Eat
Places to visit eat in the Hudson Valley
Champetre
In the quaint township of Pine Plains, where the landscapes whisper tales of bygone eras, Champetre stands as a culinary beacon. Here, the seasons dictate the menu, offering a tapestry of flavors that celebrate local bounty with a touch of French finesse. Imagine a place where the dishes are as artful as the surrounding countryside.
Champetre is more than just a dining spot; it is an experience that engages all your senses. Each plate is a narrative of the region's treasures, meticulously crafted to showcase the harmony between nature and gastronomy. This is where Hudson Valley's spirit is distilled into edible artistry, making every meal a memorable chapter in your culinary journey.
Chleo
Chleo is a cozy and refined wine bar in Kingston’s historic Stockade District, created by culinary veterans Hope Troup Mathews and Charles Mathews. Housed in a beautifully reimagined space designed by Brooklyn’s Islyn Studio, Chleo blends rustic elegance with a laid-back atmosphere, inviting guests to gather over small plates, natural wines, and thoughtfully sourced ingredients. The experience is rooted in simplicity and community—no reservations, just walk in, find a seat, and stay as long as you like. With an open kitchen centered around a wood-fired grill, guests are part of the action, whether seated at the bar or a nearby table.
Described by its founders as a "culinary clubhouse," Chleo reflects the couple’s deep love for the wine bar format—offering a constantly evolving menu of vegetable-forward small plates, housemade pastas, and inventive proteins, all prepared with fine-dining technique and fire-kissed flair. Highlights might include grilled short rib with mushroom duxelles or bolognese bianco with aged gouda and honey. The drinks list leans natural, but playful, featuring everything from Chianti to small-batch vermouth and sherry. With seating for just 30 guests and an open, inviting layout, Chleo is both an everyday haunt and a special occasion destination—a modern neighborhood gem shaped by culinary craft and genuine hospitality.
Clay
Clay, the signature restaurant at Wildflower Farms in Gardiner, brings the property’s farm-driven philosophy to life with a kitchen that’s both grounded and imaginative. Serving breakfast through dinner, the menu leans into rustic New American cooking shaped by the seasons—vegetables grown onsite in the estate’s clay-rich soils take center stage, supported by thoughtfully sourced meats and seafood. The result is cuisine that feels deeply connected to the land, yet elevated by global techniques and a spirit of culinary curiosity. Wines are chosen with equal intention, highlighting producers who prioritize farming practices, while cocktails rely on infusions and botanicals drawn straight from the surrounding gardens.
The atmosphere of Clay matches the ambition of its menu. Warm woods, soaring beams, and fireside glow give the restaurant the feel of a refined mountain lodge, complete with an open kitchen and unexpected touches—like living trees rising toward the rafters. Whether you’re settling in for a multi-course dinner or stopping by for brunch and a cinnamon roll that locals swear ruins all others, the experience balances luxury with a sense of place. Dishes range from comforting classics to inventive signatures like the “Hen in Clay,” a nod to the soil that inspired the restaurant’s name, and standout small plates that showcase the kitchen at its most expressive.
While Clay has garnered national attention—and the pricing that often accompanies ultra-luxury hospitality—it remains rooted in the Hudson Valley’s agricultural traditions. For guests and locals alike, the restaurant offers a chance to explore the region’s bounty through a lens of craftsmanship, storytelling, and genuine reverence for the land. Paired with the scenic backdrop of Wildflower Farms and the inviting Great Porch just steps away, Clay delivers an experience that feels both indulgent and deeply connected to its surroundings.
Club Sandwich
Discover the charm of Club Sandwich, a sandwich forward café and market that has quickly become a community cornerstone of Tivoli. Known for its tantalizing menu that plays with classic and creative flavors, it's a place where breakfast and lunch share the stage as equal delights. From the humble breakfast sammy with its perfect combination of egg, cheddar, and spicy ketchup, to the indulgent layers of the signature Club Club sandwich, every bite promises comfort with a twist.
