The best restaurants in Albany

65 restaurants we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

Browse another shelf: all of Albany’s best · Beauty · Shopping · Bakeries & Sweets · Hobbies, Books, & Crafts · Nightlife · Entertainment · Home & Garden · Antiques, Thrift, & Vintage · Arts & Culture · Health & Wellness · Sporting Goods

Pinned in Albany today

This spot is open today.

Two pinned places a day in Albany — $10 here, $25 adds the newsletter. List your business →

Paid placements are always marked.

Restaurants · 65 places · showing the latest additions first

La Capital Tacos

Restaurants

Outdoor eatery featuring street-style tacos and burritos in a casual space with igloos for winter dining.

161 4th St (Troy)

Outdoor eatery featuring street-style tacos and burritos in a casual space with igloos for winter dining.

Website ↗

Koto

Restaurants

Hibachi fare & sushi assortments highlight a broad menu presented amid colorful Japanese murals.

260 Wolf Rd (Latham)

Hibachi fare & sushi assortments highlight a broad menu presented amid colorful Japanese murals.

Website ↗

Cafe Euphoria

Restaurants

Vegetarian-focused cafe with a selection of teas and coffees, plus art, thrift store items, and a coworking space.

225 River St (Troy)

Vegetarian-focused cafe with a selection of teas and coffees, plus art, thrift store items, and a coworking space.

Website ↗

Pizzas, sandwiches, wings, and other comfort food in a casual space.

1615 Broadway (Watervliet)

Pizzas, sandwiches, wings, and other comfort food in a casual space.

Website ↗
Run a Albany business? Two pinned spots a day — $10 here, $25 adds the newsletter. Advertise →

Teppanyaki, creative sushi rolls & other Asian-inspired dishes served in a casual space.

611-B Troy-Schenectady Rd (Latham)

Teppanyaki, creative sushi rolls & other Asian-inspired dishes served in a casual space.

Website ↗

Casual eatery serving specialty wood-fired pizzas & Italian pastas, plus beer & wine.

33 2nd St (Troy)

Casual eatery serving specialty wood-fired pizzas & Italian pastas, plus beer & wine.

Website ↗

Mexican joint offering tacos, burritos and other standards, plus takeout and casual dining.

23D Lower Hudson Ave (Green Island)

Mexican joint offering tacos, burritos and other standards, plus takeout and casual dining.

Website ↗

De Fazio's

Restaurants

Italian eatery serving wood-fired pies & handmade treats in an easygoing outlet with outdoor tables.

266 4th St (Troy)

Italian eatery serving wood-fired pies & handmade treats in an easygoing outlet with outdoor tables.

Website ↗

Bright, modern choice serving creative sushi, hibachi meats & other Japanese plates, plus cocktails.

158 Wolf Rd

Bright, modern choice serving creative sushi, hibachi meats & other Japanese plates, plus cocktails.

Website ↗

Family-owned and upscale without the fuss, Nicole's Restaurant turns out Italian classics with continental and modern American twists, plus…

556 Delaware Ave

Family-owned and upscale without the fuss, Nicole's Restaurant turns out Italian classics with continental and modern American twists, plus Chef’s Specials that change on the regular. Perfect when you want a grown-up dinner that still surprises you, with plates you’ll want to linger over and brag about tomorrow.

From the Albany newsletter, August 3, 2026

Website ↗

When the craving hits, Mr. Fuji Sushi has you covered with fresh sushi, pristine sashimi, crispy tempura, teriyaki, hibachi, and…

1475 Western Ave

When the craving hits, Mr. Fuji Sushi has you covered with fresh sushi, pristine sashimi, crispy tempura, teriyaki, hibachi, and slurp-worthy noodles. Grab takeout this week for an easy weeknight win or linger over plates that balance comfort and artistry, no fuss, all flavor.

Website ↗

Banh Mi 47

Restaurants

Downtown staple Banh Mi 47 turns out crackly, house-baked baguettes with the real-deal fixings, from grilled lemongrass chicken and pork…

74 N Pearl St Apt 5

Downtown staple Banh Mi 47 turns out crackly, house-baked baguettes with the real-deal fixings, from grilled lemongrass chicken and pork meatballs to sardines and vegan lemongrass tofu. Add pickles, cilantro and a Maggi splash, then finish with a phin-brewed condensed-milk coffee this week.

