ITALIAN
Alteri’s
Restaurant
Route 9W, Glenmont, 436-0002. An extensive Italian-American
menu with more than 100 veal, chicken, seafood and steak
specialties to choose from. Full bar, off-premises catering,
on-premises banquets up to 160. Takeout available. Serving
11:30-9:30 Sun-Thu, 11:30-10 Fri, 3-10 Sat. Reservations
suggested. AE, D, DC, MC, V. $$
Amo La Bella New York
89 Beaver St., Albany, 434-3121. Specialties at this downtown
dining room include saltimbocca à la Romana, seafood pasta
à la Amo and shrimp with porcini mushrooms in a Genovese
sauce. Full bar, banquets for up to 170 guests. Takeout
available. Serving lunch 11-3 Mon-Fri; dinner 4-9 Wed-Sat.
Open for all Pepsi Arena events, reservations accepted.
AE, DC, MC, V. $$$
Antipasto’s
See listing under “Vegetarian.”
Aromi D’Italia
2050 Western Ave., Guilderland, 452-9200. Fresh ingredients
and quality products enhance the menu at this contemporary
Italian café. In addition to world-famous gelato (which
is made fresh each day on premises), diners can savor pasta
entrées, gourmet pizzas, meal-sized salads, paninis (served
on homemade focaccia bread), rich desserts, espresso and
coffee drinks. Off-premises catering and takeout available.
10-9 Sun-Thu, 10-10 Fri-Sat. AE, D, DC, MC, V. $$
Attanasio’s
49 Mohawk Ave., Scotia, 346-6999. Banquet house with large
dance floor and stage, available for weddings and parties
of any kind, from casual buffets to formal receptions. Seats
up to 220; call for information on dinner shows. Complete
wedding package starting at $39, tax and gratuity included.
MC, V. $$$
The Backgrounds
154 Erie Blvd., Schenectady, 382-1240. Enjoy Italian cuisine
consisting of items such as 16-ounce bourbon steak, seafood
platter over linguine, New York strip steak and a variety
of chicken dishes. Full bar. Takeout available. On/off-premises
catering available. Serving 11:30-3 Mon, 11:30-9:30 Tue-Thu,
11:30-10 Fri, 5-10 Sat. AE, D, MC, V. $$
Bellini’s Italian Eatery
1365 New Scotland Ave, Slingerlands, 439-6022. Tucked into
the Price Chopper Plaza in Slingerlands, this attractive
Italian restaurant features a mix of straightforward dishes
and authentic Italian fare, from wood-fired pizzas and Bruschetta
to more complicated dishes like the Pappardelle, sautéed
chicken, roasted garlic sun-dried tomatoes, asparagus and
artichoke hearts. Fresh-baked bread daily and rich desserts,
too. Full bar, wine list. Serving lunch 11-4 daily, dinner
11-10 Sun-Thu, 11-11 Fri-Sat. AE, CB, D, DC, MC, V. $$
Bongiorno’s
23 Dove St., Albany, 462-9176. Specializing in veal and
seafood dishes, including zuppa di pesce, fettuccini al
Cognac and veal Piccante. Full bar, small banquet facilities.
Takeout available. Serving lunch 11:30-2 Mon-Fri; dinner
5-9 Mon-Wed, 5-10 Thu-Sat. Closed Sun. Reservations accepted.
AE, MC, V. $$$
Brindisi’s Restaurant and Bar
390 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 587-6262. Innovative 1930s
New York City–theme continental fare with a tendency toward
northern Italy, served in a handsome setting with a picture
window on Saratoga’s main street. The bar is friendly and
desserts are a specialty. Serving dinner 5-10 Mon-Sat, 1-9
Sun. AE, D, MC, V. $$$
Buca di Beppo
44 Wolf Road, Albany, 459-2822. Family-style Italian fare
in a chain restaurant that does it right. Order less than
you think and bring a big party: Lots of food emerges and
it’s all delicious, served in an infectiously merry atmosphere.
Now featuring dinner for two. Full bar. Serving 5-10 Mon-Thu,
5-11 Fri, noon-11 Sat, noon-9 Sun. AE, D, MC, V. $$
Caffe Italia
662 Central Ave., Albany, 482-9433. Look for traditional
preparations of pasta, shrimp, lobster and veal, including
Veal Luciana—medallions of veal with proscuitto, tomato
and mozzarella. Beer, liquor and wine. Off-premises catering,
takeout available. Serving dinner 5-10 Mon-Sat, 4-9 Sun.
