New York State Restaurant Week 2025: Central New York Dining Guide

Central New York (CNY) takes part in the first New York State Restaurant Week from April 28 to May 10, 2025, organized by Eat Local New York. Over 30 restaurants in Syracuse, Auburn, Ithaca, and other towns serve pre-fixe menus (fixed-price multi-course meals) or discounted dishes. The event showcases local food scenes for residents and visitors.

These Central New York restaurants participate in New York State Restaurant Week with pre-fixe menus or discounts.

Cafe 108 is more than just a cafe; it's a cultural space with a social mission. The establishment offers simple yet delicious dishes made from natural ingredients: juicy salads, nourishing soups, and various sandwiches. What makes this cafe special is that part of its profits goes to support local art projects. The cuisine is light, focused on healthy eating without excess calories. The bright space with minimalist design creates a cozy atmosphere for meetings and conversations.

Photo Credit: facebook.com/Cafe108.org/

Clover's is a classic American diner in the cozy town of Skaneateles. A special atmosphere of nostalgia for simple home cooking permeates the place. The main attraction is breakfast, served throughout the day. Fluffy omelets with various fillings, aromatic pancakes with real maple syrup, and crispy bacon - everything is prepared quickly but with heart. Friendly staff and moderate prices have made Clover's a favorite spot for both locals and tourists. It's especially pleasant to visit after a morning walk by the lake.

Photo Credit: facebook.com/CloversSkan/

Tassone's Wine Garden embodies the true spirit of Italian cuisine in Baldwinsville. The restaurant is famous for its traditional handmade pasta, thin-crust pizza, and exquisite seafood dishes. The owners pay special attention to visitors' needs, so the menu includes many gluten-free options. Portions are generous, designed for true Italian hospitality - it's better to come with company or family to try more dishes. Although the menu doesn't change often, it consists of proven recipes that have become favorites among regular visitors.

Photo Credit: instagram.com/tassoneswine/

Sal's Pizzeria is a family business where Italian cuisine traditions are passed down from generation to generation. The signature dish is classic thin-crust pizza with generous toppings, cooked in a wood-fired oven. Besides pizza, the menu includes pasta, lasagna, and other Italian dishes. Special attention is paid to children, with a dedicated menu offering smaller portions. Sal's is a place where families and friends gather for shared lunches and dinners in a relaxed atmosphere. Many visitors order takeout, especially during weekends and holidays.

Photo Credit: facebook.com/SalsPizzaBville/

Angry Garlic is a restaurant for true enthusiasts of bold flavors. As evident from the name, garlic is the main character here, appearing in virtually every dish. The menu offers creative variations of familiar dishes - burgers with garlic sauce, chicken wings in various marinades, and original appetizers. Even the bar menu makes room for garlic - you can try cocktails with subtle garlic notes. The interior is modern and casual, and the aromas wafting from the kitchen leave no doubt that an intense flavor experience awaits you.

Photo Credit: instagram.com/theangrygarlic/

Angry Smokehouse is a paradise for meat and barbecue lovers. The restaurant specializes in dishes cooked over open flame using different wood types, giving each dish a unique smoky aroma. Signature ribs, juicy brisket, tender pulled pork, and homemade sausages - everything is prepared slowly, following traditional smoking techniques. Each dish is served with house-made sauces, recipes for which are kept secret. The portions are impressive - it's best to come with a good appetite. The atmosphere is relaxed, with elements of the American South.

Photo Credit: instagram.com/angrysmokehouse/

Kitty Hoynes is a piece of Ireland in downtown Syracuse. This authentic pub offers not only a rich selection of Irish beer and whiskey but also traditional dishes from the Emerald Isle. Signature dishes include shepherd's pie with aromatic meat stew under a layer of mashed potatoes, crispy fish and chips, and juicy steaks. In the evenings, live Irish music often plays, creating a special atmosphere. Kitty Hoynes has become a popular spot for evening gatherings and celebrations of traditional Irish holidays, especially St. Patrick's Day.

Photo Credit: instagram.com/kittyhoynes/

Three Lives combines a bar, restaurant, and board game space - a true paradise for those seeking entertainment and good food in one place. Here you can find hundreds of board games for any taste, from classic to the newest releases. The menu is designed to be convenient for eating while playing - various sandwiches, fried appetizers, and signature cocktails. The atmosphere is extremely friendly and relaxed, making it an ideal place for meeting new people or gathering with friends. The staff is always ready to help with game selection and explain the rules.

Photo Credit: instagram.com/threelives.bar/

317 At Montgomery is a restaurant that brings modern American cuisine to a historic building in downtown Syracuse. The chef focuses on seasonal products, regularly updating the menu according to what's freshest. High-quality steaks, fresh seafood, and exquisite salads have become the restaurant's signature. Portions aren't enormous but perfectly balanced. Special attention is paid to the wine list, which excellently complements the dishes. The elegant interior with historic details creates an atmosphere for special evenings.

