ITALIAN
The
18 Wheeler Restaurant
240 Church St., Albany, 449-5008. Breakfast, lunch and dinner
in a casual setting, with specials at all meals. Breakfast
is served any time and dinner includes steaks, chops and
seafood. Off-premises catering, takeout available. Open
6 AM-10 PM, seven days a week (except Christmas). AE, D,
MC, V. $
Alteri’s Restaurant
Route 9W, Glenmont, 436-0002. An extensive Italian-American
menu with more than 100 veal, chicken, seafood and steak
specialties to choose from. Full bar, off-premises catering,
on-premises banquets up to 160. Takeout available. Serving
11:30-9:30 Sun-Thu, 11:30-10 Fri, 3-10 Sat. Reservations
suggested. AE, D, DC, MC, V. $$
Amo La Bella New York
89 Beaver St., Albany, 434-3121. Specialties at this downtown
dining room include saltimbocca à la Romana, seafood pasta
à la Amo, shrimp with porcini mushrooms in a Genovese sauce,
and Cippino-a combination of clams, scallops, shrimp and
calamari on top of linguine. Full bar, banquets for up to
170 guests. Takeout available. Serving lunch 11-3 Mon-Fri;
dinner 4-9 Wed-Sat. Open for all Pepsi Arena events, reservations
accepted. AE, D, DC, MC, V. $$
Anselmo’s
95 Ferry St., Troy, 272-6100. Located in Little Italy, listen
to strains of Sinatra and Italian opera while enjoying satisfying
Mediterranean Italian cuisine at very affordable prices.
Full bar, takeout available. Serving dinner 4:30-10 Wed-Sat.
AE, MC, V. $$
Antipasto’s
See listing under “Vegetarian.”
Appian Way Restaurant
1839 Van Vranken Ave., Schenectady, 393-8460. The Mantova
sisters are back once more with their matchless, cooked-from-scratch
fare. Fettuccini with portobello mushrooms, for example,
redefines the texture of the dish because chef Gina dries
the mushrooms first. Bread, pasta, even ice cream are all
homemade, and the hospitality is wonderful. Serving dinner
5-closing Wed-Sun. AE, MC, V. $$$
Aromi D’Italia
2050 Western Ave., Guilderland, 452-9200. Fresh ingredients
and quality products enhance the menu at this contemporary
Italian café. In addition to world-famous gelato (which
is made fresh each day on premises), diners can savor pasta
entrées, gourmet pizzas, meal-sized salads, paninis (served
on homemade focaccia bread), rich desserts, espresso and
coffee drinks. Off-premises catering and takeout available.
11-9 Sun-Thu, 11-10 Fri-Sat, beginning Memorial Day. AE,
D, DC, MC, V. $$$
Augie’s Family Style Restaurant & Bar
183 Church Ave. (Route 50), Ballston Spa, 884-8600, www.augiesrestaurant.com.
Family-style Italian fare (every dish serves two or more)
including fried calamari, fresh mozzarella and roasted peppers,
chicken, seafood, pan pizzas and more than 20 pasta dishes.
Daily specials. Full bar, on- and off-premises catering,
takeout available. Serving 4-9 Sun-Mon, Wed-Thu; 4-10 Fri-Sat;
closed Tue. AE, MC, V. $$
Bambino’s Ristorante
154 Erie Blvd., Schenectady, 34-PASTA (347-2782). Northern
and Southern Italian family specialties including seafood
fra diavlo, veal, chicken, fish, steak and pastas. Lunch
menu also. Wednesday lunch buffet; Friday happy hour buffet.
Full bar, on- and off-premises catering, takeout, delivery.