From the Albany newsletter, August 7, 2026

Website ↗

Fans of Japanese fare choose from sushi, hibachi dishes & kitchen entrees in a lively, modern space.

1620 Western Ave

Fans of Japanese fare choose from sushi, hibachi dishes & kitchen entrees in a lively, modern space.

Website ↗

Longtime haunt for a mix of American bar food, pizza & Italian basics backed by monthly live jazz.

283 New Scotland Ave

Longtime haunt for a mix of American bar food, pizza & Italian basics backed by monthly live jazz.

Website ↗

Slidin Dirty

Restaurants

Food truck for creative sliders, Southern fried chicken & seafood, plus beer, wine & event catering.

433 River St (Troy)

Food truck for creative sliders, Southern fried chicken & seafood, plus beer, wine & event catering.

Website ↗

Nishiki Sushi

Restaurants

Japanese joint dishing up traditional sushi, sashimi and rolls, plus poke bowls.

501 Columbia Turnpike #59 (Rensselaer)

Japanese joint dishing up traditional sushi, sashimi and rolls, plus poke bowls.

Website ↗

Laid-back local haunt dispensing burgers, beer & weekend brunch amid TVs & jukebox tunes.

1094 Madison Ave

Laid-back local haunt dispensing burgers, beer & weekend brunch amid TVs & jukebox tunes.

Website ↗

Grappa '72

Restaurants

Elegant eatery, tucked away in a strip mall, featuring classic Italian fare, music & grappa.

818 Central Ave

Elegant eatery, tucked away in a strip mall, featuring classic Italian fare, music & grappa.

Website ↗

Pine Hills Pizza

Restaurants

Hot, inexpensive pizzeria with deals for slices, buffalo chicken pies and more.

329 Ontario St

Hot, inexpensive pizzeria with deals for slices, buffalo chicken pies and more.

Website ↗

Sushi Tei

Restaurants

Relaxed Japanese eatery serving cooked fare & creative sushi rolls, plus beer, wine & sake.

1800 Western Ave

Relaxed Japanese eatery serving cooked fare & creative sushi rolls, plus beer, wine & sake.

Website ↗

Dove + Deer

Restaurants

Casual restaurant and bar in Albany's Center Square offering small plates, beer, and cocktails.

32 Dove St

Casual restaurant and bar in Albany's Center Square offering small plates, beer, and cocktails.

Website ↗

Josie's Table

Restaurants

Relaxed place for pasta dishes, salads, pizza and burgers, plus beer, wine, cocktails and sandwiches.

1475 Western Ave

Relaxed place for pasta dishes, salads, pizza and burgers, plus beer, wine, cocktails and sandwiches.

Website ↗

Nighthawks

Restaurants

Easygoing restaurant with a vintage vibe featuring cocktails, brunch & area-sourced cuisine.

461 Broadway (Troy)

Easygoing restaurant with a vintage vibe featuring cocktails, brunch & area-sourced cuisine.

Website ↗

Upscale Brazilian eatery featuring all-you-can-eat grilled meat carved tableside & a salad bar.

1 Crossgates Mall Rd Spc E-111

Upscale Brazilian eatery featuring all-you-can-eat grilled meat carved tableside & a salad bar.

Website ↗

Iron Gate Cafe

Restaurants

Gated, serene garden seating area fronts this American breakfast/lunch spot in a sandstone mansion.

182 Washington Ave

Gated, serene garden seating area fronts this American breakfast/lunch spot in a sandstone mansion.

Website ↗

Breakfast-to-dinner American fare in a stylish restaurant with happy hour, craft beers, and cocktails.

The Desmond Hotel Albany, 660 Albany Shaker Rd

Breakfast-to-dinner American fare in a stylish restaurant with happy hour, craft beers, and cocktails.

Website ↗

American-style comfort food, including mac 'n cheese and chicken wings, served in a chill space.

261 New Scotland Ave

American-style comfort food, including mac 'n cheese and chicken wings, served in a chill space.

Website ↗

New eatery serving small plates and cocktails in a romantic setting.

300 Delaware Ave

New eatery serving small plates and cocktails in a romantic setting.

Website ↗

Traditional Korean dishes are on the menu at this locally–run eatery with a cozy, rustic ambiance.

95-97 Ferry St (Troy)

Traditional Korean dishes are on the menu at this locally–run eatery with a cozy, rustic ambiance.

