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Allegro Café
33 Second St., Troy, 271-1942, www.albany.net/~dowland/ allegro.html. A basement bistro serving up a menu of fine progressive American cuisine. Menu changes every four to six weeks. Beer and wine. AE, DC, MC, V. $$$

Cranberry Bog
56 Wolf Road, Colonie, 459-5110. Pasta à la Bog is a house specialty; look for prime rib and fresh seafood among the traditional fare. Full bar, patio and year-round greenhouse dining. AE, MC, V. $$$

Daisy Baker’s
33 Second St., Troy, 266-9200. Directly above the Allegro Café, this classy establishment serves gourmet American fare as well as an impressive array of seafood and pasta items. Full bar. AE, D, MC, V. $$

High Rock Steakhouse & Pub
Saratoga Springs Sheraton, Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 583-7625. A well-appointed dining room in Saratoga’s downtown. Menu features choice steaks, pasta specials and seafood. Nightly specials. Full bar. AE, CB, D, DC, MC, V. $$$

The Inn at Saratoga
231 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 583-1890. American cuisine is offered at a cozy Victorian inn. Bistro menu. Full bar. AE, D, DC, MC, V. $$$

Jack’s Oyster House
42 State St., Albany, 465-8854. Albany’s dining landmark since 1913 is now in its third generation of family ownership. Savor seafood specials, steaks, veal or poultry in a classic setting. Full bar. Open 365 days a year—366 for leap year! Reservations suggested, especially on weekends and holidays. AE, CB, D, DC, MC, V. $$

Justin’s
301 Lark St., Albany, 436-7008. Look for some offbeat ethnic dishes, like jerk chicken, on an inventive, often-changing menu. Full bar and on-premises catering for small parties. AE, DC, MC, V. $$

Lakeview Inn
Main Street (Route 43), Averill Park, 674-3363. Barbecue ribs, seafood pastas, fish specials and many other homemade dishes. Dine on the deck overlooking Crystal Lake. Full bar. D, MC, V. $$

The Larkin
199 Lark St., Albany, 463-5225. Under new management, this restaurant serves up New American cuisine with pasta, seafood and steak dishes aplenty. Daily specials too. Full bar. AE, D, DC, MC, V. $$

Londonderry Café
Stuyvesant Plaza, 489-4288. Exciting and new fine-dining menu features pasta, chicken and seafood dishes. Cappuccino, beer and wine by the glass. AE, D, DC, MC, V. $$

Longfellow’s Inn & Restaurant
500 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs, 587-0108, www.longfellows.com. Situated in an old country estate built in the late 1800s, the inn prides itself on its warm and relaxing dining ambience. The menu of American and mesquite offerings includes an array of steaks, bourbon-glazed salmon, fresh pastas and pan-roasted garlic shrimp. Full bar. AE, D, DC, MC, V. $$$

Old Daley Inn
499 Second Ave., Troy, 235-2656. King crab and lobster tails are on the menu, along with prime rib and chicken teriyaki. Full bar. Reservations suggested on weekends. AE, D, DC, MC, V. $$$

Professor Moriarty’s
430 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 587-5981. Sherlockian memorabilia surrounds you as you dine on such specials as Watson’s fillet or partake of “death by chocolate” cake. Full bar. AE, CB, D, DC, MC, V. $$$

The Ripe Tomato American Grill
Routes 9 and 9P, Malta, 581-1530. The former Elm Tree Tavern; same management but offering a varied menu of American and Italian fare. The pork schnitzel is outstanding, and the kitchen has a way with pasta, too. Other specialties include an award-winning bisque, steaks and seafood. Full bar. AE, DC, MC, V. $$

Simpson’s
The Desmond, 660 Albany-Shaker Road, Colonie, 869-8100. The Desmond’s casual restaurant, with grilled swordfish, chicken teriyaki and a selection of salads as well as wine by the glass. Full bar. AE, CB, D, DC, MC, V. $$$

Sunset Café
42 Front St., Ballston Spa, 885-8550. Southwestern fare and some surprises in an unpretentious café setting, with specials including grilled eggplant napoleon. Full bar. AE, MC, V. $$

