Ancora! - Utica, New York

Ancora! - A Culinary Journey to Italy in the Heart of Utica

Located in the charming city of Utica, New York, Ancora! is a fine dining restaurant, caterer, and Italian restaurant that offers an authentic culinary experience that will transport you to the Mediterranean coast. With its unique blend of traditional Italian flavors and modern twists, Ancora! has become a favorite among locals and visitors alike. In this article, we will delve into the restaurant's services, location, featured characteristics, practical information, and highlight the positive aspects of this esteemed establishment.

Main Services

• Restaurant
  Ancora! offers a diverse menu that showcases the best of Italian cuisine, with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. From pasta dishes to seafood, meat, and vegetarian options, there's something for every palate. The restaurant's extensive wine list features a wide selection of Italian wines, including red, white, and sparkling options.
• Catering
  Ancora!'s catering services are perfect for special occasions, corporate events, and private parties. Their team will work with you to create a customized menu that suits your needs and preferences, ensuring that your event is a memorable success.
• Fine Dining Restaurant
  Ancora!'s fine dining experience is designed to provide an intimate and luxurious atmosphere, complete with elegant decor and exceptional service. Enjoy a multi-course meal in an setting that exudes sophistication and refinement.
• Italian Restaurant
  This Italian restaurant is a must-visit for anyone looking to indulge in traditional Italian flavors. From pasta dishes to pizza, the menu is filled with authentic Italian favorites that will transport you to the Tuscan countryside.
• Mediterranean Restaurant
  Ancora!'s Mediterranean menu offers a unique blend of flavors and ingredients from the Mediterranean region. Enjoy dishes such as grilled meats, seafood, and vegetables, all expertly prepared to capture the essence of the Mediterranean diet.
• Tapas Restaurant
  For a more casual dining experience, Ancora!'s tapas menu offers a variety of small plates and shareable dishes that are perfect for social gatherings and parties.

Location and Access

Ancora! is located at 261 Genesee St, Utica, NY 13501, in the heart of the city. This central location makes it easily accessible by car, with ample parking available in the surrounding area. For those who prefer public transportation, the restaurant is a short walk from the Utica City Hall, and there are several bus routes that stop nearby.

The restaurant's location is also wheelchair-accessible, making it welcoming to all patrons. The car park is wheelchair-accessible, and the seating area is also designed to accommodate guests with mobility issues. The restaurant's outdoor seating area is a lovely spot to enjoy a meal on a warm day, with comfortable seating and stunning views of the surrounding area.

Featured Characteristics

• Odutoor Seating
  Enjoy a meal al fresco in Ancora!'s outdoor seating area, complete with comfortable seating and stunning views of the surrounding area.
• Kerbside Pickup
  Order online or through the Ancora! app and enjoy kerbside pickup, perfect for those on-the-go.
• Delivery
  Ancora! offers delivery services, ensuring that you can enjoy their delicious food from the comfort of your own home.
• Takeaway
  Take Ancora!'s food to go and enjoy a meal on the go, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
• Dine-in
  Enjoy a meal in the restaurant's elegant dining room, complete with exceptional service and a warm atmosphere.
• Great Cocktails
  Ancora!'s expert mixologists craft unique and delicious cocktails that are perfect for sipping on a night out.
• Great Coffee
  Start your day with a cup of expertly brewed coffee, made from 100% Arabica beans.
• Great Dessert
  Indulge in Ancora!'s decadent desserts, crafted with the finest ingredients and presented with style.
• Serves Local Specialty
  Ancora! sources its ingredients from local suppliers, ensuring that every dish is filled with the flavors of the region.
• Lunch
  Enjoy a meal during the day, with a menu that includes a variety of options to suit every taste and preference.
• Dinner
  Treat yourself to a special occasion dinner, complete with exceptional service and a romantic atmosphere.
• Solo Dining
  Ancora! welcomes solo diners, ensuring that you can enjoy a meal in peace and quiet.
• Wheelchair-Accessible Car Park
  The car park is wheelchair-accessible, making it easy to park and enjoy a meal.
• Wheelchair-Accessible Seating
  The seating area is designed to accommodate guests with mobility issues, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a meal.
• Wheelchair-Accessible Toilet
  The restaurant's toilet is wheelchair-accessible, making it easy for guests with mobility issues to use.
• Salad Bar
  Enjoy a fresh salad from Ancora!'s salad bar, featuring a variety of ingredients and dressings.

