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Daisy Baker’s 33 Second St., Troy, 266-9200. This classy establishment serves gourmet American fare as well as an impressive array of seafood and pasta items. Full Bar. AE, D, MC, V. $$$

High Rock Steakhouse & Pub Prime Hotel and Conference Center, 534 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 583-7625. A well-appointed dining room in Saratoga’s downtown. Menu features choice steaks, pasta specials and seafood. Nightly specials. Full bar. AE, CB, D, DC, MC, V. $$$

The Inn at Saratoga 231 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 583-1890. American cuisine at a cozy Victorian inn. Bistro menu. Full bar. AE, D, DC, MC, V. $$$

Jack’s Oyster House 42 State St., Albany, 465-8854. Albany’s dining landmark since 1913 is now in its third generation of family ownership. Savor seafood specials, steaks, veal or poultry in a classic setting. Full bar. Open 365 days a year—366 for leap year! Reservations suggested, especially on weekends and holidays. AE, CB, D, DC, MC, V. $$$

Justin’s 301 Lark St., Albany, 436-7008. Look for some offbeat ethnic dishes, like jerk chicken, on an inventive, often-changing menu. Full bar and on-premises catering for small parties. AE, DC, MC, V. $$$

Lakeview Inn Main Street (Route 43), Averill Park, 674-3363. Barbecue ribs, seafood pastas, fish specials and many other homemade dishes. Dine on the deck overlooking Crystal Lake. Full bar. AE, D, MC, V. $$

The Larkin Restaurant and Lounge 199 Lark St., Albany, 463-5225. West African chef Serigne Sow creates an eclectic cuisine with pasta, seafood and steak dishes aplenty. Daily specials too. Full bar. AE, D, DC, MC, V. $$

Londonderry Café Stuyvesant Plaza, 489-4288. Exciting and new fine-dining menu features pasta, chicken and seafood dishes. Cappuccino, beer and wine by the glass. AE, D, DC, MC, V. $$

Longfellow’s Inn & Restaurant 500 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs, 587-0108, www.longfellows.com. Situated in an old country estate built in the late 1800s, the inn prides itself on its warm and relaxing dining ambience. The menu of American offerings includes an array of steaks, bourbon-glazed salmon, fresh pastas and pan-roasted garlic shrimp. Full bar. AE, D, DC, MC, V. $$$$

McGuire’s City Grill 353 State St., Albany, 463-2100. This new restaurant in the Lark Street neighborhood, housed in the old State Street Pub, features a changing menu of progressive American cuisine with a city grill atmosphere. Full bar with an extensive wine list. AE, MC, V. $$$

Morrissey’s 3246 S. Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 584-8200. Contemporary American food served with fresh ingredients; menu items include striped bass, stuffed eggplant and homemade desserts. Full bar. AE, DC, MC, V. $$$

Pepper Jack’s Quail Street and Western Avenue, Albany, 426-5505 Sandwiches available for take out or eat in. Free delivery after 11 AM. Breakfast all day and open late night. AE, MC, V.

Professor Moriarty’s 430 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 587-5981. Sherlockian memorabilia surrounds you as you dine on such specials as Watson’s fillet or partake of “inspector’s delight.” Full bar. AE, CB, D, DC, MC, V. $$$

The Ripe Tomato American Grill Routes 9 and 9P, Malta, 581-1530. Affordable four-star dining in the Italian-American grill tradition. Specialties include an award-winning bisque, steaks and seafood. Full bar. AE, DC, MC, V. $$

Saratoga Stakes 86 Congress St., Saratoga Springs, 587-6209. A certified angus steakhouse complete with pretty presentation and high-quality ingredients. Try the vast seafood offerings like the Maine lobster or Prince Edward Island mussels. Extensive wine list and full bar. AE, MC, V. $$$

