Diners' Choice: Hot spot restaurants in Central New York

OpenTable

Updated November 05, 2026

Looking for restaurants that are the best hot spots in Central New York? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Eden

4.9

4.9 (1055)

$31 to $50

Farm-to-table

Syracuse

About the restaurant

An entirely wood fired, upscale-causal, dining experience in the heart of Central New York.

Our mission is to highlight the best food producers, farmer, brewers, distillers, and foragers in New York State.

Top review

Susan

Dined 3 days ago

Eden was fabulous. Very cool small venue - super comfortable. The food was spectacular. The servers were very knowledgeable and professional but also warm and inviting! Every dish was a treat !

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Daniella's Steakhouse

4.7

4.7 (490)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Syracuse

About the restaurant

Daniella’s Steakhouse is a locally owned, intimate steakhouse named after Charlie’s mother. With seasonal patio seating and a full bar, Daniella’s offers a warm and personal dining experience centered around hand-selected steaks, fresh seafood, classic entrées, and genuine hospitality.

Rooted in a family restaurant tradition that began with Roman’s Tavern in 1960, Daniella’s carries forward a love for great food, welcoming service, and memorable meals shared around the table. Seating is limited, so reservations are highly suggested.

Top review

Greg

Dined on Oct 28, 2026

We had a wonderful experience at Daniella’s Steakhouse. From the moment we walked in, everything was exceptional. The food was outstanding, the ambiance was warm, elegant, and inviting, and the service was attentive, professional, and genuinely welcoming. We were there for a business dinner and also had the pleasure of celebrating a birthday, which made the evening even more special. Daniella’s provided the perfect setting for both occasions. It’s not always easy to find a restaurant that delivers on every level, but they certainly did. Great food, beautiful atmosphere, and exceptional service. A memorable evening all around. We will absolutely be back!

The Fish Friar

4.7

4.7 (27)

$50 and over

Cocktail Bar

Syracuse

About the restaurant

Discover fresh, sustainable seafood and craft cocktails at The Fish Friar in Syracuse. Explore our menu and enjoy a coastal dining experience downtown. Fresh seafood from the New England Coast, sustainably caught, and thoughtfully prepared !

Please Note: Outside Seating is First Come, First Serve. Feel free to make a request when booking.

Top review

Anthony

Dined on Oct 10, 2026

Everything was really good. Drinks, apps and entrees. The fish was fried perfectly, will be back.

Jadie & Junes

4.5

4.5 (128)

$31 to $50

American

Oneida

About the restaurant

Located in the historical daily dispatch building Jadies and June has transformed the space into a world where classic Italian flavors are reimagined with an eclectic twist, all within the vibrant, sophisticated ambiance of a modern supper club. At Jadie and Junes, we’re crafting more than just a meal; we’re curating an entire evening. Expect familiar comforts with unexpected delights and a lively atmosphere that invites you to linger, laugh, and connect. It’s Italian, but not as you know it – it’s an experience.

Top review

Tammy

Dined 2 days ago

Always great food & service. It’s always a great night no matter who we go with!

Oh My Darling

4.5

4.5 (713)

$30 and under

American

Syracuse

About the restaurant

Comfort food & cocktails served in retro-chic digs with a basement speakeasy hosting live music. Across from the Landmark Theater and the RedHouse Arts Center.

Top review

Rachel

Dined 7 days ago

Went with my girlfriends for brunch. Our water was amazing. Food was amazing and the restaurant is beautiful.

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Popular dish

HOUSEMADE CHICKEN POT PIE

Popular dish

BREADED CAULIFLOWER "WINGS"

Popular dish

Wedge Salad

Fields Restaurant

4.4

4.4 (130)

$50 and over

Farm-to-table

Skaneateles

About the restaurant

Recognized among the world’s best hotel restaurants by Travel + Leisure, Fields restaurant offers a seasonally driven menu highlighting fresh ingredients from local farm partners as well as thoughtfully curated cocktails and an award-winning wine list.

Top review

Charles

Dined 4 days ago

Incredible experience! Staff were excellent, food was exceptional, we had a wonderful time.

