Stretching along the Hudson River from Westchester County to Albany, the Hudson Valley is a beautiful region renowned for its natural beauty. Designated as a National Heritage Area, the valley features rolling vineyards, farms, and orchards, and has a burgeoning food and farmer’s market scene. The romantic region is also home to plenty of intimate restaurants for celebrating love from cozy Italian trattorias to elegant fine-dining establishments.


1. A Tavola Trattoria

A Tavola Trattoria
© A Tavola Trattoria

A Tavola Trattoria is a cozy Italian eatery and authentic trattoria in the restaurant-crowded village of New Paltz that serves traditional Italian fare using the bounty of straight-from-the-farm ingredients found in the Hudson Valley. The two-story 60-seat restaurant boasts elegantly rustic décor with warm, earthy tones, wire baskets filled with fresh veggies, a wall of windows, and candlelit farm tables spaced comfortably apart. The menu features heart-warming dishes prepared with locally sourced ingredients from farms within a five-mile radius of the restaurant. Meals start with warm, house-made Italian bread and olive oil for dipping and end with a list of mouth-watering desserts like tiramisu, affogato, dolce formaggi, and ricotta mousse cake. A Tavola Trattoria is open for dinner only, Thursday through Monday.

46 Main St, New Paltz, NY 12561, Phone: 845-255-1426


2. Cucina

Cucina
© Cucina

Located in the most famous small town of New York – Woodstock – Cucina is the perfect spot for a romantic dinner for two. Situated in a beautifully restored and rambling farmhouse in the historic town, the restaurant boasts a crackling indoor fireplace and a large 24-seat communal dining table and serves a contemporary Italian menu of elegant and straightforward farm-to-table food. Based on seasonal and local ingredients, the menu features sharing platters of antipasti, primi of pasta, risotto, and gnocchi dishes, and secondi of hearty entrées. Guests can dine at the 24-seat communal table or more privately in a dining room and on the large wraparound porch on warm summer days. Private events and functions can be held in The Barn, a lovingly restored 19th-century barn next to the restaurant. Cucina is open for dinner, seven nights a week, and lunch on the weekends.

109 Mill Hill Rd. Woodstock, NY, 12498, Phone: 845-679-9800



3. errapin Restaurant

errapin Restaurant
© Terrapin Restaurant


Based in a beautifully renovated church, Terrapin is a rustic-chic bistro-style restaurant that serves creatively inspired New American locavore fare in an intimate and romantic atmosphere. Using locally sourced ingredients from the Hudson Valley and globally-inspired tastes and flavors from around the world, the restaurant serves a menu of contemporary cuisine with signature dishes like Barbecued Duck Quesadilla, Golden Nugget Squash Soup, Pumpkin Ravioli, Horseradish Crusted Sushi-Grade Ahi Tuna with Miso Aioli, Maples Brined Double Thick Pork Chop with Calvados-Apple Demi-Glace and Braised Beef Short Rib Gratinee. The dessert menu features sweet treats such as Valrhona Chocolate Pudding, Creme Brulee, Cheesecake Paradise, and classic Apple Tart. Terrapin is open for lunch, dinner and late night dining 7 nights a week.

6426 Montgomery Street, Rhinebeck, Phone: 845-876-3330


4. The Bocuse Restaurant

The Bocuse Restaurant
© The Bocuse Restaurant


Located in the architecturally stunning Culinary Institute of America, the Bocuse Restaurant is an upscale eatery that offers a new style of casual yet sophisticated dining with reinvented executions of classic French cuisine. Prepared and served by students at the Culinary Institute, the menu features sublime dishes such as Black Truffle Soup, Pâté Maison, Seared Turbot, Hanger Steak, Pork Tenderloin, Maple Leaf Farms Duck Breast, and Aquerello Risotto. The restaurant also serves an excellent French wine list and innovative cocktail program, and the restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, Tuesday through Saturday.

1946 Campus Dr, Hyde Park, NY 12538, Phone: 845-451-1012


5. Swoon Kitchen Bar

Swoon Kitchen Bar
© Swoon Kitchen Bar

Swoon Kitchen Bar lives up to its name and has diners swooning over the contemporary menu of innovative cuisine created by owner-chefs Jeffrey and Nina Bachinsky-Gimmel. Served in a casual ambiance with modern décor and a convivial atmosphere, the daily-changing dinner menu features appetizers of bacon-wrapped dates, smoked salmon mousse and roast cauliflower salad, entrées of spice-rubbed skirt steak, grilled swordfish, and pan-roasted bluefish served with an array of sides of shoestring fries, creamy mash, and freshly made salads. Sip on a delicious martini from the bar made with boutique vermouth or a crisp white wine from France or Spain.

