Whether you prefer upscale award-winning establishments, rustic farm-to-table meals, or casual bites at hidden gems, the Hudson Valley’s food scene promises tastiness around every corner. On your delicious journey, you may find yourself sipping wine at America’s oldest winery, biting into a warm apple cider donut, or enjoying a meal from a future award-winning chef at the Culinary Institute of America! Treat yourself to this list of everything you have to eat in the Hudson Valley. Credit: @platefulofgoodness on Instagram.
Hometown Classics
Cider Donuts
It’s no secret, fall in the Hudson Valley is magical. It’s also the best time to indulge in the region’s sweetest seasonal staple, apple cider donuts! While this fall delicacy wasn’t created in the Hudson Valley, you just can’t visit without having one. These cakey and sugary autumn delights can be found at farms across the region including Tantillo’s Farm Market, Fishkill Farms, and Pennings Orchard.
Apples
New York is the second-largest apple producing state, averaging about 29.5 million bushels per year! The soil and climate of the Hudson Valley makes for great apple-growing conditions with scenic pick-your-own orchards around every corner. Apple picking season runs from late-August through early-November with varieties ranging from Honeycrisp to Red Delicious to Granny Smith. For classic farm fun and amazing apple picking, try Minard’s Family Farm, Lawrence Farms Orchard, or Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm.
Farm-to-Table Dining
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What better way to get to know the region than through a meal made from farm-fresh ingredients? There’s no shortage of farm-to-table dining (and farm views) throughout the Hudson Valley, so if you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind meal try Glenmere Farm, FARM at Hotel Nyack, or Blackbarn Hudson Valley.
Craft Beverages
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Did you know that the Hudson Valley is home to more than 100 wineries, breweries, cideries, and distilleries? Venture into the terroir of the region; it’s unlike any other! Sip back and relax at America’s oldest winery, Brotherhood, sample superb cider at Angry Orchard, or chill out with a brew from Millhouse Brewing Company.
Must-Try Meals
Karenderya
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Dig into delicious Filipino-inspired cuisine at this Nyack eatery named among Esquire’s best new restaurants in 2018. This warm and welcoming restaurant run by James Beard Foundation 2023 Best Chef semifinalist, Paolo Garcia Mendoza, is based loosely on carinderias, or roadside eateries found all around the Philippines. Expect a variety of delectable dishes such as the Adobo pork belly rice bowl, braised oxtail in peanut sauce, sitaw, and bok choy, and more.
Cafe Mutton
Found on a sunny corner in Hudson, this neighborhood favorite serves up simple, delicious food made by James Beard Foundation 2023 and 2024 best chef semifinalist Shaina Loew-Banyan. Settle into the inviting and cozy space with a rotating menu highlighting everything from brunch specials like lamb head porridge to dinner delights such as steak tartare.
Eveready Diner
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Step back in time to this 1950s-style diner with locations in Hyde Park and Brewster, featured on the Food Network’s Diners, Dives, and Drive-Ins. Delicious dishes made from recipes handed down from generation to generation fill the jam-packed menu that features everything from deluxe half-pound burgers to soda fountain floats to malted waffles served hot off the iron.
Blue Hill at Stone Barns
Found on 80 acres of beautiful farmland, Blue Hill Farm aims to make food that’s memorable, delicious, and originally presented. This elegant Tarrytown establishment currently has two Michelin stars and is ranked as one of the world’s 50 best restaurants. There’s no menu at Blue Hill, instead guests can indulge in a multi-taste feast featuring seasonal offerings from the field and market.
Harana Market
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Eat food that makes your heart sing at Harana Market in Accord. The expansive menu is sure to impress with a plethora of homestyle Filipino dishes made by 2024 James Beard best chef semifinalist, Chris Mauricio. Try the Tap-Silog, dry-rubbed sliced steak served with garlic fried rice and fried egg, or Bok-Silog, baby bok choy stir-fried with fermented black beans and garlic.
Unique Dining Experiences
Culinary Institute of America
Courtesy of CIA New York Restaurants
Discover what goes into being a world-class chef and dine at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park! Choose from the institute’s five unique restaurants each run and managed by CIA students. Options include American, French, and Italian cuisine, as well as a classic bakery, pop up brew house, and brewery.
Sunday Harvest Dinners at Stonewood Farm
Enjoy Sunday dinner at a real working farm in Millbrook! Each growing season (May-November), Stonewood Farms opens up the doors of their Cookhouse for an intimate dinner prepared by award-winning visiting chefs. This ultimate farm-to-table experience also includes a tour of the farm before dinner, so you’ll get to see some of the farm-grown ingredients before they make it to your plate. Be sure to secure your spot at the table in advance. Sunday dinners have limited tickets and sell out quickly.
Hudson Valley Food Hall
Nicaraguan cuisine, southern style BBQ, handmade pasta, specialty cocktails, and more all in one place! Nestled on Beacon’s lively main street, the Hudson Valley Food Hall sports a vibrant and inviting atmosphere, making it the perfect place to enjoy a meal or grab a bite to-go. Plus, events are held throughout the week including Friday night drag shows, live music, and Thursday oyster nights.
The Maker
Credit: The Maker
Found in a glass conservatory enveloped by layers of greenery, The Maker boasts a chic and bohemian design with an evolving seasonal menu curated by executive chef Alex Napolitano. Revel in the relaxed yet elegant vibes and enjoy dishes like hand rolled cavatelli with fennel sausage, smoked king oyster mushrooms in sweet onion soubise, and more.
