Ancora!

A bit of an underwhelming atmosphere, think Tavern style complete with chalkboards. Food pricing was incredible, very affordable and very tasty. The calamari were incredibly crispy and very tender served with cocktail sauce, was definitely a unique choice. The paella was served, hot, and served concerning really quick, leading me to believe that it was previously frozen. Nonetheless, it tasted delicious and was loaded with sausage, some of the seafoods seemed a little bit fishier than to be expected however, overall it was a good dish. The desserts were the main attraction, all of the crêpes looked fantastic, but the tiramisu was delicious, and perfectly creamy. Our service staff was fantastic. He was very attentive and took great care of us.

This place felt like that warm hug after a very long day. Having worked all day and then driving 4 hours to get to Utica for a small getaway this weekend, my boyfriend and I stopped here for a drink and something to eat. The service was lovely as everyone was incredibly friendly. The food was AMAZING! Calamari was light, mussels were tender, potatoes were indulgent. The cocktails were on point. This place is an absolute gem!

The Paella was absolutely fantastic! The Caesar salad was delicious also. The service could have been better but improved as the evening went on. The atmosphere was acceptable but a bit crowded as we were seated by the bar even though we made a reservation in advance. However, I would definitely recommend this restaurant and plan to patronize it again and again, though probably not to eat in but order and pick up because the food was amazing!

Had dinner here last night and the food was absolutely amazing. We ordered the bruschetta for an appetizer which was made fresh and I got the bistro chicken for dinner which came with this delicious rice with a bunch of veggies mixed in and spinach on the side. The chicken was tender and delicious. I ate the entire plate. It was a Tuesday night so they weren’t too busy but it’s still a great atmosphere. We will definitely be back!

New years eve dinner sat at the bar greg was a great bartender whole staff was phenomenal too had the lobster ravioli that was a 10/10 and the lemon sorbet for dessert ended my meal on a higher note

Great place for a quick bite right in the heart of downtown. Make sure you have reservations for Friday or Saturday because they fill up quick. The atmosphere is great and the staff is friendly. The bar is fully stocked! You can’t go wrong with the appetizers and the filet is always tasty. For reference, a table of 4 takes 60-90 min with dinner and drinks

We had the best experience at Ancora before the Sofronio Vasquez concert last Saturday night! Even though the restaurant was packed to the gills, the service was exceptional from the moment we walked in. The owner greeted us with a warm smile and genuine gratitude, and despite how busy it was, there was such a calm, welcoming vibe. We were seated right away at our reserved table and taken care of quickly and thoroughly. Our waitress even asked if we were heading to the Stanley for the show (we were!) and offered to expedite our order to make sure we got there on time—which we did, with no stress at all. And the food?! The lobster ravioli was unreal. I practically licked the plate. Ancora helped make it a truly fantastic night out in Utica. Do yourself a favor—get tickets to a show at the Stanley and book dinner at Ancora beforehand. You won’t regret it!

We ate on the patio, and the bugs and flies were obnoxious! But there was great music playing in the background. The waiter was fantastic, checking on us frequently, and making great suggestions on beer. He was entertaining, and kept us laughing. I ordered the NY Strip Dreak, which was fantastic! It came with a big heaping serving of mashed potatoes. They were dry and flavorless, amd I wished it had come with some sort of gravy. But it was definitely worth the price! My friend had the Rack of Lamb, which she was very impressed with. The presentation was fantastic on that meal! She also ordered the Creme Brulee which was also delicious. Oh, and she ordered a side of gnocchi, which was fantastic!

Hands down the best place to go for Paella. Ancora does a fabulous job with service, their staff is fabulous (hilarious, helpful, kind) and their food is always delicious. P.S. our server was Greg and he was amazing! Everything is made in house (sauces, dressings) and is so flavorful and delicious! Their drinks are great and have many options (including non-alcoholic beverages). Definitely recommend a reservation for busy dinner hours. It's a smaller place, but definitely has enough tables for bigger parties (we had a party of 6 with 1 child). There is street parking, but also has a parking lot to the right of building with lots of space. Wheelchair accessible (although it's a little tight). Great food, great drinks, great atmosphere. Will always come back to Ancora.