Reservations recommended. Serving 11-9 Mon-Thu, 11-10 Fri,
4-10 Sat, 1-8 Sun. ATM/debit, D, MC, V. $$$
Bellini’s Italian Eatery
1365 New Scotland Ave, Slingerlands, 439-6022; 19 Clifton
Country Road, Hannaford Plaza, Clifton Park, 348-2090. Tucked
into a couple of suburban shopping plazas, these attractive
Italian restaurants feature a mix of straightforward dishes
and authentic Italian fare, from wood-fired pizzas and bruschetta
to more complicated dishes like the pappardelle, sautéed
chicken, roasted garlic sun-dried tomatoes, asparagus and
artichoke hearts. Fresh-baked bread daily and rich desserts,
too. Full bar, wine list. Serving lunch 11:30-4 Mon-Fri,
noon-4 Sat; dinner 11:30-10 Sun-Thu, 11:30-11 Fri-Sat. AE,
MC, V. $$$
Bello Belsito
9 Frontage Road, Glenmont, 436-3480. Along with Italian
classics like veal scallopini, chicken cacciatore, seafood
fra diavalo and fettucine alfredo, Bello Belsito also offers
American dishes such as rack of lamb, pork tenderloin and
flat-iron steak. Homemade soups and desserts. Late-night
pub menu available in Duke’s Bar. Full bar, takeout available.
Reservations recommended. AE, D, MC, V. $$$
Bongiorno’s
23 Dove St., Albany, 462-9176. Specializing in veal and
seafood dishes, including zuppa di pesce, fettuccini al
Cognac and veal Piccante. Full bar, small banquet facilities.
Takeout available. Serving lunch 11:30-2 Mon-Fri; dinner
5-9 Mon-Wed, 5-10 Thu-Sat. Closed Sun. Reservations accepted.
AE, MC, V. $$$
Brindisi’s Restaurant and Bar
390 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 587-6262, www.brindisis.com.
Innovative 1930s New York City-theme continental fare, featuring
steak, chicken, veal, fish and pasta. Served in a handsome
setting with a picture window on Saratoga’s main street.
Large parties accepted. The bar is friendly and desserts
are a specialty. Serving dinner 4-10 Mon-Thu, 4-11 Fri-Sat,
1-9 Sun. AE, D, DC, MC, V. $$$
Buca di Beppo
44 Wolf Road, Colonie, 459-2822. www.bucadibeppo.com. Family-style
Italian fare in a chain restaurant that does it right. Order
less than you think and bring a big party: Lots of food
emerges and it’s all delicious, served in an infectiously
merry atmosphere. Now featuring smaller portions. Full bar.
Serving 5-10 Mon-Thu, 5-11 Fri, noon-11 Sat, noon-9 Sun.
AE, D, MC, V. $$
Caffe Italia
662 Central Ave., Albany, 482-9433. Look for traditional
preparations of pasta, shrimp, lobster and veal, including
Veal Luciana—medallions of veal with prosciutto, tomato
and mozzarella. Beer, liquor and wine. On-premises catering
for small parties and off-premises catering for larger parties.
Takeout available. Serving dinner 5-10 Mon-Sat, 4-9 Sun.
Reservations appreciated. AE, CB, D, MC, V. $$$
Caffe Pomo D’oro
6 Depot St., W. Stockbridge, Mass., (413) 232-4616. Cozy
cafe in a converted train station featuring creative takes
on standard breakfast fare and Italian-accented sandwiches,
along with coffee, pastries, soups and luscious homemade
desserts. Takeout available. Serving 8-3 Thu-Tue. Closed
Wed. (Closed Mon-Wed January through May.) Cash only. $
Carmine’s Restaurant
818 Central Ave., Albany, 458-8688. www.carminestable.com.
A menu of continental and Italian cuisine with American
flair, plus light selections and interesting pastas. Menu
includes seafood, chicken and veal specialties. Favorite
dishes include fried calamari, braised veal cheeks and penne
regate. Homemade desserts. Full bar. On/off-premises catering,
private parties welcome. Serving lunch 11:30-3 Tue-Fri;
dinner 4:30-9:30 Mon-Thu, 4:30-10 Fri-Sat, 4-8:30 Sun. AE,
DC, MC, V. $$$
Casa Mia Ristorante
385 Route 9W, Glenmont, 463-4331. Offering a variety of
chicken, veal, beef, seafood and pasta dishes from both
the Northern and Southern regions of Italy. Known for veal
and seafood creations. Nightly specials. Full bar and banquet
facilities. Serving 4-9 Tue-Thu, 4-10 Fri-Sat, 4-9 Sun.
