Best Restaurants in Syracuse: Where to Dine in the Salt City

By Maria Rodriguez

In the heart of Central New York, Syracuse is a place where history and innovation collide, from the stately red-brick buildings of Armory Square to the dynamic flavors emerging from the Salt City Market. Coming here, I’ve found that the winters build character, and the restaurants build community, with chefs who draw inspiration from local farms, global traditions, and the city’s scrappy, creative spirit. Here are the best restaurants in Syracuse.

Eden

1. Eden

In Armory Square, Eden is a wood-fired paradise where every dish feels kissed by flames. Chef Rich Strub, a James Beard nominee, crafts a hyper-seasonal menu using ingredients sourced within a 50-mile radius. Steaks here are dry-aged in-house and can be picked out in advance, while the mushroom toast sourced from Fruit of the Fungi farm is evidence of Strub’s commitment to locally sourced ingredients. The open kitchen setup feels intimate and rustic, much like dining in someone’s very stylish barn.

2. The Evergreen

Located in Hanover Square, The Evergreen is the pub you wish existed on every corner. The menu leans heavily into comfort food, but with flair—think shrimp and grits and a killer burger on a pretzel bun. The rotating craft beer list makes it a magnet for local brew enthusiasts, while the industrial-chic decor keeps things stylish without trying too hard.

3. Apizza Regionale

If you’re looking for wood-fired Neapolitan pizza done right, Apizza Regionale delivers—and then some. This Franklin Square favorite keeps it simple with a short but flawless menu. The Margherita pizza here is arrives with a well-blistered crust and locally sourced mozzarella. The wood-paneled dining room feels like a chic log cabin, perfect for lingering over a cannoli or two.

4. Oh My Darling

Part of downtown Syracuse’s renaissance, Oh My Darling brings a farm-to-table ethos to a swanky urban setting. The short rib shepherd’s pie is a study in slow-cooked perfection, and their craft cocktails rival the best in the city. Head downstairs to their speakeasy, The Fitz, for a nightcap that feels like stepping into a noir film.

5. Dinosaur Bar-B-Que

Yes, it’s a chain now, but the Syracuse location is the original. Dinosaur Bar-B-Que started as a biker bar and still serves some of the best smoked brisket and pulled pork you’ll find north of the Mason-Dixon. The lively atmosphere and live music make it a must-visit, even for locals who pretend they’ve outgrown it.

6. XO Taco

If you’re craving tacos with a side of neon, XO Taco in University Hill delivers on both fronts. The birria tacos are a juicy, cheesy triumph, and the churro bites with dulce de leche will haunt your dreams. The Instagram-worthy interior—complete with glowing pink signs—might be reason enough to visit, but the food makes you stay.

7. Francesca’s Cucina

In Little Italy, Francesca’s Cucina is a Syracuse institution. Known for their impeccable chicken riggies—a regional specialty—they also shine with dishes like veal saltimbocca and tiramisu. The outdoor garden seating is a summer favorite, but the interior’s old-world warmth makes it a year-round destination.

8. Salt City Market

A culinary collective, Salt City Market is where Syracuse’s diversity shines. From Vietnamese pho at Mamma Hai to Ethiopian injera at Habiba’s, every stall offers something unique. The vibrant space buzzes with energy, and the communal seating invites you to sample from multiple vendors. Pro tip: Save room for the cardamom-spiced cookies from Cake Bar.

9. The York

A polished gastropub in downtown Syracuse, The York serves elevated comfort food in a stylish space. The seared scallops with cauliflower puree could hold their own in any coastal city, and the bacon-wrapped meatloaf is pure indulgence. With its sleek design and curated cocktail list, it’s a favorite for date nights and business dinners alike.

10. Delmonico’s Syracuse

Delmonico's has been a Syracuse staple since 1998, blending Italian culinary traditions with a classic steakhouse experience. The signature 24-ounce Delmonico steak, a certified angus rib-eye, is a carnivorous delight, well seared and served alongside penne marinara. The restaurant's ambiance, with dim lighting, red accents, and Rat Pack tunes, evokes a bygone era

11. Lemon Grass

For over two decades, Lemon Grass has been the city’s go-to for upscale Thai cuisine. Located in Armory Square, their menu features a symphony of flavors, from the silky panang curry to the crispy duck in tamarind sauce. The sleek, modern interior complements the bold, aromatic dishes, making it a perennial favorite for a reason.

12. The Cider Mill

The Cider Mill feels like an upscale take on the classic roadside eatery. The menu is heavy on local ingredients and features standouts like cider-braised pork and an unforgettable apple crumble. The rustic-chic decor and extensive cider list make it a cozy retreat for food lovers.