Offering everything from the most authentic Italian delicacies outside of Italy to award-winning BBQ joints that rank among the nation’s best, Central New York is a foodie’s fantasyland. Indulge in regional favorites like nostalgic halfmoon cookies and flavorful filling spiedies, and discover new culinary treasures at every turn. Surrounded by picturesque mountains and valleys, every town and city in Central New York is home to a dining venue that will make this region your next favorite food destination.
Hometown Classics
Cold Cheese Pizza
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For over four decades, Tino’s in Oneonta has proudly held the title of the original cold cheese slice creator. What began as a clever way for diners to cool down hot, fresh pizza by topping it with cold, shredded mozzarella quickly evolved into a regional sensation. Beyond their famous cold cheese slice, Tino’s offers a variety of specialty pies, including vegetarian and gluten-free options, along with an entire menu dedicated to chicken-based pizzas.
Utica Greens
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Utica greens are a beloved Central New York staple, offering a flavorful twist on traditional Sicilian and Southern Italian sautéed greens. Originating in the 1980s at local Italian-American restaurants, this dish features escarole, hot peppers, garlic, and prosciutto, all sautéed in chicken stock or broth and topped with cheese and bread crumbs. For some of the best Utica greens in town, head over to Georgio’s.
Chicken Riggies
Originating in the Utica-Rome area in the 1980s, chicken riggies are a regional favorite with universal appeal. This Italian-American cuisine combines chunky rigatoni with tender chicken, sweet and hot peppers, and a creamy marinara sauce made with wine, butter, and heavy cream. Head over to Bella Regina in Utica to chow down on the zesty dish.
Halfmoon Cookies
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Whether you know it as the Halfmoon Cookie or the Black and White, its origins are undeniable. Hemstrought’s Bakery first introduced this beloved treat in 1920, and it has remained a local treasure ever since. With its soft, cake-like texture and decadent frosting, the Halfmoon Cookie has stayed true to its original recipe for over a century. The cookie is hand-frosted with luscious chocolate fudge on one side and velvety vanilla buttercream on the other, and you have your choice of a chocolate or vanilla “bottom,” but why not get one of each!
Tomato Pie
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Utica put its own spin on traditional pizza with its iconic tomato pie, known for its thick, chewy dough, sweet tomato sauce, and light dusting of cheese. What sets this dish apart is that it’s served at room temperature, making it both distinctive and delicious. For an authentic taste, visit It’s A Utica Thing, Rosa’s Trattoria, or the famed Roma Sausage & Deli, which has been credited with putting the tomato pie on the map and winning “Best Tomato Pie in the US.”
Spiedies
Cubes of lamb, chicken, or beef, marinated overnight in a zesty vinegar “spiedie” sauce and grilled on skewers, have been a local delicacy served on soft Italian buns since the 1920s. If you’re in Binghamton in August, don’t miss the annual Spiediefest—a three-day celebration featuring spiedie cooking contests, hot air balloon launches and rides, live music, and much more! For one of the finest spiedies in town, make sure to stop by the Spiedie & Rib Pit.
Must-Try Meals
Tucked away in the scenic country town of Jefferson, The Restaurant at The Mill Pond Inn is a true culinary gem. Led by the talented Chef Paul, whose decades of experience shine through in every dish, the restaurant showcases a rotating menu that highlights the freshest local ingredients. Savor gourmet options like Maryland blue claw crabcakes, Moroccan French cut chicken, and burrata fettuccine. With weekly specials like Sicilian Sundays and Seafood Thursdays, the combination of rustic charm and exceptional cuisine will keep you coming back for more.
Voted Best Ribs in New York State by Food Network, Ray Brothers BBQ is a must-visit for meat and BBQ lovers. This authentic, slow-cooked joint delivers mouthwatering flavors, with meats smoked over local wood for 5 to 14 hours. From tender ribs and flavorful meatloaf to jumbo smoked wings and spicy hot links, there’s something to satisfy every craving, so don’t be surprised when they sell out daily! All sauces and sides are made fresh daily using the finest local ingredients when in season. But Ray Brothers BBQ isn’t just about incredible food, it’s also a hub for live music, with performances at their 1,500-capacity Yard Amphitheater during warmer months, and an indoor stage keeping the music alive through winter.
