My 15 Favorite Dinner Restaurants in the Greater Syracuse Area
I love good food. One of my main motivations for traveling is to experience food cultures around the world. When I am not traveling, I love to explore all the great places to eat in my current hometown of Syracuse, NY, where I have lived for almost 15 years.
From a small cash only bar to an Ethiopian restaurant recognized by CNN, there is no shortage of unique and delicious places to eat. So here, they are, in no particular order, my 15 favorite places to have dinner in the Syracuse area.
1) Blarney Stone
Neighborhood Bar
Blarney Stone, a neighborhood bar in Tipperary Hill, is best known for their award-winning burger and wings. And let me tell you, they are worthy of the praise. The best part, a cheeseburger is only $5 – the deal of a lifetime. Come prepared – this is a cash only bar.
Address: 314 Avery Ave, Syracuse, NY 13204 (Get There!)
Phone: 315-487-9675
Website: www.blarneystonesyr.com
2) Apizza Regional
Wood fired Pizza
There is no better place to get a wood fired pizza than Apizza in downtown Syracuse. They source all their ingredients from producers in New York State and Italy and imported their wood-fired pizza oven from Naples, Italy. You can’t get more authentic than that. My favorite menu items include their Antipasti Bowl and Rucolo and Patata pizza. And even though they are best known for their pizza, their pasta is also delicious. They do not take reservations and it’s not a big restaurant, so be prepared to wait for a table.
Address: 260 West Genesee Street, Syracuse, NY 13202 (Get There!)
Phone: 315-802-2607
Website: www.apizzaregionale.com/
3) Eva’s European Sweets
Polish
Eva’s in Solvay serves authentic Polish cuisine in a cozy atmosphere. They appeared on the show Diner’s Drive-Ins and Dives where their Hungarian Placki was highlighted (potato pancakes topped with lightly spiced ground beef). I personally love their pierogi’s and the Gulasz & Kopytka. The potato dumplings in the Gulasz are too die for, especially if you opt to have them pan fried with bacon and onions. Let’s be honest, bacon makes everything better.
Address: 1305 Milton Ave, Syracuse, NY, 13204 (Get There!)
Phone: 315-487-2722
Website: www.evaspolish.com/
4) The Cider Mill
American
I love this place. It has unique menu offerings without being pretentious. From their Chicken Riggies to their Pan-Seared Salmon, there is something for everyone. My personal favorites are the Smoked Gouda Mac & Cheese appetizer/side, the Arancini, and the Cowboy burger. Don’t even think about leaving without trying their homemade Apple Cider Donuts. As an added hooray, the owners of this place, Dan and Teresa Seeley, are wonderful, as are all the people they employ.
Address: 4221 Fay Road, Syracuse, New York, 13219 (Get There!)
Phone: 315-487-0647
Website: www.thecidermill.us
5) The Fish Friar
Fresh Seafood
This restaurant in downtown Syracuse is as cozy and cute as it is delicious. There aren’t many places in this area that have seafood this fresh. It is wild-caught from the coast of Maine. My personal favorite is their lobster roll, when it’s in season, but you really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. For beer lovers out there, they have a wide selection of exclusive, sought after beers.
Address: 239 E Genesee St, Syracuse, NY 13202 (Get There!)
Phone: (315) 468-FISH
Website: www.thefishfriar.com/
6) A Mano Kitchen & Bar
Italian
This Italian in downtown Syracuse is my favorite. What’s better than pasta? Pasta made from scratch! A Mano hand makes their pastas, pizzas, and doughs every morning. Their pasta menu changes seasonally and I love that they step outside the box and offer dishes like cauliflower filled raviolis, which by the way, I crave regularly. I haven’t had a pasta dish here that I haven’t liked. Their Prosciutto & Arugula pizza is also one of my favorites.
Address: 344 S Warren St, Syracuse, NY 13202 (Get There!)
Phone: (315) 303-1630
Website: www.amanosyr.com
7) Thai Flavor
Thai
There is a great debate in Syracuse over which Thai restaurant is best. My personal opinion is Thai Flavor on Erie Blvd (although a lot of people would disagree with me) and let me tell you why. Although I am not normally a huge fan of tofu, the Tofu Delight is one of my favorite dishes here and the only place I’ve seen it offered. I love Pad Thai and prefer theirs to Erawain’s (for shame!) and their summer rolls are fresh and delicious.
Address: 2863 Erie Blvd E, Syracuse, NY 13224 (Get There!)
Phone: (315) 251-1366
Website: www.syracusethaiflavor.com
8) Defi
Innovative American
This is hands down the most innovative restaurant in Syracuse. When you eat here it is more than just a meal, it is a culinary adventure. It has an open kitchen concept so you can watch the chefs at work; the only place of its kind in the area. They source local ingredients and have a constantly evolving menu. The owner is incredibly friendly and visits each table to chat with you about the food or offer a suggestion for a crafted cocktail (of which he’s made me many). This really is a first-class restaurant and not to be missed.
Address: 208 West Water Street, Syracuse, NY 13202 (Get There!)
Phone: 315-907-0202
Website: https://www.deficuisinecorp.com/
9) Saint Urban
French Italian Fusion & Wine Bar
I will boldly say that this is my favorite restaurant in Syracuse right now. Each week the chef uses local ingredients to create a new 3 course menu inspired by French and Italian cuisine. Every time I’ve eaten here, I have ordered the pasta dish as an add-on and have never regretted it. It is always amazing. They have a carefully selected wine list from producers around the world. If you haven’t eaten here then run, don’t walk. Be sure to make reservations, regardless of the day, because it is on the smaller side and incredibly popular.