Club Sandwich stands as a testament to the vision of hospitality veteran Anna Morris and ice cream innovator Lisa Farjam (of nearby Fortunes Ice Cream), who turned their passion for sandwiches and community into a tangible experience. The atmosphere welcomes you to linger, whether enjoying your meal inside, on their sunny patio, or grabbing a bite to go. Adding to the experience is an enticing market section, where you can stock up on local provisions and gourmet essentials, making it easy to transform a casual visit into a culinary adventure.
Beyond the plates, Club Sandwich serves up a complement of beer, wine, and coffee that ensures a well-rounded visit every time. Future plans to host pop-up dinners and events hint at the dynamic role this spot is poised to play in Tivoli’s social scene. Whether you’re a local or a curious traveler drawn by the allure of farm-fresh ingredients and innovative dishes, Club Sandwich invites you to taste what makes Tivoli special — one delightful sandwich at a time.
Cucina
Nestled in the scenic town of Woodstock, Cucina offers a unique blend of rustic elegance and contemporary cuisine. Set in a beautifully restored farmhouse, this Hudson Valley gem invites guests to experience the warmth of an Italian kitchen with a modern twist. The menu showcases locally-sourced ingredients, reflecting the rich agricultural bounty of the region. From homemade pastas to wood-fired pizzas, every dish is a testament to the culinary passion and creativity that define Cucina.
Whether you're enjoying a cozy dinner by the fireplace or a leisurely lunch on the porch overlooking the lush gardens, Cucina provides an unforgettable dining experience. The welcoming atmosphere, complemented by attentive service, makes it a favorite among both locals and visitors. As you explore the vibrant arts and music scene of Woodstock, make sure to indulge in the delightful offerings of Cucina, where every meal is a celebration of flavor and community.
Cups Coffee
This rural roadside cafe offers a quaint retreat into the world of artisanal coffee and freshly baked goods. Whether you’re in search of a swift espresso shot to fuel your busy morning or a leisurely afternoon latte paired with good conversation, Cups provides a cozy atmosphere where you can feel right at home.
Dandies
Experience culinary creativity at Dandies, an all-day dining marvel set within a striking glasshouse in Windham, NY. This eatery, a part of the reimagined Eastwind Hotel, redefines casual meals with a unique blend of contemporary design and rustic charm. Guests are invited to delight in a menu crafted with care by Daniel Cipriani, a visionary behind Eastwind's gastronomic ventures. From hearty breakfasts to delectable BBQ classics, Dandies promises a feast for all senses against the breathtaking backdrop of the Catskills.
Dandies shines not only through its food but also its avant-garde beverage offerings. Collaborations with local craft breweries like Evil Twin Brewing have birthed exclusive creations such as ‘A Little Bit Fancy’ pilsner, embodying the spirit of the locale. Round off your meal with a sweet indulgence, perhaps a gelato or a beer float, which reflects Dandies' playful sophistication and commitment to curated flavors.
Dandies offers a community hub where conversations flow as naturally as the coffee with its carousel fireplace and a seasonal biergarten. Embrace the Eastwind spirit of comfort and innovation as you unwind in this harmonious setting that encourages togetherness and leisure. The doors are always open, inviting you to taste, linger, and relive the delights of Windham.
Eliza
Located in a historic Midtown Kingston building, Eliza Bistro is a European-influenced eatery offering seasonal, farm-friendly fare in a beautifully designed space. Created by the team behind Ollie's Pizza, the bistro is helmed by Innis Lawrence, Sophie Peltzer-Rollo, and Ilan Bachrach, with a menu crafted by Chef Chris Bradley, a Gramercy Tavern alum. With a focus on fresh, local ingredients and a commitment to sustainability, the menu features house-made bread, charcuterie, fresh pasta, and shareable plates, complemented by a curated wine selection from Kingston Wine Co.'s Katie Morton.