Closed Mon. Reservations suggested, especially on weekends.
AE, D, DC, MC, V. $$
Castelo’s
183 Nott Terrace, Schenectady, 374-0581. Offering Italian,
Greek and American cuisine with an emphasis on quality and
value in a casual family atmosphere. Featuring fresh seafood,
veal, chicken, steaks, pasta dishes, oversized salads, deli
sandwiches, pizza, calzones and giant burgers. Children’s
menu and smaller portions also available. Daily specials,
offering a fine selection of beer, wine and spirits. Takeout
available, off-premises catering. Reservations appreciated.
Serving 11-9 Sun, 11-10 Mon-Thu, 11-11 Fri-Sat. AE, D, DC,
MC, V. $$
Ciao Ristorante
34 Hudson Ave., Chatham, 392-7366. Northern and Southern
Italian cuisine with continental specials such as braised
lamb shanks with four-cheese potatoes and caramelized fennel.
Wine and beer. On/off-premises catering, takeout available.
Serving lunch noon-3 Wed-Fri; dinner 4-9 Sun-Thu, 4-10 Fri-Sat.
AE, MC, V. $$$
Civitello’s
42 N. Jay St., Schenectady, 381-6165. www.civitellos.com.
Known for Italian ice, spumoni and tortoni, all made in-house;
also Italian sandwiches, homemade bread and pizza, pastries,
cookies, espresso and cappuccino. Takeout available (pizza
is eat-in only). Dessert catering. Open 8:30-5:30 (lunch
served 11-2) Tues-Sat; open till 9 PM after Memorial Day.
Cash only. $
Cornell’s Restaurant
39 N. Jay St., Schenectady, 370-3825. www.cornellsrestaurant.com.
The Northern and Southern Italian menu includes such favorites
as braciola, calamari and homemade cavatelle. Full bar.
Serving dinner 5-9:30 Tue-Thu, 5-10 Fri, 4-10 Sat, 4-9:30
Sun. Reservations suggested. AE, CB, MC, V. $$$
DeAngelo’s Ristorante
1510 Chrisler Ave., Schenectady, 393-1364. A family-style
restaurant featuring fresh ingredients, huge portions, menu
selections from spaghetti to lobster tails, and a friendly
staff to top it off. Full bar. On/off-premises catering,
takeout available. Serving dinner 4-10 nightly. Reservations
suggested. AE, D, MC, V. $$
DeFazio’s Pizzeria
266 Fourth St., Troy, 271-1111. Twenty-one gourmet wood-fired
pizzas, 21 pastas, antipasto and salads. Homemade Italian
sauces available in DeFazio’s retail store next door. No
alcohol. Off-premises catering available. Serving 11-10
Mon-Fri, 3-10 Sat. Closed Sun. Cash or check only. $
Delmonico’s Italian Steakhouse
1553 Central Ave., Albany, 456-5656. www.delmonicositaliansteakhouse.com.
The Delmonico steak is a terrific deal, but the menu also
features standard Italian fare at reasonable prices. Heavy
sauces, lots of cheese—it’s all here. Full bar. Serving
dinner 4-10:30 Mon-Thu, 4-11:30 Fri, 2-11:30 Sat, noon-10
Sun. AE, D, DC, MC, V. $$
De Marco’s Italian Restaurant
1965 Central Ave., Albany, 456-7574. Savor the homemade
Italian cuisine in this friendly, family-owned restaurant.
