Location: Albany
Top Restaurants in Albany
Where to eat Italian food in Albany: The Best Restaurants and Bars
Discover Restaurants offering the best Italian food in Albany, New York, United States. A rich 300-year history, a thriving arts community and seemingly endless wilderness make this New York capital city on the Hudson River a great weekend getaway. Outdoor enthusiasts come here to ski, hike, canoe and fish; trout and small-mouth bass fishing is among the best in the U.S. Mountains surround the city, and the tapestry of golds and reds on an autumn day is breathtaking. The city is dominated by an elaborate 10-building complex that includes the State Capitol; the New York State Museum, with life-like dioramas such as American Indian life and an Adirondack logging operation; and the oval-shaped Empire State Performing Arts Center, nicknamed "The Egg." History buffs will enjoy the colonial homes, historic churches and museums, and can tour 18th-century mansions, like the Schuyler, a superb example of pre-Revolutionary War architecture. Whether nature or history is your passion, you'll find an abundance of both in this upstate New York gem.
Things to do in Albany
10. Cafe Capriccio
Overall Ratings
4 based on 203 reviews
Cafe Capriccio has been a favorite dining destination in the Capital Region for the past 30 years. Capriccio is dedicated to the traditions of classic regional Italian cuisine and hospitality. Named Best Restaurant by METROLAND for 2012,2011, 2009. Voted
Reviewed By 448bobc
We had dinner here last night and with the exception of the dessert our appetizers, entrees and service was excellent. We were disappointed in the apple pie dessert. The crust was not as good as we expected. Full disclosure, my wife is great at pie making and bread making. Otherwise, everything was most enjoyable. The atmosphere is excellent. We've been here before and will return again for sure. Emma and another person who helped with serving our table did a great job making sure everything was as needed. My tuna with tapenade was as good as served to me in Sicily last year. Compliments to the kitchen staff for this entree.
9. Nicole's Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 68 reviews
Nicole's restaurant was established in 1986 and has been called "The Best Little Restaurant in Albany" by the Times Union. Together, husband and wife team, Margaret Carciobolo and James Gavin, strive to keep Nicole's one of Albany's finest restaurants. Ni
Reviewed By Travel-Passat
Great Italian restaurant in Albany. We went here with a party of 7 for Easter dinner. The food was absolutely excellent and the service was amazing. Every one of us enjoyed their meals. Our waitress, Shani, could not have been friendlier or more efficient. She is by far the best server we have had in a long time anywhere. I was also here a couple of months ago with some other couples. We had great food and service then too. I will be back!
8. The Cheesecake Factory
Overall Ratings
4 based on 771 reviews
The Cheesecake Factory offers something for everyone featuring a wide variety of over 200 menu items prepared fresh to order each day, plus over 30 legendary varieties of the Finest Cheesecake.
Reviewed By David K
I cannot go beyond average on this meal. The server got one order (skinny chopped salad) completely wrong which meant the rest of the table was finished with their main by the time the right meal came - awkward for all. The vegan main plate was uninspiring, the almond crusted salmon was lacking taste. And to top it all off, the server charged us twice for the Skinny chopped salad. We suggest you eat someone else and take away the cheesecake.We are so sorry for this disappointing experience with us, David. You have every right to feel the way you do. We will address this with our team. Next time if there is anything about your experience that can be improved, please let our managers know so we can do our best to make it right. Thank you for taking the time to share this with us.
7. The Hollow Bar + Kitchen
Overall Ratings
4 based on 164 reviews
Coined a 'Triple Threat' for music, food and bar, The Hollow Bar + Kitchen is locally-owned in historic Downtown Albany, established in 2013. Our kitchen has been recognized for our approach to New American cuisine, churning out a 2018 Finalist and 2016 W
Reviewed By sddetzler
On our quick evening in Albany we choose this place and we are glad we did. Comfortable feel immediately upon walking in. Itâs has separate rooms with different agendas in each. Bar with TVs and high tops. Dinner type area with tables then a music/bar areaWe sat in the dining area which was casual. Our server was engaging and gave plenty of tips on menu. We had the chili and French onion soup. Both were amazing The beer was great tooStreet parking only!