A wonderful restaurant in downtown Utica, a small city filled with wonderful restaurants. Ancora stands out for its fidelity to Spanish and Italian cuisine. Tapas like they serve in Barcelona, paella, chock full of seafood and spicy sausage, wonderful appetizers, and a full bar menu that is staffed by an unseen mixologist who knows what he/she is doing. Good paella is difficult to find. Although the paella at Ancora is served in a tomato-saucy bed of rice in stark contrast to the more traditional yellow saffron rice, it is a beautiful paella, teeming with flavor. The desserts are spectacular. The table settings, flatware, serving dishes are all appropriate and fully functional. The staff are all friendly and capable. The portions are generous and you will be provided with containers to pack up leftovers. The cappuccino was a bit off, as was the coffee, but no one else at my table seemed to notice or mind. But chances are that They were too distracted by the incredible desserts to notice. I will definitely be back.

Had a very nice dinner at Ancora tonight. Based on fellow Yelpers reviews I had my sights set on the seafood paella for two. Service was top notch - waitress was attentive and well schooled. I appreciate the beer list on a chalkboard in the dining room and apologize for not snagging a picture. We had a couple beers and the paella for two - it was ginormous. We started working on the mussels and shrimp and ended up still needing a to-go box as we couldn't finish the very flavorful Spanish rice mix. Very good meal, excellent service, would love to return and try something else!

Great food and always top quality Menu is unique and delicious. Service is quick and friendly Atmosphere is very relaxing

We had the calamari and arancini for appetizers. I didn't have the arancini but my coworkers said they've had better. The calamari wasn't bad but definitely needed salt. I remember reading in other Yelp Reviews that people kept talking about the lack of salt and I didn't get it....Until I had the food. My honey glazed salmon was exactly that. Salmon with some honey glaze on it. The salmon itself was too burnt on the outside and therefore the honey glaze was just sitting on it. It wasn't flavored into the salmon probably because of how burnt it was. The risotto also lacked salt. One coworker got the steak and she said the same thing. It was lacking salt and flavor. My other coworker however had the Chicken Riggies and that dish was actually good. Overall, this place is good for its drinks and the Riggies from my experience.

I went to Ancora for a baby shower. We utilized the back room for a party of around 25 guests. It was spacious, decorated with a Christmas tree, and set up well for eating, game playing, mingling, and gift opening. The bartenders were very attentive and went above and beyond. They made sure everyone had water while they were playing games, mixed my daughters fruit punch from scratch, and cooked them chicken tenders when they wouldn't eat the "adult food." Our party had food off of the catering menu: Chicken Riggies, Utica greens, meatballs, and mashed potatoes. I like how they included hot peppers on the side in case you wanted to spice your Riggies up a bit. The meatballs were so big and meaty that they were cut in half. The plates we were offered were even pretty! The food was delicious! I will certainly be back for dinner sometime with my husband when we are in the Utica-area.

Very good value for the money Overnight in Utica. Who knew such a place could be found here? Pro Excellent service Good food Beautiful presentation Con Noisy

In CNY, Italian food can be a little hit or miss, even in the same restaurant. Ancora's staff are attentive and professional. No complaints there! The space is a bit loud, but the booth bench seating, at least, is comfortable. Now for the food: Ancora Greens: The more of this dish I ate, the more I enjoyed it. The flavor of the dish really stewed into the greens in a lovely fashion. It was quite enjoyable. A classic Utican dish. I might have added a little bit of cream or cheese to it, but I really cannot complain. I almost ruined my appetite, eating it. Homemade Cavatelli: This dish was excellent- once we added salt, pepper, and cheese. It was oddly underseasoned before that. Otherwise, however, the pasta was lovely, rich, and filling. I would order this again. Chicken Francesca- Sadly, I cannot recommend this dish. I ate a small portion of it, and then took it home to give away to my housemate, who is surely dressing it up as I type. It was incredibly bland and underseasoned. There was a lemon flavor, but that was it. No salt. The sauce was watery, which isn't a great combination with something that is breaded. It didn't stick to the angelhair pasta in any significant way. The sautéed spinach on top was incredibly bitter. I just really didn't enjoy it at all. I instead ate some of my partner's cavatelli. The bread you get at the beginning of the meal is pleasant, but would be better were it warmed up a little. My tropical drink tasted like slightly alcoholic pineapple juice. Not very complex. My partner's whiskey sour was a bit better. The Tiramisu- this was delectable. I would absolutely eat this again. It also came with some rich chocolate ice cream. I would consider returning for the greens, the pasta, and the tiramisu. It's not a bad choice for downtown Utica.

We absolutely love Ancora! For us it is one of the top local restaurants in Utica!!! Every time we have visited it has never disappointed. We went last night for my birthday dinner and it was everything I could've ever hoped for. I knew hands-down I wanted dessert so that I would be bringing some stuff home. We started with the parmesan polenta fries and Arancini and they were both delightful. I had never had the fries before in the texture to me was spot on and the marinara was incredible. I got the special which was shrimp with homemade gnocchi and pesto cream sauce and I cannot even explain in words how scrumptious it was. The shrimp was cooked perfectly in the sauce was plentiful and beyond. But the highlight of the meal the piece de resistance was the tiramisu!!! I love the coffee flavor and the texture and cream were so delightful. The chocolate ice cream was an incredible surprise as it was smooth and creamy and so good! I highly recommend visiting!!!!