Practical Information

• Phone
  Call Ancora! at 3157244815 to make a reservation or inquire about availability.
• Website
  Visit Ancora!'s website at ancorautica.com to learn more about restathe urant and make a reservation.
• Hours of Operation
  Ancora! is open from 11:30am to 10:00pm, seven days a week.
• Reservations
  Make a reservation in advance to ensure availability, especially on weekends and during peak season.
• Payment Methods
  Ancora! accepts major credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express.
• Accessibility
  The restaurant is wheelchair-accessible, with a wheelchair-accessible car park and seating area.

Opinions

Ancora! has an impressive 371 reviews on Googe My lBusiness, with an average opinion of 4.6/5. Reviewers praise the restaurant's exceptional service, delicious food, and unique atmosphere. Many reviewers have commented on the restaurant's commitment to using local ingredients and its dedication to providing an authentic Italian experience.

Some reviewers have praised the restaurant's fine dining experience, citing the elegant decor and exceptional service. Others have raved about the restaurant's outdoor seating area, saying it's the perfect spot to enjoy a meal on a warm day.

Many reviewers have also praised the restaurant's commitment to using local ingredients, saying it makes a difference in the flavor and quality of the food. Some reviewers have also commented on the restaurant's diverse menu, saying it's perfect for those with dietary restrictions or preferences.

Overall, Ancora! is a top-rated restaurant that offers an exceptional dining experience. With its unique blend of traditional Italian flavors and modern twists, Ancora! is a must-visit for anyone looking to indulge in authentic Italian cuisine.

👍 Reviews of Ancora!

Pietra B.

5/5

We had the best experience at Ancora before the Sofronio Vasquez concert last Saturday night! Even though the restaurant was packed to the gills, the service was exceptional from the moment we walked in. The owner greeted us with a warm smile and genuine gratitude, and despite how busy it was, there was such a calm, welcoming vibe.

We were seated right away at our reserved table and taken care of quickly and thoroughly. Our waitress even asked if we were heading to the Stanley for the show (we were!) and offered to expedite our order to make sure we got there on time—which we did, with no stress at all.

And the food?! The lobster ravioli was unreal. I practically licked the plate. Ancora helped make it a truly fantastic night out in Utica. Do yourself a favor—get tickets to a show at the Stanley and book dinner at Ancora beforehand. You won’t regret it!

Adam H.

5/5

Great place for a quick bite right in the heart of downtown. Make sure you have reservations for Friday or Saturday because they fill up quick. The atmosphere is great and the staff is friendly. The bar is fully stocked! You can’t go wrong with the appetizers and the filet is always tasty. For reference, a table of 4 takes 60-90 min with dinner and drinks

Johnathan L.

5/5

I always go here for family events and celebrations! The staff here are so amazing and the food is to die for! It definitely is fine dining in the area but not the kind that leaves you hungry! The calamari and salmon are so divine here!!

Kelly M.

5/5

Fantastic waitstaff and cooks. I have a severe allergy that is a pretty common ingredient, but after mentioning it to my waiter he went to speak with the cooks in the kitchen. Although there were numerous dishes with this allergy they were able to adjust the making of a delicious lobster ravioli without my allergen. Thank you so much for your diligence and the dish was fantastic!

Rachel B.