6. Barcelona Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 223 reviews
Reviewed By DJMXX
Family in town to celebrate daughterâs graduation from Clarkson Masters degree program. Barcelona was very good. Unassuming decor feels âMediterraneanâ and foods range from Spanish to Italian. I loved my Zuppa di Pesce. Just the right amount of different seafoods in an extremely spicy red broth (I asked for medium spice. Go mild if you donât want a lot of spice). There is a nice bar where we ordered Palomas while our table was getting ready. My daughter had one of the best seafood Alfredo pastas sheâs ever had. Super rich and creamy. Delicious. The bread was hot and top quality served with butter and an extra olivy olive oil. Service was outstanding, including a congratulatory coconut flan on the house which was to die for. Iâd definitely recommend and go back.
5. MezzaNotte
Overall Ratings
4 based on 199 reviews
Call it classic Italian with a modern twist, or Modern cuisine with Italian influences. Either way, we serve only fresh, top quality food, prepared from scratch. Our menu changes with the seasons, allowing us to make the most of any local and garden fresh
Reviewed By mtroner
Last night of vacation and this restaurant had nice reviews. We were not disappointed. Pleasant looking on the outside, nice ambiance inside with a welcoming staff. My wife loved the beet salad and I liked the Mezzanote special salad although the dressing need d to be tossed more for better distribution. My wifeâs risotto was quite good but a bit salty for her taste. The veal loin special was outstanding. Very tasty sauce and lovely beans,spinach and carefully prepared potatoes. I noted that the manager was checking every dish as it came out of the kitchen and to me that is the mark of a fine restaurant. We had a nice chat with the manager, Connie afterwards as we were the last diners. A pleasant and knowledgable restaurateur and we will certainly be back the next time in Albany.
4. Lanie's Cafe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 167 reviews
Reviewed By SarahAndBray77
Perfect dinnerâgreat service, huge portions, tasty food, large menu. No complaints from us! The nachos are RIDICULOUSLY huge!! Chicken parm sandwich was great! Plus, a great pour on a Guinness! Win-win for me :) Thanks for the very kind words and positive feedback. It makes us very happy to see you and your family were able to enjoy your time spent here with us, and we do hope to have the pleasure of serving you again soon!
3. Delmonico's Italian Steakhouse
Overall Ratings
4 based on 681 reviews
Reviewed By DrKatieRN
Came with colleagues for dinner. The restaurant is very large with different rooms the ambiance is fun and interesting. We enjoyed several different entrees: 6 oz fillet and angel hair pasta, Cesar salad with salmon; a rigatoni, chicken and peppers dish and shrimp scampi. We each enjoyed a glass of wine (loved the Glendora Reisling). We shared a huge piece of peanut butter cheesecake. Our server Corey was terrific. Prices were reasonable.
2. Grappa '72 Ristorante
Overall Ratings
4 based on 355 reviews
Traditional/Contemporary Italian Cuisine, affordable entrees, great service, and the atmosphere is sure to please.
Reviewed By ross5100
I had lunch here today. The ambiance is elegant, the wait staff professional, and the food top notch. Prices at lunch are very reasonable. I recommend this place highly if you are in Albany, NY.
1. Caffe Italia
Overall Ratings
4 based on 217 reviews
Reviewed By Marilyn P
This place is so small, you'll pass it by if you blink. Don't blink. Don't pass it by. Stop in. You'll have the dining experience of a lifetime. Impressively dressed waiters. Impressive dinner menu. Impressive service. Impressive food. There wasn't anything NOT TO LIKE about this great little "find" located Uptown Albany on Central Avenue.Never been there before....will be going back soon. From appetizers to the bread to the entrees to dessert, it was an experience not to be missed. From the Eggplant Rollitini to Parmigiana, from exquisite chicken and veal dishes, and the amazing ending of Lemon Cake, you'll walk out completely sated.
