Canandaigua is one of the most pristine of the Finger Lakes. It’s easy to while away the day on the water in a kayak or swimming off the deck of a larger boat. When it’s time to come ashore and refuel, here are five of the best places for tasty eats.
The entrance to New York Kitchen. (Photo: New York Kitchen)
New York Kitchen
Formerly called New York Wine and Culinary Center, New York Kitchen offers fine dining quality food in a warm wood-filled space overlooking the lake. More than 80% of their ingredients are locally sourced from New York State, so the menu changes seasonally. Highlights include homemade pretzels and a duck breast for dinner. The beer and wine list are equally impressive.
800 S Main St, Canandaigua, NY
Rio Tomatlin
On a unassuming side street off the town’s main drag, Rio Tomatlin serves top-notch authentic Mexican food made with locally sourced ingredients. Well-made margaritas and enchiladas verdes are musts as is the ceviche, which is made with insanely fresh seafood. An expansive dining room ensures you won’t wait long for a table.
106 Bernis St, Canandaigua, NY
Thai By Night during the day. (Photo: Sonny Kompanek)
Thai By Night
The chef at this charming eatery is a native who cooked at the Four Seasons in DC before coming home to open this fantastic spot for Thai street food. Crispy thin spring rolls are a great way to begin a meal along with a funky bottle from local cidery Finger Lakes Cider House. After that, you can’t go wrong. They don’t take reservations though and waits during prime dinner hours in the summer can be long so plan to have a pre-dinner drink nearby while you wait.
123 S Main St, Canandaigua, NY
Macri’s Deli and Cafe
While technically not a restaurant, this Italian deli located in a strip mall near the lake is one of the best places for a hearty meal. Egg sandwiches are large enough for two as are classics like chicken parm heroes. While it looks like a fast food operation, orders actually take a good 15-20 mins to come out, so plan ahead because it’s worth the wait.
699 S Main St, Canandaigua, NY
Il Posto
This cozy local trattoria is a great place to wind down the day over a plate of pasta. They have over a dozen, including a risotto of the day and a homemade ricotta gnocchi caprese. Appetizers include standard crowd pleasers like stuffed meatballs and fried calamari along with more creative dishes like an escargot crostini. Portions are generous and there’s an extensive array of wines-by-the-glass to boot.
137 S Main St, Canandaigua, NY
By Christopher Kompanek