Best Restaurants in Syracuse NY

You can always taste when a meal was made with care. Fresh ingredients, attention to detail, and a passion for great food come through when you eat something great. For a high-quality lunch or dinner downtown, visit one of the best restaurants in Syracuse, NY.

Alto Cinco

For a meal that feels like you've taken a trip to a cantina in Mexico, visit Alto Cinco. Their menu features authentic Mexican cuisine in a space that'll transport you south of the border.

What began as a takeout window in 1995 has grown into a large dining room and bar. All their food is food is fresh and handmade and available for lunch, dinner, catering, and late night take out.

Kick your fiesta off with a plate of chips and pineapple salsa to split with friends or conqueror a towering pile of nachos del ray. Next, you'll have traditional options with a signature twist like jerk chicken tacos or the fiery Inferno XXX burrito.

Their fully stocked bar can help you beat the heat or add extra flavor to your dish. There are great cocktails like a traditional margarita, ginger mojito, and the El Chapo with tequila, triple sec, lime, strawberries, jalapenos, and agave.

Follow Alto Cinco on Facebook for news on their specials and updates on events.

Lemon Grass

Got a craving for some Thai food? To find those savory flavors in downtown Syracuse, head over to Lemon Grass. Since 1990, they've been serving dishes from southeast Asia and around the Pacific Rim to diners in historic Armory Square.

Their savory appetizers are organized by where they're from. Fresh from the sea there's shrimp dumplings and tuna tataki. From the land there's Kobe carpaccio and morning roti.

As a second course you can enjoy some traditional curries like panang rib eye or gang gai, or curries with seafood like grilled shrimp and wild ginger curry. From there you can indulge in authentic entrees like pad thai, Bangkok beef, and their signature Lemon Grass Makham Sauce.

Lots of their most popular items are available in gluten-free and vegetarian options as well. To get news on their specials and updates on their menu, follow Lemon Grass on Facebook.

Pastabilities

For over three decades Pastabilities has provided downtown Syracuse with authentic Italian food in a fast-casual environment.

This award-winning restaurant invites you to start things off with their famous Spicy Hot Tomato Oil on fresh bread. This beloved oil has been featured on The Food Network and is available to order online.

If you've got a big group, go ahead and split a pizza. Their signature pasta's duck bacon flatbread pizza is a popular lunch item and goes great with a drink on gameday.

All their pasta is homemade with fresh ingredients. There's lots of classic options like carbonara, baked manicotti, and Bolognese, plus seasonal items like sweet potato ravioli and vegan fall campanelle.

They're always updating their menu with new items and releasing new craft cocktails. Follow Pastabilities on Facebook to see what's available.

Bring Your Appetite

When you dine at one of the best restaurants in Syracuse, NY, you'll be in a for a meal with fresh flavors and dynamic taste. All three of these spots feature a staff that's committed to cooking great food.