Photo Credit: facebook.com/317syr/

Toss & Fire Pizza is a modern pizzeria that combines Neapolitan pizza traditions with local flavors. The heart of the establishment is a wood-fired oven that heats to incredibly high temperatures, allowing pizza to be baked in just 90 seconds. The result is thin, crispy dough with perfectly cooked toppings. The menu includes both classic options and creative ingredient combinations. What makes Toss & Fire special is the use of local products and seasonal ingredients. Their pizza is perfect for a quick but quality lunch or dinner.

Photo Credit: instagram.com/tossnfirepizza/

Limp Lizard BBQ brings the atmosphere of southern barbecue to the heart of Syracuse. The restaurant specializes in slow-smoking meat - juicy ribs, tender pulled pork, and grilled chicken are cooked for hours, absorbing the smoky aroma. The establishment's main pride is its house-made sauces, ranging from traditionally spicy to sweet with bourbon notes. Portions are generous, as befits a true southern barbecue. The casual atmosphere, country music, and friendly staff make each visit special. It's a place for those who appreciate the authentic taste of the American South.

Photo Credit: instagram.com/limplizardbbq/

Fair Deli is a cozy establishment that has become popular among office workers and students thanks to its fast service and quality food. The deli specializes in fresh sandwiches prepared right in front of you with ingredients of your choice. Besides sandwiches, the menu includes homemade soups that change daily and light snacks. Prices are very affordable, which, combined with the quick service, makes Fair Deli an ideal spot for lunch on the go. The small but cozy space is always filled with the aromas of freshly baked bread and herbs.

Photo Credit: instagram.com/fairdeli/

Cake Bar is a paradise for sweet lovers in Syracuse. The establishment specializes in various cakes, cupcakes, and cookies, which are prepared daily using original recipes. What makes Cake Bar special is the option to order custom dessert designs for special occasions. Besides sweets, they serve excellent coffee and tea, making it an ideal place for an afternoon break or meeting friends.

Photo Credit: instagram.com/cakebar.syr/

Kofta Burger offers an interesting hybrid of American classics with Middle Eastern flavors. The main feature is burgers with patties seasoned with Mediterranean spices, creating a unique flavor profile. Options include both meat and vegetarian versions with chickpeas or eggplant. All sauces and seasonings are prepared on-site following traditional recipes. The menu is complemented by fresh salads and various appetizers. Kofta Burger provides fast but quality food for those seeking new taste experiences.

Photo Credit: instagram.com/kofta.burger/

The Evergreen is a modern gastropub that has become the center of Syracuse's craft beer culture. The establishment's main pride is a constantly updated selection of craft beers from the best local breweries. The menu is designed to perfectly complement the beer list - juicy burgers, fresh salads, and various appetizers for sharing. The interior combines industrial style elements with warm wooden details, creating a cozy atmosphere. The Evergreen is especially popular in the evenings and weekends when beer tastings of new varieties are often held.

Photo Credit: facebook.com/evergreensyracuse/

Carmelita's Mexican brings authentic Mexican flavors to Cicero. The establishment is famous for its tacos with various fillings, juicy burritos, and crispy nachos with homemade guacamole. What makes this restaurant special is that dishes are prepared with traditional Mexican spices. For spice lovers, there's a special menu with varying levels of heat. Portions are medium-sized but very filling. The bright interior with Mexican motifs and energetic music creates an atmosphere of genuine fiesta every day.

Photo Credit: instagram.com/carmelitasmexican/

Aurora's Cafe is a cozy coffee shop in the heart of Syracuse that has become a favorite spot for quality coffee and homemade pastry lovers. They offer a wide selection of coffee drinks - from classic espresso to signature mixes with various syrups and spices. The menu is complemented by fresh sandwiches, light salads, and homemade pastries prepared every morning. The special atmosphere at Aurora's Cafe is calm and relaxed, ideal for working on a laptop, reading a book, or having a leisurely conversation. It's suitable for both early breakfast and evening tea.

Photo Credit: instagram.com/aurorascafecny/

Onco Fermentations is a microbrewery with a special approach to brewing. The owners experiment with local ingredients and various fermentation techniques, creating unique beer varieties you won't find anywhere else. The establishment is small, with the atmosphere of a warm neighborhood bar where everyone knows each other. The menu includes light snacks that pair well with beer. Regular tastings of new varieties and meetings with brewers are held, making Onco Fermentations a center of beer culture for locals and tourists interested in craft beer.