Sargo’s Saratoga National Golf Club, 458 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs, 583-4653. An upscale restaurant open year round. Chef Larry Schepici and staff create regional American cuisine with an ever-changing menu. House specialties include veal chop Michelangelo, lobster Lorenzo, ostrich, and pistachio-encrusted lamb rack. Extensive wine list and desserts by pastry chef Susan DeLucia. Full bar, on-premises catering. Banquet facilities. Serving lunch 11:30-2:30 Mon-Sat; brunch 10-2 Sun; dinner 5-9:30 Mon-Thurs, 5-10:30 Fri-Sat, and 5-9 Sun. AE, CB, DC, MC, V, personal checks (local). $$$

Simpson’s The Desmond, 660 Albany Shaker Road, Colonie, 869-8100. The Desmond’s casual restaurant, with grilled swordfish, chicken teriyaki and a selection of salads as well as wine by the glass. Full bar. AE, CB, D, DC, MC, V. $$$

Sunset Café 42 Front St., Ballston Spa, 885-8550. Southwestern fare and some surprises in an unpretentious café setting, with specials including cassoulet, bourbon-marinated salmon and unique pasta dishes. Full bar. AE, MC, V. $$$

Asian

Dumpling House 120 Everett Road, Colonie, 458-7044. Dumplings come steamed or fried with a variety of fillings, and there are many regional offerings. Full bar, banquet facilities. Takeout available. Reservations suggested on weekends. AE, D, DC, MC, V. $$

Mari’s Japanese Cuisine 2049 VanVranken Ave., Schenectady, 381-4881. Sushi bar, tempura, sukiyaki and teriyaki are among the specials. Reservations suggested, especially on weekends. MC, V. $$

Miki Japanese Restaurant 236 Washington St., Saratoga Springs, 583-9175. From the former chef-owner of Arita’s Japanese, this new restaurant offers sushi, noodle dishes, organic vegetarian dishes and other authentic Japanese cuisine. Tatami room and hibachi table. Extensive sake list as well as beer and wine. AE, MC, V. $$

Miyako 192 N. Allen St., Albany, 482-1080; fax 482-1081. Order from the sushi bar or watch your chef prepare traditional Japanese dishes at a hibachi table. Other authentic offerings are tempura, teriyaki and sukiyaki. Table service available. Beer and wine. AE, D, MC, V. $$

Sushi Art 2025 State St., Schenectady, 388-8600. The winner of Metroland’s Best Of for sushi, this Japanese-cuisine restaurant features BBQ as well. Tue-Fri noon-2:30 and 5-10 PM; Sat 5-10:30 PM; Sun 5-9 PM. V, MC, D, AE. $$

Continental

43 Phila Bistro 43 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, 584-2720. Thoughtfully prepared creative bistro cuisine is available at this award-winning “American bistro.” Menu changes seasonally. Full bar. AE, MC, V. $$$$

Brindisi’s 390 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 587-6262. This new, handsome eatery and nightspot features a large bar and frequent entertainment along with continental and Italian fare. AE, D, MC, V. $$$

Eartha’s Restaurant 60 Court St., Saratoga Springs, 583-0602. Elegant neighborhood bistro specializing in prime meats and fresh fish. Home-baked desserts and vegetarian dishes. D, MC, V. $$$$

The Ginger Man Wine Bar & Restaurant 234 Western Ave., Albany, 427-5963. Try the fruit-and-cheese board with a glass of wine; other menu items include sesame tuna with ginger and soy, house-made ravioli and daily fish and pasta specials. Popular for an extensive wine and beer list, the Ginger Man offers wine- and beer-tasting events, and visitors can even join a wine club. Full bar. Reservations recommended. AE, D, MC, V. $$$

La Serre 14 Green St., Albany, 463-6056. This is the place for fresh pasta, grilled fish or veal chanterelle. Full bar. Reservations suggested. AE, CB, DC, MC, V. $$$

Monument Square Café 254 Broadway, Troy, 274-0167. A new establishment serving continental cuisine with Mediterranean and Italian influences. AE, D, MC, V. $$$

Nicole’s Bistro at the Quackenbush House 25 Quackenbush Square, Albany, 465-1111. Dinner is served with a decidedly French flair in Albany’s oldest historic building. The menu is noted for traditional dishes including rack of lamb, roast duckling and steak au poivre. Also features contemporary menu items. Fixed-price dinner menu priced with or without wine. Full bar. Reservations suggested. AE, D, DC, MC, V. $$$

