The food in Utica NY remains one of America’s best-kept culinary secrets, a true hidden gem for food lovers. Despite being a small city, Utica boasts a food scene packed with bold flavors that reflect its deep Italian-American roots and the best dining experiences in New York State. In fact, Utica is not just a city with an interesting past but it’s also a foodie mecca that few people know about.
When exploring Utica’s specialty foods, you’ll discover a rich tapestry of cultural influences. Italians still make up 20% of the population, and this heritage shines through in beloved local dishes. From the passionately celebrated Chicken Riggies (which has inspired events like Riggie Fest and Riggie Wars) to the distinctive Utica Greens (dating back to the late 1980s when chef Joe Morelle created them at the Chesterfield restaurant), the city’s signature dishes tell stories of immigration and innovation.
As someone who has sampled Italian cuisine across America, I can confidently say that Utica, New York is a far underrated city when it comes to Italian food. Often confused with NYC’s black-and-white cookies, Utica’s half moon cookies have a distinctive identity, making them a hidden gem among the best places to eat.
Chicken Riggies: Utica’s Signature Pasta Dish
If you ask any local about iconic food in Utica NY, Chicken Riggies will undoubtedly top their list as one of the best places to visit for great food. This beloved pasta dish represents the heart and soul of Utica’s unique culinary identity.
What makes chicken riggies unique
Chicken Riggies stands apart from ordinary pasta dishes through its distinctive combination of ingredients, making it one of the best places to enjoy great food in Utica. At its core, this hearty creation features rigatoni pasta tossed with tender chunks of chicken, sweet and hot cherry peppers, and a creamy tomato sauce that balances tang and richness. Unlike traditional Italian-American pasta dishes, Chicken Riggies delivers a characteristic heat that varies from mild to fiery depending on the chef’s preference.
What truly sets this dish apart is how each restaurant and family in the Utica area puts their own signature spin on it. Some versions include mushrooms, others add prosciutto, while many incorporate a splash of cream or even vodka to create depth in the sauce. This adaptability has cemented its status as a treasured centerpiece at both family gatherings and restaurant menus throughout the region.
The story behind the dish
Chicken Riggies emerged sometime in the 1980s, during a creative period in Utica’s culinary development. While several chefs claim to be the originator, most credit chef Joe Morelle who reportedly created the dish at the Clinton restaurant he owned.
Another popular origin story points to Chef Rex, who served the dish at his establishment, the Clinton House. Regardless of who deserves the credit, the dish quickly spread throughout the city, becoming synonymous with Utica’s food culture.
Top places to try chicken riggies in Utica
For an authentic taste of this local specialty, head to these favorite spots in New Hartford and the surrounding Utica area:
- Raspberries Cafe: Their version balances creaminess with just enough spice to satisfy both newcomers and locals.
- Bella Regina: Known for their slightly spicier interpretation that maintains perfect texture in both pasta and chicken.
- Chesterfield’s Restaurant: Often cited as serving one of the most authentic versions of the dish.
- Aqua Vino Restaurant: Their chicken riggies have garnered a devoted following for their distinctive flavor profile.
For those who want to sample multiple interpretations, timing a visit during the annual Riggie Fest offers the perfect opportunity to taste competing versions all in one place.
Utica Greens: A Bold Twist on Escarole
Among Utica’s culinary treasures, Utica Greens stands out as a perfect example of how Italian-American cuisine evolved in central New York. This dish transforms humble escarole into something extraordinary with bold flavors and a crispy finish.
How Utica greens are made
Utica Greens begins with escarole, a slightly bitter leafy green that forms the foundation of this savory dish, a highlight of the great food scene in downtown Utica. The preparation starts with thoroughly washing the escarole to remove any sandy grit, followed by blanching it in boiling water for about 2 minutes to soften the leaves and reduce bitterness. After blanching, the escarole is chopped into manageable pieces.