Established in 1802, the Bull’s Head Inn stands as the oldest and one of the most iconic landmarks in the Village of Cobleskill. With seasonal events like a local honey-inspired 4-course dinner, Sunday comfort dinners, Taco Tuesdays, Craft Burger Wednesdays, Friday seafood specials, and Prime Rib Saturdays, there’s always something new and delicious to enjoy. The daily menu features standout dishes like stuffed chicken cordon bleu, crab-stuffed shrimp, and country-style chicken pot pie. Downstairs, the restored Cellar Tavern (which shares the same menu as the restaurant upstairs) was built to emulate the Early American tavern atmosphere, and was crafted entirely by historic materials reclaimed from around Cobleskill, Schoharie County, and beyond.
The dining rooms at The Brae Loch Inn overlooking Cazenovia Lake are cozy and full of charm, with inviting “nooks & crannies,” crackling fireplaces, tartan carpeting, and Scottish heirlooms. An open grill lets you watch the chefs work their magic while you enjoy a menu inspired by Scottish and French twists, featuring signature dishes like haggis, Wagyu Tenderloin Carpaccio, Norwegian Salmon, Guinness Steak Pie, and Vegan Cauliflower Steak. They also boast the largest single malt Scotch selection in Central New York. Visit on a Thursday or Friday evening to enjoy local live music alongside your dinner and drinks!
Since 1951, Brooks’ BBQ in Oneonta has been serving up its world-famous BBQ chicken, slow-cooked over a massive 38-foot indoor charcoal pit. Crowned with a signature spiced apple ring, it’s been hailed by Food Network’s Rachael Ray as “the best BBQ chicken you’ll ever have.” The menu also features ribs, beef brisket, pulled pork, wings, salads, and homemade desserts made from locally sourced ingredients. Recognized with the James Beard Foundation’s America’s Classics Award in 2016, this legendary spot, with its rust-and-toffee interior and charming rooster-print wallpaper, offers more than just incredible food. The sprawling campus includes a banquet center, gift store, children’s park, picnic area, and even a sauce-bottling plant.
Unique Dining Experiences
1909 at The Otesaga Resort Hotel
Enjoy an al fresco brunch at 1909 with stunning views of the crystal-clear Otsego Lake in Cooperstown. Treat yourself to signature dishes like lemon ricotta pancakes, braised short rib hash, spicy scrambled tofu tacos, and jumbo lump crab benedict, all paired perfectly with hand-pressed juices, a peach bellini, or a bloody mary. Elevate your experience with “Sophisticated Sundays”, offering an a la carte Sunday brunch and afternoon tea with a twist.
At Origins Café in Cooperstown, good food, good vibes, and nurturing nature are at the core of every experience. Committed to fostering direct relationships with growers, Origins responsibly sources ingredients like coffee, tea, cacao, spices, and olive oil from around the globe. Their farm-to-table menu, curated with organic produce from 27 local farms and their on-site gardens, reflects these values. You’ll dine in a lush greenhouse surrounded by plants, all available for purchase. Open seasonally from late April through mid-October, the menu changes daily to showcase the freshest ingredients, offering dishes like curried butternut squash soup, chicken tagine, and South Indian sambar. Origins Café is more than a restaurant—it’s a community hub, frequently hosting events such as yoga, live music, family activities, and full moon parties.
All aboard for an unforgettable dining experience in a historic setting! Station 45 American Chophouse is housed in the newly restored 1900s Lackawanna Train Station in downtown Binghamton, and the ambiance is rivaled only by the cuisine. The upscale surf and turf menu features prime cuts of beef including a 26 oz porterhouse, and fresh seafood dishes including Chilean sea bass. Vegetarians will enjoy the eggplant parmigiana or pasta primavera.