Eliza's striking interior blends Parisian grandeur with vintage charm, featuring a 20-seat cherrywood bar, an open kitchen with a wood-burning hearth, and curated antiques that create a warm, lived-in ambiance. Designed with a passion for history and craftsmanship, the space offers both elegance and comfort, making it an inviting destination for everything from casual bites to celebratory dinners. With thoughtful cuisine, a carefully curated wine list, and a welcoming atmosphere, Eliza Bistro is a standout addition to Kingston's dining scene.
Photography by: Josh Goleman
Eng’s Restaurant
In the heart of Kingston, Eng’s Restaurant stands as a testament to resilience and history, drawing diners into a journey that began in 1927. This storied establishment, founded by Jimmi Eng, was Kingston's inaugural Chinese restaurant, opening its doors during the challenging times of the Great Depression. Today, with nearly a century under its belt, Eng’s continues to thrive under the stewardship of Tom and Faye Sit, who honor its rich legacy and community roots.
The well-worn space on Broadway hums with stories of past and present patrons, and the aroma of Szechuan and Cantonese cuisine fills the air like a bridge connecting generations. Classics like chicken chow mein and Singapore chow mei fun share the menu with hidden gems deserving of discovery. Eng’s doesn’t just serve meals; it serves history on a plate, alongside signature tropical drinks that turn every meal into a festive escape.
Beyond the food, Eng’s represents a gateway to dreams – a significant opportunity for Tom Sit, a former refugee and now a vibrant figure in the Hudson Valley. The restaurant is a place where every bite carries a story of endurance and passion. Having made its mark on pop culture with a cameo on Apple TV’s 'Severance', Eng’s keeps its spotlight shining, inviting all who enter to be part of its enduring narrative.
Fantzye Bagels
Fantzye Bagels in Kingston brings a distinctive sourdough twist to a beloved staple, all rooted in founder Elana Carlson’s winding journey from Martha’s Vineyard to the Hudson Valley. What started as a pandemic-era bagel kit pickup evolved into a wildly popular series of pop-ups and a food-trailer operation that drew long lines and local acclaim. When kitchen access grew scarce and housing challenges shook the Vineyard’s seasonal food industry, Carlson set her sights on building something more permanent. After months of searching, she found it: a quirky triangular brick building on Hasbrouck Avenue, soon to become Fantzye’s brick-and-mortar home.
Inside, Fantzye reflects that same mix of creativity, rigor, and community-mindedness. Bagels are hand-shaped, naturally leavened, and finished with a traditional boil-and-bake approach that keeps the crust crisp and the interior tangy and chewy. The menu leans on local farms and changes with the seasons—think rotating vegetable schmears, inventive breakfast sandwiches, lion’s mane mushrooms from Sugarshack, and lemon-caper lox served open-faced. Parlor espresso, teas, and seasonal drinks round out the offerings, making the shop as much a neighborhood café as it is a bagel destination.
Every detail inside the space was chosen with care—from warm Scandinavian-inspired finishes to locally fabricated woodwork and textiles—giving Fantzye a welcoming, lived-in charm that regulars rave about. Carlson’s hands-on approach, from selecting tiles to hand-sewing curtains, mirrors the commitment she brings to her food. Today, Fantzye is not just a place to grab a stellar sourdough bagel; it’s the product of years of experimentation, hustle, and heart, now firmly rooted in Kingston’s growing culinary landscape.
Feast & Floret
In the heart of Hudson, Feast & Floret captures the essence of the Hudson Valley's vibrant culinary scene. This charming eatery offers a delightful fusion of locally-sourced ingredients and Italian cuisine, served in an exquisite setting that reflects the region's natural beauty.
