Willows of Utica in Utica

Absolutely the best meal weve had out in a really long time! I was looking for a nicer place to go for date night and when I saw the reviews, I knew we had to try it. Everything was so delicious that I cant wait to go back. Were thinking well work our way through the menu once a month. Our waiter did a tremendous job! He didnt just help make great suggestions, he was thoroughly knowledgeable on the entire menu, and he didnt steer us wrong. He knew the food. The bread was so fresh and obviously baked on premises. Im so glad I didnt skip the butter - even that was delish with a subtle hint of cinnamon sugar. New England Clam Chowder and Bang Bang Shrimp apps were out of this world, and the only reason we tried hard not to eat all of our entrees was to leave room for one of the many homemade desserts. My salmon was cooked on the rare side as I requested to perfection and my husband loved his chicken and greens. The portions were ample and when it was plated and dressed, it wasnt overdone. Great care and pride went into putting these dishes out. The Creme Brulee and Maple Bread Pudding - yummy, yummy, especially the bread pudding!! I was extremely surprised to see the bill because I was expecting it to be much more. Weve certainly wasted a lot more money other times for mediocre food, so this was a really great date night all around, and wound up being quite reasonable.

Best Utica Greens and Chicken Riggies I have ever had. Tried a bit of the eggplant parmesan (which I am normally not a fan ofbut it was delicious! Portions are huge, enough for a 2nd meal! The gentleman working as the host was extremely nice and friendly, as was the bartender who handled our order. Will definitely be back the next time we are in Utica!

Family party. Food was great as usual

never have had salmon done in such subtle flavors with through-cooked but not a fraction more; with reception, ordering, service and well-satisfied others in our party, this was a marvelous reminder that east Utica is awash in fine dining, second to none. wine selection was perfect, martinis hit the spot and 2 dessert for the 4 of us was a perfect combination for a perfect Spring Saturday looking out on Proctor Park.

Compliments to the chef and staff. The decor, service, food and drink are exceptional. This is a fantastic place to celebrate or just enjoy a fine evening. I highly recommend.

Beautiful dinner experience! Food and service were perfect! Our server Ethan was attentive and knowledgeable of everything on the menu. We tried it all! Scallop appetizer, chicken francaise, salmon and the chocolate cream pie! Yum!

I was surprised at how delicious the food was. The food was fresh and the service was superb. Definitely a place you must try

My boyfriend have ate here multiple times and every meal has been perfect. I highly recommend the salmon, especially. Ethan is also a great server and we hope to have him as our server every time. They do fill up quickly, so be sure to make reservations!

There are so many places to have dinner out, but only a few do it all right...nicely decorated, table cloths, attentive waiter(Ethan), quick, efficient and very knowledgeable, waters filled without asking, a unique menu with a nice variety and everything prepared perfectly! This is a place all others should follow!

Dining here was a pleasure from beginning to end. The food was delicious. Our server Ethan was very efficient and polite. We will definitely be back.

Filet was aged , a bit gamey which was odd wouldnt recommend, nice staff and professional

Amazing meal and terrific service from the staff, especially Ethan.The atmosphere was comfortable and we were able to have a great dinner conversation without distractions due to typical restaurant noise. Highly recommend this restaurant!

The food is very good. Love the setting and atmosphere. It is worth it. You cant go wrong. Everything I ordered were very delicious, completely satisfied.

The food here is insanely delicious! The staff is super friendly and attentive! If you are in doubt of what to order, the filet or the risotto never disappoints but my favorite is the chicken lukatelli. There is nothing else like it!

The cocktails were delicious, especially the blueberry mule! The food was delicious and the serving staff were all very helpful and quick despite it being very busy! It was a little loud during the busiest time but it was a nice date night with my husband.

First time to Willows, and it wont be the last. The good was delicious and the servers were awesome. I had the French onion soup and it was the best I have ever had.