I've never written a review in my life and I've been in fine dining for 15 years. I moved to New York one year ago to the Adirondacks. Besides the place I work and one other restaurant in the area I cannot find any good cuisine. So I've been searching in Utica and this is the go to place for good food, great atmosphere, creative cocktails and excellent service. Suszanne was an incredible server with all the knowledge!

Very good dinner and nice service. Business meal out in town. We had the gnocchi and the cavatelli. On the side we shared the pure vegetables. All were very flavorful and fresh. The pasta was cooked perfectly for both dishes and the veggies were charred and fresh. $$

Delicious, amazing food. Staff was wonderful. Window seat was sweet. Highly recommend.

I will return time and time again to Ancora. The food is simply delicious, what more is there to say! The service is great and the food is made so fresh. I highly recommend this restaurant to others-- for any occasion!

Traveling through for work. Super cute and clean! Everyone was very friendly. Service was great. The patio is adorable, but I sat at the bar since I didn't have reservations and it really didn't matter to me where I sat. My drink was strong and the food was delicious. I got 2 Utica staples, the greens and chicken riggies. Yummm

I have dairy issues so I do my best to order around my issues, and I really try to just not order things with ingredients I don't care fir, instead of asking fir things to be removed and/or rebuilding the dish. That's a pain in the butt fir everyone. So I ordered the strip, mid rare, just with no blue cheese. Seemed simple enough. What I got was a dry over cooked steak on a greasy plate with not side or anything. It almost seemed spiteful. It was ridiculous, and when I mentioned it to the server she snapped at me, saying "YOU said you didn't want the blue cheese", like that and the steak were literally the only things listed on the menu. I paid, I didn't eat. I left and I won't go back. I'm a chef. That is not hospitality.

SO pleased with this restaurant. My husband and I took our daughter for her first night in a hotel during our Father's Day weekend and we were desperate to find local Italian fare that offered takeout. The first restaurant I called at around 7 told me it was going to be over an hour and a half for an order... but Ancora! to the rescue! I should have just called them first. 20 minutes flat and we walked up the street to pickup our order that was well packed and hot. We ordered 5 different items that were all large portions and beautifully cooked. The riggies were hands down the best I've had, and I've had A LOT of riggies.

Everything was great about this place! Their chicken riggies is probably the best in the Utica area. You have to try the arancini, it was delightful. We had the vanilla creme brûlée for dessert and that was delicious! I was planning on our next visit while we were eating our food, that's how good it was! The staff there were very welcoming and accommodating!

Another chicken riggie! I'm checking out chicken riggies in this area. Not intentionally though. The pasta was cooked al dente but I had a moment doubt it was under cooked. I suppose it still needs a bit more cooking time. Chicken was fine, reasonable sized chunks with about right cooking time, and texture is between juicy and dry. So not the best ones I had but defiantly in the "better" groups. Sauce is creamy and tasty and it actually helped eat the pasta. It somehow covered the texture and taste a bit. I like the peppers in the pasta and it provided me with more vegetables without having extra salad. The Parmesan fries are tasty and fried perfectly. Price was alright and reasonable for its size and taste. Environment is okay with some grease smell. Will go back. #chickenriggies #thisisutica

This is truly the best restaurant in town. We've been coming here for years and have never been disappointed. To the cocktails, delicious food with big portions and perfect customer service (attentive but not overbearing) you cannot go wrong. Every time we go, you can count you are going to have amazing food and the best time. Worth every penny!

Food yum excellent service good the reservation system sucks we have made reservations then you go and they say oh your not on here like really who's in charge of that and I would suggest cleaning the front hall as you walk in doesn't make the place look nice

Came to Ancora for my first restaurant meal since the shut down. I was so happy to be outside dining in beautiful weather. I was very happy with the quality of the food and the staff were very helpful!

Third time at Ancora's and still love it. Had drinks, appetizer and desert. Waitress lovely.

By far my favorite place in Utica !!! I took my beautiful wife there for a date night and we both amazed on how delicious the whole meal was, from the appetizers to the desert. We can't wait to come back!!!