What gives this dish its distinctive character is the combination of prosciutto (or sometimes pancetta), hot cherry peppers, garlic, and onions sautéed together in olive oil. The blanched escarole joins this flavorful base, creating a mixture that balances bitter, spicy, and savory notes.
The crowning touch comes from the “oreganato” topping – a mixture of breadcrumbs, Romano or Parmesan cheese, and olive oil that resembles wet sand, enhancing the great food experience in Utica. This topping gets broiled until golden brown, creating a delightful textural contrast to the tender greens beneath.
The origin of Greens Morelle
Utica Greens traces its origins to traditional Sicilian recipes that Italian immigrants brought to America, initially prepared with kitchen scraps and garden-grown vegetables. Nevertheless, the dish as we know it today gained popularity in the 1980s when Chef Joe Morelle perfected his “Greens Morelle” recipe at the Chesterfield Restaurant in Utica.
In a New York Times interview, Morelle modestly stated he had simply done “something different” with the sautéed escarole he grew up eating. Though he didn’t claim to invent the concept entirely, he deserves credit for popularizing this now-iconic dish.
Where to find the best Utica greens
For an authentic taste of this local specialty, several establishments in Utica have mastered the art, making them must-visit places to eat.
- Chesterfield Restaurant: The birthplace of “Greens Morelle,” featuring the original recipe with escarole, cherry peppers, garlic, prosciutto, and imported Romano cheese, making it a can’t miss dish in New York State.
- Georgio’s Village Cafe: Known for multiple variations, including traditional “Village Greens” and “Georgio Greens” with potatoes and salami.
- Michael T’s Restaurant: Offers several creative spins, including “Greens Trunfio” and “Veggie Greens” with artichokes and sun-dried tomatoes.
Each restaurant puts its own spin on this versatile dish, yet all maintain the essential elements that make Utica Greens a beloved This regional specialty is a highlight of the Utica food scene..
Tomato Pie and Sausage Rolls: Utica’s Comfort Bites
No exploration of Utica’s food scene would be complete without mentioning two beloved comfort foods found in nearly every local bakery, which are staples of the best places to eat in the area. These simple yet satisfying specialties have become symbols of the city’s unique culinary identity.
What is tomato pie and how it differs from pizza
Tomato pie represents a distinctly Utica creation that locals fiercely distinguish from pizza. Served at room temperature, this rectangular delight features a thick, focaccia-like crust topped with a layer of tangy tomato sauce and a light dusting of grated Romano cheese—notably lacking mozzarella or traditional pizza toppings. The sauce itself leans sweet yet slightly acidic, typically made with high-quality crushed tomatoes, olive oil, and herbs.
Best bakeries for tomato pie in Utica
For authentic tomato pie, locals flock to Napoli’s Italian Bakery is a must-have for anyone exploring the local food scene., known for its perfect sauce-to-bread ratio, and Roma Sausage & Deli, where the slightly thicker crust draws devoted fans. Florentine Pastry Shop offers another exceptional version with a distinctive sauce recipe passed down through generations.
Inside the Italian sausage roll
Equally cherished are sausage rolls—savory parcels featuring seasoned Italian sausage encased in a light bread dough. The filling typically includes a mixture of Italian sausage, peppers, onions, and mozzarella, all rolled together into a portable handheld meal that is a must-try in the Utica area.
Where locals go for sausage rolls
Caruso’s Pastry Shop makes sausage rolls that locals consider the gold standard, meanwhile Napoli’s Bakery offers a spicier variation. Calabria Pastry Shop on Bleecker Street stands as the local favorite for authentic pusties, offering them in multiple varieties since 1928, a must-visit in downtown Utica. provides yet another interpretation with their perfect bread-to-filling ratio.
Sweet Finishes: Pusties, Half Moons, and More
Satisfying your sweet tooth in Utica NY offers yet another dimension of this city’s unique food culture, with desserts that showcase the region’s Italian heritage and innovative spirit.