This restaurant is absolutely amazing. Food is fresh and delicious. Staff are courteous and very knowledgeable of the menu. I have been there many times and I have never been disappointed. Highly recommended!

I’ve had the pleasure of dining here on 5-6 occasions. Both small and large parties. Food and drinks are always excellent, as well as the staff (Ruth is so kind and thorough)! The chef here has an amazing palate.Definitely recommend to make reservations.

We have been many times to The Willows. This restaurant never disappoints with the service and food. Is always an excellent experience. Highly recommended!

Awesome Dinner. We had greens and French onion soup to start. Seafood Riggies and Veal Franchise for meals. Portions were huge. Very intimate setting. Wait staff was very knowledgeable made excellent recommendations and were very quick to accommodate. Perfect date night when you want something a little fancier.

The brought us bread and butter.. We started with Utica Greens and they were absolutely delicious and plentiful. I recommend to try these. I got the Veal lukatelli. Breaded Veal topped with Utica greens. Absolutely fabulous! My wife got the chicken Riggies and they were good. Place was clean and staff was friendly. I dont live in Utica but if Im back that way I will be stopping again.

Very good - Willows is very comfortable with great service and very good food. It is not nouveau & the portions are large. For a special night out I prefer someplace more contemporary but the Willows is a safer bet for most folks. For example my parents love the Willows and I completely understand why. It is just Utica enough to have some standards on the menu - such as "everything greens" and Italian chicken & veal dishes but it is classic / classy enough to have a well presented filet mignon, rare tuna & a rack of lamb. Please follow me

Went for the first time for my birthday celebration with my family! Service a 10 food a 10👍 everything was cooked perfectly for all in my party. I will be a regular from now on when heading out to dinner.

Had an 11 person private room on 8/13/20. Food was perfect as well as the service! 100% recommend!

First time here with friends and we were very pleased. The seafood dish was a generous portion and everything else did not disappoint.

My wife and I just came home from The Willows we went for our ten year anniversary. We loved it our steaks were cooked perfectly, everything was from my mixed drinks to the salad and homemade bread. If you pick one place to eat make it The Willows!

consistently the best food in the area. i never had a bad meal. i have been there dozens of times over the years since they opened. chef Luke is a great guy and is there every day

Cozy, nicely decorated restaurant serves amazing food. Best Utica greens and chicken riggies in CNY hands down! Also love their bread! The wait staff is friendly and professional. Its an expensive place that charges a little too much for drinks, but you get what you pay for! Perfect restaurant for a special occasion.

Amazing food amazing service! Morgan Traut was a phenomenal waitress who made sure our tables needs were all fulfilled. Great place highly recommended!

Great Service. Great Food. Great people. Great atmosphere. This restaurant is great. Fair prices for the high quality food they cook. Very good waitress and table buster. I really appreciated my meal.

Every element of this dining experience so enjoyable! The service, the atmosphere, the pacing of the meal and most importantly the food all exceptional. I am stil thinking about how delicous eveything was days later (especially the sweets and hots app, what a treat). Highly recommend The Willows, cant wait to go back. Definitely make a reservation, this spot is in high demand.

Hands down, this is the best fine dining experience we have had in our area. Truly a hidden gem-- definitely doesnt get the press that some of the other fine dining places get, but in my opinion it is at the top of the heap-- Im only sad they arent open more evenings, but in a way, that makes it even more special!

Absolutely wonderful and knowledgeable staff. Had the greens for an appetizer, huge portion and tasted great. Splurge for the rack of lamb, you will not regret it. Absolutely wonderful. Staff was very receptive to helping me avoid food allergies.

Just to make sure I had not dreamt my first wonderful experience two months ago, we put the band back together and returned to the Willows mid October. No dream it was another culinary masterpiece. The Osso bucco was perfection paired with a great wine. Menu and wine list are not too extensive that you feel like you are reading War and Peace, but they both cover a discerning palette. Hands down my best dining experience I have had in my travels in many years. Uticans and CNY are fortunate to have a restaurant of this caliber. Many cities much larger, do not.