Try the famous pizza. On/off premises catering. Serving
dinner 4-10 Sun-Wed, 4-11 Thu-Sat. AE, D, MC, V. $$
Depietro’s Italiano’s Pizzeria
555 Washington Ave., Albany, 465-3607. Typical Italian favorites
are found here, as well as unique specialty pizzas—including
chicken-wing—plus dinners, jumbo wings, calzones and subs
(the jawbreaker weighs in at two pounds). Home of the Jimmy
Hoffa sub—so good it disappears. Off-premises catering,
takeout available. Daily specials. 10-10 Mon-Thu, 10-11
Fri, 11-10 Sat, 2-9 Sun. AE, MC, V. $
Dorato’s
Star Plaza, Routes 155 and 20, Guilderland, 456-5774. An
emphasis on fresh seafood and veal in a menu of American
and international specialties, including osso buco and Tournedos
Dorato. Pub fare, too. Full bar. On-premises catering. Serving
lunch 11:30-2:30 Mon-Fri; dinner 5-10 Mon-Fri, 5-11 Sat,
4:30-9 Sun. Reservations appreciated. AE, MC, V. $$$
D’Raymonds Restaurant and Lounge
269 Osborne Road, Loudonville, 459-6364. Italian with an
American accent. Veal and homemade pasta are house specialties.
Full bar. Takeout until 7 PM, catering available. Serving
lunch 11:30-2:15 Mon-Fri; dinner 5-10 Mon-Fri, 4-10 Sat.
Closed Sun. AE, CB, DC, MC, V. $$$
El Divino Restaurant & Lounge
1702 Chrisler Ave., Schenectady, 374-7711. Your hosts Frank
and Lynn DeLorenzo welcome you. Large menu featuring chicken,
veal, steak, seafood and pasta. Fresh-baked bread, soups
and sauces made daily. Variety of appetizers, daily specials.
Full bar, outdoor patio, takeout. Serving Tue-Sat 5-10,
Sun-Mon for on and off premises catering. AE, MC, V, ATM.
$$$
Eugenio’s Cafe Gelato
See listing under “Coffee Bars.”
Ferrari’s Ristorante
1254 Congress St., Schenectady, 382-8865. Authentic Italian
cuisine with specialties including veal Pepe—veal napped
in horseradish-cream sauce—and chicken Antonio with wine-and-mushroom
sauce. Full bar. Banquets for up to 65 guests, off-premises
catering. Serving 11:30-9 Mon-Thu, 11:30-10 Fri, 4-10 Sat.
Open on Sunday for private parties and banquets of 35 or
more. AE, CB, D, DC, MC, V. $$$
Fireside Pizzeria
1631 Eastern Parkway, Schenectady, 382-1616. An Electric
City mainstay for pizza, along with burgers, steaks, salads
and traditional Italian-American dishes, to stay or go.
Full bar. Delivery available. Serving 11:30 AM-midnight
Mon-Thu, 11:30 AM-1 AM Fri-Sat, 1-midnight Sun. Reservations
suggested. AE, MC, V. $
Forno Toscano
541 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 581-2401. Rustic Italian
menu featuring wood-fired, thin-crust pizza, homemade pasta,
soups, salads and panini. Full bar, takeout available. Serving
lunch 11:30-3 Mon-Fri, dinner 5-9:30 Mon-Sun. AE, MC, V.
$$
Gotchya’s
68 Beekman St., Saratoga Springs, 584-5772, www.gotchyas.com.
Classic Italian food and cozy bar in this historic building
once frequented by Lucky Luciano, Lucille Ball, Walt Disney
and Al Capone in Saratoga’s celebrated West Side neighborhood.
