracuse

About the restaurant

The restaurant at Tailwater Lodge features refined comfort food with regional influences in a cozy, rustic environment. From comforting favorites like burgers and pasta to elevated classics featuring seafood and steaks, our menu is rooted in locally sourced ingredients, with vegetarian and gluten-free options available — all served in a warm, welcoming setting.

Top review

Dathan

Dined on 9 Sept 2026

The Elk Burger is 10/10 along with the service and prices!

CORAY KITCHEN

4.9

4.9 (481)

$31 to $50

Farm-to-table

Delmar

About the restaurant

Warm and intimate neighborhood kitchen and gathering place offering seasonally-driven, globally-inspired flavors by Chef Javier Villatoro. Located in the heart of Delmar, NY, Coray Kitchen delivers an elevated dining experience, fresh oyster bar, craft cocktail program, and down-to-earth atmosphere for the greater Capital Region. Indoor and outdoor dining available.

Specializing in farm-to-table, New American and California Cuisine, with a focus on scratch cooking.

Top review

EileenGold

Dined 1 day ago

Amazing steak and potatoes! The steak was like butter! And the mushroom cream sauce was rich and flavorful! Love this place! Thanks again Michelle!

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Popular dish

Chocolate Crème Brûlée

Popular dish

Lobster pasta

Lucia's on the Lake

4.9

4.9 (5399)

$31 to $50

Italian

Buffalo

About the restaurant

Voted one of The Top 100 Restaurants in The United States by OpenTable Diners, Lucia's On The Lake is a captivating contemporary Seafood, Steak, and Italian Restaurant right on the Water. Featuring a Rooftop Patio, and Waterviews throughout the entire restaurant, Diners are captivated by the beauty of the Lake, warm ambience, dynamic food, and exceptional service.

AWARDS
Voted Top 100 Overall Restaurant USA - OpenTable 2023
Voted Top 100 Restaurant with a View USA - OpenTable 2021
Voted Top 100 Most Romantic Restaurant USA - OpenTable 2022
Best of 716 New York - 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
OpenTable Diners Choice Award - 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
DiRona Wine Spectator Award of Excellence North America 2024

*** We want to be as accommodating as possible when it comes to reservations, if it says nothing available please give us a call to make a reservation! (716)-627-9752

Top review

Susan

Dined 5 days ago

Always excellent food, atmosphere and service!!!!

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4.8

4.8 (159)

$31 to $50

Contemporary French / American

DeWitt

About the restaurant

The Wedge
A cheese-centric bar & restaurant in Eastwood in Syracuse! We focus on cheese based dishes and highlighting seasonal produce. We offer a new menu daily to honor seasonality, you can

We are open for dinner service Wednesday through Saturday and we serve Brunch on Sundays!

The Wedge is brought to you by The Curd Nerd, an award-winning cheese shop, located right next door.
We focus on community & highlight it by offering a community table!

We do not take reservations for parties larger than 6 on OpenTable & the restaurant does not accommodate parties larger than 8 without a private event.

We have a 15-minute late policy. If you arrive more than 15 minutes late for your reservation, without having tried to contact the restaurant, you forfeit your table.

Top review

Sara

Dined on 10 Sept 2026

The food and service were great. Highly recommend.

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Experience

So You Missed the State Fair - Chef's Tasting

Experience

Seven Deadly Sins Chef's Tasting Dinner

Experience

Sunday Supper - Chef's Tasting Dinner

Ancora!

4.9

4.9 (648)

$30 and under

Italian

Utica

About the restaurant

Ancora is located adjacent to the historic Stanley Theatre and is one of Central New York'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 Italian-Mediterranean inspired cuisine and craft cocktails, Ancora will have you begging for more. Make sure you save room for dessert. Our homemade crepes are the perfect ending to every meal.

Shared with friends or cherished alone, Ancora is the ideal compliment to any evening, conversation or show.

Top review

Michele

Dined 2 days ago

The server Greg was excellent & attentive! Greens were made perfectly with not a lot of fillers. All three of our dinners were absolutely delicious! The hot & dirty martinis were also outstanding!

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4.8

4.8 (252)

$50 and over

American

Cooperstown

About the restaurant

At 1909, the moment begins before the first bite—when you step into a dining room steeped in refinement, where the ambiance carries a historic whisper of something extraordinary. Or perhaps you choose the veranda, where lake breezes mingle with candlelight and conversation. Here, seasonal ingredients meet impeccable technique in a menu that reflects the elegance of Otsego Lake. Savor hand-cut steaks, freshly caught seafood, and artfully crafted plates—curated with purpose and served with grace.

Dinner
Wednesday through Saturday 5pm-9pm

Sophisticated Sundays
A La Carte Sunday Brunch
Indulge in a decadent a la carte menu featuring non-traditional breakfast favorites and savory lunch specialties.
Every Sunday | 10am - 2pm

Afternoon Tea with a Twist
Enjoy a curated selection of teas, French press coffee, espressos, and lattes, paired with a creative menu that goes beyond the traditional tea sandwich.
3pm-5pm | Sunday 10/11 Reservations required.

Top review

Pattie

Dined 1 day ago

An anniversary celebration. The food was delicious especially the flat iron steak . Our server Osheen was delightful and professional. The presentation of the food was lovely. All in all a wonderful experience!

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Experience

Afternoon Tea with a Twist

The Inn at Saratoga

4.7

4.7 (88)

$31 to $50

American

Saratoga Springs

About the restaurant

Nestled within the walls of Saratoga Springs' oldest continuously operating lodging house, the restaurant at the Inn at Saratoga takes inspiration from a turn of the century artists salon. Complete with antique sofas, vintage books and art, and welcoming fireplace, making it a rare gem of old world charm in downtown Saratoga. Sip vibrant cocktails, and nibble on small plates while enjoying live music in the tavern, or indulge in one of our signature dishes and share a bottle of wine by the fire.

Top review

Linda

Dined on 28 Aug 2026

The Inn was very charming . The dining room was warm and comfortable. Our Server Paul answered all our questions and his suggestions were Great . The spinach salad was the best I ever had and the dressing made it over the top . My tuna entree was cooked to perfection and the dessert choice Maple Walnut Ice Cream was the finish to a Perfect Meal . I will definitely will be returning ! 👍

Concordia Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (156)

$31 to $50

Italian

Endicott

About the restaurant

Endicott, NY's newest fine dining experience located in the heart of the historic Little Italy neighborhood. Guests can enjoy exceptional dishes in a sophisticated neighborhood restaurant. Our menu features Italian favorites alongside seasonal specialties. Join us for a new Northside of Endicott experience!

Top review

Steven

Dined 1 day ago

Great food with excellent service. Will make it a point to stop again when in town!

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