‘76 House
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Step back in time to American Revolutionary War history at one of the country’s oldest taverns. During the Revolutionary War, the Old ‘76 House in Tappan served as a meeting place for local patriots and even welcomed George Washington on occasion! Today, it’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places and at 300 years olds, still serves patrons in a historic setting. The menu features new American and tavern classics like the Traitorous eggs Benedict, shepherd’s pie, and the tavern’s famous Yankee pot roast.
International Cuisine
Brasserie Le Bouchon
For 20 years, Brassiere Le Bouchon, owned by an Alsace, France native has been a Cold Spring staple, serving a taste of France to the Hudson Valley. Have a seat at one of the checkered tables among the iconic red interior or soak up the vibes from the outdoor patio and dive into traditional and authentic French dishes such as escargot in savory butter, parsley, and garlic, oven-roasted filet mignon, and more.
Cinnamon
Dive into the traditional and modern Indian cuisine made from authentic flavors at Cinnamon. Rated the best Indian restaurant in the Hudson Valley five times by Hudson Valley Magazine, this Rhinebeck favorite not only serves up the classics, but also dishes representative of nearly every part of India. Menu highlights include lamb biryani, goat cheese stuffed naan, and goan fish curry.
Nilufer’s Home Kitchen
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Anytime is tea time at Nilufer’s in Beacon! Owned by the first Turkish-born female executive chef in Turkey, this breakfast and lunch spot serves up all kinds of Turkish delicacies including coffee, tea, sweet and savory borek pastries, and the popular 20-item Turkish breakfast.
Top Taste
Hidden in Kingston’s Midtown district is a two-time James Beard Foundation nominee serving up the tastiest Jamaican food around! Run by a talented husband and wife duo, don’t let Top Taste’s quaint storefront fool you. This eatery crafts classic homestyle Jamaican fare like jerk chicken and pork, curried goat, plantains, ackee fish, and beef patties.
Casa Ortega
In the heart of Wappingers Falls is a hidden gem offering delicious, authentic, and traditional Mexican cuisine. The atmosphere is always lively and inviting at this family-owned and operated establishment and the menu is sure to impress with plates like quesadillas made with handmade corn tortillas and Oaxaca cheese, tortas (Mexican sandwiches) with Adobo grilled chicken, and dulce de leche-stuffed churros for dessert.
Sweet Treats
Longford’s Ice Cream
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Churned in small batches and made with the finest cream, pure cane sugar, imported vanilla, rich cocoas, and premium ingredients, Longford’s Ice Cream is some of the creamiest and tastiest around! Voted best ice cream by Best of Westchester for 2024, Longford’s three locations (Rye, Larchmont, and Armonk) offer a variety of flavors including cookie monster, s’mores, and more.
Mel the Bakery
Ham and cheese croissants, ginger pine nut cookies, and baked goodies galore await at Mel the Bakery in Hudson. Nominated for Outstanding Bakery by James Beard Finalist for 2024, Mel’s sources all of their grain and other ingredients from organic, regional farms. Enjoy your treat in the comfortable dining area or have a seat on the benches out front.
Glazed Over
Consistently ranked as one of the best places for donuts in the Hudson Valley, don’t glaze over this donut shop in Beacon! Tap into your creative side to make your own donut masterpieces and choose from any combination of glazes, toppings (like bacon, marshmallows, and Fruity Pebbles), or drizzles. If you’re having trouble deciding what to get, try the donut of the day or indulge in a donut ice cream sandwich.
Krause’s Chocolates
Hand-dipped and genuinely delicious for more than 80 years, Krause’s has been voted as having the Hudson Valley’s best chocolates for more than 13 years! Check out one of the three Hudson Valley locations (Saugerties, New Paltz, or Rhinebeck) for decadent truffles, luxurious caramels, melt-in-your-mouth peanut brittle, chocolate creams, and much more.
Deisings
Deising’s in Kingston is a local staple and award-winning bakery offering more than 400 varieties of freshly-baked goods. Good luck deciding what treat to pick with a display filled with freshly-baked bread, pastries, cakes, rolls, pies, cookies, and other desserts. They even have a restaurant serving breakfast and lunch.
Food-Centric Events
Hudson Valley Garlic Fest
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Attention garlic aficionados! Join thousands of fellow garlic lovers in Saugerties for a September weekend celebrating the harvest of garlic. There are all kinds of activities celebrating the “stinking rose” including more than 30 local garlic stands, live cooking demonstrations, craft vendors, and the chance to sample unique garlic goodies, like garlic ice cream!
Hudson Valley Wine & Food Fest
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Celebrate local wine and food at this annual event voted one of the country’s best wine festivals! Held each September at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds, embark on a journey through more than 300 vendors offering a variety of wineries, food trucks, fine arts and crafts, and an inviting beer tent experience. The weekend also features live demonstrations from professional chefs and mixologists and live music.
Hudson Valley Restaurant Week
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Want to dig into the Hudson Valley food scene, but don’t know where to start? Now’s your chance! Hudson Valley Restaurant Week lasts for two weeks twice a year (spring and fall), where you can enjoy prix-fixe meals at over 150 restaurants throughout the region. Fall restaurant week: October 28 – November 10, 2024
Hudson Valley Food Truck Festival
Bring your appetite for this mouthwatering culinary event! Each June, the area’s best food trucks head to Barton Orchards in Poughquag to showcase all kinds of delicious food ranging from savory BBQ to sweet treats. Plus, there’s craft beer offerings, family-friendly activities, live entertainment, and more.
Warwick AppleFest
There’s fall fun for the whole family at Warwick AppleFest! Each October, get in on the seasonal spirit with apple pie baking and eating contests, more than 150 craft and 75 food vendors, a children’s carnival, and live music and entertainment from four stages. October 6, 2024
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