Serving 4-10 Tue-Sat; closed Sun-Mon. AE, MC, V. $$
Inferno Restaurant & Pizzeria
496 Albany Shaker Road, Loudonville, 459-2121; 222 Guilderland
Road, Clifton Park, 383-8080; 79 Campbell Ave., Troy, 272-2121;
198 Lisha Kill Road, Colonie, 456-4111; www.infernopizza.com.
Pizzeria in four locations, also featuring full menu of
homemade entrees. Beer and wine; on-premises catering; takeout
and delivery available. Reservations recommended. Serving
11-10 Mon-Thu, 11-11 Fri-Sun. AE, MC, V. $$
Jimmy’s Lakeside Restaurant
2425 Main St., Lake Placid, 523-2353. Featuring a large
selection of homemade pasta, veal, chicken and seafood dishes.
Children’s menu available. Four lakeside dining rooms with
splendid view of Mirror Lake and the Adirondacks. Full bar,
on-premises catering, takeout. Serving lunch and dinner
daily from 11 AM. AE, MC, V. $$$
John Riccitello’s
1687 Foster Ave., Schenectady, 374-1574. You’ll be part
of the family as soon as you walk in. Good meals, good prices,
good company. Try the veal parmigiana. Wed-Thu night specials.
Full bar. Serving 11-10 Wed-Fri, 4-10 Sat, 4-9 Sun. Closed
Mon-Tue (except for parties of 20-40, by reservation only).
Reservations suggested. D, MC, V. $$
Lanci’s
68 Putnam St., Saratoga Springs, 581-1973. www.lancisristorante.com.
This family-run restaurant brings you the best of Italy.
Dinner menu changes seasonally, serving the best the season
has to offer. Desserts are by Signora Lanci, whose specialty
is tiramisu. Premium Italian-roasted coffee. Select Italian
wines and beer. Takeout available. Private parties, wine
and cooking classes. Serving dinner Wed-Sun starting at
5:30. AE, MC, V. $$$$
Limon Cello Ristorante
358 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 580-8700. An upscale Northern
Italian trattoria in a romantic setting. Every meal is prepared
fresh from authentic recipes. Desserts made on premises
every morning. Extensive wine list. Reservations suggested.
Serving 11:30-10 daily. $$$
Lombardo’s
121 Madison Ave., Albany, 462-9180. An Albany mainstay,
with many different pasta dishes and a menu featuring 15
different veal dishes, among many other offerings. Nightly
specials, too. Full bar. Banquet room available for up to
80, takeout available. Serving 11-11 Mon-Fri, 3-11 Sat.
Closed Sun. AE, CB, D, DC, MC, V. $$$
Maggie’s Café
1186 Western Ave., Albany, 437-1701. Capellini primo is
a favorite dish on a menu featuring Italian cuisine. Daily
dinner specials and homemade soups. Full bar. Small banquets,
on/off-premises catering. Serving lunch 11:30-2:30 Mon-Fri;
dinner 4:30-9:30 Mon-Thu, 4:30-10 Fri-Sat, 4-8 Sun. AE,
CB, D, DC, MC, V. $$$
Mangia
1562 New Scotland Ave. (Route 85), Slingerlands, 439-5555;
Stuyvesant Plaza, 482-8000; Shoppers World Plaza (off Route
146), Clifton Park, 383-6666; www.mangia restaurant.com.
The pizzas come out of the wood-fired oven and include such
exotic toppings as chicken pesto and barbecued chicken.
All pastas are fresh. The menu also features innovative
world cuisine. Beer and extensive wine list; full bar at
the Stuyvesant Plaza location. Takeout available. Slingerlands:
serving 11-9 Mon-Thu, 11-10 Fri, noon-10 Sat, noon-9 Sun.