Reservations appreciated. AE, CB, D, DC, MC, V. $$$
Carmine’s Restaurant
818 Central Ave., Albany, 458-8688. A menu of continental
and Italian cuisine with American flair, plus light selections
and interesting pastas. Menu includes seafood, chicken and
veal specialties. Favorite dishes include fried calamari,
braised veal cheeks and penne regate. Homemade desserts.
Full bar. On/off-premises catering, private parties welcome.
Serving lunch 11:30-3 Tue-Fri; dinner 4:30-9:30 Mon-Thu,
4:30-10 Fri-Sat, 4-8:30 Sun. AE, DC, MC, V. $$$
Casa Mia Ristorante
385 Route 9W, Glenmont, 463-4331. Offering a variety of
chicken, veal, beef, seafood and pasta dishes from both
the Northern and Southern regions of Italy. Known for veal
and seafood creations. Nightly specials. Full bar and banquet
facilities. Serving 11-10 Tue-Fri, 4-11 Sat, 4-9 Sun. Closed
Mon. Reservations suggested, especially on weekends. AE,
DC, MC, V. $$
Castello’s
183 Nott Terrace, Schenectady, 374-0581. Offering Italian,
Greek and American cuisine with an emphasis on quality and
value in a casual family atmosphere. Featuring fresh seafood,
veal, chicken, steaks, pasta dishes, oversized salads, deli
sandwiches, pizza, calzones and giant burgers. Children’s
menu and smaller portions also available. Daily specials,
bottled beer and premium wines. Takeout available, off-premises
catering. Reservations appreciated. Serving 11-9 Sun, 11-10
Mon-Thu, 11-11 Fri and Sat. AE, D, DC, MC, V. $$
Cavaleri’s
334 Second Ave., Albany, 463-4320. Serving the Capital Region
for more than a quarter of a century, this restaurant serves
traditional Italian home-style food, including veal, pasta,
homemade sausage and more. Full bar. Takeout available.
Serving dinner 4-9 Wed-Thu, 4-10 Fri-Sat, 4-9 Sun. Closed
Mon-Tue. MC, V. $$
Ciao Ristorante
34 Hudson Ave., Chatham, 392-7366. Northern and Southern
Italian cuisine with continental specials such as braised
lamb shanks with four-cheese potatoes and caramelized fennel.
Wine and beer. On/off-premises catering, takeout available.
Serving lunch noon-3 Wed-Fri; dinner 5-9 Wed-Fri, 4-10 Sat,
3-9 Sun. AE, D, MC, V. $$$
Citone’s
457 Elk St., Albany, 463-6199. The traditional Italian menu
features an extensive selection of pasta and baked Italian
specialties, plus seafood, steaks, pizza, grilled items,
hot sandwiches and even omelettes. Wine and beer. Everything
on the menu is available for takeout. Serving dinner 5-10
Tue-Sun. Closed Mon. Cash only. $
Cornell’s Restaurant
1733 Van Vranken Ave., Schenectady, 370-3825. The Northern
and Southern Italian menu includes such favorites as braciola,
calamari and homemade cavatelle. Full bar. Serving dinner
4-9:30 Tue-Thu, 4-10:30 Fri-Sat, 4-9:30 Sun. Reservations
suggested. AE, CB, MC, V. $$$
DaVinci’s Ristorante
1414 State St., Schenectady, 372-4208. Homemade pastas,
hand-cut veal and steaks, and chicken are mainstays of the
menu at this Schenectady gem. Customer favorites include
vodka rigatoni and seafood fra diavolo. Full bar. Serving
dinner 4-9:30 Tue-Thu, 4-10 Fri-Sat, 4-9 Sun. Early-bird
specials 4-6 Tue-Thu, Sun. AE, CB, D, DC, MC, V. $$
DeAngelo’s Ristorante
1510 Chrisler Ave., Schenectady, 393-1364. A family-style
restaurant featuring fresh ingredients, huge portions, menu
selections from spaghetti to lobster tails, and a friendly
staff to top it off. Full bar. On/off-premises catering,
takeout available. Serving dinner 4-10 Sun-Thu, 4-11 Fri-Sat.
