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14 Italian Restaurants in Albany County, New York

From local favorites exuding old school charm, to trendy new eateries specializing in twists on the classics, Albany County boasts dozens of Italian restaurants.

Located across Albany County from Colonie, to Guilderland, to downtown Albany, to Cohoes, there are a wide variety to choose from that all serve up unforgettable cuisine. Scroll on a round-up of Italian restaurants in Albany, New York to add to your dining bucket list. Buon Appetito! 

Rosanna's

Rosanna's is the newest restaurant to debut in Albany's historic Center Square neighborhood. The Italian eatery's name pays tribute to its beloved predecessor Bongiorno's and its chef/owner Rosanna Bongiorno. Housed in a completely renovated historic building, the Insta-worthy space is complete with a retro-glam vibe. Serving up Old World Italian fare with a modern twist, the menu features homemade pasta, pizza, small plates and more. 

D'Raymonds

Loudonville's legendary D'Raymonds is a local favorite. Established in 1979, the family-run and operated restaurant boasts a 13 year streak for "Best Italian Restaurant" from the Times Union's Best of the Capital Region reader's choice poll. The restaurant's extensive menu features a variety of delicious Italian dishes from pasta, to chicken, to veal, to fish. D'Raymonds is notoriously packed, so reservations are highly recommended.

Cafe Capriccio

Café Capriccio is one of the top places in the Capital Region to dine on authentic Italian cuisine. Inspired by countless trips to Italy, the romantic eatery specializes in house-made pasta, cured meats and cheeses. The restaurant is self-proclaimed as "Albany's Authentic Italian Table" with mouthwatering wood oven pizza and a variety of house-made pasta dishes.

Milano Restaurant

​Located in Latham, Milano has served up authentic Northern Italian cuisine since 1991. The upscale restaurant prides itself on producing all of its pasta and wood-fired pizza from scratch daily. Boasting an award-winning wine list and a menu with dishes comprised of seasonal ingredients, this Italian restaurant is a great spot to catch up with friends or enjoy a romantic date night.

Nicole's Restaurant

Nicole's Restaurant is a Delaware Avenue neighborhood gem specializing in upscale Italian and contemporary American cuisine. The family-owned restaurant's intimate dining room with a 1930's tin ceiling is the perfect spot for a romantic evening. During the summer, the back deck is a secluded oasis from the hustle and bustle of the streets. Dine al fresco and enjoy the Chef's Specials or cool off with a fruity cocktail.

Tesoro Restaurant

Situated on Western Avenue in Guilderland, Tesoro is a family-run Italian restaurant. Opened in 2008 by Italian-born Chef Raffaele Sainato and his sous chef, Abdullah Zinneddine, the restaurant's menu features a wide selection of Italian cuisine. Tesoro means "treasure" and the restaurant strives to demonstrate how much the chefs treasure both the art of cooking and its customers!

Cardona's Market

Cardona's Market, nestled in the Delaware Avenue neighborhood, is celebrating its 75th anniversary. For three generations, the Cardona Family has brought the finest quality Italian products to Albany. Recently, the Italian foods market welcomed Roma Foods Importing Co.’s Latham and Saratoga locations into the Cardona’s Market family. Visit one of the three Cardona's locations for pre-packaged meals to-go, fresh produce, cheese, olives, a variety of jarred specialty products, hot food items and fresh subs from the deli.

Anthony's Italian Restaurant

Anthony's Italian Restaurant might be a newcomer to the restaurant scene in Cohoes, but it is brimming with old school charm. Located on Spindle City's newly revitalized Remsen Street, the Italian restaurant features classic Italian dishes prepared with fresh pasta. Check it out during "Eat In The Street" on Friday nights in the summer or swing by on a Saturday night to enjoy the weekend special.

Valente's Restaurant

Valente's Restaurant has served up classic Italian dishes since 1958 in Watervliet. The menu features many authentic Italian recipes from the family matriarch Nadine Valente, who was born in Silvi Marina, Italy. The family-friendly establishment is legendary in the Capital Region for large portions and delicious dishes. Keep an eye out for Valente's Pasta Sauce (mariana, original and vodka cream) in local Price Choppers and Shop Rites! 

Caffe Italia

Located on Central Avenue, Caffe Italia is an Albany institution. The restaurant's extensive menu features Old World classics crafted from recipes originating in Italy and passed down through the generations. Enjoy delectable entrees such as eggplant parmigiana, chicken marsala, veal scalopini and much more. Cap off the meal with a sweet treat such as Rita's Lemon Ricotta Cheese Cake or Maria's Key Lime Pie.

MezzaNotte Ristorante

Dine on delicious old-school Italian dishes with a modern twist at MezzaNotte. Located on Western Avenue in Guilderland, the menu features pasta dishes such as 'Crazy' Lasagna (free form lasagna with Chef's 3 meat Bolognese), Rabbit Ragu, Gnocchi and more. It's a great spot to enjoy creative spins on Italian favorites.

Villa di Como Ristorante

Villa di Como Ristorante is a new addition to Lark Street, Albany's "Village in the City." The eatery is intimate with charming exposed brick walls and framed black-and-white photographs of Sophia Loren. The menu features a variety of pasta dishes and authentic Italian cuisine, as well as a full-length gourmet pizza menu. Villa di Como serves up 12" personal pies only, made with pizza sauce and mozzarella imported from Italy. Before leaving, pick up a jar of handcrafted, small batch Hot Italian Oil to add some pizzazz to your at-home cooking.

DeMarco’s Restaurant

DeMarco's Restaurant is Colonie landmark. For over 35 years, the go-to neighborhood spot on Central Avenue has served up Italian-American favorites. Stop in to savor pasta dishes, pizza, and entrees such as Chicken Parmigiana or Veal Marsala. Enjoy homemade pasta specials every Wednesday and Thursday.

Cafe Calabria

Family-run Cafe Calabria is located on Western Avenue in Guilderland. The restaurant is dedicated to bringing the flavors of Southern Italy to the Capital Region. The menu features Southern Italian dishes comprised of fresh ingredients, both local and imported.

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Michelle Ancona

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Michelle Ancona
Michelle Ancona is the Content Marketing Manager for Discover Albany. She grew up in Boise, Idaho and moved to the East Coast to attend Marist College. After working at several PR agencies, she joined Discover Albany to follow her passion of showcasing all the wonderful events, experiences and attractions that New York's Capital City has to offer travelers and locals alike!

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