Feast & Floret prides itself on its commitment to sustainability and community, featuring farm-to-table dishes that highlight the bounty of the Hudson Valley. Whether you're indulging in their signature pasta dishes or savoring a perfectly crafted cocktail, each visit promises a memorable journey for the senses. With its warm ambiance and dedication to quality, Feast & Floret is an essential stop for food enthusiasts exploring the rich tapestry of tastes in the area.
Fellow Mountain Cafe
Amidst the winds of the Catskills, Fellow Mountain Cafe emerges as a haven for those seeking culinary authenticity. This isn't just a place to eat; it's a confluence of community and creativity, where the art of food is celebrated with every dish. With a commitment to local ingredients, the cafe crafts meals that resonate with the rich tapestry of Hudson Valley's bounty. Each plate tells a story, weaving together traditional flavors with innovative flair, offering something truly special for every palate.
Fellow Mountain Cafe's atmosphere mirrors the soul of Hunter, NY‚ it's blend of rustic charm and modern comfort. The warm, welcoming space invites both locals and travelers to linger over a thoughtfully brewed coffee or a locally inspired dish. With its ever-changing menu, Fellow Mountain Cafe not only adapts to the seasons but thrives on them, ensuring every visit is a fresh experience. Whether you're descending from a day of mountain adventures or seeking solace in the quiet of the valley, this cafe offers a culinary escape like no other.
Fermata Cafe & Roastery
Fermata Cafe & Roastery is a new cafe and coffee roastery located on Route 9W in Marlboro, NY. This establishment offers a menu centered around craft coffee, espresso, and tea, incorporating Italian coffee culture with local Hudson Valley flavors. Fermata emphasizes the use of local products, showcasing regional makers both on its menu and market shelves. The cafe is designed to provide a space for the community to pause and reconnect, with an ADA accessible entrance available through the back patio on King Street.
Fern
At Fern, each dish is a vibrant chapter in the story of Hudson Valley's bountiful produce. Surrounded by expansive windows that frame the changing seasons, diners here become part of a living tableau, where the boundaries between inside and outside blur. Every moment at Fern is a celebration of the region‚ it's canvas painted with flavors and colors that echo the landscape.
The menu at Fern is a dynamic fusion of texture and taste, crafted with an unwavering commitment to local ingredients. Savor the intimacy of a place where chefs are storytellers, weaving tales through plates that honor the richness of the valley. Whether it's a robust mushroom risotto adorned with delicate forest greens or a dessert that whispers of orchard fruits, each bite is a discovery, a connection to the land. Fern invites you not just to dine, but to experience an edible dialogue with Hudson Valley itself.
Flying Goose Tavern
In the heart of Kerhonkson, Flying Goose Tavern is a neighborhood bar that celebrates the evolving character of this Hudson Valley hamlet. The tavern takes its name from the Lenape translation of “Kerhonkson” — Flying Goose — a nod to the area’s deep local roots. Designed as both a welcoming hangout and a bridge between old and new residents, the tavern offers hand-crafted cocktails, local beers, and an approachable wine list, all served in an inviting space that evokes the timeless feel of a classic pub. Inside, warm hunter-green beadboard walls, a soft white oak bar, and a hand-painted mural celebrating Kerhonkson’s history create an atmosphere that feels like it’s “always been here.”
More than a bar, Flying Goose serves as a gathering place — a modern-day town square where families, friends, and newcomers can connect over good drinks and good company. The menu, curated with care, includes everything from a $4 Montucky Cold Snack to well-crafted classics like martinis and old fashioneds, plus rotating wines on tap and by the glass. Pop-up food offerings, such as Southeast Asian street fare from Eat Church, add to the dynamic, community-driven spirit. In the warmer months, the action moves outdoors to the backyard along the Rondout Creek, where native plantings, games, and picnic tables make it a natural extension of the tavern’s hospitality.
With its blend of history, inclusivity, and small-town charm, Flying Goose Tavern embodies the best of Kerhonkson’s next chapter — a place where everyone is welcome, conversation flows as easily as the beer, and community comes first.