Reservations suggested. AE, D, MC, V. $$
DeFazio’s Pizzeria
266 Fourth St., Troy, 271-1111. Twenty-one gourmet wood-fired
pizzas, 21 pastas, antipasto and salads. Homemade Italian
sauces available in DeFazio’s retail store next door. No
alcohol. Off-premises catering available. Serving noon-10
Mon-Fri, 4-10 Sat. Closed Sun. Cash only. $
Delmonico’s Italian Steakhouse
1553 Central Ave., Albany, 456-5656. The Delmonico steak
is a terrific deal, but the menu also features standard
Italian fare at reasonable prices. Heavy sauces, lots of
cheese—it’s all here. Full bar. Serving dinner 4-10:30 Mon-Thu,
4-11:30 Fri, 3-11:30 Sat, noon-10 Sun. AE, D, DC, MC, V.
$$
De Marco’s Italian Restaurant
1965 Central Ave., Albany, 456-7574. Savor the homemade
Italian cuisine in this friendly, family-owned restaurant.
Try the famous pizza. On/off premises catering. Serving
dinner 4-10 Sun-Wed, 4-11 Thu-Sat. AE, D, MC, V. $$
Depietro’s Italiano’s Pizzeria
555 Washington Ave., Albany, 465-3607. Typical Italian favorites
are found here, as well as unique specialty pizzas—including
heavenly olive-and-white-garlic and chicken wing—plus dinners,
jumbo wings, calzones and subs (the jawbreaker weighs in
at two pounds). Home of the Jimmy Hoffa sub—so good it disappears.
Off-premises catering, takeout available. Daily specials.
10-11 Mon-Wed, 10-2 AM Thu and Fri, 11-2 AM Sat, 1-9 Sun.
AE, MC, V. $
Dorato’s
Star Plaza, Routes 155 and 20, Guilderland, 456-5774. An
emphasis on fresh seafood and veal in a menu of American
and international specialties, including osso buco and Tournedos
Dorato. Pub fare, too. Full bar. On/off-premises catering.
Serving lunch 11:30-2:30 Mon-Fri; dinner 5-10 Mon-Thu, 5-10
Fri-Sat, 4:30-9 Sun. Reservations appreciated. AE, DC, MC,
V. $$
Douglas Anthony’s Italian Steakhouse
1839 Van Vranken Ave., Schenectady, 382-3286. Classic beef
and seafood dishes include the DeMarco special—London broil
over smashed potatoes—along with an array of Southern Italian-styled
pasta, chicken and veal. Serving lunch 11:30-2:30 Mon-Fri;
dinner 4-9 Mon-Thu, 4-10 Fri, 5-10 Sat, 4-9 Sun. AE, D,
MC, V. $$$
D’Raymonds Restaurant and Lounge
269 Osborne Road, Loudonville, 459-6364. Italian with an
American accent. Veal and homemade pasta are house specialties.
Full bar. Takeout until 7 PM, catering available. Serving
lunch 11:30-2:15 Mon-Fri; dinner 5-10 Mon-Fri, 4-10 Sat.
Closed Sun. AE, CB, DC, MC, V. $$$
Ferrari’s Ristorante
1254 Congress St., Schenectady, 382-8865. Authentic Italian
cuisine with specialties including veal Pepe—veal napped
in horseradish-cream sauce—and chicken Antonio with wine-and-mushroom
sauce. Full bar. Banquets for up to 65 guests, off-premises
catering. Serving 11:30-9 Mon-Thu, 11:30-10 Fri, 4-10 Sat.
