Dining at all of the phenomenal restaurants in Utica, NY would be an arduous undertaking, but it would sure be fun to try. A love of good food is ingrained in the culture in this Mohawk Valley city, and locals and visitors alike have endless culinary options to choose from.
My recommendations for Utica, NY restaurants is far from extensive or complete but I hope they provide you with some guidance when it’s time to eat—hopefully this occurs after you’ve worked up an appetite by exploring Utica.
I haven’t really touched upon regional specialties like Chicken Riggies or Utica Greens here. Those divine delicacies deserve their very own blog post. In this one, I’ve attempted to provide a broad range of cuisines and options for each major meal of the day. You may also want to check out my post about the city’s best Italian bakeries and delis for more dining options.
Read on for 11 restaurants in Utica that we’ve come to love.
1. Wisk Baking Company
Note: Wisk Baking Company is temporarily closed (updated February 13, 2023).
The first thing you notice at this downtown Utica café is the inviting smell of freshly baked pastries. Then you sit down and look around and feel cheered by the splashes of pastel blue that accent the décor, and the whimsical slogans that light up the walls, both of which warm up the industrial aesthetic.
Whether you’re searching for pastries or a heartier meal, you’re in the right place. For breakfast, Wisk whips up irresistible dishes like Bananas Foster French toast and blueberry pancakes, as well as lighter fare like avocado toast and fruit and yogurt bowls. At lunchtime, an extensive menu of unique sandwiches and salads are available.
Wisk Baking Co. is where I would choose to spend an afternoon working on my laptop or maybe just reading a book over a good cup of coffee and a plate of French macarons. They are conveniently located across the street from the Doubletree by Hilton.
- 53 Franklin Square, Utica
- Ph: 315-864-8742
- Serves breakfast and lunch
2. Utica Coffee Roasting Company
Want to get a cup of coffee made from beans roasted on site, take a selfie in front a wall of colorful coffee-themed murals, and shop for Upstate gifts from local merchants, all at the same time? If so, then definitely hang out at this Utica café where, at almost any time of day, you can expect to enter a scene filled as much with the buzz of conversation by friendly locals as with the rich aroma of the coffee of the day.
In addition to coffee and espresso drinks, a breakfast menu with light fare–think oatmeal, breakfast sandwiches, and pastries–is available. One corner of the café is stocked with coffee gift boxes and products from local businesses. They also display and sell art from local artists.
- 92 Genesee Street, Utica
- Ph: 315-624-9596
- Serves coffee, espresso drinks, and light breakfast.
3. Aqua Vino Restaurant
To me, the phrase “Utica food” conjures up images of meatballs swimming in rich tomato sauce, crisp chicken parmesan oozing with mozzarrella, and antipasto salads topped with glistening cured meats. You’ll encounter these dishes at countless restaurants in Utica, many of which are outstanding.
However, I’ve singled out Aqua Vino here not only for their Italian cuisine but also for the overall combination of good food and friendly staff. The menu offers Italian-American favorites, as well as rack of lamb, steaks, seafood, and mouthwatering desserts. They also make their own signature versions of Utica Greens and Chicken Riggies, dishes you can find in many Utica restaurants, but it’s fun to see how different chefs make them their own.
Aqua Vino has recently moved to their new location in New Hartford.
- 8655 Clinton Street, New Hartford
- Ph: 315-732-0116
- Serves lunch and dinner.
4. Five Points Public House
Pints of Guinness draft are pulled by friendly bartenders and set upon an elegant bar that, along with every other furnishing here, was handcrafted in Ireland and shipped to Utica, in order to recreate a cozy Irish pub ambiance. In creating this welcoming vibe, they have found great success. The Victorian-style booths are plush and comfortable. A fire crackles in the fireplace on cold days while an outdoor patio accommodates the warm-weather crowd.
There’s even a snug—a small private room set apart from the main bar—which traditionally provided privacy for Irish pub patrons who desired it. The snug at Five Points is the perfect cozy alcove to sample some of their fine Irish whiskeys.
In my opinion, Five Points Pub is the best Irish restaurant in Utica, offering modern takes on old comfort food favorites. The meat in the corned beef sliders absolutely melt in your mouth and their Reuben is the best I’ve ever had.
Be sure to check the events calendar for their schedule of live Irish music sessions.
- 623 Columbia Street, Utica
- Ph: 315-733-4228
- Serves lunch and dinner.
5. Zeina’s Cafe
The cuisine is exceptional, but it’s Albert and Leyla Zeina who make this Lebanese-style Mediterranean café a place you want to return to again and again. A moment after we sat down for lunch, Albert stepped away from the family he’d been chatting with and poured us small samples of fragrant Turkish coffee. Its smooth bitterness was just right for the cold late autumn day.
A minute later, Leyla brought us a sample of homemade hummus and triangles of pita bread for dipping. We hadn’t ordered it, but she presented it to us in the manner of that one relative you visit who won’t let you leave their house until you “eat something, already!” Their kind insistence on feeding us was so genuine and reminded me of the hospitality we were so often met with when we lived in Turkey.
Much as we expected after receiving such a warm welcome, our meal at Zeina’s Café was of homemade quality. The falafel was perfectly crispy, the hummus so fresh that I’ve sworn off store-bought brands forever, and the chicken Shawarma tender and flavorful.
