There is something to be said about food cooked with genuine love and care. That is what you will get here. It is no frills on the outside but it feels like a homecoming when your parents or grandparents would cook your favorite meal while you sit in the kitchen and chat... it's exactly that. Changing menu and fantastic food from the heart. Cash onlyVegetarian options: Small menu but still had delicious vegetarian options!!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Johanna A. Florez
CASH AND CHECK ONLY. does not accept card payments. Almost got stuck being unable to pay for lunch ?As others have mentioned - super messy-looking (even doors sticking on sagging floors), but really amazing food made with care by the proprietor.Vegetarian options: Veggie based options availableWheelchair accessibility: NOT wheelchair accessible - steep steps up to restaurant entrance.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 5
Service: 4
Lewis B.
It's certainly unique. On the appearance side, it would be a classic, old-style bar restaurant with a little care. But as it is, it's just worn and shabby. There's no staff, just the owner/chef/waiter, and because everything is cooked fresh (obviously a good thing) it's SLOOOOW. My wife and I were the only customers (mid afternoon), and we were there for almost 90 minutes. She liked her lunch burrito a lot, and it looked great. But my ham and egg sandwich was way too salty for my taste. Having said that, it was on very good, thick, fresh bread. But again, the timing thing -- my sandwich came out, and then we waited 8 minutes for her burrito. Obviously (per the reviews) most people seemed to like it, but....
P H.
We considered the other yelp review and went in with our "eye's open". Cash only... dated decor... we hoped for a 50's diner, it's a 50's pub. Great bones... but to put it in context... the ceiling hasn't been painted since the 50's either.... we're both mature and remember the days when cigarettes weren't banned in restaurants... Proprietor was friendly and as quick as a one man show can be. As others have said; three meal options. If we weren't tired from a day at the museum we would have been more chatty and I'm sure the stories would have been a delight. Go if you're up for that kind of experience. Lettuce was crazy fresh and delicious... it seemed that all the other dinner ingredients were pulled and cooked from the freezer as needed.
Jules G.
Literally, the best coffee in the ENTIRE WORLD!!! I can't say enough about the pastries, you'll taste them and be instantly transported to a little cafe in Europe
Israel Combs
Rare Gem!!! But you won't know it until you taste the food. When you walk in you think it must be closed and he's moving out because there is stuff everywhere. The place is old and needs repair. The owner and only employee is in the same condition, BUT man can he cook!!! I like the finest dining I can find, but I have never had a house salad as good as this one, ever!!! All the food was prepared completely from scratch and oh my lord does he know what he's doing! The tables while extremely old, were genuine wood and as clean as can be! This place is a little shocking to walk into but I highly recommend it anyway. The fine cuisine was second to none!
Betsy H
Dan Miller: you nimrod. Who cares about the facade? It's what's inside that counts. Sooo atmospheric. John the owner stood there last night and prepped my meal from scratch for 30 minutes as he chatted with me. If you need a scene this isn't the place for you. If you want a quiet place for a very reasonably priced drink, good talk about the town, and, it turns out, a delicious home cooked meal ( see pics) then this is the place for you. Note: park in the parking lot right at the light BEFORE Antoinette's.
Barbara D.
We where so lucky to find this place. Sean the owner, cook and server, was very interesting to talk to. He did an awesome job of taking care of the five of us. The food was outstanding and original. The salad was one of the best I have ever had in a restaurant. I thought it had mozzarella but it turned out to be the perfectly ripe banana slices. If you are a foodie and visiting Corning NY don't miss this place.
Jaime M.
Patience pays for great food, good portions and truly unique dining experience. We will return.
colin corcoran
Antoinette's is the best and John is always a great host!
Based on previous reviews four of us stopped in for dinner. The place was empty except for the owner/chef/waiter. No menu. He brought a chalk board with three choices. Chicken. Cacciatore, fish with spaghetti sauce or a burrito. Three of us got the chicken and our fourth member is allergic to tomatoes, so he made her a ham and cheese sandwich. Our salad was good, not sure why he put sliced bananas on it. He brought out bags from the freezer and started assembling our dinners. It took a while but it was good. I ask for a slice of bread and he brought over four slices of toast with a pat of butter on each. I really wanted to like this place but the lighting was too low, the decor so, so tired. A half decorated old Christmas tree which may have been left up from last year was the decorations and the food OK but no better than what I make at home. I understand the restaurant has been in the family for generations and it would be sad if it had to close. With a good cleaning, an actual chef and bartender this piece of Corning history could be amazing!
Bexy B.
This is THE place to go if you're anywhere near Corning. It's like walking into the past with your grandmother doing the cooking. You won't be able to find anything like it, maybe anywhere else. Don't be scared away by the exterior or if the place seems a bit empty. The chef/server/owner is a wonderful, friendly man who knows everything about the area and makes amazing home-style meals. Everything is made fresh and tastes delicious.
Francis L.
This is truly a hidden gem in Corning that has been around for three generations. The decor is tired, but it's like stepping back 50 years ago! The owner is also the chef and server, so patience is key. The food is excellent (chicken cacciatore) and the overall experience is wonderful. It is cash only but very reasonable and the portions are huge. You will definitely take some home!
Ken England
Great place!
Terry T.
Historic restaurant maintained by the last of the family. In business for over 80 years at same location - across the street from McDonald's. Full bar, innovative sandwiches, great salads. Friendliest waiter/cook in Corning. Must be patient and not in a hurry. Everything made fresh using healthy ingredients!!!
