If your idea of American cuisine is limited to burgers and fries, your taste buds are living in a culinary cave. That’s why we’ve scoured Utica to find the 20 restaurants that truly celebrate our nation’s diverse flavors—from hearty comfort food to innovative farm-to-table creations.
Dave’s Diner
$ | (315) 735-4332 | WEBSITE
If you’re looking for a breakfast that’ll keep you full until dinner, check out the morning specials at Dave’s Diner. They offer things like two eggs, your choice of meat, hashbrowns or home fries, and toast for $12 or fluffy pancakes with crispy bacon and home fries for $14. Regardless of how hungry you are, make sure to try their amazing breakfast menu with standout items that won’t empty your pocket like other diners in the area.
Tramontane Cafe
$ | (315) 790-5113 | WEBSITE
At this cozy Utica cafe, you’re going to want a grilled banana blueberry muffin, warm and crumbly, and a delightful tuna melt with chopped olives oozing out the sides. In the event that you want to save some room for one of their unique sandwiches, order the half-muffin combo. And in the event that you want to do the opposite of save room, get a full breakfast spread, like the one that comes with that muffin, a sandwich, and a big book from their selection to read while you eat.
72 Tavern & Grill
$$ | (315) 801-7272 | WEBSITE
72 Tavern & Grill is the go-to spot that will rescue your pre or post-game meals. It’s been a popular destination near the Adirondack Bank Center, and they serve one of the best Buffalo chicken wing pizzas we’ve ever tasted. This thing is probably about the size of a large dinner plate – so come hungry. We also love the fried fish dinner and the perfectly grilled chicken, with Allison O.
and the staff providing friendly, attentive service that makes the large, comfortable seating area feel even more welcoming.
Roso’s Cafe Catering
$ | (315) 735-7676 | WEBSITE
Roso’s is serving up their full breakfast and lunch lineup, and since both the raspberry pork tenderloin and sweet potato fries are available, we’re definitely not disappointed. Make sure to try the tenderloin as an appetizer with a side of their fresh bagels, and to fully appreciate this Utica gem’s imaginative specials before you finish your meal.
Court Vue Luncheonette
$ | (315) 732-0580 | WEBSITE
Court Vue Luncheonette is, in fact, a luncheonette. Which means you can order a burger that tastes like your childhood, fries that remind you of simpler times, and start a serious craving for classic American comfort food. But unlike other retro spots with vinyl booths and neon signs, Court Vue serves straightforward, consistently excellent diner fare. All of it is delicious, especially the juicy, flavorful burger which deserves its own dedicated following.
The service is great, the workers are courteous, and though parking can be tricky near the courthouses, it’s a very nice place that hits all the right nostalgic notes.
Rooster’s
$ | (315) 880-4645 | WEBSITE
Rooster’s launching delivery would’ve been big news on its own, but like McDonald’s with their nuggets, they debuted with a bang, AKA their first-ever Figgy burger. It’s topped with Rooster sauce and chopped cheese, and it should be part of your order from this Utica burger joint. The burger – as well as single and double-person meal packages that include fries, chicken nuggets, and gluten-free options – are available from 11am-10pm daily.
Daniele Imports
$ | (315) 724-5821 | WEBSITE
Italian food is always good, but it’s rarely this memorable. Fortunately for you and your hungry family, Daniele Imports falls into the latter category. This Utica spot makes tomato pies and sandwiches that are crisp on the outside and tender within, with a rich and savory house sauce under what would seem like an excessive amount of meatballs. Rest assured, it’s the ideal amount of flavor.
Make sure to order at least one Family Meal (we like the Philly cheesesteak and Daniele Bleu), but Daniele Imports’ house sauce is also worth trying.
Applebee’s Grill + Bar
$$ | (315) 735-0421 | WEBSITE
If you want to enjoy a reliable, filling meal in Utica, you need to visit Applebee’s Grill + Bar. This American restaurant offers loaded fries that are hearty and satisfying, and they pair perfectly with a cold drink from their friendly, helpful staff. Applebee’s also serves a decent artichoke dip, though it can sometimes be watery, and their general menu provides good food at reasonable prices.
The atmosphere is comfortable and low-key, with decent parking even for large vehicles, and the waitresses work hard to keep service efficient despite occasional slowness.
Swifty’s Restaurant & Pub
$ | (315) 733-6611 | WEBSITE
You could stop at Swifty’s Restaurant & Pub three times in the same week, in three different moods, and have three different meals without ever feeling like you’ve done it all before. This American restaurant in Utica offers some hand-cut seasoned fries that we can’t place an order without, but the main event is the customizable comfort food lineup. It travels deceptively well because the flavors hold up even when things get a bit soggy.