Stuyvesant Plaza: serving 11:30-10 Mon-Thu, 11:30-11 Fri,
noon-11 Sat, noon-9 Sun. Clifton Park: serving 11-9 Mon-Thu,
11-10 Fri-Sat, closed Sun. Reservations suggested. AE, D,
MC, V. $$
Mario’s Restaurant
Routes 20 and 22, New Lebanon, 794-9495. Chef-owned and
family-operated since 1964, this personalized eatery is
known for great food and service. Bread, pasta and desserts
are all from scratch. A Berkshire classic. Full bar. On/off-premises
catering. Serving dinner 4-9 Sun-Mon, Wed-Thu; 4-10 Fri-Sat.
Closed Tue. AE, D, MC, V. $$$
Mario’s Restaurant & Pizzeria
2850 River Road, Niskayuna, 347-0002. The long Sicilian
pizza is a trademark item; other pizzas, as well as traditional
pasta dishes and inventive dinner specials, are on the menu.
Serving 11-10 Tue-Fri, 4-10 Sat. AE, D, DC, MC, V. $$
Mercato’s Pizzeria & Restaurant
155 Delaware Ave., Delmar, 475-7777. Salmon alla Mercato
is a favorite on a menu featuring veal, chicken, seafood,
pasta and pizza. Full bar. Banquet facilities. Serving 11-10
Mon-Thu, 11-11 Fri-Sat, noon-9 Sun. AE, DC, MC, V. $$
Mercato’s II Pizzeria & Restaurant
1649 Columbia Turnpike, Schodack, 479-5050. Salmon alla
Mercato is a favorite on a menu featuring veal, chicken,
seafood, pasta and pizza. Full bar. Serving 11-10 Mon-Thu,
11-11 Fri-Sat, noon-9 Sun. AE, DC, MC, V. $$
Moscatiello’s Italian Restaurant
99 N. Greenbush Road (Route 4), Troy, 283-0809, www.moscatiellos.com.
This family operated restaurant boasts a variety of Italian
fare. In addition to the traditional, the menu also includes
gourmet specialties and salads, including chicken rustica,
shrimp scampi, chicken marsala, New York strip steak, and
the bruschetta appetizer. Full bar and wine list. On/off-premises
catering. Serving 11:30-10 Mon-Thu, 11:30-11 Fri, noon-11
Sat, noon-9 Sun. Reservations accepted for parties of five
or more. AE, DC, MC, V. $$
My Way Café
Routes 9 and 67E, Malta, 899-4196. www.mywaycafe.com. Italian
cuisine with an American flair, including veal, beef, pork,
and fresh fish dishes. Full bar, catering for private parties,
and takeout available. Early bird and cocktail specials
4-6. Serving 4-close Tue-Sun. Reservations suggested. AE,
D, MC, V, personal checks. Price fixed menu, $16.95.
The New Madison Grille
331 Madison Ave., Albany, 434-1938. Pizza is a specialty—this
neighborhood favorite has revived the famous 50-year-old
pizza recipe from the former establishment. Also serving
a high-quality but reasonably priced menu of salads, sandwiches,
burgers and other entrées. Full bar. Takeout available.
Serving 11-10 Mon, 11:30-10 Tue, 11:30-11 Wed, 11:30-midnight
Thu, 11:30-2 AM Fri, 5 PM-midnight Sat. Closed Sun. AE,
CB, DC, MC, V. $
The Olive Garden
178 Wolf Road, Colonie, 458-8676. An extensive, Americanized
Italian menu includes lots of pastas, appetizers and salads.
Full bar, complimentary wine sampling Friday and Saturday
evenings. Serving 11-10 Sun-Thu, 11-11 Fri-Sat. AE, CB,
D, MC, V. $$
Paolo Lombardi’s
104 W. Sand Lake Road, Wynantskill, 283-0202, www.paololombardis.com.
Featuring fresh veal, seafood and specialty pastas, with
large hot and cold antipasto. Full bar. Takeout available.
Catering and shuttle service also provided. Serving dinner
4-10 Mon-Thu, 4-11 Fri-Sat, 1-9 Sun. Reservations suggested.
