Diners' Choice: Best Ambiance restaurants in Upstate New York

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants with the best ambiance 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!

The Horned Dorset Inn

5.0

5 (435)

$31 to $50

French

Cooperstown

About the restaurant

The Horned Dorset Inn is the quintessential destination for memorable fine dining and lodging in central New York, serving seasonal, contemporary and classical French cuisine. Chef Wratten combines produce from the restaurant’s own organic gardens with locally produced meats and cheeses. Fish is an affinity for the chef, given 25 years at his signature restaurant in Rincon, Puerto Rico, and vegetarians will delight in his mindful creations. Aaron is an alumnus of “Aureole” under Charlie Palmer and “Restaurant Daniel” under Daniel Boulud. Located in a beautifully restored historical building, in the small town of Leonardsville it has been lovingly managed by the same family for nearly 44 years. Information about accommodations in their gracious Victorian inn and off-premises catering are available on the website or by phone.

Top review

Jeorge

Dined on Oct 26, 2024

I really enjoyed the food tonight! It was indeed a great culinary experienced.. Thank You

Wellesley Hotel Restaurant

4.7

4.7 (46)

$31 to $50

International

Thousand Island Park

About the restaurant

The Wellesley Hotel & Restaurant is a fine dining establishment located in Thousand Island Park on the majestic St. Lawrence River, in New York.
Newly redecorated and updated, this beautiful establishment was built in 1903 and has the elegance and charm of that era with a modern updated twist.
The kitchen is run by Adrienne Cavallario, who is known for her globally inspired fare and has curated a menu that will delight all. A featured menu item is the Food and Wine Taste of Vail Award Winning Vietnamese Thit Kho.
The dining room serves dinners 5-9:30 and the romantic Lounge serves small plates and cocktails. Soft live jazz in the lounge is offered through July and August. And our Sunday Jazz Brunch from 11-2 will delight your every sense.
We also offer our "Speakeasy" downstairs Pub Wednesday - Saturday evenings 8 - 12 with live music and trivia nights.

Top review

Lisa

Dined on Sep 28, 2024

We had a wonderful time & food was excellent!! Staff went out of way to make us feel special!

Harvest

4.8

4.8 (493)

$31 to $50

Fusion / Eclectic

Medina

About the restaurant

At Harvest, we are dedicated to crafting an unforgettable dining experience by artfully combining locally sourced and seasonal ingredients from our neighboring farms in our surrounding counties. Using house-made seasonings and with the help of our local farmers, our chefs are able to create Nouvelle and fusion style dishes sure to leave you feeling inspired and eager to return.

Embracing a relaxed approach, there is no dress code. Diners are encouraged to wear whatever makes them feel most comfortable.

Top review

LoAnne

Dined on Dec 21, 2024

If you are looking for a high end dining experience, here is a great choice. A one hour drive from Rochester, Medina itself was had a classic, beautiful vintage Christmas feel as night fell. Our server, Steve, made the evening even more special. He was very personable, as well as a top notch waiter, maintaining the fine balance of waiting on us quickly, without appearing to hover. The pairing was superb. Wines and courses were matched in ways that made each that much more elevated. An additional extra, making the evening even more special, was lovely live music on a harp. Pricey, but an experience you don't often get in our area.

Concordia Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (27)

$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

Frank

Dined on Dec 21, 2024

Our table was ready when we arrived. Service was excellent! Food and beverage were excellent. Great dining experience.

Rocky’s on the Lake

4.6

4.6 (111)

$30 and under

Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service

Cold Brook

About the restaurant

Restaurant • Bar • Pizzeria

Top review

Patrick

Dined 3 days ago

Great service and a terrific menu. Beautiful dining room, stylish bar with a good beer and wine selection. Menu can be described as American Italian. Prices are a little higher for the area, but don't break the bank. It's a nice choice for a special occasion.

Casola Dining Room - Schenectady County Community College

4.8

4.8 (181)

$30 and under

International

Schenectady

About the restaurant

The Casola Dining Room is a student operated dining facility located on the first floor of Elston Hall at Schenectady County Community College. The Casola Dining Room provides our students in the Department of Hotel, Culinary Arts and Tourism the opportunity to learn the necessary cooking, service, and managerial skills required for a la carte service. The Casola Dining Room is first and foremost an educational experience for our students.