The menu is loaded with Lebanese specialties. I recommend ordering several dishes to share, and returning often.
- 607 Varick Street, Utica
- Ph: 315-738-0297
- Serves lunch and dinner.
6. Nail Creek Pub & Brewery
Comfort food and conversation are the highlights here, as well as the extensive selection of Belgian-style and local craft beers.
Nail Creek should be at the top of your mind whenever you’re in the mood for a beer and a solid snack–maybe a plate of poutine topped with locally made cheese curds. Heartier fare is plentiful, too. You can get a Philly cheesesteak on a pretzel bun, a pork belly Bahn Mi, or just a simple burger.
The exposed brick interior and soft lighting add intimacy and character and makes Nail Creek the perfect place to spend an afternoon snacking on apps and sampling brews, perhaps after finishing your Saranac brewery tour, located just a minute away.
Brunch is available at Nail Creek on Sundays from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Other recurring weekly events include $3 Jamesons on Tuesday, Trivia Night on Wednesday, and Fish Fry Fridays.
- 720 Varick Street, Utica
- Ph: 315-793-7593
- Serves breakfast, lunch, and Sunday brunch.
7. The Tailor & The Cook
This local favorite is consistently cited as one of the best restaurants in Utica, NY. They partner with local farms to serve fresh, high-quality dishes that change with the seasons.
On any given evening, you might find pan roasted duck breast, house smoked trout, or wild rice salad on the menu. There are always nightly specials and a four-course Prix Fixe Tasting Menu is also available. A long list of wines and desserts-to-die-for complete the experience.
The restaurant’s name is a throwback to a tailoring company that once operated in the 19th century building they’re located in. The Tailor & The Cook is owned by childhood friends Chris Talgo and Hardiman—Talgo and his wife also own Nail Creek Pub & Brewery.
- 94 Genesee Street, Utica
- Reservations are recommended.
- Ph: 315-624-3663
- Serves dinner.
8. Ocean Blue Restaurant & Oyster Bar
The chic décor at this downtown establishment, located on top of the historic Landmarc Building, includes an attractive copper-topped bar that’s perfect for whenever you want to unwind with a martini and a plate of oysters. Or if you prefer, slide into a comfy leather booth and order classy dishes like lobster mac + cheese, jumbo scallops, or filet mignon.
Matt and I have eaten here several times, once at their unforgettable Thanksgiving buffet with my entire family, and I still think about the warm butter cake I had for dessert.
Ocean Blue is one of the most popular and stylish of all the downtown Utica restaurants. Outdoor patio seating with great city views is available when weather permits.
- 118 Columbia Street, Landmarc Building, Utica
- Reservations are recommended.
- Ph: 315-735-2583
- Serves lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch. Cashless payment only.
9. Gerber’s 1933 Tavern
My sister, a Utica resident and general expert on all things, said Gerber’s had gained the reputation of serving one of the best burgers in the city. On that advice, we all headed there after a movie one night, and we were not disappointed.
In addition to burgers, the menu offers deeply satisfying comfort meals like fried bologna sandwiches or hot pastrami sandwiches, and lighter dishes like sliders and bruschetta flatbread.
Located inside an old speakeasy, Gerber’s has a shabby-chic vibe and the bar actually tilts inward so that during Prohibition, drinks could be easily swept into a slush bucket if the police arrived. I recommend ordering a Moonshine cocktail in honor of Gerber’s Prohibition origins. Keep an eye on their Facebook page (link above) for live music events and more.
- 16 Liberty Street, Utica
- Ph: 315-534-4835
- Serves dinner.
10. Pho Mekong House of Noodles
I don’t want to brag but we know something about Pho, the Vietnamese soup sold at markets, restaurants, and street stalls all over the Southeast Asian country. Matt and I lived in Vietnam and Pho was by far the most frequent dish we consumed.
And while we’re not Pho experts, we know enough to know that the broth should be rich and fragrant with herbs (although not overwhelmingly so), the meat sliced thinly but still a little fatty to add flavor, and the rice noodles plentiful. A side plate of fresh mint, bean sprouts, and lime wedges typically accompany an order. Those garnishes should be added liberally, along with any chili garlic sauce, chopped chili peppers, or tamarind sauce that you might find as a condiment on your table.
Pho Mekong House of Noodles makes all of the above possible and I can’t recommend them strongly enough for anyone craving or wishing to try this citrusy, savory, rich noodle soup. My favorite is Pho Tai Gau (noodle soup with eye round steak and brisket) while Matt likes his pho with chicken (Pho Ga).
No problem if you’re not in the mood for pho. Plenty of other Vietnamese specialty dishes—many of which are vegetarian—are on the menu.
- 601 John Street, Utica
- Ph: 315-797-7171
- Open for lunch. Open for dinner on select days.
11. Simmer Jamaican Restaurant
Dine on authentic and fresh Jamaican and Caribbean cuisine in a friendly local restaurant. Favorite dishes include tangy jerk chicken, curry fish, and Jamaican beef patties. Customers can also count on large portions and a pleasant ambiance.
- 606 South Street, Utica
- Ph: 315-507-4015
- Serves lunch and dinner.