Open on Sunday for private parties and banquets of 25 or
more. AE, MC, V. $$$
Fireside Pizzeria
1631 Eastern Parkway, Schenectady, 382-1616. An Electric
City mainstay for pizza, along with burgers, salads and
traditional Italian-American dishes, to stay or go. Full
bar. Delivery available. Serving 11:30 AM-midnight Mon-Sat,
1 PM-midnight Sun. Reservations suggested. AE, MC, V. $
Francesco’s Ristorante
108 Jay St., Schenectady, 372-4333. The hot seafood antipasto,
veal saltimbocca and chicken champagne are specialties,
and the breads and salad dressings are all homemade. Make
your own pasta special by choosing from five homemade and
seven imported pastas, 12 different sauces and 25 different
toppings. Full bar. Catering and banquet facilities, takeout
available. Serving 11:30-9 Mon-Fri, 4:30-9 Sat. Closed Sun,
except for private parties. Reservations suggested. AE,
MC, V. $$
Geppetto’s Restaurant
547 Nott St., Schenectady, 370-9862. The stromboli is one
of the biggest sellers on a menu featuring a full range
of traditional Italian-American cuisine. Full bar. Banquet
facilities for up to 100, on/off-premises catering. Delivery
available. Serving 11:30 AM-midnight Mon-Fri, 5-11 Sat.
Reservations accepted. AE, D, MC, V. $
Joey’s Riverside Restaurant
240 Church St., Albany, 449-5008. Breakfast, lunch and dinner
in a casual setting, with specials at all meals. Breakfast
is served any time and dinner includes steaks, chops and
seafood. Off-premises catering, takeout available. Open
24 hours, seven days a week (except Christmas). AE, D, MC,
V. $
John Riccitello’s
1687 Foster Ave., Schenectady, 374-1574. You’ll be part
of the family as soon as you walk in. Good meals, good prices,
good company. Try the veal parmigiana. Wed-Thu night specials.
Full bar. Serving 11-10 Wed-Fri, 4-10 Sat, 4-9 Sun. Closed
Mon-Tue (except for parties of 20-40, by reservation only).
Reservations suggested. D, MC, V. $$
La Casa di Canali
2490 Western Ave., Guilderland, 456-0867. Traditional Italian
fare in a family-owned and operated establishment. Offering
a wide selection of veal, chicken and seafood, along with
many pasta dishes. On/off-premises catering, takeout available.
Open for private parties. Serving 4-9 PM Tue-Sun. Closed
Mon. AE, MC, V. $$.
Lanci’s Tavola Calda
68 Putnam St., Saratoga Springs, 581-1973. This family-run
restaurant brings you the best of Italy. Lunches feature
homemade soups, salads, panini, and sandwiches. Dinner menu
changes weekly, serving the best the season has to offer.
Desserts are by Signora Lanci, whose specialty is tiramisu.
Premium Italian roasted coffee. Wine and beer. Takeout available.
Private parties, catering and cooking classes. Serving lunch
11-3 Mon-Fri; dinner 5:30-10 Fri-Sun. AE, MC, V. $$$
Le Caravelle Ristorante
Italian-American Community Center, 257 Washington Ave. Extension,
Albany, 456-0292. Offers a large selection of veal dishes
and more, along with such specialties as linguine Portuguese
and zuppa di pesce. Children’s menu served. Full bar. Banquet
facilities, takeout available. Reservations recommended.
Serving lunch 11:30-2 Tue-Fri; dinner 5-8:30 Tue-Thu, 5-9:30
Fri-Sat, 2-8 Sun. AE, D, DC, MC, V. $$
Lombardi’s North
312 Oakwood Ave., Troy, 235-4416. Family dining at this
handsome restaurant north of Troy, where the bistecca à
la Lombardi is a trencherman’s steak-and-potatoes dream.
Homemade soups, great pasta, plus sandwiches and pizza.
Full bar. On/off-premises catering, takeout available. Reservations
suggested. Serving dinner 4-9 Tue-Sun. AE, D, MC, V. $$
Lombardo’s
121 Madison Ave., Albany, 462-9180. An Albany mainstay,
with many different pasta dishes and a menu featuring 15
different veal dishes, among many other offerings. Nightly
specials, too. Full bar. Banquet room available for up to
70, takeout available. Serving 11-11 Mon-Fri, 3-11 Sat.
Closed Sun. AE, CB, D, DC, MC, V. $$
Maggie’s Café
1186 Western Ave., Albany, 437-1701. Capellini primo is
a favorite dish on a menu featuring Italian cuisine. Daily
dinner specials and homemade soups. Full bar. Small banquets,
on/off-premises catering. Serving lunch 11:30-2:30 Mon-Fri;
dinner 4:30-9:30 Mon-Thu, 4:30-10 Fri-Sat, 4-8 Sun. AE,
CB, D, DC, MC, V. $$$
Mama Rosa’s
271 Lark St., Albany. 472-9717. A casual and inexpensive
family-style Italian restaurant, featuring homemade entrées
and desserts, Afghan Food Night on Tuesday and several monthly
special events. Vegetarian entrées available. On/off-premises
catering, takeout available. Delivery on Lark Street only.
