From scrumptious seafood to fresh appetizers and bar favorites, these Best of Hudson Valley winners are a great choice for your next outing.
It’s official: the Best of Hudson Valley winners for 2023 are here. In the comprehensive spread compiled by our sister publication Hudson Valley magazine, there are so many standouts in the food and drink sector. If dinner and formal dining are what you seek, check out these five Dutchess County hotspots, which offer top-tier food and drinks. For the complete list of Best of Hudson Valley food and drink winners, including even more top picks in Dutchess County, check out Hudson Valley magazine’s website.
Best Dutchess County Restaurant
It is only appropriate for us to start with the winner of Best Dutchess County Restaurant. This year, that title goes to Il Figlio Enoteca in Fishkill. With an extensive Italian lunch and dinner menu, Il Figlio Enoteca is a delicious spot in the Hudson Valley. Start your meal with antipasti, with dishes such as shrimp, mussels, burrata caprese, octopus, and, of course, antipasto for two. For some greens, order the frisee or beet salad. For your first dish, enjoy spaghetti, gnocchi, risotto, or fusilli giganti. When it’s time for the main course, dig into pork chops, salmon, duck breast, or veal Milanese. Side dishes include sauteed baby spinach, broccoli rabe, and fingerling potatoes. And don’t forget dessert! Highlights include bread pudding, chocolate almond tart, and gelato or sorbet.
Best Bar Food
Melzingah Tap House in Beacon took home the title for best bar food, and it is easy to see why. Dive into elevated pub fare, which includes an extensive brunch, lunch, and dinner menu. Enjoy your favorite local beer with lunch options such as the spread trio (lemon hummus, yogurt and cucumber, and whipped feta, served with grilled pita), Beacon burger, shrimp po-boy, or steak sandwich. Dinner brings different flavors to the table, with starters such as the spicy tuna crispy rice and fried artichokes. For an entrée, enjoy chicken and dumplings, garganelli and sausage ragu, mussels and sausage, or steak tagliata. Brunch is served Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and spotlights delicious dishes such as cinnamon sugar French toast, smoked salmon flatbread, steak and eggs, warm Brussels sprout salad, and kale and mango salad.
Best Farm-to-Table Restaurant
The Best of Hudson Valley winner in this category was Farm to Table Bistro, located in Fishkill. Offering “casual fine dining,” Farm to Table Bistro has a raw bar, small plates, large plates, handhelds, and cocktails. Unique and fruity-flavored cocktails include the housemade sangria, pomegranate martini, and planters punch. This Dutchess County eatery is ideal for small plates and sharables, with options such as crispy fried calamari, escargot, and grilled portobello napoleon. When it’s time for something more substantial, the sushi-grade ahi tuna poke bowl, steak frites, traditional pan-fried pork schnitzel, and mezza rigatoni are delicious dishes on the large plate menu. And if you’re in the mood for a handheld, the pastrami Reuben sandwich and the all-natural breast of turkey wraps are not to be missed. Last but certainly not least, desserts to try are the red velvet cake, vanilla bean crème brulee, and warm apple croustade.
Best French Cuisine
Le Petit Bistro in Rhinebeck won Best French Cuisine in the Hudson Valley. On the menu, there are so many fresh appetizers, such as the watermelon and feta salad, oysters on the half shell, and smoked salmon. Entrees are sure to delight with seared scallops, grilled swordfish, seared duck breast a l’orange, and rack of lamb (menu subject to change). Complete your meal with beer on tap, cask wine by the glass, a Provence sour, or a ginger islander. Also keep an eye out for brunch offerings, which may include delicious pastries and traditional French-inspired dishes.
Best Hotel Restaurant
The Tavern at The Beekman Arms
The Tavern at The Beekman Arms offers great lunch and dinner options to make you feel right at home. For lunch, enjoy a selection of sandwiches such as the Tavern burger, Saratoga club (which includes smoked chicken and bacon), and turkey panini. Entrees include Dutch-style turkey pot pie, roasted salmon, and macaroni and cheese. For dinner, diners adore dishes like chicken parmigiana, filet mignon, braised lamb shank, and slow-roasted prime rib (available Friday and Saturday while supplies last). If you need some veggies to go with your meal, the Beekman Caesar and wedge salad are scrumptious options. For a quick bite, check out the bar menu with parmesan truffle fries, loaded kettle chips (melted cheddar, bacon, tomatoes, scallions, and sour cream), or fried mozzarella.
Related: Hudson Valley Food Hall Is a Mecca for Foodies in Beacon