Hours online state that they are open until 10 pm. Called ahead at 7:30 to ask if we need reservation. The gentleman that answered the phone told me that they stop taking tables at 8:30. My party of three got declined because it was 8:27pm. The woman bartender claimed the kitchen was closed. Really? What if a table that was there already wanted to order more food? I know that this was a plain lie and that is what bothered me the most. I did not like the attitude of the bartender as she was very much not eager to make any accommodations. As well as the line cooks staring me down as if me entering the restaurant was a crime. In times like these I would think that the service industry would be more eager to bring people together and make some money. Very sad and did not like the way I was treated whatsoever. It is my fault as I should have spoken to a manager.

Very good all around. We enjoyed every dish, the service was good, relaxed atmosphere, and the prices were reasonable. Would definitely go back next time I'm in Utica.

Monday night at Ancora ! So much fun, wonderful staff. So happy they are open on a Monday. Greg took care of us, we sat at the bar. He whipped up delicious cocktails, white pear and rosemary cosmo (I think). Then a watermelon basil drink. Both very good. I have had greens many many times; Ancora's greens are bar far the very best! Then a mixed berry crepe was out of this world ! Thank you Greg and all for a great time.

Clearly a frozen pizza, was not good at all. Waitress was inattentive and didn't introduce herself.

Just stopped in for desert and coffee. Had crepe with Nutella filling. Definitely enough for two. The dishes coming out of the open kitchen look great and I asked some people who said the food was great.

Best take out steak I've had! My strip cooked perfectly MR and delicious veggies! Very quick delivery also!

First: Apparently having a valid paper NYS Drivers License replacement (because my replacement is physically in the mail) is not valid enough to order a Mic Ultra. And only 2 of the 4 of us were carded. 3 People had beef tips and were happy with them. Their only comment was that they anticipated the dish to be traditional: beef tips with a brown gravy. It was more of a tomato based sauce and served atop a semi bland risotto. I got the bistro chicken. It was flavorful. The greens were not special. Potatoes were decent. Also, NO salt or pepper was on the table, and not butter or anything on the mashed potatoes. All in all my whole experience was ruined by the ID issue and I had a bad attitude following the whole ordeal. -Salty

Started out with calamari appetizer, and for my main course, I hate a fillet with bacon mushroom risotto. My meal was out if this world!! The fillet melted in my mouth and the risotto was just ridiculously delicious. Mind you, I'm not a huge risotto fan, but I would definitely go back for more! Service was excellent. Our waiter was attentive and on the ball!

Service was OK, but seating is a mess. Watch out if your seated near a door or in a major thorough fare. Fried meatballs flavorless and hard. Rest of the food is ok. This is cramped loud dining.

My Utica friends have been raving about Ancora and they didn't exaggerate. It's a phenomenal restaurant / bar in the heart of downtown. If you're looking for gourmet experience in a fun and casual atmosphere, then you can't go wrong here. We ordered too much food but couldn't pass on the Utica Greens and calamari appetizers. I loved the "Pork & Beans Our Way" entre. Wow! How delicious and unique! Already looking forward to my next visit.

Who knew such a gem could be found in Utica? I was in town rehearsing for a show for about 10 days and I think ended up coming here almost every day. Not only is it convenient to the theater where we were rehearsing, but the food was fabulous and the service was great. The first dish I had there was a special, some kind of mushroom ravioli that was to die for. Never had the same thing twice and nothing I ordered ever let me down. One of the best parts? They didn't make a fuss like many servers do when we asked to put the bill on 8 or more cards.

Another 5 star meal at Ancora! I have yet to find a dish on the menu that isn't delicious! Tried their Riggies this time around and they were delicious!! The pasta was a perfect al dente, the sauce had just the right amount of kick (I ordered it medium) and they are very generous with the chicken. Angelica the bartender extraordinaire served my UC just as I like it (cold and full). Even got a visit from the owner as I sat at the bar. If you are looking for great food in downtown Utica, take a stroll down Genesee st. to Ancora!

Gotta try the paella and polenta fries!!! This place has been a staple of Utica for the longest time. Dan has made sure this place cranks out the best drinks to pair with you food! Just ask him to make something awesome and it comes to the table....just awesome!

Somehow our order was incomplete, but after a phone call the owner showed up with the missing item and more. How about that for rectifying things . Food was great and we will be back !!!! Thanks Ancora

Serena our waitress was Amazing . The food and service was A1 . Paella and Strip Steak So fresh and flavorful. Will Be Back ( I'm from the city and this by far one of my fave restaurants so laidback)

I have never been disappointed by Ancora! From the awesome food and drinks to the great staff. I highly recommend ordering off the specials menu but literally everything is delicious. Don't forget to order a crepe for dessert.

