The Jordanian family that owns and runs this restaurant prides itself on bringing its homeland dining culture to the 'Cuse. The Essi family says its recipes, which originated in Lebanon, make up "the best diet in the world." Meals here are made up mostly of beans, grains, vegetables and lots of herbs and spices, which the family says hold medicinal powers. The 90 percent vegan menu features...
Namu offers an extensive menu of Thai, Korean and Japanese flavors complemented by Asian beers and wines and a full bar. The atmosphere and food presentation will impress your date, and the generous portions will leave you more than satisfied.
When to Go: If you don't mind parking far away and walking through the snow, Namu is great for a weekend date....
UPDATE: King David's is moving upstairs from its previous location, now residing above Chipotle. The restaurant plans to reopen in September 2011.
King David’s is as synonymous with Middle Eastern cuisine as it gets in Syracuse. The original restaurant is tucked away among the hustle and bustle of Marshal Street near the SU campus, but it offers a drastic alternative to what else is in the...
AppeThaizing
Thai/ Southeast Asian Cuisine
AppeThaizing has been providing the University Hill community with a Southeastern Asian alternative to the pizza and subs of Marshall Street since it opened in 2006. The cleverly worded restaurant often grabs students walking through Campus Plaza, on their way to the post office, or at night, Chuck’s. While the name inevitably shows up in the...
You can smell the spices, tandoori baked breads and savory, coconut curry sauce three floors down from Samrat's. The 17-year-old family-owned Indian restaurant serves authentic Indian cuisine seven days a week. Its quaint 15-table dining room is ideal for rich, spicy flavors on a cold Syracuse day.
When to go: Make a lunch date to visit Samrat's buffet Monday-Sunday 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. At...
Gladiator paintings and ancient sculptures decorate the walls. The aroma of Greek dressing lingers in the air. Two men speak in low tones at the bar in Greek accents.
Just one step into this small restaurant, and you instantly feel as if you’ve been transported to the Mediterranean. The restaurant is not in the bustling streets of Athens or the spectacular cliffs of Santorini, but instead is...
Update: Southern Flava has closed.
The food inside Southern Flava is as homemade as the sign outside, and it's that homemade aspect that keeps the customers coming. This downtown takeout restaurant has something for everyone. Owner Amie Noel brought a little bit of the Alabama sunshine with her when she came to Syracuse. “Ms. Amie,” as she is known to her regulars, has been warming...
Falafels. Chicken Kabobs. Gyros. Turkish Coffee. Next time a slice of pizza or sub fails to excite your appetite, look no further than Byblos Mediterranean Café in downtown Syracuse. Serving a wide variety of homemade Lebanese cuisine, this family-run business offers an exotic and ethnic twist for your culinary consumption. Vegetarians will love Byblos for its abundance of meat-free meals, but...
In the mood for a truly savory salad? At Acropolis, they leave the boring boxed-up salads to McDonald’s. It’s nothing but fork-fulls of fresh lettuce leafs tossed with dices of ripe tomato, sprinkles of feta cheese, and homemade Greek dressing here. Heck, if you’re feeling adventurous, they’ll even top it off with steamy slices of freshly-grilled chicken. At Acropolis, you’re guaranteed fresh...
A diamond in the rough, New Garden hides Asian culinary treasures behind its plain exterior. Located in the heart of the University Neighborhood, it offers affordable Chinese grub to hungry students. Its intimate, yet basic setting may be the opposite of the elaborate buildings of the ancient Chinese imperial dynasties. However, the dishes will indulge your taste buds with flavors that General...
If you are searching for mouthwatering food, cheap prices and a cozy place to eat, look no further than Mom's Diner. Almost hidden in plain view on Westcott Street, Mom's Diner serves traditional diner grub, while mixing in some Middle Eastern flair.
When to Go: Mom's Diner isn't exactly your 24-hour diner dive. During the week, you can eat at Mom's Diner from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and on the...
In June 2010, Laci's Tapas Bar became the first Tapas restaurant in the Syracuse area. Tapas cuisine is inherently Spanish and is usually an assortment of smaller dishes sometimes meant for sharing. The bar's location is a bit isolated from downtown. But Laci's has become so popular to customers, it's rare to get a table on its busiest days. Reservations are recommended.
When to Go: The...
Don't let the Italian name fool you, the Dolce Vita World Bistro, which means the "beautiful life," is not just Italian. It's the entire world, served up on a plate. Here, you will see everything from European to Asian to American, depending on when you come in. After a favorable review in The Post-Standard, Dolce Vita made its mark in Syracuse as a place for foodies whose pastimes include eating...