I've been here a few times, and Defi never disappoints. The food is phenomenal, the wine pairings are delightful, and the staff is amazing. Each course is prepared and served with attention to the smallest detail. Imaginative and flavorful. It's worth every penny. I can't wait to go again!!!
TravellingBritNY
Defi Cuisine has become my go-to in Syracuse this year. The restructuring they have done in order to keep fine dining alive during the COVID-19 era has been nothing short of amazing. Having set seatings means you have less comings and goings, which means that it's far easier to keep socially-distanced from people while not wearing a mask. Their insistence on everyone being masked while moving around is awesome. And Chef Cody - what can I say? He goes above and beyond to introduce us to things we have never tried before, or things we thought we didn't like, but love when he makes them. The five course set meal is absolutely plenty of food, and it is paced really well. Innovative style, using local ingredients. They are in touch with the local farming scene, and help support it - encouraging them to grow new crops that do well in the area. For those with dietary restrictions - give them a week or so warning and they will come up with something wonderful that fits you. Steve mixes some amazing cocktails - pro tip is to let him interview you and build you one of his custom cocktails. The staff are knowledgeable and enthusiastic - the drinks and food are delivered with a charming flair and described in wonderful detail. It's an experience. Just try it. I am just hoping they survive the COVID epidemic - it would be a major loss for Syracuse if they couldn't keep going.
Billy Aye
My girlfriend and I found this place while searching online for a great foodie destination in central NY. Work sent her on a business trip (we're in NYC metro), and we decided we would check this place out one night after her meeting. We were thrilled with the place from the moment we got there. Not only are they incredible hosts at the restaurant, but they do a great job making you feel comfortable in this covid era. They spread the guests out and I didn't feel crowded or overwhelmed in the space. Most important, though, was the food. We absolutely loved all of our dishes and we devoured them! If I would do anything differently, I'd probably rent an airbnb in Syracuse so I didn't have to travel so far, and I'm come here more than once. I truly can't wait for her next business trip to get back up there.
Brian K.
First, in any profession, there is the mastery of the necessary skills to technically shine above all others. Secondly, there is the passion that is required to show the artistry of said profession in a distinctive manner. Cody epitomizes these traits and provides the citizens of the Syracuse area with an experience that is unique to any other culinary moment in this town. Featuring locally sourced ingredients with Keenan's perfectly paired wines and Steve's craft cocktails not found elsewhere in this area code, Chef and his crew deliver a singularly special moment in fine dining. Not to be missed.
T B.
If not our favorite restaurant, it's number 2. It's a unique experience in the area, with the best food and drinks exceeding our expectations. Creative dishes continue to keep it fresh time and time, and it can only get our highest recommendation
Bernie Mucitelli
This was the single greatest restaurant experience of my life. Went here for a birthday celebration, the Defi cocktail,are after a quick interview was fantastic. The chef's menu was just asking and the stories behind the courses made them even better.
X1131TMcathyc
This is a foodie’s heaven! Chefs kitchen and presentations with each of the 6 courses that we had paired with wines. Amazingly individualized options for mixed drinks in addition to the wine pairings. Couldn’t have asked for a better evening for our anniversary dinner!
Jenny P.
I can't say enough about this restaurant. It is outstanding! Chef Cody explains and tells a story about each dish and its ingredients. The food is delicious and expertly prepared. Hands down the best restaurant experience in Syracuse. Every time I leave I can't wait to go back.
Kristen Mucitelli-Heath
We had been customers prior to COVID and previous to the current format of a chefs tasting menu with limited restaurant capacity and seating - I have to say while the a la carte menu experiences we had were wonderful, the chefs tasting menu experience (conducted as a restaurant as a whole) was just incredible. The narratives and related sustainability of the food, the care to source locally and create an experience as well as give back to the earth and support local farming was impressive and frankly, just so DELICIOUS. It’s dining we are lucky to have here in Syracuse. Highly recommend.
F. Laura Mejia-Connolly
We were very disappointed in the lack of cooperation from the staff to reschedule a reservation. The picture attached is the "cancellation policy" on the website (as you can see consists of a mere two sentences). I understand you can not "refund" the reservation, but there is no clarification on changing the date and/or time of the reservation. I had made a reservation for my husband's birthday Unexpectedly family had shown up for a surprise visit. Thus I no longer could attend my reservation for two. I called to attempt to change my reservation (not refund), and I was informed that this request could not be approved "based on the restaurant's cancellation policy." Which clearly does not clarification on changing dates.Please be aware of anyone trying to make reservations on their website.Unfortunately, I will not be taking my business here.
Wife had secret reservations for my birthday since I always talked about coming here. In-laws showed up to surprise us for my birthday 4 hours before the reservation, could not change reservation to a different day. $160 down the drain and will never be able to come here. I DO hope for your continued success, unfortunately I will never be able to experience it.
Gerard Jemison
I stopped in a few weeks ago for drinks. The atmosphere is so much fun, and the drinks are even better. My girlfriend and I had an amzing time watching the dinner service and trying different handcrafted cocktails. We will definitely be coming back for dinner!
Bella Daniella
Christina and I had a couple of amazing experiences here. We liked the bourbon pairing the best. The food was exotic and absolutely delicious!! We will definitely be coming back!
trent lauer
Incredible place. Must try restaurant in Syracuse. This place will make you rethink fine dining in Central New York.
Robert Kolb
Wonderful,dining experience. The food was fantastic and the drinks excellent! We especially enjoyed listening to the chef talk about the ingredients before each course. The wait staff and service were top notch and will definitely return. 5 star experience, one of the best dining experiences we’ve had anywhere! support local!