Just had dinner....I.m here visiting family and its my 4th time here. We ordered the paella for 2 at $46.00 there were 4 shrimp 8 mussels and 1 lobster tail split with sausage....with a TON of rice. Never order this dish VERY over priced for a dish of rice! Service was far from the norm. So sorry to feel I must post this review but truly disappointed.

Food was excellent, as usual. Well packed to go and held up well in transit. Love the flatbreads & salmon and the shrimp cocktail was excellent.

Ancora is certainly a gem in Downtown Utica. From the amazingly crafted cocktails to the generously portioned meals to the heavenly desserts. The owner & the staff are attentive and super friendly. I highly recommend checking them out. I love their bruschetta, riggies and creme brulee just to name a few.

Five s all around! The food, service, and atmosphere are on point! The bruschetta is to die for along with other menu choices! This is a must try!

Sat down at 6:08. Was waited on at 6:22 and got my first glass of water (that I asked for) and my Malbec at 6:33. That math = 25mins. I'm patient, I have nowhere to be (traveling from TN), so I wait it out to see what the rest of the night is like. They were busy and looked like only two servers working the whole place. It's funny another person on Yelp said something about the loud locals at the front, and there was the stereotypical businessman in his tight, teal polo telling a story at the top of his lungs, spilling his drink. Again, I don't mind - makes for a fun atmosphere if your people-watching. Malbec is fine, was hoping for more body/bite. Got the crab croquettes - were good. You get three with a wangy mustard sauce. See pic. Main dish was Beef tips (servers favorite). Beef with big chunks of red and green peepers, mushrooms, onions over a Parmesan risotto. Meat and veggies were in some kind of ragu-sauce. Beef was good, tender. Plenty of food. Passed on dessert but looked extensive. Left at 7:20. Giving it a four and not three, because i'm giving the waitstaff the benefit of the doubt.

Excellent tapas; not really Spanish but sort of like their own spin on tapas. Great wine selection. Good music. This place is best when the atmosphere is chill... But occasionally this tiny restaurant and bar is set upon by gangs of overdressed greased-up locals pretending to be big shots and their drunken wives out for a night of urban yelling. They yell into their cell phones, chug White Zinfandel and martinis and will ruin your whole experience if you're sitting in the main room close to the door. I'd recommend hitting this place up on a non-party night, and definitely avoid going here the nights they're showing musicals at the Stanley.

Only two experiences here,and they were spaced out by 1 1/2 years, but I am confident in this 4 star rating. I'd really call it more like a 4.5. This has got to be one of the best in Utica. For one, we had the same server both times. And both times he juggled a crowded, tight packed room with an admiral deftness. I wish I had grabbed his name so I could shout him out here...there's always next time! The food and service was excellent both times. Don't get me wrong, I love Chicken Riggies and all the authentic Upstate NY Italian food you can find in Utica, but this is definitely a good choice if you're going out to a show at the Stanley, or want to show a date something a little bit different than the standard Utica Fare. Preview the menu, and I think you'll see what I mean: http://www.cafecanole.com/startancora.html Tapas style is great for sharing, and allows plenty of room for the great cocktail and wine selection. And for what it is, prices aren't too steep. For a more sophisticated bite in The U, I'd highly recommend stopping in to Ancora.

Easy parking on the street with no metered parking. Appetizers were large: we had the greens and the calamari. Shared the paella and there was plenty leftover for lunch the next day and then some. Paella and greens were amazing. The calamari wasn't bad, but I've had better. Not s lot of flavor, but they were large, crunchy rings with sauce. Not too crowded. Good service.

Wow, what a lunch! I had the Chicken Riggie which was out of this world, such great flavors with just enough kick to send it home. Yum. The girls had panini and they were delicious as well, what made the lunch perfect was Maya and especially Tyler- this guy regaled us with fascinating stories of the brewery around the corner and managed to never let my beer go unattended. Great time, food and service.

The service was not great but not horrible. I was a little surprised when the bus person asked us to pass our plates to him when we were finished. The bread that we got for the table was a loaf of store bought sliced italian - probably not from the area despite our having great bakeries here - it was not warmed up. it was served with olive oil that had red pepper flakes in it and no other flavoring. the olive oil was not very good, actually not a dipping oil but rather a cooking one so not yummy at all. for first course i had the shrimp bisque that was very good - a bit too spicy for what i really like and a bit heavy on tomato but very good. I ordered the chicken francaise - too much lemon with the slices cooked and laid on top of the chicken but under the spinach. the breading on the chicken was a bit slimy. not good at all. the desserts were absolutely delicious. I do not see myself ever going there again.