Upstate Restaurant Blends Bistro Classics With Southeast Asian Flair

Eliza in Kingston, New York masters a menu that combines European and Asian influences.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Eliza, a nearly two-and-a-half year old restaurant in Kingston, New York, offers a menu that blends European bistro staples with Southeast Asian ingredients and techniques. The restaurant features a warm, inviting atmosphere with tin ceilings, a large skylight, and plush green banquettes. Standout dishes include the scallop crudo with a punchy lime-fish sauce emulsion, malt salt fries, a juicy roast half chicken, and a short rib massaman dish that combines fresh pappardelle with a velvety coconut curry. The bar program also impresses with a short but well-curated list of lesser-known amari.

Why it matters

Eliza represents a growing trend of restaurants that are blending culinary influences from different regions and cultures to create unique and innovative dining experiences. As diners seek out more adventurous and globally-inspired flavors, establishments like Eliza that can successfully marry classic European techniques with Southeast Asian ingredients are finding success in attracting a loyal local following.

The details

The menu at Eliza features a range of bistro classics that have been given a Southeast Asian twist. The scallop crudo is served with a punchy lime-fish sauce emulsion, while the short rib massaman dish combines fresh pappardelle pasta with a velvety coconut curry. Other highlights include malt salt fries, a juicy roast half chicken with garlic jus, and a thick pub burger with cheddar and pickles. The bar program also impresses with a short but well-curated list of lesser-known amari.

  • Eliza has been open for nearly two-and-a-half years.
  • The restaurant's sister market and neighbor, Fletcher and Lu, closed in October of last year.

The players

Eliza

A restaurant in Kingston, New York that blends European bistro classics with Southeast Asian ingredients and techniques.

Fletcher and Lu

A former grocer and market that was located next door to Eliza, but closed in October of last year.

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What they’re saying

“Sadly, sister market and next door neighbor, Fletcher and Lu, closed last October, but luckily the grocer's beloved seeded crackers and house-cured meats live on in Eliza's menu offerings, and at many other local spots like Rosie General and Village Grocery.”

— Nat Belkov, Author (eater.com)

The takeaway

Eliza's success in blending European and Southeast Asian culinary influences demonstrates the growing demand for innovative and globally-inspired dining experiences that push the boundaries of traditional cuisines. As diners continue to seek out unique flavor combinations, restaurants like Eliza that can expertly execute these types of fusion menus are poised to thrive.