Been in Utica NY for 3 years and since the renovations its been clean with good service hope it stays that way lets see how long once they start changing employee. Right now 5 stars great to go with your kids

Be prepared for a long dinner, but thats fine dining for you. Chefs are amazing! Great every time! Ruthy is the best server you could ask for! Always attentive and smiling. Love this place

Best steak ever.Atmosphere lively.Waitress friendly and efficient. The only complaint is that we like to enjoy our wine with our meal but the food,the bread and salad came right away and the steak and salmon took 40 minutes to come out after.So we drank our wine and didnt order more because we were driving back to hotel.So the waitress who took our plates from the bread and salad said our meal would be coming out soon she promised.But it was probably another 10 min.Its a good thing my husband and I love each others company otherwise the review would be much worse.Hopefully that is not the norm there.

Best fine dining experience Ive had in the 25 years Ive lived in Utica area!

Great food,great service,great price! Never a bad meal.I try different entree all the time.You will make it one of your favorite spots.

Food is spectacular, staff is awesome, never rushed to move a table, its an experience not just a meal. Youre missing one of the best restaurants anywhere, not just Utica, if you havent been. Do yourself a favor and visit!

Chef Luke puts his knowledge, innovation, culinary skills and love into every dish which he prepares from scratch. Chef Luke has accomplished his profession of preparing, cooking and presenting food. The facility is family oriented and exceptionally clean. The waitresses and staff are very friendly, helpful, polite, impeccably clean and very attentive. (Your water glass will never be empty). If you are looking for a great dining experience with every mouthful being a tasteful experience, then the Willows is the place. I assure you, it wont be disappointing

Fabulous food, wonderful service, warm atmosphere. Steaks are heavenly, shrimp bang bang is to die for, eggplant parm is out of this world, and the creme brûlée cannot be described in words. The best place in Utica, hands down.

Everything at the willows is always phenomenal. The food is better than good, the servers and bartenders are always so knowledgeable and attentive, and the atmosphere is second to none. It feels like Luke is just having you over to his house for dinner and his dad as the maitre Dee is a nice touch. He is one of the nicest people in I know and his smile is contagious. Luke is the best chef in the mohawk valley and the willows is by far the best place to eat in the greater Utica area. The prices are very reasonable for the quality of food and service, I recommend willows to anyone for a casual meal or special occasion.

Worth the cost. There are not many restaurants in Utica that can do what The Willows does. Food and drink of the highest quality, fresh and expertly prepared. While this is a little expensive for it to become a mainstay, my wife and I loved our anniversary dinner here and will certainly be returning in the future.

My dinner at the willows was fantastic and thats not a word I just throw around! My sister and I both got the eggplant Parmesan and it was amazing!! Everything was great. The food, the ambionce, and especially our waitress Ruth she was outstanding she interacted with us and honestly made our night at the willows. Great food and service I highly reccomend coming here and plan on coming again very soon!

My absolute #1 favorite dinner spot. Luke is an amazing chef and his food is always top notch. A casual but slightly more formal atmosphere. Great date spot. Also a separate bar for a more casual experience. Try the duck!

First time guests, we have been to a lot of places that were pricy yet most tasted average and we wouldnt be impressed. This place was worth every penny. Large servings excellent taste, staff was pleasant we will be back.

Superb menu with well prepared dishes. Servers very know, friendly and helpful. Nice, comfortable decor. Excellent wines.

Good service, food and atmosphere. In the past they had a delicious Chipotle sauce to go with the calamari which kept me coming back. They took it off their menu, but made it by special request when I last went. Ask for it, you wont regret it.

Excellent!! Fresh, delicious food. The bread is fantastic. I got my food to go. They even wrapped it in plastic in the to go container! Ate it on 90 on the way home to NYC. A must go!!