Delmonico's Italian SteakHouse - Syracuse

4.4

4.4 (980)

$31 to $50

Italian

Syracuse

About the restaurant

Delmonico’s Italian Steakhouse offers a unique, Italian-inspired atmosphere to go with its full menu of Italian dishes and steaks. Dining here will almost definitely mean hearing the likes of Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack over the sound system, and this Syracuse restaurant offers delightful décor to give it a big-city vibe. Guests at Delmonico’s Italian Steakhouse love the filet mignon and the filet portabella, both of which are nine-ounce cuts of meat served with penne marinara and angel hair pasta, respectively. Other favorite entrées include shrimp scampi, one-pound lasagna, fettuccine Delmonico and veal parmigiana. And, with cappuccino pie, homemade cannoli and other options on the dessert menu at Delmonico’s Italian Steakhouse, guests always want to leave room for dessert.

Top review

Thomas

Dined 1 day ago

Our server was the best that we've had in a very long time. She was very friendly and remembered everything in detail. We will definitely be back again!!

LM Social

4.3

4.3 (634)

$31 to $50

Italian

Syracuse

About the restaurant

LOCAL. ITALIAN. 4-TIME AWARD WINNING.

Discover LM Social restaurant local authentic Italian dining and four-time Diners’ Choice Award winner — 2023, 2024, 2025 & 2026.

We take the Italian food we grew up with and give it the LM Social treatment — scratch-made dishes, family-inspired recipes, bold modern flavors and unforgettable presentation.

Flaming cocktails. Entrées arriving through a smoky haze. Tableside moments. Beautiful Italian food made in-house by a local restaurant that believes dinner should still feel like an experience.

LOCAL ITALIAN FOOD.
4-TIME DINERS’ CHOICE AWARD WINNER.
2023 • 2024 • 2025 • 2026

Top review

Jonni

Dined 2 days ago

Was there to celebrate a birthday. No one rushed us to turn the table, the waitress was so phenomenal, and of course the food was excellent! We had an enjoyable evening. Would absolutely go back the menu has so many beautiful options.

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Texas de Brazil - Syracuse

4.1

4.1 (2457)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Syracuse

About the restaurant

Texas de Brazil is a Brazilian steakhouse, or churrascaria, offering an authentic rodizio-style dining experience where gaucho chefs serve endless tableside carvings of flame-grilled beef, lamb, pork, chicken, and Brazilian sausage. Guests also enjoy an extravagant salad area with seasonal chef-crafted items, fresh vegetables, artisan cheeses, and Brazilian specialties. The vibrant atmosphere blends Brazilian hospitality with an elegant setting, perfect for date nights, group dinners, and celebrations. Located in Syracuse's Destiny USA, our restaurant is a favorite of locals and visitors alike at one of New York's largest shopping and entertainment destinations, surrounded by retail, attractions, and nightlife in Syracuse.

Top review

Joseph

Dined on Oct 29, 2026

Always a great place for a variety of great flavors.

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Experience

Thanksgiving Day Experience

Experience

HAPPY HOUR Mon-Fri

Isla Caribbean Cuisine

3.9

3.9 (20)

$31 to $50

Caribbean

Syracuse

About the restaurant

Discover the flavors of Puerto Rico at Isla Caribbean Cuisine in Syracuse, NY, where bold island dishes, handcrafted cocktails, and an upscale yet welcoming atmosphere create an unforgettable escape.

Enjoy guest favorites like churrasco skirt steak, red snapper, can-can (tomahawk porkchop), piñon, mahi mahi, mofongo, and Caribbean-style paella with lobster. Our cocktails are inspired by the beauty and spirit of the island, with signature drinks like the Guyama Mai Tai, Midnight in Carite, El Papi Strawberry Mojito, and sangria.

From vibrant lunches to elegant evenings filled with classic and live music, every visit to Isla feels like a mini getaway. Your escape begins the moment you walk through our doors.

Welcome to Isla.

Top review

Andrew

Dined on Oct 18, 2026

The food was absolutely phenomenal. We really enjoyed the perfectly cooked Churrasco and the Pollo Guisado as well as the sides that went with it. The only downside was that they don't have a liquor license, but we're not big drinkers so it wasn't a show stopper.

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