Fortunes Ice Cream
Fortunes Ice Cream in Tivoli, New York, is a small-town scoop shop with big-city creativity at its core. Opened in 2019 by Bard College alumni Brian Ackley and Lisa Farjam, the shop was born from the couple’s love of entertaining and Brian’s talent for crafting inventive desserts. After years in Brooklyn, the couple moved to Tivoli and seized the opportunity to create the ice cream shop they dreamed of. The result is Fortunes, an inviting, sun-filled space on Tivoli's Broadway, where locals and visitors alike gather to enjoy fresh, seasonal, and locally made ice cream.
What makes Fortunes stand out is its commitment to quality and creativity. Brian makes all the ice cream himself, sourcing dairy from Ronnybrook Farm and fruit from nearby Hudson Valley orchards like Montgomery Place and Rose Hill. Seasonal flavors – such as labneh sour cherry, rosewater pistachio, or apricot – rotate alongside classics like vanilla, chocolate, and mint chip. The shop also offers thoughtful vegan options, including a dark chocolate and honeycomb made with tahini and oat milk. With bold flavors and exacting craftsmanship, Fortunes has quickly gained a reputation as one of the best ice cream shops in the Northeast, even earning recognition from Food & Wine as the best in New York.
Occupying an old barn, this bright, plant-filled Hudson Valley ice cream shop is as much a community hub as it is a place for dessert, embodying the couple’s belief in bringing people together. Named for “Fortune,” a beloved Tivoli character remembered for his eccentric charm, the shop carries forward that same spirit of warmth and gathering. For Brian and Lisa, opening Fortunes was their own stroke of luck—a chance to share the joy of fresh, beautifully made ice cream with their neighbors in a town they love.
Foxfire Bar Room & Restaurant
Nestled on ten serene acres between Woodstock and Phoenicia, Foxfire Mountain House and its Bar Room & Restaurant blend rustic Catskills charm with an adventurous, globally inspired menu. Inside the century-old inn, guests gather by the fire or on the veranda for a relaxed, intimate dining experience that feels both timeless and transportive.
Helmed by Executive Chef Rob Escalante, the menu celebrates seasonality and local bounty through dishes like Fried Squid with yuzu kosho cocktail sauce, Steamed Mussels in aleppo butter and white wine, and Roasted Duck with farro, porcini, and morello cherries. Mains range from comforting Spaghetti alla Zozzona to an Iberian Pork Chop with braised lentils and chimichurri, while desserts such as Sticky Toffee Pudding with crème fraîche and Chocolate Sesame Tart with cherry miso ice cream end the evening on an indulgent note.
The Foxfire Bar Room features handcrafted cocktails like the Maple Old Fashioned and Spicy Pomegranate Mezcal Margarita, complemented by a curated wine list and a thoughtful selection of New York craft beers and whiskies. With its mix of vintage warmth, refined hospitality, and woodland beauty, Foxfire offers an experience that’s as much about community and craft as it is about the magic of dining in the Catskills.
GioBatta Alimentari
GioBatta Alimentari is where the old-world charm of an Italian eatery meets the charming river hamlet of Tivoli. GioBatta Alimentari isn't just a place to eat; it's a narrative woven through flavors and aromas by Chef Francesco Buitoni that tell stories of Italy's rustic kitchens and New York's bounty. Each dish is a poetic nod to tradition, crafted with locally sourced ingredients that speak of the land from which they come.
At GioBatta Alimentari you'll find not just a meal but an experience‚ it's symphony of Italian craftsmanship and Hudson Valley freshness. With shelves lined with artisanal pasta and jars of vibrant sauces, the ambiance invites you to explore, taste, and take a piece of this culinary art home. Whether you're feasting on their robust tagliatelle or sipping a perfectly brewed espresso, every bite and sip encapsulates a journey through time and space, bridging continents and cultures in a single, exquisite dining experience.
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