Olde Shaker Inn 1171 Troy Schenectady Road, Latham, 783-6460. The usual meats and fishes are transformed with imaginative ingredients on a menu offering New American cuisine. Full bar. AE, D, DC, MC, V. $$$

Pearl 1 Steuben Place, Albany, 433-0011. Chef Kevin Conway runs the show at Pearl, featuring steak and seafood in downtown Albany. Pearl’s elegant dining atmosphere features an event lounge and a patio dining area where you can sample one of 38 martini varieties. AE, MC, V. $$$

River Street Café 429 River St., Troy, 273-2740. The chef and chef-owner give personal attention to each item on the seasonally changing menu of fresh, New American fare. Beer and wine. MC, V, personal checks. $$$

Sperry’s 30 1/2 Caroline St., Saratoga Springs, 584-9618. Casual upscale dining on a side street, with a heated patio area. Noted for soft-shell crab (in season), seafood, Maryland crab cakes, sirloin and fresh fish specials, handmade desserts. Full bar. AE, DC, MC, V. $$$

Stephanie’s on the Park 462 Madison Ave., Albany, 449-2492. Chef-owner Stephanie Martin has developed a “melting pot” menu that ranges from veal to pasta, with preparations taken from all over the globe. Full bar. Reservations recommended. AE, DC, MC, V. $$$

Wishing Well Route 9, Wilton, 584-7640. Triple-thick loin lamb chops are featured, along with fresh seafood and prime rib. Live Maine lobsters available nightly. Full bar. Reservations suggested. AE, DC, MC, V. $$$

French

Chez Sophie Bistro 2853 Route 9, Malta, 583-3538. Founded and inspired by French chef Sophie Parker and her husband Joseph in 1969, the bistro prepares fresh seasonal offerings for the discerning palate in an unlikely yet inventive spot—an antique silver diner on Route 9. Reservations suggested. AE, DC, MC, V. $$$$

Ferrandi’s Restaurant 332 State Highway 67, Amsterdam, 842-6977. Traditional French cuisine, featuring a menu filled with healthy portions of specialties such as escargot, crepe Normande and filet mignon au poivre, along with 25 other unique entrées. French baguette and complimentary paté served with dinner. Extensive wine list. Full bar. Reservations suggested. MC, V. $$

German

Bavarian Chalet 5060 Western Turnpike, Guilderland, 355-8005. Featuring a blend of European cuisines with a German focus. Sauerbraten and schnitzels, fresh seafood and game. Full bar with 14 European and microbrewed beers on tap. Reservations suggested. AE, D, MC, V. $$$

Indian

Sitar 1929 Central Ave., Colonie, 456-6670. A variety of chicken, lamb, shrimp and vegetable dishes and always-sizzling tandoor ovens. “Sun Room” dining area open on weekends and for special parties. Full bar. Reservations suggested. AE, CB, D, DC, MC, V. $$

Indonesian

Yono’s Armory Center, 64 Colvin Ave., Albany, 436-7747. Acclaimed chef Yono Purnomo continues his tradition of creating exquisite continental cuisine highlighted with his native Asian accent. A dining experience equally perfect for an intimate dinner for two or a power meeting. Full bar. AE, CB, DC, MC, V. $$$

Italian

The Appian Way Restaurant 1839 Van Vranken Ave., Schenectady, 382-3286. New owners have given this Schenectady mainstay a new menu of traditional Southern Italian fare, with specials including pork chop with vinegar peppers. Full bar. MC, V. $$

Aromi d’Italia 2050 Western Ave., Guilderland, 452-9200. Italian café featuring pasta entrées, paninis served on homemade focaccia bread, meal-sized salads, and gelato. AE, D, MC, V. $$$

Café Capriccio 49 Grand St., Albany, 465-0439. Gourmet Italian dining with a menu that includes seasonal specials, pastas and Mediterranean gourmet fare as well. Try the eggplant with four cheeses or the calamari neri. Reservations strongly suggested. AE, MC, V. $$$