AE, D, MC, V. $$$$
Pennell’s
284 Jefferson St., Saratoga Springs, 583-2423. This award-winning
chef-owned and -operated restaurant has been in business
for more than 80 years, serving Northern and Southern Italian
cuisine. Specials include veal marsala and shrimp Genovese.
Full bar, on-premises catering for parties up to 120. Full
menu available for takeout. Serving 5-9 Wed-Thu, Sun; 5-10
Fri-Sat. Closed Mon-Tue. Reservations suggested. AE, MC,
V. $$$
Petta’s
134 Duane Ave., Schenectady, 346-7324. The granddaddy of
Italian eateries in the Electric City, celebrating more
than 50 years of family ownership. American dishes are also
featured on a menu known for its veal dishes. Full bar,
banquet facilities. Takeout available. Dinner 4-9 daily.
Reservations suggested on weekends. AE, CB, D, DC, MC, V.
$$
Prime Italian Steakhouse & Bar
15 Franklin St., Lenox, Mass., (413) 637-2998, www.primelenox.com.
Italian steakhouse featuring steaks, seafood and Italian
specialties such as calamari fritti and homemade gnocchi
in red sauce. Full bar, takeout available. Reservations
recommended on weekends. Call for hours. MC, V. $$$$
Red Front Restaurant
71 Division St., Troy, 272-9241, 274-6114; fax 274-6836.
Pizza, traditional Italian fare and prime-rib dinners are
the specialties at this venerable Troy institution. Full
bar. Catering for small parties. Banquet facilities. Takeout
and delivery available. Serving 11-11 Tue-Sun. Closed Mon.
Reservations suggested. AE, D, MC, V. $$
The Restaurant at the Italian-American Community Center
Italian-American Community Center, 257 Washington Ave. Ext.,
Albany, 456-0292. Now part of the Malozzi group, this eatery
offers a large selection of veal dishes and other specialties.
Children’s menu served. Full bar. Banquet facilities, takeout
available. Reservations recommended. Serving dinner 5-9
Mon-Sat; 3-8 Sun; lunch 11:30-2:30 Mon-Fri. AE, D, DC, MC,
V. $$$
Ristorante Marinara
612 Watervliet Shaker Road (Route 155), Latham, 786-8310.
www.ristorantemarinara.com. Wide variety of Italian favorites
from chicken marsala to stuffed shrimp and more. Full bar.
On-premises catering, takeout available. Fri-Sun 4:30-10,
Tue-Thu 5-9. AE, D, DC, MC, V. $$
Ristorante Paradiso
198 Central Ave., Albany, 462-5812. www.ristorante-paradiso.com.
Authentic international cuisine, featuring pasta, beef,
veal and seafood dishes. Full bar. Catering and banquet
facilities. Serving dinner 5-close Thu-Sun. AE, D, MC, V.
$$
Romano’s Macaroni Grill
1 Metro Park Road (off Wolf Road), Colonie, 446-9190. www.macaronigrill.com.
A full menu of Italian specialties is served in a convivial
ambience, along with wood-fired-oven pizza. Full bar. Takeout
available. Serving 11-10 Sun-Thu, 11-11 Fri-Sat. AE, D,
DC, MC, V. $$
Sam’s Italian-American Famous Restaurant
125 Southern Blvd. (Route 9W), Albany, 463-3433. www.go-sams.com.
Now celebrating its 35th year featuring Northern and Southern
Italian specialties. Fresh veal, pasta and seafood. Children’s
and senior citizen portions available. Full bar. Takeout
available. Serving lunch 11:30-2 Tue-Fri, dinner 4:30-9
Tue-Thu, 4:30-10 Fri-Sat. Closed Sun-Mon. Reservations suggested.
AE, MC, V. $$
Scotti’s Restaurant and Pizzeria
1730 Union St., Schenectady, 393-7440. In the same spot
since 1966, Scotti’s is famous for its marinara sauce. Some
dishes to try: chicken white wine, primavera pizza, linguine
calamari and hot antipasto. Beer and extensive wine list.
