The best restaurants in Schenectady

“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, September 3, 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, September 13, 2026

“Compact, no-frills counter serve selling pizza, wings & hot or cold subs for carryout or delivery.”

“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, September 11, 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, September 5, 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, August 29, 2026

“Casual venue crafting pizza, wings and salads, plus smoothies.”

“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.”

“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, September 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, August 25, 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, August 31, 2026

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

From the Schenectady newsletter, September 13, 2026

“Classic Italian entrees, pizza & wines served in a cozy home with a front porch since 1966.”

“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, September 19, 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, September 20, 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, August 23, 2026

“Intimate restaurant serving Italian favorites, such as arancini and spaghetti squash, plus cocktails.”

“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, August 24, 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, September 8, 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, September 12, 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.”

“Pizzeria with a wide range of specialty pies, plus baked goods, sandwiches, and Eastern European pastries.”

“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, August 28, 2026

“Casual pizzeria with a range of toppings, plus wings, subs, salads and other basics, and delivery.”

“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, September 14, 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, September 12, 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, September 9, 2026

“19th-century farmhouse turned elegant American eatery with a cabana bar pitching daily happy hour.”

“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

“When you crave a proper New York fold, I Love New York Pizza keeps it classic with big, cheesy slices and a lineup of specialty pies like Meat Lovers, Philly Cheesesteak, and deep dish spinach. Add garlic knots, wings, or a Sicilian sheet for the crew.”

From the Albany newsletter, September 3, 2026