The best restaurants in Schenectady County

Whether it's a classic round or a broccoli rabe situation, Our Original Pizzeria nails that craveable, crisp-chewy pie, then backs it up with jumbo wings in lots of sauces and legit Italian comfort plates like chicken parm, marsala, and risotto. Plus, their weekly specials keep things interesting.

From the Schenectady newsletter, September 18, 2026

Whether you’re in a tacos-or-fajitas mood, Catrinas Mexican Grill & Bar in Niskayuna delivers bold flavors, fresh guac, and premium margaritas with a festive vibe. Portions are generous, the salsa keeps flowing, and locals swear by the homemade hot sauce, so come hungry and curious.

From the Schenectady newsletter, October 10, 2026

Quick Slice Pizza does the classics right, then gets playful with stuff like Chicken Bacon Ranch, Penne Vodka, and even Shrimp Scampi pizza, plus solid wings, calzones, and chicken over rice. Perfect for low effort nights when you want reliable, tasty, not fussy pizza that still feels like a treat.

From the Schenectady newsletter, October 12, 2026

Take Two Cafe nails that 100% vegan sweet spot where breakfast and lunch run all day and comfort classics get a kinder makeover, from burgers and waffles to chili, tacos, and big salads. Perfect pre-show or lunch-hour fuel across from Proctor’s, with coffee, tea, and desserts to seal the deal.

From the Schenectady newsletter, November 7, 2026

When you just want solid, unfussy pizza without a production, Union Pizza nails it with build-your-own pies, classic specialties, and legit Sicilian squares. Round it out with wings and subs or go rogue with calzones, strombolis, even gyros, then snag it for carryout or delivery.

From the Schenectady newsletter, October 9, 2026

Since 1985, Mari's Japanese Cuisine has been the low-key spot locals hit for fresh sushi, homestyle Japanese comfort plates, and a quiet pour of sake. It’s family-owned, unfussy, and consistently good... dine in when you can, carry out or get delivery when you can’t.

From the Schenectady newsletter, November 1, 2026

Family-fueled pies, hand-cut everything, and zero freezer vibes make Sally D's an easy go-to when you want real-deal pizza, hot or cold subs, and even house-baked cookies and turnovers. Quick counter service with a few cozy tables, plus takeout and catering through Settles Hill if you're feeding a crowd.

From the Schenectady newsletter, November 2, 2026

For stromboli, Sicilian pizza, and other Italian comfort-food favorites in an informal setting, Rosario's Trattoria is a low-key Schenectady pick when you want something satisfying without making dinner a whole production.

From the Schenectady newsletter, November 9, 2026

When the sushi craving hits, Wasabi Asian Bistro delivers with creative signature rolls like the Union St. Roll and Angry Dragon, ultra-fresh sashimi, and comforting ramen or hibachi when you want something hot. Finish with a bubble tea and call it a win.

From the Schenectady newsletter, October 25, 2026

Dos Compadres serves Mexican dishes made with quality ingredients and time-honored recipes, with satisfying portions and a welcoming feel. It’s a good pick for a quick bite or a relaxed meal with friends, and online ordering makes getting your next plate easy.

From the Schenectady newsletter, November 12, 2026

Pizza Buono serves brick-oven Sicilian and thin-crust Neapolitan pies, with plenty of topping combinations beyond the usual pepperoni debate. Add wings made fresh in-house, salads, or a smoothie, and you’ve got an easy Niskayuna dinner plan for whatever kind of appetite shows up.

From the Amsterdam newsletter, November 7, 2026

Family-run and adjacent to the bakery, MORE Perreca's leans into Italian grandma vibes with Chicken Parmesan, Calamari, and Chilean Sea Bass Puttanesca, a wine list overseen by Maria Perreca Papa, and plenty of that famous Perreca’s Italian Bread with nearly every plate.

From the Schenectady newsletter, November 5, 2026

Craving legit, made-from-scratch pies without leaving the neighborhood? Sicilian Pizzeria has 17 years of dough-slinging in Schenectady, turning out artisan pizzas plus subs, burgers, wings, and pasta, and you can order online for quick pickup or delivery when the couch has claimed you.

From the Schenectady newsletter, November 4, 2026

Craving a midweek upgrade? Sake Bon II keeps it easy with fresh sushi and sashimi, fun hibachi grills that light up the table, and plenty of Japanese and Asian fusion favorites. Order online or grab a seat with friends, then let the onion volcano do the talking.

From the Schenectady newsletter, October 24, 2026

Celebrating over 50 years in Schenectady, Marino's Pizza & Restaurant is the kind of family-run spot locals trust for hand-made pies with homemade sauce, classic chicken or eggplant parmigiana, lasagna, and hearty seafood.

From the Schenectady newsletter, October 15, 2026

Point Cafe delivers classic diner comfort plus Mexican flavor in a low-key, family vibe.

From the Schenectady newsletter, October 15, 2026

Since 1966, Scotti's Restaurant & Pizzeria has been turning out cooked-to-order classics, pizzas, and a well-chosen wine list in a cozy house with a front porch locals know well. When you want simple, well-made Italian without the fuss, expect careful prep and rotating specials worth texting about.