I've been here a few times, and Defi never disappoints. The food is phenomenal, the wine pairings are delightful, and the staff is amazing. Each course is prepared and served with attention to the smallest detail. Imaginative and flavorful. It's worth every penny. I can't wait to go again!!!
Defi Cuisine has become my go-to in Syracuse this year. The restructuring they have done in order to keep fine dining alive during the COVID-19 era has been nothing short of amazing. Having set seatings means you have less comings and goings, which means that it's far easier to keep socially-distanced from people while not wearing a mask. Their insistence on everyone being masked while moving around is awesome. And Chef Cody - what can I say? He goes above and beyond to introduce us to things we have never tried before, or things we thought we didn't like, but love when he makes them. The five course set meal is absolutely plenty of food, and it is paced really well. Innovative style, using local ingredients. They are in touch with the local farming scene, and help support it - encouraging them to grow new crops that do well in the area. For those with dietary restrictions - give them a week or so warning and they will come up with something wonderful that fits you. Steve mixes some amazing cocktails - pro tip is to let him interview you and build you one of his custom cocktails. The staff are knowledgeable and enthusiastic - the drinks and food are delivered with a charming flair and described in wonderful detail. It's an experience. Just try it. I am just hoping they survive the COVID epidemic - it would be a major loss for Syracuse if they couldn't keep going.
My girlfriend and I found this place while searching online for a great foodie destination in central NY. Work sent her on a business trip (we're in NYC metro), and we decided we would check this place out one night after her meeting. We were thrilled with the place from the moment we got there. Not only are they incredible hosts at the restaurant, but they do a great job making you feel comfortable in this covid era. They spread the guests out and I didn't feel crowded or overwhelmed in the space. Most important, though, was the food. We absolutely loved all of our dishes and we devoured them! If I would do anything differently, I'd probably rent an airbnb in Syracuse so I didn't have to travel so far, and I'm come here more than once. I truly can't wait for her next business trip to get back up there.
First, in any profession, there is the mastery of the necessary skills to technically shine above all others. Secondly, there is the passion that is required to show the artistry of said profession in a distinctive manner. Cody epitomizes these traits and provides the citizens of the Syracuse area with an experience that is unique to any other culinary moment in this town. Featuring locally sourced ingredients with Keenan's perfectly paired wines and Steve's craft cocktails not found elsewhere in this area code, Chef and his crew deliver a singularly special moment in fine dining. Not to be missed.
If not our favorite restaurant, it's number 2. It's a unique experience in the area, with the best food and drinks exceeding our expectations. Creative dishes continue to keep it fresh time and time, and it can only get our highest recommendation
This was the single greatest restaurant experience of my life. Went here for a birthday celebration, the Defi cocktail,are after a quick interview was fantastic. The chef's menu was just asking and the stories behind the courses made them even better.
This is a foodie’s heaven! Chefs kitchen and presentations with each of the 6 courses that we had paired with wines. Amazingly individualized options for mixed drinks in addition to the wine pairings. Couldn’t have asked for a better evening for our anniversary dinner!
I can't say enough about this restaurant. It is outstanding! Chef Cody explains and tells a story about each dish and its ingredients. The food is delicious and expertly prepared. Hands down the best restaurant experience in Syracuse. Every time I leave I can't wait to go back.
We had been customers prior to COVID and previous to the current format of a chefs tasting menu with limited restaurant capacity and seating - I have to say while the a la carte menu experiences we had were wonderful, the chefs tasting menu experience (conducted as a restaurant as a whole) was just incredible. The narratives and related sustainability of the food, the care to source locally and create an experience as well as give back to the earth and support local farming was impressive and frankly, just so DELICIOUS. It’s dining we are lucky to have here in Syracuse. Highly recommend.
We were very disappointed in the lack of cooperation from the staff to reschedule a reservation. The picture attached is the "cancellation policy" on the website (as you can see consists of a mere two sentences). I understand you can not "refund" the reservation, but there is no clarification on changing the date and/or time of the reservation. I had made a reservation for my husband's birthday Unexpectedly family had shown up for a surprise visit. Thus I no longer could attend my reservation for two. I called to attempt to change my reservation (not refund), and I was informed that this request could not be approved "based on the restaurant's cancellation policy." Which clearly does not clarification on changing dates.Please be aware of anyone trying to make reservations on their website.Unfortunately, I will not be taking my business here.
Restaurantji Recommends
Wife had secret reservations for my birthday since I always talked about coming here. In-laws showed up to surprise us for my birthday 4 hours before the reservation, could not change reservation to a different day. $160 down the drain and will never be able to come here. I DO hope for your continued success, unfortunately I will never be able to experience it.
I stopped in a few weeks ago for drinks. The atmosphere is so much fun, and the drinks are even better. My girlfriend and I had an amzing time watching the dinner service and trying different handcrafted cocktails. We will definitely be coming back for dinner!
Christina and I had a couple of amazing experiences here. We liked the bourbon pairing the best. The food was exotic and absolutely delicious!! We will definitely be coming back!
Incredible place. Must try restaurant in Syracuse. This place will make you rethink fine dining in Central New York.
Wonderful,dining experience. The food was fantastic and the drinks excellent! We especially enjoyed listening to the chef talk about the ingredients before each course. The wait staff and service were top notch and will definitely return. 5 star experience, one of the best dining experiences we’ve had anywhere! support local!