Top 10 Must-Try Restaurants in Albany, NY: A Local’s Guide to the Best Dining Spots
By Maria Rodriguez
Albany has quietly built a reputation as a food lover’s haven, with an impressive lineup of eateries that go beyond expectations. Whether you're craving bold flavors, classic dishes, or inventive new takes, these ten spots showcase the city’s vibrant dining scene at its best.
Yono’s
1. Yono’s
Known as Albany's top fine-dining destination, Yono’s blends Indonesian flavors with American classics, crafted by the Purnomo family since 1986. Located on Chapel Street, this intimate spot seats only 15 tables, making reservations a must for an evening of polished service and adventurous plates like tamarind lobster bisque and Indonesian bananas foster.
2. 677 Prime
If you’re on a steak-seeking mission, 677 Prime’s sleek interiors and upscale cuts, from tender filet mignon to decadent Wagyu, won’t disappoint. Add a wine list long enough to take you from Bordeaux to Napa, and you have a prime pick for Albany’s discerning carnivores.
3. dp Brasserie
Next door to Yono’s, dp Brasserie offers a more casual French-inspired experience from the same talented team. With comfort staples like coq au vin and a standout burger, dp’s warm, refined setting makes for a low-key yet polished evening out.
4. Cafe Capriccio
Cafe Capriccio is the Italian restaurant of locals’ dreams, with rich flavors and classic plates that are simple but expertly executed. It’s a cozy spot, ideal for a slow evening with someone special or just a plate of gnocchi all to yourself.
5. Villa di Como Ristorante
For a more refined Italian experience, Villa di Como brings traditional flavors with an upscale touch. Located on Lark Street, this family-run spot is all about attention to detail, from hand-cut pasta to perfectly executed risottos.
6. The Olde English Pub
Nestled in a restored 1730s building, this British-inspired pub offers hearty dishes and a wide selection of ciders and ales. Whether you’re in the mood for fish and chips or a Scotch egg, The Olde English Pub is the kind of place where you could imagine Charles Dickens himself popping by for a pint.
7. Loch & Quay
This downtown gastropub puts out plates with Irish-inspired charm—think bangers and mash alongside local brews. Perfect for a low-key night out, Loch & Quay feels like a favorite sweater you never want to take off.
8. Wellington’s
Housed inside the Renaissance Albany Hotel, Wellington’s offers contemporary American fare with views over the New York State Capitol. With locally sourced ingredients and dishes that highlight Albany’s seasons, it’s a perfect spot for both visitors and locals who want to appreciate the city from a different angle.
9. Wizard Burger
Don’t be fooled by the playful name—Wizard Burger serves vegan creations so flavorful they’ll win over the most devout carnivores. The menu features plant-based burgers piled with imaginative toppings, all in a casual, slightly mystical atmosphere.
10. Excelsior Pub
Excelsior Pub takes you on a culinary tour of New York State without leaving Albany. With iconic bites like Buffalo wings, Beef on Weck, and the Rochester Garbage Plate, plus 16 taps of New York craft brews, it’s a love letter to the Empire State. The Pub Club is a favorite for regulars, offering exclusive perks that make each visit a little more special.