Serving dinner 5-10 Mon-Thu, 5-11 Fri-Sat. Closed Sun. AE,
D, MC, V. $
Mangia
1562 New Scotland Ave. (Route 85), Slingerlands, 439-5555;
Stuyvesant Plaza, 482-8000; Shoppers World Plaza (off Route
146), Clifton Park, 383-6666; www.mangiarestaurant.com.
The pizzas come out of the wood-fired oven and include such
exotic toppings as chicken pesto and barbecued chicken.
All pastas are fresh. The menu also features innovative
world cuisine. Beer and extensive wine list (full bar at
Stuyvesant Plaza location). Takeout available. Slingerlands:
serving 11-9 Mon-Thu, 11-10 Fri, noon-10 Sat, noon-9 Sun.
Stuyvesant Plaza: serving 11:30-10 Mon-Thu, 11:30-11 Fri,
noon-11 Sat, noon-9 Sun. Clifton Park: serving 11-9 Mon-Thu,
11-10 Fri-Sat, 4-9 Sun. Reservations suggested. AE, D, MC,
V. $$
Marinara
612 Watervliet Shaker Road (Route 155), Latham, 786-8310.
Wide variety of Italian favorites from chicken marsala to
stuffed shrimp and more. Full bar. On-premises catering,
takeout available. Serving dinner 5-9 Mon, 5-10 Tue-Thu,
4:30-10 Fri-Sat, 4-9 Sun. AE, D, DC, MC, V. $$
Mario’s Restaurant
Routes 20 and 22, New Lebanon, 794-9495. Chef-owned and
family-operated since 1964, this personalized eatery is
known for great food and service. Bread, pasta and desserts
are all from scratch. A Berkshire classic. Full bar. On/off-premises
catering. Serving dinner 4-9:30 Sun-Mon, Wed-Thu; 4-10 Fri-Sat.
Closed Tue. AE, CB, D, DC, MC, V. $$$
Mario’s Restaurant & Pizzeria
2850 River Road, Niskayuna, 347-0002. The feeds-a-bunch
long Sicilian pizza is a trademark item; other pizzas, as
well as traditional pasta dishes and inventive dinner specials,
are on the menu. Serving 11-10 Tue-Fri, 4-10 Sat. AE, D,
DC, MC, V. $$
Mercato’s Pizzeria & Restaurant
155 Delaware Ave., Delmar, 475-7777. Salmon alla Mercato
is a favorite on a menu featuring veal, chicken, seafood,
pasta and pizza. Full bar. Banquet facilities. Serving 11-10
Mon-Thu, 11-11 Fri-Sat, noon-9 Sun. AE, DC, MC, V. $$
Mercato’s II Pizzeria & Restaurant
1649 Columbia Turnpike, Schodack, 479-5050. Salmon alla
Mercato is a favorite on a menu featuring veal, chicken,
seafood, pasta and pizza. Full bar. Serving 11-10 Mon-Thu,
11-11 Fri-Sat, noon-9 Sun. AE, DC, MC, V. $$
Moscatiello’s Italian Restaurant
99 North Greenbush Road (Route 4), Troy, 283-0809. This
family-operated restaurant boasts a variety of Italian fare.
In addition to the traditional, the menu also includes gourmet
specialties and salads, including chicken rustica, shrimp
scampi, chicken marsala, New York strip steak, and the bruschetta
appetizer. Full bar and wine list. On/off-premises catering.
Serving 11:30-10 Mon-Thu, 11:30-midnight Fri-Sat, noon-9
Sun. Reservations accepted for parties of five or more.
AE, DC, MC, V. $$
The New Madison Grille
331 Madison Ave., Albany, 434-1938. Pizza is a specialty—this
neighborhood favorite has revived the famous 50-year-old
pizza recipe from the former establishment. Also serving
a high-quality but reasonably priced menu of salads, sandwiches,
burgers and other entrées. Full bar. Takeout available.