Top review

Jackie

Dined on Oct 28, 2024

Reservations are hard to get, and getting one feels like winning the lottery. Amazing cuisine by student chefs.

1833 Kitchen & Bar at the Aurora Inn

4.7

4.7 (1636)

$50 and over

American

Finger Lakes

About the restaurant

Award-winning, refined seasonal cuisine created by Chef Elsa Jorgensen is inspired by the diverse and fresh regional offerings. Using as many New York State products as possible to create a thoughtful and delicious culinary experience. Our seasonal a la carte menu is paired perfectly with the many Finger Lakes and Old World wines from our Wine Spectator award-winning wine and beverage list.
The Aurora Inn is warm and welcoming with exquisite décor. From intimate anniversary dinners to parties for up to 25 guests, we are prepared to make yours an event to remember. Whatever the occasion, it will be remembered for fine cuisine, warm service, and beautiful surroundings.

Top review

Leon

Dined on Dec 17, 2024

1833 bar and restaurant in the Aurora Inn. We had the NY Strip and Halibut entrees. Excellent. Their fries are fantastic. Our dessert was a cranberry/ blueberry crisp with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Blew us away! Service was impeccable!! We will be back!

Tug Hill Vineyards

4.8

4.8 (353)

$31 to $50

Winery

Lowville

About the restaurant

The Tug Hill Estate is a dynamic business home to an event center, winery, distillery, and cidery - there's always something to do. Reservations can be made for our main hall's public dining events, like Sunday Brunch and Wine Down.
Please inform us if you cannot keep your reservation, especially for parties of 6 or more. We plan ahead for your arrival and look forward to seeing you!

If you are seeing no availability, we may still have room for in house bookings. Please feel free to give us a call at 315-376-4336

Top review

Eileen

Dined on Dec 8, 2024

Wonderful food & service. The view is always astonishing as well. Amazing place to celebrate my godparent's anniversary and early Christmas. Always so welcoming and pleasant. We will definitely be back again.

The Eldred Preserve

4.7

4.7 (221)

$31 to $50

American

Monticello

About the restaurant

The Homestead Restaurant + Lounge at The Eldred Preserve, named "The Best Fine Dining Restaurant in the Upper Delaware Valley," offers an elevated dining experience — featuring house-aged steaks and farm-to-table fare — all year long.

The modern steakhouse features several unique experiential spaces, including floor-to-ceiling windows in its main dining area, a wine-tasting room, private dining room, sunroom dining area, and an expansive covered, heated outdoor patio that’s ideal for dining al fresco. Guests can enjoy custom cakes for special occasions, holiday dining events, and special onsite performances.

The Homestead’s menus are ever-changing, and include a list of carefully-crafted signature cocktails, a wide selection of world-class wines, and an array of spirits and beers, many distilled or brewed in and around Sullivan County, N.Y.

The Lounge, also a Readers' Choice award winner, offers a comfortable atmosphere, beautiful views, and a nice selection of lighter dining fare.

Top review

Allyson

Dined 1 day ago

As always the Eldred Preserve did not disappoint. The duck was the better than ever and the Frenched chicken was great. The staff goes over and beyond to make sure everything is perfect. The only downside is some of the patrons not knowing how to dress which is unfortunate because the restaurant is more upscale. Jeans, baseball caps, gym shorts…… not the place for it.

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Experience

Lounge Menu Only

La Bella Valatie

4.9

4.9 (119)

$31 to $50

Italian

Hudson

About the restaurant

La Bella Restaurant & Pizzeria in Valatie, NY is an Italian restaurant where the true taste of the old country reigns supreme. The old family recipes used at La Bella remain true to the mouthwatering homemade dishes prepared in Mama's Cucina Italiana. In Italy, using only the finest and freshest ingredients in the preparation of the meal, is of the utmost importance. At La Bella we believe that is one tradition to revere and to follow every day.

We hope you will join us soon for lunch, dinner, a pizza, or a slice to go.

Buon Appetito!

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined 6 days ago

Great place to dine. Food is wonderful. Service is outstanding!

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