Address: 124 Dell Street, Syracuse NY, 13210 (Get There!)
Phone: 315-243-8509
Website: www.sainturbanwinebar.com/
10) Eden
Farm to Table American
This is a farm to table restaurant, in Hanover Square, that utilizes whatever ingredients they can source from local producers. What really makes this restaurant unique is that they cook entirely in a wood fire oven. The food is great and the cocktail menu is unique.
Address: 118 E Genesee St, Syracuse, NY 13202 (Get There!)
Phone: 315-991-8408
Website: www.edencny.com
11) Dosa Grill
Indian
I love all the spices and flavor profiles associated with Indian food. Dosa Grill in Dewitt is a fan favorite for Indian. I love going on Monday nights for dinner because they have a buffet and you can try a variety of items. Plus, you get endless Naan. Who wouldn’t want that?
Address: 118 E Genesee St, Syracuse, NY 13202 (Get There!)
Phone: 315-991-8408
Website: www.edencny.com
12) Gangnam Style Korean Kitchen
Korean
I have just recently discovered my love for Korean food and I’m so glad I did. Now that I’ve had it, I can’t imagine a time in my life where Vegetable Pancakes didn’t exist; which by the way, you have to order…every time you visit. They offer one with curry and one with spiced cabbage -both delicious. Other notable items are the pan-fried dumplings, breaded wings – plain or Korean style, and Bibimbap (a rice dish mixed with assorted vegetable with your choice of beef, chicken, or pork and a fried egg on top).
Address: 115 Harvard Pl, Syracuse, NY 13210 (Get There!)
Phone: (315) 422-1219
Website: www.gangnamstylekoreankitchensyracuse.com/
13) Otro Cinco
Spanish
Otro Cinco is the sister restaurant to Alto Cinco, a staple in the Syracuse culinary scene. Now, I happen to like Otro Cinco more (blasphemy, I know) because it has more of a Spanish flare. I love their Jalapeno Cornbread, Garlic Shrimp, Mussels and lobster tacos. Their margarita list is unique and tasty.
Address: 206 S Warren St, Syracuse, NY 13202 (Get There!)
Phone: (315) 422-6876
Website: https://www.otro5cinco.com/
14) Byblos:
Middle Eastern
I am Middle Eastern, so I tend to be critical of most Middle Eastern restaurants (I mean, we all know that nothing compares to Tata’s cooking). However, Byblos in Downtown Syracuse gets my vote. What I love about Byblos is that they don’t just offer the basic Middle Eastern fare of hummus and falafel. Their menu includes some of my favorite dishes that I can’t get at any other Arabic restaurant. If you are feeling adventurous and want to try something new, I recommend the Lebneh Mazza, Grape Leaves Mazza, Foul Medammas, Sambousek Mazza, and the Half and Half Pizza (zaatar is my favorite Middle Eastern spice). But whatever you get, be sure to order a side of their Homemade Garlic sauce. It’s to DIE for!
Address: 223 N Clinton St, Syracuse, NY 13202 (Get There!)
Phone: (315) 478-3333
Website: byblossyr.com
15) Azteca Mexican Grill:
Mexican
Located just outside of Syracuse in Camillus, this is my go-to for Mexican. It has it all; flavorful dishes and a variety of tasty adult beverages. I always start with their guacamole dip and Queso Fundido. I can’t resist the combination of melted cheese and chorizo. It’s such a tasty bite. For dinner, I highly recommend the Quesadilla Fajita – chicken or beef. It is one of my favorite dishes in the Syracuse area.
Address: 3783 Milton Ave, Camillus, NY 13031 (Get There!)
Phone: (315) 488-7045
Website: https://www.aztecacny.com
*Honorable Mention
*Pastabilities
Italian
This is an iconic restaurant in Syracuse, and I’m sure many people are up in arms that it’s not on my top 15 list. There are a lot of really great things about Pastabilities. Their house made Stretch Bread and Spicy Hot Tomato Oil is enough to get you in the door. Their pasta and sauces are made from scratch and the ambiance is lively yet relaxed. My only gripe, but it’s a big one, is that because they don’t take reservations, they are slammed during the dinner rush. Their wait time is usually between an hour and an hour and a half, even on weekdays, and their bar is usually standing room only (which obviously proves their popularity). I tend to eat late, but, if I can muster up the courage to eat before 6 pm, this place is a great option.
Address: 311 S Franklin St, Syracuse, NY 13202 (Get Here!)
Phone number: (315) 474-1153
Website: www.pastabilities.com
*EthioEritrea Restaurant
Ethiopian
Disclaimer: I haven’t tried this Ethiopian restaurant; however, it is next on my list of places to go. The reason it is noteworthy is because CNN named it one of the world’s best new restaurants for 2020. This small, authentic restaurant, with only 10 tables, is located just outside of downtown Syracuse and is owned by an Eritrean native. So, I say, expand your horizons and try something new. Worldly fare is some of my favorite cuisine.
Address: 505 N State St, Syracuse, NY 13203 (Get Here!)
Phone number: (315) 870-3514
Website: https://ethioeritreacuse.wixsite.com/ethioeritreacuse
What is your favorite local eatery? Tag Tina Knows Travel in your Facebook or Instagram posts or leave me a comment below.
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