Nestled among Chautauqua-Allegheny’s enchanted mountains, sprawling countryside, and tranquil lakes is a culinary scene as delightful as its surroundings. Whether you’re looking to enjoy an elegant lakeside meal, sip award-winning wine from the state’s largest grape-growing region, or indulge in authentic New York cheddar, this region has something for every appetite. Dig into this list of everything you have to eat in Chautauqua-Allegheny. Photo credit: @cupcakedbakeryinc on Instagram.
Hometown Classics
Ice Wine
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Found across numerous wineries throughout Lake Erie Wine Country, ice wine is a dessert wine made from grapes that have been frozen while still on the vine and left to freeze naturally in the vineyard. If you’re looking to sample this delicious delicacy, stop by vineyards such as Johnson Estate Winery and Mazza Vineyards in Westfield, as well as Best Dessert Wine Medal Winner, 21 Brix Winery in Portland.
Cuba Cheese Shoppe
Throughout the late 1800s, Cuba, New York was the cheese capital of the world and the heart of Western New York’s booming cheese-making industry! As you journey through scenic countryside, be sure to add a stop at the famous Cuba Cheese Shoppe and indulge in some of the finest cheeses around including the Shoppe’s famous New York cheddar, which can also be ordered through their online shop.
Ellicottville Brewing Company
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With locations throughout the state, Ellicottville Brewing Company is a staple of the Chautauqua-Allegheny region, receiving multiple International World Beer Championship awards. Sip on creative and classic small batch brews including refreshing seasonal varieties as well as unique collaborations with local businesses such as Platter’s Chocolate Factory, featuring flavors like orange chocolate, black raspberry, chocolate hazelnut, and more.
Must-Try Meals
Heirloom Restaurant at the Athenaeum Hotel
Credit: Megan Dority
Attending the Chautauqua Institution’s famous summer season (celebrating its 150th anniversary this year)? Make a reservation and dine at the Institution’s luxurious Heirloom Restaurant, found in the Athenaeum Hotel. Admire breathtaking scenery from the outdoor patio while you delight in decadent dishes like avocado summer salmon, angus beef ribeye, lobster ravioli, and more.
Landmark Restaurant
Indulge in old school fine dining with a modern twist at Jamestown’s Landmark Restaurant. Expect delicious cuisine made from the high quality ingredients such as Cajun honey butter salmon, rosemary chicken served on risotto and summer vegetables, and lobster mac and cheese.
The Radix
Simple elegance and decadent meals await at this restaurant in Cuba. The Radix presents fine dining with a rustic twist with a menu that features goat cheese fritters, pistachio crusted salmon, vegetarian spinach carbonara, and more.
Stella: A Kitchen and Bar
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Just steps away from the majestic shores of Chautauqua Lake in Lakewood is Stella: A Kitchen and Bar. The menu is curated from dishes the owners experienced during their travels throughout the United States, including Bijou filet mignon, Rocky Mountain rainbow trout, New England lobster roll, and more.
The Pub
Credit: Anna Pakman
In 1965, NFL player Jim McCusker opened The Pub, creating an inviting environment where visitors and locals could feel like family. Have a seat in the vintage atmosphere and dig into Pub specialities like their Beef on Kummelweck sandwich named “The Big Guy” or delicious home cooked Italian dishes. After, be sure to pop into the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum; it’s right across the street!
Unique Dining Experiences
HatTea’s Tea Room
Fancy afternoon tea? Make a reservation at HatTea’s historic tea room in Lakewood, housed in a rescued and revitalized 1890s-era farmhouse. Delight in traditional English scones, a Ham and Swiss Cheese crepe, or pecan pie tart with homemade whipped cream for dessert from the cozy dining area, featuring original woodwork that’s accented by lace curtains and dazzling chandeliers. Head up to the second floor and choose from dresses, hats, boots, and jewelry to create the perfect tea-time dress up.
Sprague’s Maple Farm
Walk through “New York’s maple wonderland” at Sprague’s Maple Farm in Portville. On the menu, you’ll find all kinds of dishes made with 100% Sprague maple syrup. Taste some for yourself on a stack of waffles at all-day breakfast, enjoy maple glazed salmon for dinner, or satisfy your sweet tooth with a maple milkshake.
Mac Shak
Do you dream of mac and cheese? Dive into a bowl of cheesy goodness at the Mac Shak in Olean. The pasta-bilities are endless at this joint, where you choose what sauces and toppings are added to your own mac bowl. Drool-worthy menu creations are also worth a try like chicken bacon ranch, pizza, and cheeseburger mac bowls.
