Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in Central New York

OpenTable

Updated 05 November 2026

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes in Central New York? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyses nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you book, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Eden

4.9

4.9 (1055)

$31 to $50

Farm-to-table

Syracuse

About the restaurant

An entirely wood fired, upscale-causal, dining experience in the heart of Central New York.

Our mission is to highlight the best food producers, farmer, brewers, distillers, and foragers in New York State.

Top review

Susan

Dined 3 days ago

Eden was fabulous. Very cool small venue - super comfortable. The food was spectacular. The servers were very knowledgeable and professional but also warm and inviting! Every dish was a treat !

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4.8

4.8 (171)

$31 to $50

Contemporary French / American

DeWitt

About the restaurant

The Wedge
A cheese-centric bar & restaurant in Eastwood in Syracuse! We focus on cheese based dishes and highlighting seasonal produce. We offer a new menu daily to honor seasonality, you can

We are open for dinner service Wednesday through Saturday and we serve Brunch on Sundays!

The Wedge is brought to you by The Curd Nerd, an award-winning cheese shop, located right next door.
We focus on community & highlight it by offering a community table!

We do not take reservations for parties larger than 6 on OpenTable & the restaurant does not accommodate parties larger than 8 without a private event.

We have a 15-minute late policy. If you arrive more than 15 minutes late for your reservation, without having tried to contact the restaurant, you forfeit your table.

Top review

Sean

Dined 1 day ago

Very good food with great service and friendly staff. Creative menu with fresh and diverse recipes. I especially enjoyed the create your own Martini menu. Quaint and quiet location you would never notice on the outside walking or driving by, but when you enter, there is a vibrant energy of people and staff who seem to love food & libations. Cheers!

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Experience

Sunday Supper - Chef's Tasting Dinner

Experience

The Feast of the Seven Fishes - Tasting Dinner

The Fish Friar

4.7

4.7 (27)

$50 and over

Cocktail Bar

Syracuse

About the restaurant

Discover fresh, sustainable seafood and craft cocktails at The Fish Friar in Syracuse. Explore our menu and enjoy a coastal dining experience downtown. Fresh seafood from the New England Coast, sustainably caught, and thoughtfully prepared !

Please Note: Outside Seating is First Come, First Serve. Feel free to make a request when booking.

Top review

Anthony

Dined on 10 Oct 2026

Everything was really good. Drinks, apps and entrees. The fish was fried perfectly, will be back.

Phoebe's Restaurant & Coffee Lounge

4.6

4.6 (761)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Syracuse

About the restaurant

Originally known as Phoebe's Garden Café, the restaurant has a long and colorful history in Syracuse. Local lore claims that the building was originally a brothel, and Phoebe was its madam.
In the summer of 2004, Phoebe's experienced a refreshing makeover with a bright new look in the atrium dining room with fresh paint, new upholstery, and artwork. The coffee lounge also opened that year, and it became an instant hit with the surrounding university and business crowd. Those changes also warranted a new name to reflect the updated attitude and ambiance: Phoebe's Restaurant and Coffee Lounge. Classic elements of Phoebe's remain untouched—the French onion soup and enticing crème brulee, for example, but other menu items change seasonally.
The Lounge also has its own seating area and free wireless internet capabilities. Phoebe's old world charm is right at home in a revitalized area of the city.

Top review

David

Dined 2 days ago

Our experience was great! We haven’t been in years. We were pleasantly surprised and impressed with the food, drinks and service. Jessie is an exceptional server.

Bonefish Grill - Fayetteville NY

4.5

4.5 (27)

$30 and under

Seafood

DeWitt

About the restaurant

Your local Fayetteville, NY Bonefish Grill® specializes in hand-cut, wood-grilled specialties and locally crafted Partner Selection dishes made with the freshest, highest-quality ingredients. The restaurant offers a selection of classic and signature hand-crafted cocktails, using just-squeezed juices, edible garnishes, and house infusions in addition to offering a distinct list of wines, which are the perfect match for any food pairing. Fayetteville Towne Center at East Genesee and North Burdick

Top review

Kathy

Dined on 12 Oct 2026

Great dinner & service! Loved everything! Fall specials were delish.

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Experience

$5 Martini & Margarita Monday

Experience

$7 Bang Wednesday

Experience

4-Course Friendsgiving Wine Pairing Dinner

Oh My Darling

4.5

4.5 (713)

$30 and under

American

Syracuse

About the restaurant

Comfort food & cocktails served in retro-chic digs with a basement speakeasy hosting live music. Across from the Landmark Theater and the RedHouse Arts Center.

Top review

Rachel

Dined 7 days ago

Went with my girlfriends for brunch. Our water was amazing. Food was amazing and the restaurant is beautiful.

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Popular dish

HOUSEMADE CHICKEN POT PIE

Popular dish

BREADED CAULIFLOWER "WINGS"

Popular dish

Wedge Salad

Jadie & Junes

4.5

4.5 (128)

$31 to $50

American

Oneida

About the restaurant

Located in the historical daily dispatch building Jadies and June has transformed the space into a world where classic Italian flavors are reimagined with an eclectic twist, all within the vibrant, sophisticated ambiance of a modern supper club. At Jadie and Junes, we’re crafting more than just a meal; we’re curating an entire evening. Expect familiar comforts with unexpected delights and a lively atmosphere that invites you to linger, laugh, and connect. It’s Italian, but not as you know it – it’s an experience.

Top review

Tammy

Dined 2 days ago

Always great food & service. It’s always a great night no matter who we go with!

The Tailwater Bar and Restaurant

4.3

4.3 (868)

$31 to $50

American

Syracuse

About the restaurant

The restaurant at Tailwater Lodge features refined comfort food with regional influences in a cozy, rustic environment. From comforting favorites like burgers and pasta to elevated classics featuring seafood and steaks, our menu is rooted in locally sourced ingredients, with vegetarian and gluten-free options available — all served in a warm, welcoming setting.

Top review

Robert

Dined on 29 Oct 2026

Great service and a delicious meal and drink. Too full for dessert. Waitress was very good.

LM Social

4.3

4.3 (634)

$31 to $50

Italian

Syracuse

About the restaurant

LOCAL. ITALIAN. 4-TIME AWARD WINNING.

Discover LM Social restaurant local authentic Italian dining and four-time Diners’ Choice Award winner — 2023, 2024, 2025 & 2026.

We take the Italian food we grew up with and give it the LM Social treatment — scratch-made dishes, family-inspired recipes, bold modern flavors and unforgettable presentation.

Flaming cocktails. Entrées arriving through a smoky haze. Tableside moments. Beautiful Italian food made in-house by a local restaurant that believes dinner should still feel like an experience.

LOCAL ITALIAN FOOD.
4-TIME DINERS’ CHOICE AWARD WINNER.
2023 • 2024 • 2025 • 2026

Top review

Jonni

Dined 2 days ago

Was there to celebrate a birthday. No one rushed us to turn the table, the waitress was so phenomenal, and of course the food was excellent! We had an enjoyable evening. Would absolutely go back the menu has so many beautiful options.

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4.1

4.1 (170)

$31 to $50

Sushi

Skaneateles

About the restaurant

Welcome to Hidden Fish, a modern twist on sushi. From our signature rolls to our inventive creations, we have something for everyone.

Our full bar features sake, beer, wine, and signature cocktails.

Top review

richardGold

Dined on 2 Sept 2026

Lovely restaurant Nice ambiance Excellent food Very attentive care by James who went out of his way to provide excellent advice on choices and quality of service

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