5/5

We have the most wonderful dinners at Ancora and love to bring friends and family here as well when visiting. The food is consistently delicious, great portions, and they offer a wide variety for everyone. We love their pasta dishes, they're warm and comforting and taste like home. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a fantastic meal!

Abi S. (.

4/5

The Service and the steamed mussels were great. We were seated immediately. We came for my birthday. We ordered the paella. It was very tasty and moist. The downfall was that it was a little too spicy for my wife. We felt like it lacked on the amount of meat, particularly the seafood and chorizo. My wife also ordered a bruschetta. She was very disappointed because the tomatoes were cold and the bread was super crunchy. Whenever she would bite into it, the bread would fall apart. She also ordered filet mignon and potatoes. The potatoes tasted amazing. They seem to add a little bit of cheese to the potatoes. The problem was when she ordered the filet mignon extra well done; just to make sure that it was cooked (Usually when she orders it well done it usually still rare on the inside) This filet mignon came back looking burnt and dry. I gave the Place a four star because we were sitting outside and the mosquitoes started biting my Son and we requested a chair inside and they were able to move us inside immediately.

Jeff O.

5/5

Amazing place right in the heart of Utica!

The food is hot and delicious with HUGE portions. Plenty of food for tomorrow... if it survives the night! Lol...

We ordered too much food, and knew it as soon as the appetizers came out. We had the parmesan fries and the parmesan polenta fries. The fries were good, and the polenta was something I've never had before...unique and delicious. They are fried with a tasty, crispy batter, and the inside the polenta is creamy. An excellent start to the meal.

I had the homemade cavitappi as my entrée. It is served in a cream sauce with peas, prosciutto, and onions. I added chicken to it and it was absolutely delicious. Glad I couldn't finish it... more for tomorrow!

My wife had the chicken riggies, and she enjoyed them immensely...and that says something as she is a riggie snob...also a huge plate of food with plenty left over.

Our waiter, Greg, was efficient, attentive and very nice...a good representation of the restaurant.

The ONLY thing is that it's a crowded place...tables are close... that's nothing that would keep me from coming back at all.

We've been here one before, and I'm glad we went back. It was a solid reminder that I need to visit more often.

Katy

1/5

I wouldn’t recommend this establishment to anyone who values their time or money. From the moment my boyfriend and I arrived and politely asked to sit outside, we were met with irritation and dismissiveness from Suzanne. She appeared annoyed, gave us attitude, and treated our simple request as if we were asking for something unreasonable.

After seating ourselves on the patio—a beautiful evening, by the way—Suzanne proceeded to ignore us completely. Over the next hour, multiple parties arrived after us, were seated outside, and received their meals promptly. We ordered a drink, water, and greens, yet were never once asked if we wanted refills or checked on. Our drinks and water sat empty while we watched table after table—seated much later—get served.

Feeling frustrated and overlooked, we finally asked another server if the kitchen was backed up. He plainly said they were not. At that point, we asked to close out and leave. When Suzanne finally reappeared, we calmly explained that we had waited over an hour with no service or updates. Her response? Blinking, a smug attitude, and repeatedly saying “okay” “three minutes”with no apology, acknowledgment, or attempt to resolve the situation.

Then came Dan Loconti, who said “it would be a few extra minutes “ and even offered to pack our food “TO GO.”
We declined and voiced our concerns. He brushed it off, claiming the kitchen was “a little behind.” We pointed out the obvious—guests seated well after us were already eating (almost Finished) and we hadn’t even been offered more water. The indifference was astonishing.

When I requested a receipt to speak with the owner the following day, the bartender immediately relayed that to Suzanne, who responded—with blatant rudeness—that she didn’t care and that the owner had been outside and spoke to us. I didn’t know Dan was the owner. She clearly didn’t realize I was standing nearby.

Bottom line: this restaurant demonstrated shockingly poor customer service, unprofessional behavior, and zero accountability—from the waitress to management. We spent $40 for two drinks and greens and walked away disappointed, insulted, and aggravated.