Asian

Dumpling House
120 Everett Road, Colonie, 458-7044. Dumplings come steamed or fried with a variety of fillings along with various regional offerings. Full bar, banquet facilities. Takeout available. Reservations suggested on weekends. AE, D, DC, MC, V. $$

Mari’s Japanese Cuisine
803 Saratoga Road, Burnt Hills, 384-0924. Sushi bar, tempura, sukiyaki and teriyaki are among the specials. Reservations suggested, especially on weekends. DC, MC, V. $$

Miki Japanese Restaurant
236 Washington St., Saratoga Springs, 583-9175. From the former owner/chef of Arita’s Japanese, this new restaurant offers sushi, noodle dishes, organic vegetarian dishes and other authentic Japanese cuisine. Tatami room and hibachi table. Extensive sake list as well as beer and wine. AE, MC, V. $$

Miyako
192 N. Allen St., Albany, 482-1080; fax 482-1081. Order from the sushi bar or watch your chef prepare traditional Japanese dishes at a hibachi table. Other authentic offerings are tempura, teriyaki and sukiyaki. Table service available. Beer and wine. AE, D, MC, V. $$

Peony
260 Wolf Road, Colonie, 869-0683. Specializing in Chinese and Japanese cuisine, including an elegant sushi bar, all in a formal dining atmosphere. Full bar. Reservations suggested. AE, D, MC, V. $$

Continental

Ashley’s
at the Albany Marriott, 189 Wolf Road, Colonie, 458-8444. Featuring a mesquite grill in the kitchen and a menu that includes veal dishes, Cajun items and fresh fish. Full bar. AE, D, DC, MC, V. $$$$

Brindisi’s
390 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 587-6262. This new, handsome eatery and nightspot features a large bar and frequent entertainment along with continental and Italian fare. AE, D, MC, V. $$

Conway’s on Yates Street
492 Yates St., Albany, 489-9999. This establishment has plenty of history: It opened as a bar in 1867 and was a speakeasy in the 1920s. Conway’s has preserved the original décor and created a contemporary restaurant with style and ambience. The menu features inventive preparations of steak, seafood, fresh fish and the like, and for dessert, the passion-fruit soufflé is a recommended house specialty. Nightly specials. Full bar. Reservations suggested. AE, DC, MC, V. $$$

Eartha’s Restaurant
60 Court St., Saratoga Springs, 583-0602. Elegant neighborhood bistro specializing in prime meats and fresh fish. Home-baked desserts and vegetarian dishes. D, MC, V. $$$$

43 Phila
43 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, 584-2720. Thoughtfully prepared creative bistro cuisine is available at this award-winning “American bistro.” Menu changes seasonally. Full bar. AE, MC, V. $$$

The Ginger Man Wine Bar & Restaurant
234 Western Ave., Albany, 427-5963. Try the fruit-and-cheese board with a glass of wine; other menu items include sesame tuna with ginger and soy, house-made ravioli and daily fish and pasta specials. Popular for an extensive wine and beer list, the Ginger Man offers wine- and beer-tasting events, and visitors can even join a wine club. Full bar. Reservations recommended. AE, D, MC, V. $$$

La Serre
14 Green St., Albany, 463-6056. This is the place for fresh pasta, grilled fish or veal chanterelle. Full bar. Reservations suggested. AE, CB, DC, MC, V. $$$

L’École Encore
337 Fuller Road (behind Stuyvesant Plaza), Guilderland, 437-1234. Continental and American regional dishes, featuring such items as artichokes French and chicken and broccoli strudel. Wonderful salads. Full bar. Reservations suggested. AE, CB, D, DC, MC, V. $$$

Nicole’s Bistro at the Quackenbush House
25 Quackenbush Square, Albany, 465-1111. Dinner is served with a decidedly French flair in Albany’s oldest historic building. The menu is noted for traditional dishes including rack of lamb, roast duckling and steak au poivre. Also features contemporary menu items. Fixed-price dinner menu priced with or without wine. Full bar. Reservations suggested. AE, D, DC, MC, V, personal checks. $$$

