Central NY's Best Dishes of 2025: A Foodie's Guide to Syracuse's Top Eats

Prepare to Drool: Central NY's Most Unforgettable Dishes of 2025 Revealed

Apr. 11, 2026 at 6:04am

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A high-contrast, silkscreen-style illustration featuring a repeating grid of a single, iconic food item rendered in a palette of bright, neon colors, conceptually representing the diverse and dynamic culinary landscape of Central New York.A vibrant visual celebration of Central New York's most unforgettable dining experiences, captured in a bold, pop art-inspired style.NYC Today

Our fearless food writers have spent the year uncovering the dishes that don't just satisfy hunger, but ignite the soul. From polished dining rooms to hole-in-the-wall gems, they've left no stone unturned to bring you Central New York's most memorable bites of 2025.

Why it matters

This curated list features the entrées that defined our 2025 coverage—dishes that surprised, delighted, and left us craving more. These aren't just meals; they're experiences that showcase the diverse and dynamic culinary landscape of Central New York.

The details

What follows is a list of the top dishes that our food writers Jared Paventi, Jacob Pucci, Danielle Benjamin, and Charlie Miller discovered in their 2025 reviews on syracuse.com and The Post-Standard. From a comforting Italian pot roast to a showstopping pork volcano, these bites range from humble to haute cuisine, but all share one thing in common: they ignite the senses and tell a story.

  • The dishes were reviewed and featured throughout 2025.
  • The full list was published on April 11, 2026.

The players

Jared Paventi

A food writer who raves about the Italian pot roast at Avicolli's Coal Fire.

Jacob Pucci

A food writer who declares the shrimp and grits at Touché the best he's ever had.

Danielle Benjamin

A food writer who praises the 'Peanut Sauce' entree at Bangkok Thai as a house special.

Charlie Miller

A food writer who calls the Trinity platter at Brickyard Barbecue Central Texas barbecue turned up to 11.

Davey Rickenback

The pitmaster at Brickyard Barbecue whose no-shortcut approach shines in the Trinity platter.

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What they’re saying

“Slow-cooked beef chuck, potatoes, carrots, and onions are braised in an herbaceous tomato sauce, served over a rich, cheesy polenta. It's comfort food elevated to an art form.”

— Jared Paventi, Food Writer

“Pork shanks are often overlooked, but Grotto's version is anything but ordinary. Braised in a soy-spiked broth, the meat is fall-apart tender and bursting with umami.”

— Jacob Pucci, Food Writer

“Served on a sizzling platter shaped like a Japanese torii gate, this dish is as much about presentation as it is about flavor. Each bite is a smoky, citrusy delight.”

— Danielle Benjamin, Food Writer

“Thick slices of pepper-crusted brisket, a smoky sausage link, and a massive rib make up this platter that's as bold as it is satisfying.”

— Charlie Miller, Food Writer

What’s next

The full list of Central New York's best dishes of 2025 will continue to be a topic of debate and discussion among local foodies throughout 2026.

The takeaway

This diverse collection of standout dishes from Central New York's vibrant culinary scene showcases the region's ability to deliver both classic comfort foods and innovative culinary creations that delight the senses and ignite the imagination.