Best Restaurants in Syracuse (2025)

Armory Square’s beloved pasta house has handmade noodles, Stretch Bread, and the cult‑favorite Spicy Hot Tomato Oil. Featured by Food & Wine and seen on Diners, Drive‑Ins and Dives, it remains the city’s most cited must‑eat for visitors and locals.

A wood‑fired, hyper‑seasonal kitchen championing New York farms. Praised by local news for live‑fire steaks, thoughtful pairings, and a menu that changes with the harvest; also recognized in 2025 industry roundups for excellence.

Fine dining in a restored 1846 church with Underground Railroad history. Covered by regional media for its story and tasting‑menu approach; highlighted by local tourism in 2025 for earning a DiRōNA Award of Excellence.

From the team behind Pastabilities, this wood‑fired spot turns out blistered pies, house‑made mozzarella and sausage, and seasonal antipasti. Noted by regional travel editors for its New York sourcing and Naples‑meets‑NY style.

A Little Italy stalwart where families gather for generous Italian‑American plates, steaks, and house desserts. Praised by local diners for its vine‑covered patio and by city guides as a longtime anchor of North Salina Street.

Downtown’s small seafood shop with a big following for sustainable New England fish, crisp po’boys, chowder, and mushy peas. Frequently lauded by local reviewers for affordability and freshness; late hours on weekends draw service‑industry regulars.

Hanover Square’s craft‑beer gastropub known for scratch cooking, rotating taps, and Sunday brunch. A downtown favorite that local guides call out for burgers, shareables, and a menu that nods to CNY farms and producers.

Westcott’s bohemian hub since 1995 serves from‑scratch Mexican plates, veg‑friendly options, and strong margaritas. Often cited by local press as a neighborhood essential and a go‑to for students, artists, and longtime residents alike.

An immigrant‑owned favorite serving injera, lentils, tibs, and fragrant stews. Spotlighted by Salt City Market and local news for its community story and faithful flavors; a delicious window into Syracuse’s East African community.

Across from Syracuse Stage since 1976, Phoebe’s pairs bistro classics, seasonal menus, and a sunlit atrium with pre‑theater hospitality. Frequently recommended by local guides for lunch, an early dinner, or dessert and coffee.

Armory Square’s Irish heart, known for flawless pints and elevated pub fare. Featured on Diners, Drive‑Ins and Dives twice, most recently in 2025, and praised by critics for dishes like Reuben fritters and shepherd’s pie.

Family‑run Armory Square fixture offering conveyor‑belt sushi and a broad menu of rolls, sashimi, and sake. Frequently noted in city guides for its half‑price conveyor specials and for introducing kaiten‑style dining to Syracuse.