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. 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, 11:30-10 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-close Wed-Sat.
AE, MC, V. $$
Anthony’s
Canalside Restaurant
1
Riverside Road, Rotterdam, 887-3100. Seven-dollar dinner
specials early in the week are the area’s best bargain.
A friendly, comfy place for pizza or parmigiana, and don’t
forget to try the steak pizzaiola. Full bar. Serving 11-9
Mon-Thu, 11-10 Fri-Sat, noon-9 Sun. AE, D, MC, V. $$
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.augiesrest
aurant.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. $$
Bambino’s
Ristorante
154
Erie Blvd., Schenectady, 34-PASTA (347-2782). Northern and
Southern Italian family specialties including seafood fra
diavlo, veal, chicken, fish, steak and pastas. Lunch menu
also. Wednesday lunch buffet; Friday happy-hour buffet.
Full bar, on- and off-premises catering, takeout, delivery.
Reservations recommended. Serving 11-9 Mon-Thu, 11-10 Fri,
4-10 Sat, 1-8 Sun. ATM, D, MC, V. $$$
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 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
4th 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 bucco 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.
$$
Fresco’s
569
Route 20, New Lebanon, 794-9339. Wood-fired pizza is the
star, in an imaginative variety of preparations alongside
a menu of traditional Italian items with plenty of pasta
dishes to choose from. Great decor and a friendly staff
and a large patio for outdoor dining. Full bar. Serving
11:30-10 Sun-Thu, 11:30-11 Fri-Sat. AE, D, MC, V. $$
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.mangiarestaurant.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 11-9:30 Tue-Fri, 4-9:30 Sat. AE, D, 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. $$
Moscatiello’s
Italian Restaurant
99
N. Greenbush Road (Route 4), Troy, 283-0809, www.moscatiel
los.com. This family operated restaurant boasts a variety
of Italian fare. In addition to the traditional, the menu
also includes gourmet specialties and salads, including
chicken rustica, shrimp scampi, chicken marsala, New York
strip steak, and the bruschetta appetizer. Full bar and
wine list. On/off-premises catering. Serving 11:30-10 Mon-Thu,
11:30-10:30 Fri, noon-10:30 Sat, noon-9 Sun. Reservations
accepted for parties of five or more. AE, MC, V. $$
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; 4-close Mon-Sun during racing
season. Reservations suggested. AE, D, MC, V, personal checks.
$$$
The
New Madison Grille
331
Madison Ave., Albany, 434-1938. Pizza is a specialty—this
neighborhood favorite has revived the famous 50-year-old
pizza recipe from the former establishment. Also serving
a high-quality but reasonably priced menu of salads, sandwiches,
burgers and other entrées. Full bar. Takeout available.
Serving 11-10 Mon, 11:30-10 Tue, 11:30-11 Wed, 11:30-midnight
Thu, 11:30-2 AM Fri, 5 PM-midnight Sat. Closed Sun. AE,
CB, DC, MC, V. $
The
Olive Garden
178
Wolf Road, Colonie, 458-8676. An extensive, Americanized
Italian menu includes lots of pastas, appetizers and salads.
Full bar. Serving 11-10 Sun-Thu, 11-11 Fri-Sat. AE, CB,
D, MC, V. $$
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 Tue-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. $$
Prime
Italian Steakhouse & Bar
15
Franklin St., Lenox, Mass., (413) 637-2998, www.primelenox.com.
Italian steakhouse featuring steaks, seafood and Italian
specialties such as calamari fritti and homemade gnocchi
in red sauce, all served in a dining room with a metropolitan
atmosphere. Full bar, takeout available. Reservations recommended
on weekends. Call for hours. MC, V. $$$$
Red
Front Restaurant
71
Division St., Troy, 272-9241, 274-6114. Pizza, traditional
Italian fare and prime-rib dinners are the specialties at
this venerable Troy institution. Full bar. Catering for
small parties. Banquet facilities. Takeout and delivery
available. Serving 11-11 Tue-Sun. Closed Mon. Reservations
suggested. AE, D, MC, V. $$
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. $$$
Ristorante
Marinara
612
Watervliet Shaker Road (Route 155), Latham, 786-8310, www.ristor
antemarinara.com. Wide variety of Italian favorites from
chicken marsala to stuffed shrimp and more. Full bar. On-premises
catering, takeout available. Fri-Sun 4:30-10, Tue-Thu 5-9.
AE, D, DC, MC, V. $$
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 Wed-Sat, 4-close Sun,
call for additional hours. 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. $$$
Testo’s
124th
Street and 4th Avenue, North Troy, 235-0444, www.testosres
taurant.com. Family-run Italian restaurant with a family
ambience, specializing in pasta dishes, veal, seafood and
homemade meatballs. Home of Testo’s Gourmet Pasta Sauce.
Beer and wine. Off-premises catering. Complete menu available
for takeout. Serving 11:30-9 Tue-Sat. Closed Sun-Mon. D,
MC, V. $
Trattoria
Il Vesuvio
242
Pittsfield Road, Lenox, Mass., (413) 637-4904, www.trattoria-vesuvio.com.
This down-home trattoria with a brick oven is where you’ll
enjoy imported ingredients and a high-quality approach to
authentic peasant food. Known for homemade ravioli and hearty
meat dishes, all served in a converted Dutch barn. Full
bar. Serving dinner 5-9 Mon-Sat. Closed Sun. AE, D, MC,
V. $$$
Trattoria
Rustica
27
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, www.villaitaliabakery.com.
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 AM-6 PM 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. $$
Water’s
Edge Lighthouse
2
Freeman’s Bridge Road, Scotia, 370-5300. Classic Italian
dining with continental side notes; lots of seafood and
steaks. Signature dishes include crumb-encrusted sea bass
with lemon, fresh herbs and olive oil; and breaded veal
cutlet layered with cheeses and topped with roasted red
peppers and medallions of lobster. A light-fare menu is
available as well. Full bar, takeout available. Reservations
recommended. Serving light fare Mon-Fri 11-3, dinner Mon-Sat
5-10. Closed Sunday. AE, MC, V. $$$
Columns
& Opinions
