7 Best Italian Restaurants near Lake Placid

“We visit Lake Placid every year. For some reason, we had never realized that Caffe Rustica is tucked away in the Price Chopper's shopping center. Immediately when we walked into the restaurant, I was charmed by the front dining area, beautifully decorated with a spacious bar. Everything felt luxe while maintaining a cozy, old-school Italian ambience. We started with a Caesar salad to share, our usual go-to appetizer at other Italian restaurants. It was absolutely delicious with flavorful dressing and crisp, green lettuce - we were off to a good start! The stars of the show were our entrees. My husband ordered the chicken alla vodka special...he licked the plate clean! I tried some of the vodka sauce and can confirm it was perfectly balanced and scrumptious. I ordered the shrimp risotto dish (I believe it was called Tuscan Risotto). OMG IT WAS SOOO GOOD. I mean, insanely good. The risotto and sauce were perfection. I already am looking forward to returning to Lake Placid on our next vacation so that I can order that dish again. We ended the meal with one of the tastiest servings of tiramusu I've ever had. Also, the espresso martini was super yummy and I believe was topped with pumpkin pie spice which I adore. Service was 10/10, atmosphere 10/10, and food was unbelievable. If you're staying in LP, Caffe Rustica is a MUST! A new favorite for us.“

“Jimmy's 21 has become our traditional first-dinner-in-Lake-Placid preferred location. This time, we came with our four-year-old, and it was just as enjoyable as when we've come as a couple or with a group of 8+. The top-notch service, high quality food, and relaxed but romantic atmosphere are always consistent, and very much anticipated. The views of Whiteface and Mirror Lake are so exquisite. We love it here, and it remains one of our all-time favorites!“

“We husband and I came across this place on accident, later in the evening. It was absolutely AMAZING!! From the time we stepped in and was greeted with such friendliness, to the timing of each course. Staff were attentive and the food was the perfect temperature. The flavor of each course was absolutely delectable. My husband and I are going back just to go to that resturant. this time with dessert,“

“Great food. Owner is a nice guy.“

“Had lrg pizza, chicken parm and Alfredo delivered to our hotel. It came fast and every thing was absolutely delicious 😋!“

“My wife and I had a wonderful honeymoon dinner. The prime rib was excellent, and my wife had a NY strip that was grilled to perfection. We ended it if two Irish coffees. The even took the time to make one decaf for my wife. Great job!“

“This restaurant was such an incredible and unexpected find on the way home from the Bloomingdale Bog! I have traveled widely and the best food I have ever had was in Venice Italy: I kid you not, the food and service here brought me back to Venice and Florence. I had the shrimp special: shrimp cooked with sautéed vegetables: onions, sliced garlic, roasted red peppers, large wands of broccoli, all cooked to perfection. The veggies still had flavor and bite, the large shrimp were perfectly cooked, and all tossed over pasta with delicately flavored sauce and olive oil, which never overpowered the flavor of the main ingredients. My partner had the Chicken special which was perfectly tender chicken breast bathed in a cognac marinara sauce, with mozzarella cheese, roasted red peppers and a side of delicate pasta. For dessert we enjoyed the Tira mi su, my favorite, which I make from scratch myself. The pastry and pastry cream were heavenly, finished with a thin layer of chocolate and a dollop of whipped cream. Stupendous. The lemon cake was also obviously made in house, with cake that was not too sweet, richly textured with a nice thick layer of lemon cream between the two layers. This dinner was a glorious North Country surprise, one that transformed this series of cold, gray days. The service was also absolutely exceptional, professional, friendly, graceful, relaxed and timely. We can't wait to return, and I would highly recommend you treat yourselves...especially now when it's slower! Light up a cold winter evening. THANK YOU!“