Ryan F.
Although Syracuse is famous for attractions like Rosamond Gifford Zoo and the Erie Canal Museum, it has a robust collection of exceptional restaurants as well. Moreover, when you’re visiting a city, one of the most important things to know is where the best restaurants are.
If you’re ever wondering where to eat in Syracuse, New York, be assured that there’s a great eating establishment nearby.
Fortunately, we’ve taken the liberty of compiling a list of the best places to get food in Syracuse. You’ll find upscale, casual, bars, pubs, bistros, and the list goes on. Most of these places are conveniently located near Syracuse University or a major shopping center, so they’re easy to find.
There are various restaurants specializing in different cuisines such as Italian, barbecue, American, Polish, Irish, and even vegan. We’ve got something for everyone’s tastes and preferences. So, without further ado.
Check out my list of the best restaurants in Syracuse!
Best Restaurants in Syracuse NY
- 317 @ Montgomery Street
- Phoebe’s Restaurant & Coffee Lounge
- Apizza Regionale
- Eva’s European Sweets
- Eden
- Kitty Hoyne’s Irish Pub
- Dinosaur Bar-B-Que
- Pastabilities
- Strong Hearts
- Francesca’s Cucina
- The Fish Friar
- Delmonico’s Italian Steakhouse
- Otro Cinco
- Texas de Brazil
- Angotti’s | Family Restaurant
- Lemon Grass
- Oh My Darling
317 @ Montgomery Street
317 Montgomery St, Syracuse, NY 13202
Phone: 315-214-4267
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On my trip to Syracuse, I had heard from a friend that 317 @ Montgomery Street served excellent food in a friendly environment. She was spot on. 317 is an upscale restaurant in one of the oldest buildings in downtown Syracuse, near Armory Square.
The decor is lovely with the framed art and exposed brick walls, and it’s the perfect place for a date, business meeting, or family gathering. All of the food was prepared beautifully, and everything was delicious.
My favorite dish was the short rib risotto which was ordered quite frequently, and the duck tacos were amazing. I highly recommend stopping by if you want refined and creative American cuisine from hospitable servers.
Phoebe’s Restaurant & Coffee Lounge
900 E Genesee St, Syracuse, NY 13244
Phone: 315-475-5154
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Phoebe’s restaurant is a hit amongst theater students, as it is located right by Syracuse University, across the street from the Syracuse Stage. It’s an American bistro that offers a seasonal menu. They also have a coffee bar attached that serves delicious cappuccinos.
Phoebe’s has a casual decor and atmosphere, making it a great place to grab lunch or dinner alone or with friends. I dropped in one afternoon and was pleasantly surprised that the food was so fresh and flavorful.
The French onion soup was delightful, and so was the grilled salmon. The servers were very courteous and made me feel welcomed. This place has a rich history, and you won’t be disappointed by its extensive dessert and wine menu either!
Apizza Regionale
260 W Genesee St, Syracuse, NY 13202
Phone: 315-802-2607
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On my recent trip to Syracuse, we set out to try the popular Apizza Regionale. If you’re ever in town, you can find it nearby Clinton Square and the Clinton Square Ice Rink.
Immediately I noticed that there was a richness in the atmosphere; it was elegant and sophisticated. Even still, the restaurant was able to maintain a comfortable and casual vibe overall.
Their Italian cuisine was the embodiment of a master’s class on how to make pizza. The Calabrian pizza mixed with the New York style of pizza is a wonderful marriage of flavors and styles, not to mention they have an amazing selection of pizza toppings.
Eva’s European Sweets
1305 Milton Ave, Syracuse, NY 13204
Phone: 315-487-2722
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I went to Eva’s European Sweets to satisfy my sweet tooth and was pleasantly surprised at what I discovered upon arrival. This restaurant not only served amazing European desserts but specialized in authentic Polish cuisine as well.
I ordered the Polish Dinner that comes with two well-seasoned chicken cutlets and seasonal vegetables. For dessert, I had a decadent Blueberry crumble.
I heard quite a few people order the kielbasa dinner, mushroom croquettes, breaded chicken, and their pork dinner; I intend to try these on my trip back to Syracuse!
Check them out off of Milton Avenue, just a couple miles south of the New York State Fairgrounds.
Eden
118 E Genesee St, Syracuse, NY 13202
Phone: 315-991-8408
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I had no trouble finding Eden, which was conveniently located nearby Clinton Square. The food was simply elegant and delicious. The menu is minimalist in a sense because it doesn’t offer the most variety.