Serving 11:30-6 Mon, 11:30-10 Tue, 11:30-11 Wed, 11:30-midnight
Thu, 11:30-2 AM Fri, 5 PM-midnight Sat. Closed Sun. AE,
CB, DC, MC, V. $
The Olive Garden
178 Wolf Road, Colonie, 458-8676. An extensive, Americanized
Italian menu includes lots of pastas, appetizers and salads.
Full bar, complimentary wine sampling Fri and Sat evenings.
Serving 11-10 Sun-Thu, 11-11 Fri-Sat. AE, CB, D, DC, MC,
V. $$
Paolo Lombardi’s
104 West Sand Lake Road, Wynantskill, 283-0202. Featuring
fresh veal, seafood and specialty pastas, with large hot
and cold antipasto. Full bar. Takeout available. Catering
and shuttle service also provided. Serving dinner 4-10 Mon-Thu,
4-11 Fri-Sat, 1-9 Sun. Reservations suggested. AE, D, MC,
V. $$$
Pat Russo’s Dugout
43 Main St., South Glens Falls, 793-9560. Dine amid vintage
sports memorabilia and enjoy selections from a wide-ranging
menu of Italian and continental fare at great prices. The
wine list is large and offers incredible bargains. Full
bar. Serving 11:30-10:30 Mon, Wed-Thu; 11:30-11:30 Fri;
4-11:30 Sat; 12-10 Sun. MC, V. $$$
Pennell’s
284 Jefferson St., Saratoga Springs, 583-2423. This award-winning
chef-owned and operated restaurant has been in business
for more than 80 years, serving Northern and Southern Italian
cuisine. Specials include veal marsala and shrimp Genovese.
Full bar, on-premises catering for parties up to 120. Full
menu available for takeout. Serving 5-9 Wed-Thu, Sun; 5-10
Fri-Sat. Closed Mon-Tue. Reservations suggested. AE, MC,
V. $$$
Petta’s
134 Duane Ave., Schenectady, 346-7324. The granddaddy of
Italian eateries in the Electric City, celebrating over
50 years of family ownership. American dishes are also featured
on a menu known for its veal dishes. Full bar, banquet facilities.
Takeout available. Serving lunch 11-2 Mon-Fri; dinner 4-9
daily. Reservations suggested on weekends. AE, CB, D, DC,
MC, V. $$
Ralph’s Tavern
1328 Central Ave., Colonie, 489-8290. Full menu specializing
in Italian-American fare, with daily specials including
hot turkey, pizzas, prime rib and 30-cent wings (in-house
only). Full bar, off-premises catering. Takeout available.
Serving 11 AM-midnight Mon-Thu, 11 AM-2 AM Fri-Sat, noon-midnight
Sun. Reservations accepted Mon-Thu. AE, D, DC, MC, V. $
Red Front Restaurant
71 Division St., Troy, 272-9241, 274-6114; fax 274-6836.
Pizza, traditional Italian fare and prime-rib dinners are
the specialties at this venerable Troy institution. Full
bar. Catering for small parties. Banquet facilities. Takeout
and delivery available. Serving 11-11 Tue-Sun. Closed Mon.
Reservations suggested. AE, D, MC, V. $
Ristorante Paradiso
198 Central Ave., Albany, 462-5812. Authentic Italian-American
cuisine, featuring pasta, beef, veal and seafood dishes,
as well as authentic Italian wood-fired pizza. Full bar.
Catering and banquet facilities. Serving dinner 5-close
Tue-Sun. AE, CB, D, MC, V. $$
Rockefeller’s
2015 Rosa Road, Schenectady, 344-7524. Owned and operated
by the Rockefeller brothers Keith and Dave, who cordially
invite you to dine at one of Schenectady’s fine-dining establishments.
Full bar. Takeout available. Banquets for up to 80. Off-premises
catering. Serving lunch 11-2 Tue-Fri, dinner 4-9 Tue-Thu,
4-10 Fri-Sat, 4-9 Sun. AE, DC, MC, V. $$
Romano’s Family Restaurant
1475 Route 9, Halfmoon, 371-1650. Italian dining in a friendly
atmosphere. The varied menu features such specialties as
linguine pescatora, chicken à la Stephanie and veal saltimbocca.
