4 Best Restaurants in The Finger Lakes, New York

Five beers—two lagers, and a red, pale, and dark ale—are brewed on-site throughout the year. Each season brings one or two specialty brews. The kitchen incorporates Thai, Southwestern, Mexican, Caribbean, and Italian influences, among others, in dishes such as pork osso buco, Jamaican jerk chicken, a salmon fillet glazed with the brewery's D'Artagnan ale, coconut-battered shrimp appetizer. Sandwiches and burgers are also available. Beer suggestions accompany entrée descriptions.

Overlooking the water about 3 mi south of Geneva, this casual eatery serves eclectic fare. The chef prepares fresh-cut fish and steak specials daily, in addition to a regular menu that moves from Indian to Mexican in dishes like tandoori chicken in an almond-onion curry and house-smoked spareribs with honey corn bread. Finger Lakes wines accompany your meal, and the staff is trained in wine pairing. Nachos, calamari, and other small plates are always available. Reservations are essential in summer, especially around sunset.

Spanish-style appetizers and entrées draw from Latin and European roots, as does the music and decor, at this below-street-level restaurant. The decor, with candlelight, brick arches, and curtained-off cubbyhole seating is Morocco-meets-Paris, and the menu, which changes weekly, highlights seafood, with options for vegetarians well as carnivores. You might choose from chicken empanadas or Thai-glazed barbecued ribs (on the tapas menu) or wasabi-pea-encrusted tuna or guava-chipotle beef fillet (among the main dishes). A full martini menu includes chocolate, melon, lemon, and orange varieties. The specialty dessert—bananas wrapped in a fried, cinnamon-and-sugar-covered tortilla—is always available.

Burgers made with locally produced beef are piled with bacon and blue cheese; vegetarian entrées (like soy-based "ribs" with barbecue sauce) are plentiful, wines and brews are local, and coffee is fair-trade and organic at this casual restaurant near the entrance of Watkins Glen State Park. Oak, brass, and stained glass accent the interior. Also available: jambalaya, soy-sauce-marinated sirloin over soba noodles, plus soups, salads, and pizzas.