340 Warren Street, Hudson NY, Phone: 518-822-8938


6. Aroma Osteria

Aroma Osteria
© Aroma Osteria

Aroma Osteria is a family-owned and operated restaurant that has been serving traditional Italian fare for more than 20 years. Established by Eduardo and Lucia Lauria in 1997, the now employee-owned restaurant is renowned for their authentic Italian food which includes handmade pasta dishes like farfalle deliziose with toasted walnuts and of sun-dried tomatoes and orecchiette rustiche with sauteed fennel sausage and broccoli rabe. Other delights on the menu include imported Italian mozzarella di bufala, the Piedmontese classic of Vitello tonnato, and grilled rainbow trout brushed with extra virgin olive oil. The wine list features wines from smaller regional producers and varieties of prosecco, as well as craft beers, and imported spirits. Aroma Osteria is open for lunch and dinner, Tuesday through Saturday, and dinner only on Sundays.

114 Old Post Rd, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590, Phone: 845-298-6790


7. Aroma Thyme Bistro

Aroma Thyme Bistro
© Aroma Thyme Bistro

Established in 2003 in Ellenville in upstate New York, Aroma Thyme Bistro is a Certified Green Restaurant© that focuses on supporting local for both their creative food menu and a well-stocked bar. The eatery serves artisanal local cuisine prepared under the expert guidance of award-winning Chef Marcus Guiliano using fresh, locally sourced ingredients and organic produce from regional farms. Daily specials include Pan-Seared Wild Coho Salmon Filet, Grilled Grass-Fed Rib-Eye Steak, Blackened Mahi-Mahi, and Spicy Jackfruit Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms. Aroma Thyme boasts one of the best-stocked bars with over 250 fine wines from around the world, 250 local craft beers, and 250 boutique spirits for creating handcrafted cocktails. Aroma Thyme Bistro is open for dinner, Monday through Sundays and closed on Wednesdays.

165 Canal Street, Ellenville, Phone: 845-647-3000


8. Café Amarcord

Café Amarcord
© Café Amarcord

Located in the Dutchess County revival City of Beacon, Café Amarcord is a charming eatery with a cozy dining space decorated in Tuscan amber hues with Fellini-movie poster adorned walls. Exuding a laid-back, leisurely ambiance, the restaurant is helmed by Montenegrin-born Rifo Murtovic who creates a menu of farm-to-table fare with dishes like pan-roasted mussels in garlic and white wine broth, skewers of rosemary-infused lamb served on creamy polenta and Bucatini Amatriciana with pancetta and tangy pecorino Romana cheese. An outdoor patio is perfect for alfresco summer dining, and the full-service bar offers a wide range of libations from fine wines to signature cocktails. Café Amarcord is open for lunch and dinner, Tuesday through Sunday.

276 Main St, Beacon, NY 12508, Phone: 845-440-0050


9. Ca’Mea Ristorante

Ca’Mea Ristorante
© Ca’Mea Ristorante

Ca’Mea Ristorante is a well-established fine-dining restaurant in Hudson New York that is renowned for its authentic Italian cuisine and impeccable service. Owned by Roy Felcetto and Massimiliano “Max” Cenci, the upscale restaurant prides itself on serving the finest Italian cuisine in the region using old family recipes and locally sourced organic ingredients. Signature dishes include antipasti of Bufala Mozzarella Caprese and Calamari in Casseruola; pasta plates of Ravioli Della Casa and Pappardelle Con Porcini; and entrées of Bistecca Alla Griglia, Pollo Al Mattone, and Scaloppini Al Marsala. A full-service bar serves an extensive list of global wines, local craft beers, and signature cocktails. Ca’Mea Ristorante is open for lunch and dinner, Tuesday through Sunday.