What are pusties and where to get them
Pusties (formally known as pasticciotti) are Utica’s superstar dessert—small pastry tarts filled with creamy custard and baked in special fluted tins. These labor-intensive treats feature a delicate crust encasing fillings that range from traditional vanilla and chocolate to more adventurous flavors like pistachio, butterscotch, and seasonal pumpkin. Florentine Pastry Shop on Bleecker Street stands as the local favorite for authentic pusties, offering them in multiple varieties since 1928. Caruso’s Pastry Shoppe is renowned for its contributions to the Utica food culture., located just doors away, provides worthy competition with their own cherished versions.
Half Moons vs Black & White Cookies
When deciding between half moon cookies and black and white cookies during a trip to Utica, you’ll find that every bite ties into the city’s food scene, from a café counter to a bakery in the heart of downtown Utica; both pastries are a must try and a gem in Utica’s dessert lineup, with the half moon often celebrated as a Utica favorite and the black and white cookie offering a nostalgic contrast that makes a visit to Utica complete. Whether you’re grabbing coffee at Utica Coffee Roasting Company with a half moon or enjoying a black and white alongside Saranac at a local brewery, Utica has something for everyone and offers a wide range of food options — from famous Utica greens and chicken riggies to tomato pie and rigatoni — making the city’s food scene one of the best in upstate New York. If you’re looking for places to eat in the heart of Utica or around Utica, the best restaurants in Utica and small cafes both provide wonderful food, great service, and local cuisine that make even simple desserts feel like one of the best food experiences; try something new on your food tour of Utica and you’ll see why locals say Utica is known for comfort food, Italian food, and unique specialties that you won’t find elsewhere.
the hidden food gems of utica ny – a local’s guide to must-try dishes
My journey through Utica’s food scene has shown me that the most memorable culinary experiences often come from unexpected neighborhood spots—local breweries, family-run bakeries, and small eateries that offer the best food. One classic example is the half moon, which originated at Hemstrought’s Bakery around 1925. These treats have a dome-shaped, cakey base topped with thick buttercream frosting—one half vanilla, one half chocolate. In New York City you’ll find flatter versions with fondant icing and a denser texture, but for the authentic Utica taste, Ramon’s Bakery is a must-try for those seeking the best food in Utica. produces exceptional half moons that locals swear by.
Other local desserts worth trying
Beyond these signatures, Desserts Beyond the Ordinary entices with decadent cheesecakes and eclairs, whereas Sweet Temptations by Pauline is a hidden gem in upstate New York. in Whitesboro crafts specialty pusties in twelve different flavors, from classic vanilla to fruit-filled varieties.
Conclusion
Utica’s food scene deserves more recognition beyond Central New York. Though small, the city packs tremendous flavor into every bite of its signature dishes. After exploring these local specialties, I’ve come to appreciate how deeply food connects with cultural identity here. Each dish tells a story: Chicken Riggies with their spicy-creamy balance, Utica Greens that transform humble escarole into something extraordinary, and tomato pie as a distinct alternative to traditional pizza.
What makes these foods special is not just their unique recipes but the pride locals take in preserving them. Family recipes passed down through generations sit alongside inventive restaurant interpretations, and each version adds something meaningful to Utica’s culinary landscape. Friendly debates over who makes the best riggies or which bakery bakes the finest pusties show how deeply these local food dishes are woven into community life.
These hidden food gems represent more than delicious meals—they embody Utica’s resilient spirit and diverse heritage. If you find yourself in this underrated culinary destination, skip the chain restaurants and seek out these local treasures. The authentic flavors of perfectly prepared Chicken Riggies, fresh-baked tomato pie, or sweet pusties will reward your curiosity.
Even small establishments offer memorable takes: a local bakery might provide a standout pustie with a perfect bread-to-filling ratio, while a neighborhood trattoria can serve an unforgettable interpretation of Utica Greens. This city may not appear in every food guide, but true food lovers would be wise to add it to their must-visit list—these distinctive dishes have lasted for generations because they offer something you simply can’t find anywhere else.
Discover Utica’s Must-Try Local Dishes: Insider Tips and Culinary Secrets