From the Schenectady newsletter, September 28, 2026

When the craving hits, Hokkaido All You Can Eat Sushi keeps the rolls coming with fresh Atlantic salmon, delicate tuna, and a lineup of nigiri, sashimi, and creative specialty rolls. It’s a legit sit-down splurge that rewards commitment, plus there are tasty appetizers and refreshing fruit teas.

From the Schenectady newsletter, November 8, 2026

Casa Real Mexican Restaurant is that reliable, kid-friendly spot locals keep in the rotation, serving all the classics and a deep margarita lineup, including towers for the table. They also make life easier with catering and a private room for birthdays when you don't want to cook.

From the Schenectady newsletter, October 23, 2026

Moon and River Cafe keeps it cozy and creative, serving eclectic, globally inspired vegetarian dishes with plenty of vegan love. Go for the flavorful plates, stay when the open mic or live music kicks in, and let an easygoing neighborhood night basically plan itself.

From the Schenectady newsletter, October 18, 2026

The Ritz on Union hits that sweet spot between cozy and special, turning out northern and southern Italian comforts like arancini and spaghetti squash alongside proper cocktails, bright brunch plates, and tiramisu that mysteriously vanishes.

From the Amsterdam newsletter, November 8, 2026

Paulie's Pizza of Schenectady keeps weeknights easy with craveable pies like the Hot Honey & Pepperoni, a classic Margherita, and a tomato pie on Sicilian style crust, plus wings if you want something saucy. Grab garlic knots or mozzarella sticks, then thank yourself later.

From the Schenectady newsletter, October 26, 2026

From pizza to gyros, wings, burgers, pasta, and wraps, Sicilian Pizza & Gyro keeps the menu broad with a value-focused lineup. Halal-friendly and set up for takeout or delivery up to 3 miles, it’s the reliable move when your crew wants everything... plus catering for the next get-together.

From the Schenectady newsletter, November 13, 2026

If your weeknight needs a foldable, classic slice, I Love NY Pizza nails that thin crust and then some. Their specialty pies go wild in the best way, from White Broccoli Ricotta to Chicken Parm and Tortellini Vodka, plus wings, calzones, pasta, and zeppolis for the table.

From the Schenectady newsletter, September 21, 2026

When the gyro craving or chicken-over-rice emergency strikes, State Street Supermarket, Inc dishes out generous halal sandwiches, kebabs, biryani, and falafel with quick, friendly service, ideal for a no-fuss lunch or dinner, with easy takeout or delivery when the fridge is judging you.

From the Schenectady newsletter, October 25, 2026

La Mexicana Restaurant & Grocery nails the basics with tacos and burritos that taste like family recipes, then sends you home stocked with hard-to-find spices, beans, sauces and other ingredients from their grocery so you can keep the flavor going midweek. Dine in, grab takeout, or DIY dinner.

From the Schenectady newsletter, October 30, 2026

JC’s Slice keeps weeknights easy with specialty pies like Chicken Wing or Taco, plus calzones, hoagies and oven-roasted chicken thighs. What makes it a sleeper hit is the bakery case... think sfogliatelle, strudel, rugelach, cookies and cheesecake, or grab pepperoni bread and pizza wheels when the crew can’t agree.

From the Schenectady County newsletter, November 9, 2026

Super Taco does tacos the fresh-to-order way with high-quality ingredients, 100% Halal food, salsas made without gelatin, and a menu that keeps it simple and satisfying. Clean flavors, locally sourced when possible, no fuss... just the kind of reliable bite your week needs.

From the Schenectady newsletter, November 6, 2026

Uncle Rico's Pizza keeps Schenectady fed with crisp-edged pies loaded how you like them, plus wings, subs and salads. They deliver, they won 2025 Daily Gazette Best of the Best for Best Pizza, and their wings were a 2022 runner up... group chat, solved.

From the Schenectady newsletter, September 30, 2026

Ferrari's Ristorante has been a Mont Pleasant standby since 1974, dishing out Ciociara-style comfort built on family recipes, handmade pasta, slow-cooked meats, and Mamma Rosa’s chicken soup.

From the Schenectady newsletter, October 29, 2026

A la carte eatery serving Korean BBQ cooked on table grills, plus hot pot and all-you-can-eat options.

Caribe Spanish Restaurant & Sports Bar brings a warm, family-friendly vibe with Dominican and Puerto Rican classics, plus cocktails and cold beer that hit the spot. It’s the kind of neighborhood spot where you can catch the game, linger over plates that taste like home, and leave already planning your next visit.

From the Schenectady newsletter, October 31, 2026

For nights you just want hearty, scratch-made comfort, Blue Ribbon Restaurant & Bakery has been keeping Schenectady happily fed since 1977 with big portions, daily soups and specials, and a bakery case that actually requires willpower.

From the Schenectady newsletter, October 22, 2026

Max 410 at The Waters Edge pairs an elegant farmhouse setting with American fare, scenic Mohawk River views, and a patio for more casual meals. It’s a lovely pick for seafood, a relaxed lunch, or dinner that feels a little special without requiring a special occasion.

From the Schenectady County newsletter, November 13, 2026

When you crave burgers, fries, and a thick shake worth the wait at the window, Jumpin' Jack's Drive-In hits the spot. Grab a Jackburger, keep an eye on the flavors of the day, then catch a riverfront water ski show or a concert if the schedule lines up.

From the Schenectady newsletter, September 17, 2026