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The Brewster Inn in Cazenovia offers a luxurious dining experience in a stunning Gilded Age mansion overlooking the serene Cazenovia Lake. For an unforgettable evening, indulge in “Our Best Table,” an exclusive outdoor dining experience reserved for just one couple each night. Enjoy a chef-curated dinner in a private lakefront gazebo, surrounded by flowers and candlelight, as you watch the sun set over the water. The restaurant is a top 40 DiRoNA (Distinguished Restaurants of North America) award-winner, and all of the dishes are made from scratch using locally sourced ingredients and fresh herbs grown on-site.
At Brewery Ommegang, great food and music come together on a historic 140-acre hop farm in Cooperstown. As America’s first Belgian-style farmhouse brewery in over 100 years, Ommegang’s Tap House offers a 20-tap bar, spacious café, and scenic covered patio, where world-class Belgian brews are paired with a menu of pub favorites. The venue regularly hosts events including Fire Pit Fridays with live music and food trucks, Sunday Brunch Bingo, beer pairing dinners, and big-name concerts.
International Cuisine
Norbu, located in the heart of Cooperstown, brings the true flavors of India to life, led by Michelin Star-recognized chef Peter Beck. With experience from top restaurants in Mumbai and New Delhi, Chef Beck masterfully explores India’s diverse culinary traditions, creating dishes known for their vibrant colors, aromatic spices, and rich flavors, all combining authenticity with the highest quality ingredients. Enjoy savory dishes like aloo gobi, lamb vindaloo, tandoori jhinga, and paneer saag, and for dessert try the gulam jamun (fried milk pastry soaked in honey and saffron.)
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In the heart of Utica, Lotus Garden offers a flavorful journey through Southeast Asia. The menu showcases an enticing blend of Cambodian, Thai, and Japanese cuisine. Enjoy the bold, aromatic spices of Thai favorites like curries, tom yum, and pad thai, savor expertly crafted Japanese sushi rolls, and indulge in traditional Cambodian dishes like amok. Make sure to try the bai sroeb, Lotus’ twist on Korean bibimbap.
Since opening its doors in 2013, Podlasie has brought the authentic flavors of northeastern Poland to Endicott. With recipes passed down through generations, this family-owned restaurant serves up traditional Polish dishes made with love. Enjoy classics like potato and cheese pierogies, Gołąbki (stuffed cabbage rolls), Kiełbasa, and Bigos (hunter’s stew).
This family-owned gem in Canastota may have an unassuming storefront, but it has earned a devoted following for its bona fide Mexican cuisine. Everything is made fresh daily, from the zesty salsa to the handmade tortillas and flavorful entrées. Whether you’re craving tamales, pozole, birria, or empanadas, each dish will take your tastebuds on a tour of Mexico.
For over 40 years, The Horned Dorset Inn has earned a reputation for world-class French cuisine in the quiet hamlet of Leonardsville. This renowned culinary destination is also part of an inn offering 10 beautifully appointed rooms, along with 300 acres of walking trails, an apple orchard, and waterfalls—all just steps from the restaurant. Chef Wratten expertly blends his traditional French training with contemporary, seasonal creations, using produce from the restaurant’s organic gardens and locally sourced meats and cheeses. Savor exquisite dishes like Canard à l’Orange et à la Rhubarbe, Escargot et Babbalucci, Filet Façon Brasserie, and indulge in the Crème Brûlée for dessert.
Sweet Treats
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Strolling along the picturesque and historic Main Street in Cooperstown, you’ll discover a grand slam of destinations between the Baseball Hall of Fame and the beloved Schneider’s Bakery. Serving up delicious treats since 1887, Schneider’s is a local shop known for its mouthwatering selection of goodies. From almond and double cheese danishes to blueberry cake doughnuts, moon pies, cupcakes, chocolate chip cookies, and the ever-popular cinnamon buns, Schneider’s has it all and more.