Website ↗

Rosanna's

Restaurants

Seasonal Italian small & large plates, wine & craft cocktails in a vintage bistro setting.

23 Dove St

Seasonal Italian small & large plates, wine & craft cocktails in a vintage bistro setting.

Website ↗

Unpretentious, family-friendly sports bar with TVs, hearty American pub grub & weekly trivia nights.

1238 Western Ave

Unpretentious, family-friendly sports bar with TVs, hearty American pub grub & weekly trivia nights.

Website ↗

MISSION BBQ

Restaurants

Casual chain featuring BBQ & classic sides, plus memorabilia honoring soldiers & first responders.

1440 Central Ave

Casual chain featuring BBQ & classic sides, plus memorabilia honoring soldiers & first responders.

Website ↗

Big Apple-style slices, meat-topped pies & basic Italian fare in a simple spot with outdoor tables.

1825 Central Ave

Big Apple-style slices, meat-topped pies & basic Italian fare in a simple spot with outdoor tables.

Website ↗

Casual eatery specializing in tacos and other staples of Mexican cooking, plus beer and cocktails.

271 Lark St

Casual eatery specializing in tacos and other staples of Mexican cooking, plus beer and cocktails.

Website ↗

Shogun

Restaurants

Vibrant murals & neon lighting brighten this Japanese eatery prepping sushi & cooked specialties.

457 Madison Ave

Vibrant murals & neon lighting brighten this Japanese eatery prepping sushi & cooked specialties.

Website ↗

Festive beer garden & gastropub in a historic building, where drinks come with free pizza.

42 Howard St

Festive beer garden & gastropub in a historic building, where drinks come with free pizza.

Website ↗

Italian chain serving steak, classic entrees & cocktails in a traditional setting.

1553 Central Ave

Italian chain serving steak, classic entrees & cocktails in a traditional setting.

Website ↗

Casual eatery known for pizza (incl. slices and delivery) as well as for pasta, wings and subs.

217 Wolf Rd

Casual eatery known for pizza (incl. slices and delivery) as well as for pasta, wings and subs.

Website ↗

Ralph's Tavern

Restaurants

Far-reaching menu of American & Italian favorites served in casual, dark-wood quarters with a bar.

1328 Central Ave

Far-reaching menu of American & Italian favorites served in casual, dark-wood quarters with a bar.

Website ↗

Milano

Restaurants

Northern Italian food & wine in brightly colored digs with an open kitchen & checkered banquettes.

594 Loudon Rd (Latham)

Northern Italian food & wine in brightly colored digs with an open kitchen & checkered banquettes.

Website ↗

Iconic Irish-style fixture since 1884 offering pub grub & draft beer in cozy digs with a patio.

250 Western Ave

Iconic Irish-style fixture since 1884 offering pub grub & draft beer in cozy digs with a patio.

Website ↗

Casual ramen joint, also serving Chinese standards like rice noodle soup alongside chicken rice dishes.

1704 Western Ave

Casual ramen joint, also serving Chinese standards like rice noodle soup alongside chicken rice dishes.

Website ↗

Soho Pizza

Restaurants

This 24/7 parlor crafts brick-oven pies, Italian dinners, subs & salads, with delivery available.

269 Lark St

This 24/7 parlor crafts brick-oven pies, Italian dinners, subs & salads, with delivery available.

Website ↗

Intimate Italian restaurant featuring a menu with seasonal ingredients and homemade limoncello.

286 Lark St

Intimate Italian restaurant featuring a menu with seasonal ingredients and homemade limoncello.

Website ↗

The Copper Crow

Restaurants

Relaxed, modern eatery, bar, and lounge serving fusion dishes showcasing different cuisines, plus craft beer.

904 Broadway

Relaxed, modern eatery, bar, and lounge serving fusion dishes showcasing different cuisines, plus craft beer.

Website ↗

Madison's Pizza

Restaurants

Family-owned corner parlor preps toppings-laden pizzas, wings, subs & gyros into the late hours.

846 Madison Ave

Family-owned corner parlor preps toppings-laden pizzas, wings, subs & gyros into the late hours.

Website ↗

Casual eatery for fried chicken and beef burgers, plus fries and milk shakes.

1206 Western Ave

Casual eatery for fried chicken and beef burgers, plus fries and milk shakes.

