Diners' Choice: Good for special occasions restaurants in Central New York

OpenTable

Updated November 05, 2026

Looking for the best special occasion restaurants 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 !

Discover more

4.8

4.8 (799)

$31 to $50

Italian

Syracuse

About the restaurant

Opened in September of 2018, a mano kitchen & bar. "new american with an italian soul". Hand made pasta, breads & salumi & wood fired pizza's. Open for dinner, amano offers both small & large plates for your dinning pleasure.

Top review

Tommy

Dined on Oct 30, 2026

Never disappoints. Great food. Better people. Could eat here every day.

Discover more

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 Forest Grill

4.6

4.6 (176)

$30 and under

American

Bridgeport

About the restaurant

Welcome to Forest Grill, where nostalgia meets flavor in a cozy atmosphere. Our menu is a tribute to beloved American classics, crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients to deliver comfort food at its finest. From juicy burgers and creamy mac 'n' cheese to hearty pot roasts and seasonal salads, each dish is made with care to ignite your taste buds and evoke warm memories.

Join us for a casual yet delightful dining experience, whether it’s a family gathering, a night out with friends, or a special occasion. Our friendly staff is dedicated to providing exceptional service, ensuring that your visit is nothing short of memorable.

With a carefully curated selection of local beers, artisanal wines, and classic cocktails, Forest Grill has the perfect pairing for every meal. At Forest Grill, we believe that great food is best enjoyed in great company, so come share a meal with us and rediscover the joy of American classics!

Top review

Steve

Dined 2 days ago

Our server Melissa was pleasant and very attentive. Checked on us multiple times. The food was delicious and very flavorful. We were greeted and seated promptly. The manager checked on our satisfaction.

Discover more

Experience

Crown Royal Pairing Dinner

Krebs 1899

4.5

4.5 (1990)

$50 and over

American

Syracuse

About the restaurant

The Krebs is an historic restaurant founded in 1899 by Fred and Cora Krebs. The restaurant has been a popular landmark in Skaneateles for over a century, serving presidents, dignitaries and celebrities. The Krebs was re-opened after undergoing a complete renovation while carefully preserving the history and ambiance that visitors have grown accustomed to. The restaurant is a farm to table concept that utilizes the freshest hand selected local ingredients and the highest quality meats and seafood. All profits from the restaurant are donated to local women and children's charities of Central New York.

Top review

Lee

Dined on Oct 31, 2026

I would have to say this is the best restaurant in the Skaneateles/Auburn area. Our meal was fabulous. We had Pumpkin Curry Soup, pork belly app (one of the best we have had), Short rib, and sweet potato gnocchi. I hate to admit it, but we also had sticky toffee cake for desert. Service and the decor is wonderful. Just go there, you won’t be disappointed

Bonefish Grill - Fayetteville NY

4.5

4.5 (27)

$30 and under

Seafood

DeWitt

About the restaurant

Your local Fayetteville, NY Bonefish Grill® specializes in hand-cut, wood-grilled specialties and locally crafted Partner Selection dishes made with the freshest, highest-quality ingredients. The restaurant offers a selection of classic and signature hand-crafted cocktails, using just-squeezed juices, edible garnishes, and house infusions in addition to offering a distinct list of wines, which are the perfect match for any food pairing. Fayetteville Towne Center at East Genesee and North Burdick

Top review

Kathy

Dined on Oct 12, 2026

Great dinner & service! Loved everything! Fall specials were delish.

Discover more

Experience

$5 Martini & Margarita Monday

Experience

$7 Bang Wednesday

Experience

4-Course Friendsgiving Wine Pairing Dinner

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!

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!!

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.

Discover more

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.

Explore Diners' Choice best of Central New York

Explore more Diners' Choice lists