Restaurants are always coming and going. One day you have a new favorite and the next it’s gone! I’m a huge supporter of local businesses and much prefer them over chains. So check out this list of new restaurants in Syracuse and let me know which is your new favorite!

Please note that this is not the list of every new restaurant in Syracuse as there are too many to mention! But these are the ones where I’ve had great experiences and many times got to speak with an owner to learn more about it. This way I can provide you with the best information.

“People who love to eat are always the best people”

– Julia Child

Address: 123 East Jefferson Street, SYRACUSE

Hours: Open Monday – Saturday, 11am – 8pm

Opened: April 2019

What makes them unique? Made famous in Rochester, The Brine Well showcases a regional take on the “garbage plate.” What’s a garbage plate? It’s a mixture of all you food – potatoes, meat, sauce, etc. piled on top of each other. Basically not something for people who don’t like their food to touch, but delicious for the rest of us.

Brine Well is a participating restaurant on the Eat Local CNY card. That means that every time you spend $25 or more, you get $5 OFF!

Address: 7 Syracuse Street, BALDWINSVILLE

Hours: Open Tuesday – Friday, 11am – 1pm & 4 – 10pm, Saturday 12 – 11pm, Sunday 10am – 2pm

Opened: mid-2018

What makes them unique? There are two menus incorporated into one to showcase the evolution of a chef. One side of the menu has more comfort foods with familiar ingredients while the other side features more complex dishes.

To be fair, this is not the most budget-friendly dinner you’ll have in town. But on that one day you want to splurge for a birthday or anniversary, this should be your first choice. From the exquisitely thought-out menu to the clever craft cocktails (mine smoked and bubbled from dry ice), it’s a splurge you won’t regret.







The Chef & The Cook is a participating restaurant on the Eat Local CNY card. That means that every time you spend $25 or more, you get $5 OFF!

Address: 300 S State Street, SYRACUSE

Hours: Open weekdays 6:30 am – 3 pm; but on Saturdays you can find their donuts at the farmers’ market!

Opened: April 2019

What makes them unique? Jail Hoss is owned by the “Hoss” himself – Rich Lickfield – who has owned several restaurants in town prior to this one.

You may recognize the donuts at Jail Hoss from their previous name and location – Regional Donut Authority in Liverpool. RDA was the first in the trend of gourmet donut shops to open in Syracuse. The donuts are still available at the cafe, as well as for custom orders and at the farmer’s market on Saturdays.

I met with Rich to learn the story…

Rich has always had a passion for feeding people good food – and without charging them a fortune. Before the donut shop, he also owned a pizza shop in Cicero specializing in authentic NYC style pizza. Now that he’s located downtown, in the heart of the business district, he focuses on the breakfast and lunch crowd amidst work. The donuts are still available! In addition, Jail Hoss offers donuts – boiled and then baked on wooden planks (the way they should be!). There are daily specials that are constantly changing, flavored coffees and milkshakes, and even discounts for those who serve.

Address: 218 Walton Street, SYRACUSE

Hours: Open Mondays-Thursdays 11am – 9pm, Fridays 11am – 3am & Saturdays 4pm – 3am

Opened: November 2018

What makes them unique? They make their ramen noodles from a machine imported from Japan. There are less than 300 of these machines in the world! And as someone who has eaten ramen in Japan, this is the real deal.

My “usual”: The pork katsu ramen – be warned, it’s spicy!

I talked to Kyle to learn the story…

You wouldn’t expect a former drummer to run an authentic Japanese ramen restaurant, but that’s exactly what Kyle does. He’s always had a passion for all things Japanese, and he realized that Syracuse needed a place to get real ramen. So, he’s been studying with Japanese chefs for several years to learn how to master the art of ramen. His noodle machine creates noodles that taste like they came from Tokyo, and he mixes traditional and modern flavors into his dishes.

Kasai Ramen is a participating restaurant on the Eat Local CNY card. That means that every time you spend $25 or more, you get $5 OFF!