At The Carrot Barn in Schoharie, the farm-to-table philosophy ensures you enjoy the freshest baked goods year-round, all set against a stunning backdrop of lush fields and towering cliffs. Using their own homegrown ingredients when in season, the bakery offers a diverse selection of homemade cakes, cookies, brownies, bars, and muffins. No trip to The Carrot Barn is complete without savoring their renowned carrot cakes, crafted from their own farm-fresh carrots.
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Chill out at Bonomo’s in Clinton, where they’ve been delighting ice cream lovers with their ice-cold treats for over 60 years. Their extensive menu showcases a selection of homemade hard ice cream flavors, along with rotating soft serve options like salted caramel, pistachio, banana, and black raspberry. They also offer fat-free and sugar-free varieties to cater to every preference. Be sure to try their homemade, non-dairy Italian ices and indulge in seasonal specials, like the apple donut sundaes.
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For a flavorful selection of freshly baked goods made with local ingredients, Flour & Salt Bakery in Hamilton is a must-visit. Indulge in an array of treats, including fresh pies, donuts, cookies, bars, rugelach, tartlets, cake truffles, and biscotti, with plenty of vegan and gluten-free options available. Be sure to explore their two additional locations in town, The Café and The Bar, where you can savor an even wider range of pastries, food items, and unique beverages that you won’t find anywhere else!
Maxwells Chocolates & Ice Cream
Maxwell’s Chocolates & Ice Cream in Hamilton is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. From seasonal specialties like maple sugar candy and pumpkin or maple truffles to staples like chocolate-covered almonds, espresso beans, and retro favorites like candy blox, wax bottles, and gummy raspberries, Maxwell’s has it all. Wash down your confection with one of their famous shakes, or cool off with a scoop of one of their 20 ice cream flavors. The shop is conveniently right on the village green, Colgate University, and surrounded by charming shops and restaurants.
Food-Centric Events
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Brewery Ommegang is the ultimate destination every September for the Belgium Comes to Cooperstown (BCTC) Festival. Renowned as one of America’s premier beer festivals, this event showcases an enticing array of craft beers, delicious food, lively art, and captivating live music. Spend your day sampling iconic Belgian imports and Belgian-style ales from over 30 brewers, boasting more than 100 unique beers. Embrace the full weekend festival with on-site camping surrounded by stunning fall foliage, and revel in thrilling activities like axe throwing, fireworks, tie-dyeing, and so much more!
Schoharie County Maple Festival
The Schoharie County Maple Festival is a celebration of the first agricultural harvest of the year—maple syrup! Taking place on the last Saturday of April, this festive event invites you to savor a variety of maple products, explore the ins and outs of the maple business, and shop from talented crafters, and food trucks. Save your appetite for a pancake breakfast with pure maple syrup! The festival also features family-friendly entertainment, a baking contest, and the crowning of the new Maple King, Queen, Prince, or Princess.
Spiedie Fest has evolved from a humble community gathering into a beloved tradition that attracts thousands of visitors to Binghamton each August. What began in 1983 as a friendly competition among families debating whose spiedies recipe reigned supreme led to the inaugural Spiedie Fest Cooking Contests. The event has since expanded to include hot air balloon launches and rides, live music, a 5K run/walk, car show, and a diverse range of vendors. In recognition of its significance, the festival received a Legacy Award from the Library of Congress in 2001, and today, a dedicated Spiedie Fest display proudly resides in the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. In 2005, Destination Magazine honored Spiedie Fest by naming it one of the “100 Destinations in the U.S.”
Since its inception in 2015, the Little Falls Cheese Festival (held each October) has aimed to honor local dairy traditions and support the farmers who continue them. Set in the scenic city of Little Falls along the Erie Canal, the event showcases over 120 different cheeses alongside locally made artisan foods and craft beverages. As you discover your favorite cheeses, be sure to explore the festival for the perfect jams, breads, and beers to complement your selections. The festival attracts cheesemongers from across the state, eager to showcase and share their delightful dairy creations!