Photo Credit: instagram.com/oncofermentations/

Woodland Farm Tap House is a cozy bar located on a farm in picturesque Boonville. The main feature is house-brewed beer made with ingredients grown right on the farm or in the immediate vicinity. The menu consists of simple but tasty snacks that perfectly complement the beer list - cheese boards, crispy toast, homemade chips. Prices are very reasonable, which, along with quality drinks, attracts both locals and tourists. In warm weather, it's particularly pleasant to sit on the open terrace overlooking the farm and surrounding fields.

Photo Credit: facebook.com/TheHulbertHouse/

Ithaca Ale House is a popular pub that has become the center of Ithaca's community life. The establishment offers an impressive selection of beers - from local craft varieties to imported rarities. The menu is designed to complement the beer list - juicy burgers with various toppings, fresh salads, and crispy chicken wings in different sauces. The special atmosphere is loud and energetic, especially in the evening and on weekends. Ithaca Ale House is where people gather after work, celebrate special occasions, or simply enjoy good company and quality beer.

Photo Credit: facebook.com/ithacaalehouse/

Rooster's is a classic American restaurant that has become a favorite spot for family dinners in Utica. The menu includes traditional American dishes - juicy burgers with various toppings, steaks of different doneness, and famous chicken wings with secret sauce. Portions are generous, and prices are moderate, making the establishment accessible to a wide audience. The interior is designed in the style of an American diner, with comfortable booths and a large bar counter. Rooster's is especially popular during lunch hours among local workers and families with children.

Photo Credit: instagram.com/roosters315/

Slice Pizzeria is a pizza place with a "fast and tasty" concept. Here you can buy either a slice or a whole pizza, with a wide selection of traditional and original toppings. The pizza is cooked in a wood-fired oven, giving it a special flavor - the dough turns out thin and crispy with perfectly melted cheese. The establishment is small, with a few tables, but most visitors order pizza to go. Slice Pizzeria has become popular among students and office workers thanks to its fast service and affordable prices.

Photo Credit: instagram.com/uticaslice/

Lafa Mediterranean brings fresh Mediterranean flavors to New Hartford. The menu stars include thin flatbread with various fillings, creamy hummus, crispy falafel, and diverse salads made with fresh vegetables. The establishment's specialty is the use of authentic spices and herbs that give dishes their characteristic aroma and flavor. Most dishes are prepared according to traditional recipes and are suitable for vegetarians. Portions are designed for a medium appetite but leave a pleasant feeling of fullness. The bright interior with Mediterranean decor elements creates an atmosphere of lightness and freshness.

Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/eatlafa/

Crust is a combination of pizzeria and bakery where the main attention is paid to dough quality. They bake not only pizza with various toppings but also artisan bread, rolls, and sweet pastries. Everything is prepared with natural ingredients, without preservatives or artificial additives. The establishment's specialty is the long fermentation of dough, which gives the products a special taste and aroma. Crust offers both quick snacks and more substantial lunches, with options to eat in or take away.

Photo Credit: instagram.com/crustkitchenbar/

Madison Bistro is a small cozy restaurant in a rural area, offering home cooking with farm products. The menu changes depending on the season and includes hearty soups, fresh salads, and hot dishes prepared according to traditional recipes. The establishment's specialty is using products from local farmers and producers. Portions are generous, designed for a hearty appetite. The interior is simple but cozy, with elements of rural style, creating an atmosphere of home comfort.

Photo Credit: instagram.com/madbistrocny/

The Glen Haven is a restaurant with a lake view, offering classic American cuisine in a picturesque setting. The menu focuses on seafood dishes, quality steaks, and fresh salads. The establishment's specialty is seasonal ingredients and the scenic view from the windows and terrace. Portions are medium-sized, with an emphasis on quality rather than quantity. The Glen Haven is especially popular on weekends when families and couples come for special meals. The elegant yet casual interior creates an atmosphere for pleasant relaxation in nature.

Photo Credit: facebook.com/TheGlenHavenHotel/

Madison County Distillery is a craft distillery producing high-quality spirits from local ingredients. The establishment offers tastings of various types of alcohol - from classic whiskey varieties to experimental infusions with local herbs and fruits. The menu includes light snacks that pair well with alcoholic beverages - cheese boards, olives, and nuts. The distillery's specialty is the opportunity to learn about the alcohol production process during special tours.

Photo Credit: instagram.com/madisoncountydistillery/

Pond Pit BBQ is a barbecue restaurant where everything is prepared over open flame using traditional smoking techniques. The main dishes are juicy ribs, tender brisket, and pulled pork, which are slowly cooked to perfect tenderness. The establishment's specialty is house-made sauces that enhance the meat's flavor without overpowering it. The portions are large, as befits true barbecue. Pond Pit is located near a picturesque pond, creating a special atmosphere, especially in warm weather when you can sit on the open terrace. It's a place especially popular among families and groups of friends on weekends.

Photo Credit: instagram.com/pondpitbbq/