There’s also a reasonably priced wine list, with more than
a dozen wines offered by the glass. Full bar. Banquet and
catering facilities. Takeout available. Serving 11-9 Mon-Thu,
11-10 Fri-Sat, 11-9 Sun. AE, MC, V. $$
Romano’s Macaroni Grill
1 Metro Park Road (off Wolf Road), Colonie, 446-9190. A
full menu of Italian specialties is served in a convivial
ambience, along with wood-fired oven pizza. Full bar. Takeout
available. Serving 11-10:15 Sun-Thu, 11-11 Fri-Sat. AE,
D, DC, MC, V. $$
Romeo’s
4253 Route 50, Saratoga Springs, 580-1974. www.romeosbrickoven.com.
Two miles north of the Wilton Mall. Offering fresh pizza,
subs, and other entrées, as well as salads and ice cream.
Serving dinner 4-9 daily. D, MC, V. $$
Sam’s Italian-American Famous Restaurant
125 Southern Blvd. (Route 9W), Albany, 463-3433. Featuring
Northern and Southern Italian specialties. Fresh veal, pasta
and seafood. Children’s and senior citizen portions available.
Full bar. Takeout available. Serving lunch 11:30-2 Tue-Fri,
dinner 4:30-10 Tue-Sat. Closed Sun-Mon. Reservations suggested.
AE, MC, V. $$
Scotti’s Restaurant and Pizzeria
1730 Union St., Schenectady, 393-7440. In the same spot
since 1966, Scotti’s is famous for its marinara sauce. Some
dishes to try: chicken white wine, primavera pizza, linguine
calamari and hot antipasto. Beer and extensive wine list.
On-premises catering and full menu available for takeout.
Serving lunch 11:30-1:30, dinner 4:30-9:30 Tue-Sat. MC,
V. $$
Sergio’s Italian Restaurant
780 Route 9, Saratoga Springs, 583-8877. Family-style Italian
dining, with an emphasis on Southern Italian fare. Each
platter serves three or four, so you should bring lots of
friends and family. Single portions now available. Full
bar. Catering, takeout available. Serving 4-10 Mon, Thu-Sat;
1-9 Sun. Closed Tue-Wed. AE, CB, D, DC, MC, V. $$$
Testo’s
124th Street and Fourth Avenue, Troy, 235-0444. Family-run
Italian restaurant with a family ambience, specializing
in pasta dishes, veal and seafood. Home of Testo’s Gourmet
Pasta Sauce. Beer and wine. Off-premises catering. Complete
menu available for takeout. Serving 11:30-9 Tue-Sat. Closed
Sun-Mon. D, MC, V. $
Trattoria Il Vesuvio
242 Pittsfield Road, Lenox, Mass., (413) 637-4904. This
down-home trattoria with a brick oven is where you’ll enjoy
imported ingredients and a high-quality approach to authentic
peasant food. Known for homemade ravioli and hearty meat
dishes, all served in a converted Dutch barn. Full bar.
Serving lunch 11:30-2 Mon-Fri, dinner 5-9 all week. AE,
D, MC, V. $$
Verdile’s
572 Second Ave., Troy, 235-8879. Selections include fresh
veal, homemade pasta and seafood specials. Full bar. Takeout
available. Serving 11:30-10 Mon-Thu, 11:30-11 Fri-Sat, noon-9
Sun. Reservations not accepted. AE, D, DC, MC, V. $$
Villa Italia Pasticceria
3028 Hamburg St., Rotterdam, 355-1144. Established in 1965,
Villa Italia is known for fine wedding and special- occasion
cakes and pastries using only the freshest ingredients.
Serving 7:30 AM-6 PM Tue-Sat, 8 AM-2 PM Sun. Closed Mon.
AE, MC, V. $
Villa Valenti
Route 150, West Sand Lake, 283-1291, www.villavalenti.com.
The menu of traditional Italian fare offers homemade pastas,
nature-quality veal (cut fresh daily), fresh seafood and
a salad bar with more than 40 items. Look for the restaurant’s
homemade pasta sauce in your local market. Full bar. Banquet
facilities. Takeout available. Serving dinner 4-10 Tue-Sat,
3-9 Sun. Closed Mon. AE, CB, D, DC, MC, V. $$
Columns
& Opinions
