34 Best Restaurants in The Finger Lakes, New York

Spanish-style appetizers and entrées draw from Latin and European roots, as does the music and decor, at this below-street-level restaurant. The decor, with candlelight, brick arches, and curtained-off cubbyhole seating is Morocco-meets-Paris, and the menu, which changes weekly, highlights seafood, with options for vegetarians well as carnivores. You might choose from chicken empanadas or Thai-glazed barbecued ribs (on the tapas menu) or wasabi-pea-encrusted tuna or guava-chipotle beef fillet (among the main dishes). A full martini menu includes chocolate, melon, lemon, and orange varieties. The specialty dessert—bananas wrapped in a fried, cinnamon-and-sugar-covered tortilla—is always available.

Finding foreign fare in the Finger Lakes can be a challenge, but not in this university town. Ithaca has several Thai restaurants, and this family-owned and -operated choice is a favorite both for its consistent food and its location on the Commons. The casual but classy place has orange faux-finish walls and is decorated with Buddha statuettes. Ithacans of all ages come for the moderately priced and expertly spiced curry, noodle, and seafood dishes. It's a buzzy, convivial place.

Upscale dining has arrived in Corning. A historic bank was transformed into a stylish dining room in 2008, preserving the old vault as a private dining room. There's a 300-square-foot glass-enclosed wine locker, huge stone fireplaces, and a wildebeest mounted on one wall. Aged steaks, Alaskan king crab legs, and veal saltimbocca help fill out the long menu. The prices can be hard to swallow, but tapas in the bar are a more affordable option.

Burgers made with locally produced beef are piled with bacon and blue cheese; vegetarian entrées (like soy-based "ribs" with barbecue sauce) are plentiful, wines and brews are local, and coffee is fair-trade and organic at this casual restaurant near the entrance of Watkins Glen State Park. Oak, brass, and stained glass accent the interior. Also available: jambalaya, soy-sauce-marinated sirloin over soba noodles, plus soups, salads, and pizzas.