However, the small menu is of good quality with traditional wood fire dishes prepared tastefully. I had to go with the ember-roasted NY Strip, cooked medium-rare. It provided all of the flavors that you’d expect.
I went there twice during my visit, and my favorite dishes turned out to be the Pan-Roasted Chicken, Bang’s Island Mussels, Grilled watermelon, and the Panzanella salad.
Kitty Hoyne’s Irish Pub
301 W Fayette St, Syracuse, NY, 13202
Phone: 315-424-1974
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Kitty Hoyne’s Irish Pub is near the Museum of Science and Technology in a red brick building. From the outside, the building looks as if it has a rich history.
There’s a classy appeal about the place, yet not so much so that someone dressed casually will feel out of place.
Kitty’s offers a wide variety of great drinks, and the food is fantastic as well.
This pub has a leaning toward savory and flavorful dishes. My favorite dish was the Irish meatloaf; there were layers of flavor! And for dessert, I went with their yummy Shepherd’s pie.
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que
246 W Willow St, Syracuse, NY 13202
Phone: 315-476-4937
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One day I was looking for places to get food in Syracuse, New York, and I had a hankering for some great barbecue. In particular, I wanted to get my hands on a rack of baby back ribs.
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que had that and so much more to offer! The rustic nature of the establishment was welcoming. Moreover, the dining area was surprisingly spacious.
I went with their mouth-watering barbecue chicken wings for an appetizer, and for my entree, I got a rack of delicious Barbecue ribs.
Over near Clinton Square, this is the best barbecue you can find in Syracuse. I also recommend the fried green tomatoes, cornbread, and mac and cheese.
Pastabilities
311 S Franklin St, Syracuse, NY 13202
Phone: 315-474-1153
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I must admit, the clever and whimsical name drew me in initially. After searching for Syracuse restaurants to try out, I landed on Pastabilities, located right across the street from the Atrium Parking Garage, near the Landmark Theatre.
Pastabilities is a swanky spot that gives you a feeling of sophistication just by simply being there. The lighting sets the mood and vibes of the restaurant.
I chose to enjoy my meal on the outdoor patio, where I devoured my Chicken Parmesan. What’s more, I had their delicious peanut butter pretzel pie.
If you make it to Pastabilities, try the Spaghetti and Meatballs, Duck bacon flatbread pizza, Thai Beef Salad, and the braised short rib.
Strong Hearts
900 E Fayette St Suite 1, Syracuse, NY 13210
Phone: 315-478-0000
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Strong Hearts is a vegan restaurant located near the large Upstate Medical University (Lot “R”).
Although this is a vegan restaurant, it was recommended to me by someone who usually doesn’t indulge in vegan food, and he loved it! So, of course, this piqued my interest, and I had to try it.
Strong Hearts offers vegan versions of traditional dishes such as chicken wings, a Chicken Bacon Ranch sandwich, Buffalo Tofu Sandwiches, Wild West Burger, and more.
On my list, I had to try the perfectly textured, crispy, and tasty Beef melt, which has changed my mind entirely on what I thought of vegan food.
Francesca’s Cucina
545 N Salina St, Syracuse, NY 13208
Phone: 315-425-1556
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Francesca’s Cucina was an Italian restaurant on my radar, and I promised myself that I would stop in Syracuse the next time.
When I got there, I couldn’t help but notice the extravagant outdoor dining area equipped with a fire pit that’s available to guests. This area adds a unique element to the restaurant.
I began with some steamed mussels with perfect red sauce. Then I moved on to the famous Chicken Riggies and finished my meal off with some delightful cannolis for dessert.
The staff was helpful, and they made my experience memorable.
The Fish Friar
239 E Genesee St, Syracuse, NY 13202
Phone: 315-468-3474
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You can find The Fish Friar located near the Erie Canal Museum.
The Fish Friar is the perfect place for seafood lovers. However, don’t expect to get a steak or burger because this restaurant exclusively specializes in fish and seafood.
There’s a brightness about the venue that makes it feel nostalgic and upbeat. The building had reddish brick color. The outdoor dining area on a beautiful day is truly a sight to behold.
My favorite item from that meal on that night was indisputably the Hot Lobster Roll. It was lush and delicately flavored. The runner-up dish was the sauteed shrimp which were divine. Go visit if you get a chance!
Delmonico’s Italian Steakhouse
2950 Erie Blvd E, Syracuse, NY 13224
Phone: 315-445-1111
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If you’re ever near the Erie Canal Museum, you should stop by Delmonico’s Italian Steakhouse, about seven minutes away. It’s an Italian restaurant and steakhouse fusion that breeds some genuinely delicious cuisine.