There is something to be said about food cooked with genuine love and care. That is what you will get here. It is no frills on the outside but it feels like a homecoming when your parents or grandparents would cook your favorite meal while you sit in the kitchen and chat... it's exactly that. Changing menu and fantastic food from the heart. Cash onlyVegetarian options: Small menu but still had delicious vegetarian options!!
Food: 5
Service: 5
CASH AND CHECK ONLY. does not accept card payments. Almost got stuck being unable to pay for lunch ?As others have mentioned - super messy-looking (even doors sticking on sagging floors), but really amazing food made with care by the proprietor.Vegetarian options: Veggie based options availableWheelchair accessibility: NOT wheelchair accessible - steep steps up to restaurant entrance.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 5
Service: 4
It's certainly unique. On the appearance side, it would be a classic, old-style bar restaurant with a little care. But as it is, it's just worn and shabby. There's no staff, just the owner/chef/waiter, and because everything is cooked fresh (obviously a good thing) it's SLOOOOW. My wife and I were the only customers (mid afternoon), and we were there for almost 90 minutes. She liked her lunch burrito a lot, and it looked great. But my ham and egg sandwich was way too salty for my taste. Having said that, it was on very good, thick, fresh bread. But again, the timing thing -- my sandwich came out, and then we waited 8 minutes for her burrito. Obviously (per the reviews) most people seemed to like it, but....
We considered the other yelp review and went in with our "eye's open". Cash only... dated decor... we hoped for a 50's diner, it's a 50's pub. Great bones... but to put it in context... the ceiling hasn't been painted since the 50's either.... we're both mature and remember the days when cigarettes weren't banned in restaurants... Proprietor was friendly and as quick as a one man show can be. As others have said; three meal options. If we weren't tired from a day at the museum we would have been more chatty and I'm sure the stories would have been a delight. Go if you're up for that kind of experience. Lettuce was crazy fresh and delicious... it seemed that all the other dinner ingredients were pulled and cooked from the freezer as needed.
Literally, the best coffee in the ENTIRE WORLD!!! I can't say enough about the pastries, you'll taste them and be instantly transported to a little cafe in Europe
Rare Gem!!! But you won't know it until you taste the food. When you walk in you think it must be closed and he's moving out because there is stuff everywhere. The place is old and needs repair. The owner and only employee is in the same condition, BUT man can he cook!!! I like the finest dining I can find, but I have never had a house salad as good as this one, ever!!! All the food was prepared completely from scratch and oh my lord does he know what he's doing! The tables while extremely old, were genuine wood and as clean as can be! This place is a little shocking to walk into but I highly recommend it anyway. The fine cuisine was second to none!
Dan Miller: you nimrod. Who cares about the facade? It's what's inside that counts. Sooo atmospheric. John the owner stood there last night and prepped my meal from scratch for 30 minutes as he chatted with me. If you need a scene this isn't the place for you. If you want a quiet place for a very reasonably priced drink, good talk about the town, and, it turns out, a delicious home cooked meal ( see pics) then this is the place for you. Note: park in the parking lot right at the light BEFORE Antoinette's.
We where so lucky to find this place. Sean the owner, cook and server, was very interesting to talk to. He did an awesome job of taking care of the five of us. The food was outstanding and original. The salad was one of the best I have ever had in a restaurant. I thought it had mozzarella but it turned out to be the perfectly ripe banana slices. If you are a foodie and visiting Corning NY don't miss this place.
Patience pays for great food, good portions and truly unique dining experience. We will return.
Antoinette's is the best and John is always a great host!
Restaurantji Recommends
Based on previous reviews four of us stopped in for dinner. The place was empty except for the owner/chef/waiter. No menu. He brought a chalk board with three choices. Chicken. Cacciatore, fish with spaghetti sauce or a burrito. Three of us got the chicken and our fourth member is allergic to tomatoes, so he made her a ham and cheese sandwich. Our salad was good, not sure why he put sliced bananas on it. He brought out bags from the freezer and started assembling our dinners. It took a while but it was good. I ask for a slice of bread and he brought over four slices of toast with a pat of butter on each. I really wanted to like this place but the lighting was too low, the decor so, so tired. A half decorated old Christmas tree which may have been left up from last year was the decorations and the food OK but no better than what I make at home. I understand the restaurant has been in the family for generations and it would be sad if it had to close. With a good cleaning, an actual chef and bartender this piece of Corning history could be amazing!
This is THE place to go if you're anywhere near Corning. It's like walking into the past with your grandmother doing the cooking. You won't be able to find anything like it, maybe anywhere else. Don't be scared away by the exterior or if the place seems a bit empty. The chef/server/owner is a wonderful, friendly man who knows everything about the area and makes amazing home-style meals. Everything is made fresh and tastes delicious.
This is truly a hidden gem in Corning that has been around for three generations. The decor is tired, but it's like stepping back 50 years ago! The owner is also the chef and server, so patience is key. The food is excellent (chicken cacciatore) and the overall experience is wonderful. It is cash only but very reasonable and the portions are huge. You will definitely take some home!
Great place!
Historic restaurant maintained by the last of the family. In business for over 80 years at same location - across the street from McDonald's. Full bar, innovative sandwiches, great salads. Friendliest waiter/cook in Corning. Must be patient and not in a hurry. Everything made fresh using healthy ingredients!!!