Website ↗

Herbie's Burgers

Restaurants

Casual, retro eatery whipping up smash burgers, fries and milkshakes, plus vegan versions.

196 Lark St

Casual, retro eatery whipping up smash burgers, fries and milkshakes, plus vegan versions.

Website ↗

Wingstop

Restaurants

Casual counter-serve chain serving a variety of chicken wings & sides.

911 Central Ave

Casual counter-serve chain serving a variety of chicken wings & sides.

Website ↗

PizzaRoni

Restaurants

Cozy eatery serving pizza, including slices, alongside burgers, salads, calzones and subs.

420 Madison Ave

Cozy eatery serving pizza, including slices, alongside burgers, salads, calzones and subs.

Website ↗

Casual, hole-in-the-wall eatery featuring fried chicken, pizza and other simple grub.

28 Central Ave

Casual, hole-in-the-wall eatery featuring fried chicken, pizza and other simple grub.

Website ↗

Sake Cafe

Restaurants

Japanese spot known for sushi, sake & lunch discounts also offers Chinese & Thai fare & a patio.

273 New Scotland Ave

Japanese spot known for sushi, sake & lunch discounts also offers Chinese & Thai fare & a patio.

Website ↗

Family-run for a century+, this clubby fixture dishes surf 'n' turf amid dark wood & vintage pics.

42, 44 State St

Family-run for a century+, this clubby fixture dishes surf 'n' turf amid dark wood & vintage pics.

Website ↗

A veteran family-run standby for classic Italian dishes, from zuppa di pesce to veal parmigiana.

2080 Western Ave (Guilderland)

A veteran family-run standby for classic Italian dishes, from zuppa di pesce to veal parmigiana.

Website ↗

Casual pizza joint with thin-crust options, including vegan varieties and gluten-free alternatives.

75 Livingston Ave

Casual pizza joint with thin-crust options, including vegan varieties and gluten-free alternatives.

Website ↗

Albany Wasabi

Restaurants

Light-filled, modern chain branch serving up bento boxes, sushi and hot Japanese dishes.

195 Wolf Rd

Light-filled, modern chain branch serving up bento boxes, sushi and hot Japanese dishes.

Website ↗

Japanese-style noodle soups including vegetarian options dished up in a historic railcar diner.

893 Broadway

Japanese-style noodle soups including vegetarian options dished up in a historic railcar diner.

Website ↗

Spanish-Italian cooking & wines are the focus at this intimate eatery with a quaint bar & terrace.

1192 Western Ave

Spanish-Italian cooking & wines are the focus at this intimate eatery with a quaint bar & terrace.

Website ↗

Café Capriccio

Restaurants

Romantic Italian eatery in cozy quarters lined with booths, maple paneling & homey adornments.

49 Grand St

Romantic Italian eatery in cozy quarters lined with booths, maple paneling & homey adornments.

Website ↗

677 Prime

Restaurants

Upscale steakhouse with mahogany accents & colorful art features 400+ wines & weekday bar deals.

677 Broadway

Upscale steakhouse with mahogany accents & colorful art features 400+ wines & weekday bar deals.

Website ↗

Upscale surf 'n' turf meals complement the extensive wine list at this stylish steakhouse.

1470 Western Ave

Upscale surf 'n' turf meals complement the extensive wine list at this stylish steakhouse.

Website ↗

Eggy's Place

Restaurants

Casual spot featuring fried-food basics including breakfast sandwiches made to order plus burgers and lunch fare.

177 Montgomery St

Casual spot featuring fried-food basics including breakfast sandwiches made to order plus burgers and lunch fare.

Website ↗

Casual Asian fusion restaurant serving a range of comfort food, including sushi, and wontons.

265 Osborne Rd Ste 1

Casual Asian fusion restaurant serving a range of comfort food, including sushi, and wontons.

Website ↗

Modern sushi destination with a laid-back vibe serving omakase menus, cocktails and sake.

42 Howard St

Modern sushi destination with a laid-back vibe serving omakase menus, cocktails and sake.

Website ↗

Taiwan Noodle

Restaurants

Taiwanese cafe offering dim sum, noodle soups, dumplings & bubble tea in simple surroundings.

218 Central Ave

Taiwanese cafe offering dim sum, noodle soups, dumplings & bubble tea in simple surroundings.

Website ↗

Listed here?

You’ve earned the mark — get the BaseLocal’s Best badge for your site →. Want in? List your business →