New York City might seem like the prime place to find unique dining, but many of the best restaurants in NY are in Albany.
Albany is in central New York, and it’s also the state’s impressive capital. So, it’s a great place to enjoy a variety of attractions while also enjoying lots of delicious food.
Best Restaurants in Albany, NY
There’s no shortage of restaurants in Albany, so here are 17 of the most popular and highest rated businesses. There’s something to satisfy all your food cravings.
#1 – Iron Gate Cafe
- Address – 182 Washington Ave, Albany, NY 12210
- Type of Food – American
- Price Range – $$
The Iron Gate Cafe is beloved for its large, versatile menu, full of American dishes. Many reviews have praised it for its brunch menu and vegan options. It has a friendly atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor seating.
#2 – 677 Prime
- Address – 677 Broadway, Albany, NY 12207
- Type of Food – Steak house
- Price Range – $$$
677 Prime is a higher end restaurant, known for its Prime beef. However, it has a large menu with something for everyone to enjoy. Every guest that visits this business will feel like royalty during their meal.
#3 – Athos Restaurant
- Address – 1814 Western Ave, Albany, NY 12203
- Type of Food – Greek
- Price Range – $$$
This restaurant offers Authentic Greek cuisine in an upscale environment. It has a popular bar, along with some outdoor seating accommodations. Many guests adore the seafood, especially the swordfish.
#4 – Yono’s
- Address – 25 Chapel St, Albany, NY 12210
- Type of Food – Indonesian
- Price Range – $$$$
Yono’s is the perfect restaurant for a fancy and romantic night out. It has some of the best reviews in Albany, and it has won several awards for its cuisine. It has a calming atmosphere with relaxing musicians playing the piano and other instruments.
#5 – Café Capriccio
- Address – 49 Grand St, Albany, NY 12207
- Type of Food – Italian
- Price Range – $$$
If you’re looking for classic Italian cuisine, then this restaurant is the perfect place to go. The reviews applaud its welcoming atmosphere and friendly servers.
#6 – Barcelona Restaurant-Wine Bar
- Address – 1192 Western Ave, Albany, NY 12203
- Type of Food – Spanish
- Price Range – $$
This restaurant is known for its delicious wines and Spanish-Mediterranean dishes. Reviews rave about its authentic seafood, and it also has a quaint indoor and outdoor dining space.
#7 – Cafe Madison
- Address – 1108 Madison Ave, Albany, NY 12208
- Type of Food – Breakfast
- Price Range – $$
Cafe Madison is a great place to stop for some tasty brunch, especially if you’re craving French toast. It also has some delicious sandwiches for lunch time. If you stop by for weekend brunch, expect there to be a wait.
#8 – Caffe Italia
- Address – 662 Central Ave, Albany, NY 12206-1645
- Type of Food – Italian
- Price Range – $$$
This tasty Italian restaurant is family owned and operated. It has an exceptional food menu and atmosphere with a variety of classic Italian dishes to choose from.
#9 – Jack’s Oyster House
- Address – 42 State St, Albany, NY 12207
- Type of Food – Seafood
- Price Range – $$$
If you’re looking for high-end seafood, Jack’s Oyster House is the place to go. Not only does it have great oysters, lobster, and clam chowder, but it also has other entrees, such as salads, pasta, and burgers, for those who don’t want seafood.
#10 – Druthers Brewing Company
- Address – 1053 Broadway, Albany, NY 12204
- Type of Food – American
- Price Range – $$
Druthers Brewing Company has a large menu with something for everyone. While many people visit for a drink, it’s hard to resist their famous mac & cheese. It’s the perfect place for a date night.
#11 – Grappa ’72 Ristorante
- Address – 818 Central Ave, Albany, NY 12206
- Type of Food – Italian
- Price Range – $$
Grappa ’72 might have a fancy look to it, but it’s a more affordable Italian dining option. It has a peaceful, relaxing atmosphere that’s perfect for romantic evenings. The restaurant offers a wide selection of Italian classics.
#12 – MezzaNotte Ristorante
- Address – 2026 Western Ave, Albany, NY 12203
- Type of Food – Italian
- Price Range – $$$
However, if you’re looking for Italian cuisine that’s a little fancier, this is another great option. “MezzaNotte” means “midnight” in Italian. It offers premium wine for guests, and it has a beautiful outdoor patio.
#13 – Sushi Tei Restaurant
- Address – 1800 Western Ave, Albany, NY 12203
- Type of Food – Japanese
- Price Range – $$
For those craving sushi, Sushi Tei is a great dining option. They serve fresh Japanese cuisine that is displayed beautifully on platters. Reviews claim it has one of the biggest sushi selections in the area.
#14 – Tanpopo Ramen and Sake Bar
- Address – 893 Broadway, Albany, NY 12207
- Type of Food – Japanese
- Price Range – $$
Tanpopo Ramen and Sake Bar is famous for its Japanese-style noodle soups. Reviews describe the ramen as authentic and delicious. They even offer many vegetarian options.
#15 – The Hollow Bar + Kitchen
- Address – 79 N Pearl St, Albany, NY 12207
- Type of Food – American
- Price Range – $$
The Hollow Bar in downtown Albany is a great restaurant for a date. It has a large menu with a wide variety of dishes, including burgers, chili, and salmon. Plus, it offers craft beer and live music.
#16 – The Albany Pump Station CH Evans Brewing Co.
- Address – 19 Quackenbush Square, Albany, NY 12207
- Type of Food – American
- Price Range – $$
This business is a classic local brewery and restaurant. Many visitors come to try the award-winning ale, but there is a wide variety of meals as well, including seafood, soup, and burgers.
#17 – New World Bistro Bar
- Address – 300 Delaware Ave, Albany, NY 12209
- Type of Food – American
- Price Range – $$
New World Bistro Bar is located right next to a theater, so it’s a great place to eat before or after a movie. It has a warm and welcoming atmosphere with a wide variety of menu items. Reviews even noted that it has great vegetarian and vegan options.
Fun Things to Do in Albany NY
Of course, restaurants in Albany NY are great for both residents and visitors. However, New York’s capital has plenty of other things to offer. Consider checking out some of the city’s major attractions before or after your delicious meals.
Here are some popular attractions in Albany:
- New York State Museum
- New York State Capital
- USS Slater DE-766
- Washington Park
- Palace Theatre
- Albany Institute of History & Art
- The Egg Performing Arts Center
While most families choose to visit New York City, Albany is another area in the state worth checking out. It’s much less chaotic than the Big Apple, and you’re sure to still have a wonderful trip. Plus, it has plenty of great historical learning experiences for the whole family.
No Shortage of Albany Dining Options
Choosing a place to eat out can be a pain, especially if the whole family is going. You’ll need to find a menu that everyone agrees on, which can be trickier than it seems. Luckily, if you live in Albany or if you’re visiting, there are plenty of restaurants in this NY area to choose from. While many of Albany’s popular restaurants are higher end, they’re sure to be delicious and memorable.
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