On-premises catering and full menu available for takeout.
Serving lunch 11:30-1:30, dinner 4:30-9:30 Tue-Sat. MC,
V. $$
Sergio’s Italian Restaurant
707 Route 9, Ganesvoort, 583-8877. Family-style Italian
dining, with an emphasis on Southern Italian fare. Each
platter serves three or four, so you should bring lots of
friends and family. Single portions now available. Full
bar. Catering, takeout available. Serving Mon-Sat 4-10,
Sun 1-9. AE, MC, V. $$$
Testo’s
124th Street and 4th Avenue, N. Troy, 235-0444. www.testosrestaurant.com.
Family-run Italian restaurant with a family ambience, specializing
in pasta dishes, veal, seafood and homemade meatballs. Home
of Testo’s Gourmet Pasta Sauce. Beer and wine. Off-premises
catering. Complete menu available for takeout. Serving 11:30-9
Tue-Sat. Closed Sun-Mon. D, MC, V. $
Trattoria Il Vesuvio
242 Pittsfield Road, Lenox, Mass., (413) 637-4904. www.trattoria-vesuvio.com.
This down-home trattoria with a brick oven is where you’ll
enjoy imported ingredients and a high-quality approach to
authentic peasant food. Known for homemade ravioli and hearty
meat dishes, all served in a converted Dutch barn. Full
bar. Serving dinner 5-9 Mon-Sat. Closed Sun. AE, D, MC,
V. $$$
Trattoria Rustica
76 McKay St., Pittsfield, Mass., (413) 499-1192. www.trattoriarustica.com.
Cozy, rustic restaurant in downtown Pittsfield featuring
traditional Neapolitan cuisine. Specialties include brick
oven-roasted meats, wild game and fish, and of course, plenty
of pasta dishes. Homemade bread from the brick oven. Italian
desserts. Large wine selection, beer. Reservations recommended.
Serving Wed-Mon 5-9; closed Tuesday. AE, D, MC, V. $$$
Verdile’s
572 2nd Ave., Troy, 235-8879. Selections include fresh veal,
homemade pasta and seafood specials. Full bar. Takeout available.
Serving 11:30-10 Mon-Thu, 11:30-11 Fri-Sat, noon-9 Sun.
Reservations not accepted. AE, D, DC, MC, V. $$
Villa Italia Pasticceria
226 Broadway, Schenectady, 355-1144. Now located in downtown
Schenectady’s entertainment district, Villa Italia is known
for fine wedding and special-occasion cakes and pastries;
also breads, panini sandwiches, Italian coffees, imported
liquors and 25 flavors of homemade gelato. Open 7 AM-9 PM
Mon-Fri, 8:30 AM-9 PM Sat, 8:30-6 Sun. AE, MC, V. $
Villa Valenti
Route 150, West Sand Lake, 283-1291, www.villavalenti.com.
The menu of traditional Italian fare offers homemade pastas,
nature-quality veal (cut fresh daily), fresh seafood and
a salad bar with more than 40 items. Full bar. Banquet facilities.
Takeout available. Serving dinner 4-10 Tue-Sat, 3-9 Sun.
Closed Mon. AE, CB, D, DC, MC, V. $$
Water’s Edge Lighthouse
2 Freeman’s Bridge Road, Scotia, 370-5300. Classic Italian
dining with continental side notes; lots of seafood and
steaks. Signature dishes include crumb-encrusted sea bass
with lemon, fresh herbs and olive oil; and breaded veal
cutlet layered with cheeses and topped with roasted red
peppers and medallions of lobster. A light-fare menu is
available as well. Full bar, takeout available. Reservations
recommended. Serving light fare Mon-Fri 11-3, dinner Mon-Sat
5-10. Closed Sunday. AE, MC, V. $$$
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