The atmosphere is upbeat and exciting. They have caricatures all over the walls, the servers are dressed like mob bosses, and there’s jazz music playing softly in the background. I had a great experience there purely based on the hospitality.
The portion sizes are monstrous, especially their signature 24-oz steak, which was cooked perfectly. I also enjoyed the one-pound lasagna and the homemade cannoli for dessert. You won’t be disappointed if you go to Delmonico’s, the vibes are fun, and it’s a nice hangout spot with friends or family.
Otro Cinco
206 S Warren St, Syracuse, NY 13202
Phone: 315-422-6876
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Otro Cinco can be found inside the historic university building in downtown Syracuse. This charming restaurant and bar is a favorite amongst locals, serving an authentic Mediterranean and Spanish fare blend.
The atmosphere and the dining experience are both intimate and lively. They use locally sourced ingredients to provide creative and tasty dishes that you wouldn’t find elsewhere.
I liked their Patatas Bravas, which means “spicy potatoes.” This, coupled with their seafood paella, was delightfully well-seasoned and prepared.
The servers there are great with giving recommendations on what to try, they’re attentive without being overbearing, and above all, they’re friendly! Otro Cinco is an excellent place to get lunch, in my opinion.
Texas de Brazil
306 Hiawatha Blvd W L-117, Syracuse, NY 13204
Phone: 315-401-7990
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Texas de Brazil is a franchise restaurant that you can find in multiple cities around the country. The Syracuse location is inside the Destiny USA shopping center. They also have mall patio dining available for guests.
It’s a lovely spot because there are over 250 stores in this mall, so after a busy day of shopping, you can get dinner at Texas de Brazil. It gives off upscale dining vibes in a relaxed environment.
The standout features of this restaurant are the all-you-can-eat meat and salad bar. The servers are fun, and they travel around the restaurant carving as much meat as you want tableside. They have an excellent wine menu as well.
I thoroughly enjoyed the lobster bisque and the bacon-wrapped jalapenos. Both were fresh and presented nicely. Do give them a try!
Angotti’s | Family Restaurant
725 Burnet Ave, Syracuse, NY 13203
Phone: 315-472-8403
Angotti’s was a happy mistake! I stumbled across this restaurant as I was traveling through the city. There isn’t much to do in the neighborhood, but Thornden Park and Syracuse University are less than ten minutes away.
Angotti’s can be described as a family restaurant serving traditional Italian dishes like pizza, lasagna, and all different types of pasta.
The decor is modest, and the ambiance is casual, but the staff treats you like they’re welcoming you home for a family dinner! I recommend the stuffed peppers, chicken parmigiana, and red wine. The portion sizes are substantial as well for the price.
Lemon Grass
238 W Jefferson St, Syracuse, NY 13202
Phone: 315-475-1111
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Located in Armory Square (Downtown Syracuse), Lemon Grass is a unique restaurant that serves authentic Pacific Rim Thai food. I’d never tried this particular genre of cuisine, so I was excited to see what was in store.
For starters, the food is fresh, and they care a lot about presentation. They’ve won numerous awards for their wine and desserts as well. They also handle business functions and parties well with exceptional professionalism.
I tried the Bangkok Beef and the coco shrimp, and they were delectable. I highly recommend going to Lemon Grass if you want to try innovative dishes with an international flair.
Oh My Darling
321 S Salina St, Syracuse, NY 13202
Phone: 315-290-3330
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I visited Oh My Darling for their weekend brunch, and I was very impressed with the food and service. They’re over near the Red House Arts Center and the Museum of Science and Technology. It’s a relatively popular area, so it should be easy to find.
They have a classy-chic atmosphere and a cute and welcoming decor. The servers were very personable and accommodating, which I appreciated since it was my first time there. The menu itself wasn’t huge, but they seemed to do well with what they had.
I liked the Salmon Benedict and the Truffled Mushroom and Arugula flatbread. The flavors were spot on, and I’d absolutely return to try more dishes from the menu. I’ve heard from locals that the cocktails are delicious too if you go there for lunch or dinner.
Final Thoughts
Syracuse is a unique city that’s known for a variety of cuisines. I recommend all of these Syracuse restaurants based on my personal trips. Each one has something different to offer, and they provide a unique dining experience for guests.
Did we leave a restaurant out of this list? Make sure you leave us a comment, and we’ll check it out!