Build your meal with things like well-seasoned salmon, crispy onion rings, classic burgers, fish and chips, and those famous chicken fingers.
The Tailor and the Cook
$$$ | (315) 624-3663 | WEBSITE
Even though you probably can’t see them from the parking lot, we want you to know that the cheesecake at this Utica American spot gets assembled in the restaurant’s open kitchen. And for $12, you get a slice with a walnut crumble base that tastes like it’s coated in butter, and for another $6, you can and should add a topping of blueberry compote. If you’re looking for something other than dessert to order tonight, try their steak or corned beef special.
Mello’s Subs
$ | (315) 735-3137 | WEBSITE
Mello’s Subs has about as many flaws as a sandwich that arrives exactly when you’re hungriest, which is to say, practically none. From mixed subs that taste like a deli counter’s greatest hits, to arguably the very best meatball sub in the city, to fresh ingredients and generous portions, all of the food at this Utica sandwich spot is fantastic. The cash-only policy, as well as a $12 average price for a huge sub, are simple facts for visitors to note.
Five Points Public House and Events Center
$$ | (315) 733-4228 | WEBSITE
The Guinness and Shepherd’s Pie at this Utica gathering spot are some of the best the city has to offer. Keep this place in mind the next time you want to be in the company of a proper Imperial pint, a hearty shepherd’s pie, or a warm, inviting atmosphere without leaving the comfort of your neighborhood. And if for no other reason, you should try this restaurant just so you’ll have a strong rebuttal the next time someone says “There’s no good food and drink in Utica.”
THE HUB EATERY
$ | (315) 864-3564 | WEBSITE
Staring at your phone won’t make that sandwich craving disappear. So when it hits, just take a drive and grab one of Frank’s legendary Soppressata, Capicola, Long Hots, Mozzarella and Balsamic reduction on Ciabatta creations instead. Most sandwiches at this Utica spot cost around seven bucks with chips and a pickle, and everything from the tomato pie to the meatballs and Mac n cheese will keep you and your hungry crew completely satisfied.
Willows of Utica
$$$ | (315) 765-0271 | WEBSITE
Willows of Utica can fulfill any and all fine dining ambitions. This American restaurant is serving up tender filets and chocolate pies that are to die for, as well as perfectly cooked steaks and appetizers. There’s also fabulous service from staff who go above and beyond to ensure a pleasant dining experience in a quiet atmosphere you’ll want to return to every week for the next few months.
Island Breeze Bar and Grill
$ | (315) 507-5452 | WEBSITE
Island Breeze Bar and Grill has been serving Utica for years, and it’s become the city’s most beloved Jamaican food destination. The restaurant occupies a cozy corner spot with vibrant murals and has its own signature “Island Breeze Vibes” that locals rave about. In other words, this place is a neighborhood gem and an absolute must for your next Caribbean food craving.
From some of the best Jamaican beef patties and steamed vegetables in town to their perfectly seasoned dishes, it’s hard to go wrong ordering takeout or delivery from this spot.
Castlewood Cafe
$ | (315) 733-9663 | WEBSITE
Castlewood Cafe specializes in comforting American fare that’s just as satisfying the second time you visit. Grab the classic Queen’s Breakfast with eggs, hash browns, and toast, then add on a Philly steak or quesadilla. This spot is not only one of the best restaurants near Utica University – it’s one of our favorite places in town.
Marr-Logg House
$ | (315) 797-7730 | WEBSITE
The main reason this breakfast spot is worth any early morning trip is their Italian toast. It’s golden brown and crisp like a perfect morning, with soft or hard crust options that you should claim before your tablemate snags the last piece. So even if the line stretches out the door on a Saturday, eating this breakfast will turn your routine into a slow-motion scene set to ‘Morning Has Broken’ by Cat Stevens.
Trackside Restaurant
$$ | (315) 316-0228 | WEBSITE
Trackside Restaurant serves the best French onion soup in Utica. The rich broth topped with melted Gruyère and a thick crouton is reason enough to visit this local gem as soon as possible. But it’s certainly not the only reason. Others include chicken saltimbocca that tastes like it’s been simmering for hours despite being as tender as the prosciutto it’s wrapped with, and a perfect strip steak that you should pair with their signature chicken riggies for the full experience.
Ocean Blue Restaurant & Oyster Bar
$$$ | (315) 735-2583 | WEBSITE
We typically order the same three-ish things from Ocean Blue on repeat – mostly because we’d be too sad eating here without them by our side. The more you visit this excellent seafood restaurant in Utica, you’ll come to see what we mean. The lobster bisque and Chilean Sea Bass are both essential sharing items. As for mains, we suggest trying the excellent filet as well as Asian shrimp salad draped in fresh greens.