The Old Library
Old-world charm, art deco flare, and upscale-casual dining can be found at this restaurant housed in a building that was once the historic Olean Public Library. Built in 1909 with funds provided by Andrew Carnegie, The Old Library’s Beaux-Arts style dining room is the place to indulge in a decadent dish like lemon thyme mussels, handmade pasta, or Chilean sea bass pan seared with fire roasted red pepper beurre blanc.
Cooking Classes at the Chautauqua Institution
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For 150 years, the Chautauqua Institution has been a catalyst for creative exploration, educational growth, relaxation, and recreation, so why not spend the summer learning alongside the best? Broaden your palate and taste fine chocolate from around the world, learn to bake artisan sourdough bread, or prepare superb seafood specialties. The little ones can even get in on the fun with kids cooking, baking, and cookie decorating classes.
International Cuisine
Oishi Sushi
Enjoy fresh authentic sushi and hibachi at this Olean favorite. Oishi, which means “delicious” in Japanese, serves up some of the best rolls around from classic California rolls to Oishi favorites like the Olean roll made with tempura shrimp, spicy tuna, and mango, or the green river roll with eel, wakame, and avocado, topped with a jalapeno.
Hidalgo Grill Mexican Restaurant
There’s something for everyone to enjoy at Hidalgo Grill in Ellicottville! The menu is full of dishes made from family recipes, passed down from generations. Dig into tacos, fajitas, quesadillas, burritos, enchiladas, and salads each made with your choice of beef, chicken, shrimp, or veggies for a range of dietary preferences.
Ecklof’s Bakery
Satisfy your sweet tooth at Ecklof’s Bakery in Jamestown. This bakery and deli serves up time-honored traditions of homemade Swedish baked goods, freshly-made sandwiches (like Korv burgers), tasty breakfasts, donuts, cookies, and more. Don’t leave without trying one of their stripe cookies!
Sweet Treats
Webb’s Candies
Since 1942, Webb’s Candies in Mayville has been making some of the finest chocolates around! Take a factory tour and see Webb’s famous chocolate-making process using copper kettles, wooden paddles, and marble slabs. Afterward, choose from favorites like goat milk fudge, sponge candy, gourmet pretzels, sea salt caramels, and much more, all of which can be ordered from their online shop.
Krasa’s Kove
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Cool off with homemade ice cream along the sparkling shores of Findley Lake. All of Krasa Kove’s small batch ice cream is made on site using dairy and ingredients from local farms. Their North American Ice Cream Association White Ribbon award-winner Holy Chocolate is always a great choice, but if you’re having trouble deciding on what delicious flavor to dig into, try an ice cream flight (pictured)!
Cupcaked
Credit: @cupcakedbakeryinc on Instagram
Gourmet cupcakes, exquisite multi-tier cakes, and delectable cookies await at Ellicotville’s sweetest bakery. Get Cupcaked and indulge in cake specialities like blueberry lavender and chocolate raspberry, or give the s’mores stuffed croissants a try, you won’t regret it!
Portage Pies
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Apple crumb, blueberry, or strawberry rhubarb? No matter what flavor of pie you prefer, Portage Pies in Westfield is sure to please! Choose from large or small pies in a variety of flavors ranging from classic cherry to chocolate peanut butter, and be sure to check their Facebook for the hand pie flavor of the week. It’s no secret these pies are delicious, so ordering at least a day in advance to secure one is a must.
Malinda’s Candy Shop
Slow down along the New York State Amish Trail for a sweet treat at Malinda’s Candy Shop in Conewango Valley. This sweet shop specializes in a variety of Amish-made goodies such as goat milk fudge, jams, jellies, candy, and more!
Food-Centric Events
Taste of Ellicottville
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Whether you’re a true foodie or just looking to try something new, there’s something for everyone at Taste of Ellicottville! Make your way to this charming walkable village in August for two days full of the best culinary experiences around. Ellicottville; August 10-11, 2024.
America’s Grape Country Craft Beverage Festival
Enjoy three days of sip-tacular wine, beer, cider, and spirits at America’s Grape Country Craft Beverage Festival! Make your way to the Chautauqua County Fairgrounds in Dunkirk for an August weekend filled with the state’s best beverages, tasty cuisine, an arts and craft fair, and more. Dunkirk; August 2-4, 2024.
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