Address: 321 S Salina Street, SYRACUSE

Hours: Open Monday – Friday, 11am – 10pm, Saturday & Sunday 11am – 3pm & 4 – 10pm

Opened: mid-2018

What makes them unique? Oh My Darling is reminiscent of a café from the south, designed by Joanna Gaines, that has been transplanted to Salina Street. The atmosphere is absolutely adorable, and the food lives up to its decor. The menu is creative and delicious. A gorgeous new spot right across the street from the Landmark Theatre, so perfect for a night out.

My “usual”: The hot honey fried chicken for dinner or the lemon ricotta pancakes for brunch.

Oh My Darling is a participating restaurant on the Eat Local CNY card. That means that every time you spend $25 or more, you get $5 OFF!

Address: 2727 James Street, SYRACUSE

Hours: Open daily 11am – 2:30pm & 4:30 – 9pm

Opened: May 2019

What makes them unique? They specialize in authentic and traditional middle eastern food from family recipes passed down over several generations.

I was lucky enough to try some Nabki Harissa, a special dessert originating from the small Syrian town of Nabek. Made from semolina and pistachio (like all good Middle Eastern desserts!), harissa is sweet and satisfying. Visiting Sinbad’s definitely made me reminisce about my time in UAE!

I sat down with Assad to learn the story…

Assad was born in Syria and later lived in Dubai. He was surrounded by the restaurant life since he was a child. His father taught him how to cook the traditional food of their family, as generations had done before. Assad moved to Syracuse in June 2016 with a dream of bringing authentic Middle Eastern food to the community. His customers rave that it’s the best they’ve ever had! Sinbad’s also employs several members of the refugee community in Syracuse, many of whom are learning the restaurant business or getting their first jobs. The dining experience is fantastic, and Assad reviews every single plate before it is served to the customer.

Address: 109 Fayette Street, MANLIUS

Hours: Open Monday – Friday, 11am – 2pm

Opened: July 2019

What makes them unique? The owner and chef, Jim Harris, has been operating The Snortin Boar for several years as a food trailer serving barbecue at various events. He’s recently decided to rebrand as a burger joint and is currently operating out of the Manlius American Legion. While the hours and atmosphere aren’t ideal, the food is SO GOOD. The menu contains a variety of creatively crafted burgers – with fun names as well! I couldn’t help myself, so I went for the “You Down with OPB?” topped with peanut butter and jelly. (Don’t mock it ’til you’ve tried it because damn, it’s good.) The other options include lamb gyro burger, the “Biefer Sutherland”, and the “Texas Chainsaw Massa-Curd.”







Address: 7789 Brewerton Road, CICERO

Hours: Open Sundays til 8, Mondays-Thursdays til 9, Fridays & Saturdays til 10

Opened: November 2018

What makes them unique? Owned and operated by two couples who weren’t in the restaurant business, Vicino’s serves amazing food from recipes passed down over several generations.

My “usual”: The prosciutto & arugula wood-fired pizza. It’s topped with a balsamic glaze and it is AMAZING! On Mondays though I get the award-winning meatballs because they are the best meatballs I’ve ever eaten and Mondays are Meatball Madness – so all meatball dishes are $3 off!

I chatted with Kathi to learn the story…

“Vicinos” means “neighbors” in Italian. So… why neighbors? Well, Vicino’s is owned by two couples who have lived across the street from each other for 20 years. They brainstormed opening a restaurant over campfires at Brennan’s Beach, and brought that dream to reality. In their first year, Vicino’s has already been voted the best meatball in Syracuse. Their menu offers a mix of traditional Italian with some modern flare, including gluten-free and vegetarian options.

Vicino’s is a participating restaurant on the Eat Local CNY card. That means that every time you spend $25 or more, you get $5 OFF!

Address: 713 East Fayette Street, SYRACUSE

Hours: Open Tuesday – Thursday 11:30am – 10pm, Friday 11:30am – 11pm, & Saturday 11am – 11pm

Opened: November 2018

What makes them unique? Delicious unique tacos with fresh ingredients and great for happy hour!

My “usual”: The macho fries – like nachos, but all the toppings are on homemade fries and they are amazing!

New Restaurants in Syracuse – What’s Your Favorite?

I’d love to hear which new restaurant in Syracuse is your favorite and what your usual order is! Do they have something special on their menu?

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