Ogden’s
42 Howard St., Albany, 463-6605. A charming old building where specials of fresh seafood are always featured, along with veal, beef, chicken and pasta dishes. Wine list with more than 100 selections and a new martini menu with 16 different varieties. Full bar. Reservations suggested. AE, MC, V. $$$

Olde Shaker Inn
1171 Troy Schenectady Road, Latham, 783-6460. The usual meats and fishes are transformed with imaginative ingredients on a menu offering New American cuisine. Full bar. AE, D, DC, MC, V. $$$

River Street Café
429 River St., Troy, 273-2740. The chef and chef/owner give personal attention to each item on the seasonally changing menu of fresh, New American fare. Beer and wine. MC, V, personal checks. $$$

The Shipyard
95 Everett Road, Colonie, 438-4428; fax 438-2331. An elegant 1800s brick house with two fireplaces is the atmospheric setting for specials of grilled fowl, lamb, beef and seafood, complimented by an award-winning wine list. Full bar. Reservations suggested. AE, CB, D, DC, MC, V. $$$

Sperry’s
30 1/2 Caroline St., Saratoga Springs, 584-9618. Casual upscale dining on a side street, with a heated patio area. Noted for soft-shell crab (in season), seafood, Maryland crab cakes, sirloin and fresh fish specials, handmade desserts. Full bar. AE, DC, MC, V. $$$

Stephanie’s on the Park
462 Madison Ave., Albany, 449-2492. Chef-owner Stephanie Martin has developed a “melting pot” menu that ranges from veal to pasta, with preparations taken from all over the globe. Full bar. Reservations recommended. AE, DC, MC, V. $$$

Tavern at Sterup Square
Route 7, Raymertown, 663-5800. Offers casual dining in the Tavern and on the Torch Lit Terrace and fine dining in the Van Rensselaer Room. On-premises bakery, gourmet takeout deli. Reservations recommended for the Tavern but required for the Van Rensselaer Room, along with jackets for men. AE, D, DC, MC, V. $$$

Wishing Well
Route 9, Wilton, 584-7640. Triple-thick loin lamb chops are featured, along with fresh seafood and prime rib. Live Maine lobsters available nightly. Full bar. Reservations suggested. AE, DC, MC, V. $$$

French

Chez Sophie Bistro
2853 Route 9, Malta, 583-3538. Founded and inspired by French chef Sophie Parker and her husband Joseph in 1969, the bistro prepares fresh seasonal offerings for the discerning palate in an unlikely yet inventive spot—an antique silver diner on Route 9. Reservations suggested. AE, DC, MC, V. $$$$

Ferrandi’s Restaurant
332 State Highway 67, Amsterdam, 842-6977. Traditional French cuisine, featuring a menu filled with healthy portions of specialties such as escargot de Bourgogne, crepe Normande and filet mignon au poivre, along with 25 other unique entrées. French baguette and complimentary paté served with dinner. Extensive wine list. Full bar. Reservations suggested. MC, V. $$

German

Bavarian Chalet
Route 20, Guilderland, 355-8005. Featuring a blend of European cuisines with a German focus. Sauerbraten and schnitzels, fresh seafood and game. Full bar with 14 European and microbrewed beers on tap. Reservations suggested. AE, D, MC, V. $$

Indian

Sitar
1929 Central Ave., Colonie, 456-6670. A variety of chicken, lamb, shrimp and vegetable dishes and always-sizzling tandoor ovens. “Sun Room” dining area open on weekends and for special parties. Full bar. Reservations suggested. AE, CB, D, DC, MC, V. $$

Indonesian

Yono’s
Armory Center, 64 Colvin Ave., Albany, 436-7747. Acclaimed chef Yono Purnomo continues his tradition of creating exquisite continental cuisine highlighted with his native Asian accent. A dining experience equally perfect for an intimate dinner for two or a power meeting. Full bar. AE, CB, DC, MC, V. $$$