214 Warren St, Hudson, NY 12534, Phone: 518-822-0005


10. Garvan's Gastropub

Garvan's Gastropub
© Garvan's Gastropub

Garvan’s Gastropub is a new addition to the Catskill dining scene. Owned by restaurateur and Irishman Garvan McCloskey, Garvan’s is located in a historic building dating back to 1759 in New Paltz and features two bright and airy dining rooms and a rustic-yet-elegant tavern and bar. Cherry wood tables surround a massive stone fireplace, painted stone, and wood-paneled walls, and low beamed ceilings create a warm and intimate ambiance, and the perfect setting to enjoy the Irish-infused menu. Pair the delicious cuisine with a range of craft beers on tap like Breckinridge Vanilla Porter, Adirondack Dirty blonde ale, or Lagunitas IPA, or a selection of wines from various regions. Garvan’s Gastropub is open from Tuesday through Sunday, for lunch and dinner.

215 Huguenot St, New Paltz, NY 12561, Phone: 845-255-7888


11. Harvest on Hudson

Harvest on Hudson
© Harvest on Hudson

Nestled on the shores of the Hudson River in Westchester, Harvest on Hudson serves Italian-influenced dishes prepared with seasonal, local ingredients and produce grown in the organic herb and vegetable garden. Headed by Chef David Amorelli, the culinary team creates sublime gourmet appetizers like Spanish White Anchovies, Artichoke Alla Giudia, and Grilled Octopus, followed by entrées of Fettucini with sea urchin butter and jumbo lump crab, Faroe Island Salmon, Hudson Valley Rabbit Scarpariello, and Braised Beef Shoulder. Harvest on Hudson offers alfresco patio dining, a cozy dining room with a stone fireplace, a classy bar, and elegant lounge, and spectacular views of the sunset over the Palisades. More Hudson Valley day trips

1 River Street, NY 12561, Phone: 914-478-2800


12. Lakeview House

Lakeview House
© Lakeview House


The Lakeview House Restaurant is an elegant waterside eatery on the shores of the 400-acre Orange Lake that promises an unforgettable dining experience. Set within a historic 1837 building with beautiful Victorian décor, a carved golden oak back bar, and spectacular lake views, the restaurant serves a seasonal menu of contemporary cuisine with signature dishes such as Roast Long Island duckling, mixed grill of steak filet, lamb chops and grilled shrimps, Shrimp Lamaize, Oysters Rockefeller, Escargot au Provence. A full-service bar serves an extensive list of global wines, local craft beers, and signature cocktails, which can be enjoyed for lunch and dinner, Wednesday through Sunday and dinner only on Monday evenings.

343 Lakeside Rd, Newburgh, NY 12550, Phone: 845-566-7100


13. Brasserie 292

Brasserie 292
© Brasserie 292


Brasserie 292 is a classy French bistro and a Poughkeepsie favorite. Boasting comfy interiors with black and white tiles, plush red leather booths, and warm yellow lighting craft a vintage space, the restaurant is perfect for a romantic dinner or special celebration. The innovative menu features Old-world French fare using locally sourced and imported ingredients such as salmon with roasted butternut, pork tenderloin made with bacon brussel sprouts, and lapin au vin in a white wine sauce. Brasserie’s dessert list is difficult to resist with mouth-watering delights like caramel gelato and the milk chocolate pot de crème. A full-service bar serves an extensive list of global wines, local craft beers, and signature cocktails, which can be enjoyed for lunch and dinner, Tuesday through Sunday and Sunday brunch.

292 Main Street, Poughkeepsie, New York, 12601, Phone: 845-473-0292


14. Henry's at the Farm

Henry's at the Farm
© Henry's at the Farm


Henry's at the Farm is a romantic farm-to-table restaurant at the Buttermilk Falls Inn and Spa that offers an intimate and elegant dining experience. Boasting beautiful views over the manicured gardens, the restaurant exudes a warm and welcoming ambiance with rich brown and burgundy wallpaper and hanging lights that create a soft glow. The restaurant serves a menu of contemporary cuisine prepared with locally sourced ingredients and regional produce with signature dishes like pan-seared duck breast with purple sweet potatoes, lobster ravioli, fruitti de mare, porterhouse pork chops, and At the Farm’s Risotto. Daring diners can try the unique mushroom and green tomato ice cream for dessert. Henry's at the Farm is open for lunch Friday through Sunday and dinner every night of the week.