Caffe Italia 662 Central Ave., Albany, 482-9433. Look for traditional preparations of veal, pasta, shrimp and lobster. Beer, liquor and wine. Reservations suggested. AE, CB, D, DC, MC, V. $$$

Carmine’s Restaurant 818 Central Ave., Albany, 458-8688. A menu of continental and Italian cuisine with an American flair, plus light selections, hot and cold appetizers and interesting pastas. Menu includes seafood, chicken and veal specialties. Homemade desserts. Full bar. AE, DC, MC, V. $$$

Chianti il Ristorante 208 S. Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 580-0025. Start with antipasto del Chianti and discover how delectable such simple ingredients can become. Innovative northern Italian fare (with a good presence of garlic) served in a nicely decorated dining room and, in warm months, on an outdoor patio. Full bar. AE, MC, V. $$$

Ecobelli’s Restaurant 1475 Saratoga Road, Ballston Spa, 885-5900. Fine Italian-American cuisine featuring 32-item gondola salad bar. Specializing in veal and seafood dishes. All-you-can-eat hot lunch buffet, including salad bar, Tue-Fri 11:30-2. Reservations recommended. D, DC, MC, V, personal checks. $$

Elda’s 203-207 Lark St., Albany, 449-3532. The luxe dining room has balcony seating at this classy Lark Street restaurant. The Northern Italian, French and American menu includes homemade pastas and bread and sinful desserts. Outdoor patio. Full bar. AE, MC, V, CB, D, DC. $$

Lo Porto Ristorante 85 Fourth St., Troy, 273-8546. Martin Scorsese’s favorite Capital Region restaurant is still going strong, serving Italian specialties with a Sicilian flavor. Check out one of the seafood mugnaia dishes. Full bar. Reservations strongly suggested. AE, D, DC, MC, V. $$$

Milano Newton Plaza, 594 New Loudon Road, Latham, 783-3334. Northern Italian cuisine featuring homemade pasta, gourmet pizza, grilled meats and seafood. Selection of gourmet foods and baked goods for takeout. Full bar. Reservations suggested. AE, CB, D, DC, MC, V. $$

Nicole’s Ristorante 556 Delaware Ave., Albany, 436-4952. The menu offers Southern and Northern Italian specialties in an intimate dining room with a metropolitan feel. Full bar. Reservations suggested. 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 the biggest hot and cold antipasto in the area. Full bar. AE, D, MC, V. $$$

V & R Restaurant 136 Madison Ave., Albany, 626-0001 or 626-0700. Northern Italian cuisine featuring pasta, chicken, veal and seafood. Soups and desserts made from scratch. Full bar, catering, private parties up to 70. Takeout available. Reservations suggested. Serving 11-11 Mon-Fri, 3-11 Sat-Sun. AE, CB, D, DC, MC, V. $$$

Mexican

Leon’s 135 Crescent St., Saratoga Springs, 587-2346. A Mexican restaurant owned by jockey Filiberto Leon. Full Bar. Serving 4-10 Mon-Fri; 11-10 Sat-Sun; closed Tuesdays. AE, MC, V. $$

Seafood

Hudson Harbor Steak and Seafood 351 Broadway, Albany, 426-5000. Hudson Harbor offers steak and seafood dishes just as you remember them from their New Baltimore location. Full bar. Outdoor dining in summer. AE, D, DC, MC, V. $$

Real Seafood Co. 195 Wolf Road, Colonie, 458-2068. This popular seafood emporium still boasts one of the most impressive raw bars around. The menu features paella Valenciana, chargrilled Block Island swordfish, tuna medallions in white wine and herbs and a blue-plate combination special. Full bar. Reservations on weekends suggested for large parties. AE, CB, DC, MC, V. $$$

The Scrimshaw The Desmond, 660 Albany Shaker Road, Colonie, 869-8100. Menu features fresh Atlantic seafood, from lobster to sea bass to halibut. Full bar. Appropriate attire required for dinner. Reservations suggested. AE, CB, D, MC, V. $$$$

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