Italian

The Appian Way Restaurant
1839 Van Vranken Ave., Schenectady, 382-3286. New owners have given this Schenectady mainstay a new menu of traditional southern Italian fare, with specials including pork chop with vinegar peppers. Full bar. MC, V. $$

Café Capriccio
49 Grand St., Albany, 465-0439. Gourmet Italian dining with a menu that includes seasonal specials, pastas and Mediterranean gourmet fare as well. Try the eggplant with four cheeses or the calamari neri. Reservations strongly suggested. AE, MC, V. $$$

Caffe Italia
662 Central Ave., Albany, 482-9433. Look for traditional preparations of veal, pasta, shrimp and lobster. Beer, liquor and wine. Reservations suggested. AE, CB, D, DC, MC, V. $$$

Carmine’s Restaurant
818 Central Ave., Albany, 458-8688. A menu of continental and Italian cuisine with an American flair, plus light selections, hot and cold appetizers and interesting pastas. Menu includes seafood, chicken and veal specialties. Homemade desserts. Full bar. AE, DC, MC, V. $$$

Chianti il Ristorante
208 S. Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 580-0025. Start with antipasto del Chianti and discover how delectable such simple ingredients can become. Innovative northern Italian fare (with a good presence of garlic) served in a nicely decorated dining room and, in warm months, on an outdoor patio. Full bar. AE, MC, V. $$$

Elda’s
205-207 Lark St., Albany, 449-3532. The luxe dining room has balcony seating at this classy addition to Lark Street. The Northern Italian, French and American menu includes homemade pastas and bread and sinful desserts. Outdoor patio. Full bar. AE, MC, V, CB, D, DC. $$

Lo Porto Ristorante
85 Fourth St., Troy, 273-8546. Martin Scorsese’s favorite Capital Region restaurant is still going strong, serving Italian specialties with a Sicilian flavor. Check out one of the seafood mugnaia dishes. Full bar. Reservations strongly suggested. AE, D, DC, MC, V. $$$

Milano
Newton Plaza, 594 New Loudon Road, Latham, 783-3334. Northern Italian cuisine featuring homemade pasta, gourmet pizza, grilled meats and seafood. Selection of gourmet foods and baked goods for takeout. Full bar. Reservations suggested. AE, CB, D, DC, MC, V. $$

Nicole’s Ristorante
556 Delaware Ave., Albany, 436-4952. The menu offers Southern and Northern Italian specialties in an intimate dining room with a metropolitan feel. Full bar. Reservations suggested. AE, CB, D, DC, MC, V. $$$

Paolo Lombardi’s
104 West Sand Lake Road, Wynantskill, 283-0202. Featuring fresh veal, seafood and specialty pastas, with the biggest hot and cold antipasto in the area. Full bar. AE, D, MC, V. $$$

Seafood

The Capehouse
254 Broadway, Troy, 274-0167. A downtown Troy institution for seafood lovers, the Capehouse has a recently updated and expanded their menu featuring many varieties of fish and shellfish prepared many different ways, as well as an ample selection of beef, veal and chicken entrees. Raw bar as well as a full bar. Reservations suggested. AE, CB, D, DC, MC, V. $$$

Hudson Harbor Steak and Seafood
351 Broadway, Albany, 426-5000. Hudson Harbor offers steak and seafood dishes just as you remember them from their New Baltimore location. Full bar. Outdoor dining in summer. AE, D, DC, MC, V. $$

Real Seafood Co.
195 Wolf Road, Colonie, 458-2068. This popular seafood emporium still boasts one of the most impressive raw bars around. The menu features paella Valenciana, chargrilled Block Island swordfish, tuna medallions in white wine and herbs and a blue-plate combination special. Full bar. Reservations on weekends suggested for large parties. AE, CB, DC, MC, V. $$$

The Scrimshaw
The Desmond, 660 Albany Shaker Road, Colonie, 869-8100. Menu features fresh Atlantic seafood, from lobster to sea bass to halibut. Full bar. Appropriate attire required for dinner. Reservations suggested. AE, CB, D, MC, V.

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