220 North Road, Milton, NY Phone: 845-795-1500


15. Gaskins

Gaskins
© Gaskins


Located in the tight-knit community of Germantown, Gaskins is a rustic-chic neighborhood eatery that offers an intimate dining experience. Owned by wife-and-husband team Sarah and chef Nick Suarez, the restaurant boasts cozy décor with hardwood floors, a candlelit bar, bench-style seating, and soft lighting and serves a heart-warming menu of farm-to-table fare. Dishes include homemade cavatelli, sea scallops, wood-roasted chicken, and grass-fed beef burgers on home-baked buns, all of which are prepared using locally sourced ingredients and regional produce and are accompanied by handcrafted cocktails, casual wines, craft beers, and other libations. Gaskins is open for dinner only Thursday through Monday.

2 Church Ave, Germantown, NY 12526, Phone: 518-537-2107


16. Il Cenacolo

Il Cenacolo
© Il Cenàcolo


Renowned for its classic Tuscan cuisine made with fresh ingredients, Il Cenàcolo is a Hudson Valley favorite for romantic dinners and special celebrations. The restaurant exudes a farmhouse vibe with pots and pans hang from the ceiling and rustic tables and chairs. Focusing on refined Northern Italian cuisine and innovative daily specials, the farm-to-table menu features dishes such as Risotto alla pirate, Polletto al Limone, caramelized zucchini, and smoked trout with a side of Tuscan bread and cream. An antipasti station at the front of the restaurant heaves with delectable plates of olives, prosciutto, grilled octopus, marinated vegetables, sun-kissed tomatoes and more. Add to this intimate and personalized hospitality and service, and it makes Il Cenàcolo the perfect spot for a special Valentine’s date. Il Cenàcolo is open for lunch and dinner on various days during the week.

228 S Plank Rd, Newburgh, NY 12550, Phone: 845-564-4494


17. Le Canard Enchaine

Le Canard Enchaine
© BillionPhotos.com/stock.adobe.com


Located in the heart of Kingston’s Stockade District, Le Canard Enchaine takes diners on a culinary journey through France with award-winning cuisine and excellent regional wines. Helmed by Chef Jean-Jacques, the Parisian-inspired restaurant exudes a typically French ambiance with crispy white-clothed tables and gleaming silverware, soft lighting and an air of intimacy. The menu features signature dishes such as French Onion Soup, Fricassé of Snails, Veal Scaloppini a la Crème, Roasted LI Duck, Grand Marnier, and Orange Sauce, and Black Pepper Crusted Salmon in Honey-Mustard Glaze over Red Cabbage Ragout. Le Canard Enchaine is open for lunch and dinner, seven days a week.

276 Fair Street, Kingston, NY 12401, Phone: 845-339-2003


18. Shadows on the Hudson

Shadows on the Hudson
© Shadows on the Hudson

Perched on a cliff high above the Hudson River in the heart of Poughkeepsie, Shadows on the Hudson is an award-winning waterfront restaurant that serves New American fare and handcrafted cocktails in an airy space with spectacular views. The restaurant features contemporary décor, a serpentine bar, and one-of-a-kind views; the restaurant serves a variety of menus for lunch, dinner and light lounge fare to accompany drinks, featuring both classic and modern dishes. Shadows on the Hudson also serves a popular Sunday brunch buffet with traditional dishes and Mimosas and hosts Social Hours with a tapas menu for light bites throughout the week. Shadows on the Hudson is open for lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch, seven days a week.

176 Rinaldi Blvd, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601, Phone: 845-486-9500


19. Wm. Farmer and Sons

Wm. Farmer and Sons
© Wm. Farmer and Sons

Wm. Farmer and Sons is a rustic-chic eatery that serves farm-to-table fare that uses locally sourced ingredients and produces from farms in the Hudson Valley to create a delicious menu of market-driven fare. Named as a direct tribute to owners Kristan Keck and Kirby Farmer’s father, who played an integral role in opening the restaurant, Wm. Farmer and Sons serves a menu of classic Southern fare with inventive twists like buttermilk fried frog legs, Sunburst Appalachian trout, and roasted local chicken served with braised greens and popcorn. The bar serves well-crafted cocktails, casual wines, and local craft and microbrews, and guests can stay overnight in rustic-modern guest rooms with sliding farmhouse doors and quirky amenities. Wm. Farmer and Sons are open for dinner only, Tuesday through Sunday.

20 S Front St, Hudson, NY 12534, Phone: 518-828-1635


What are the 20 Best Restaurants in the Hudson Valley?


The 20 Best Restaurants in the Hudson Valley according to local experts are: