Albany's restaurant scene is full of rich, authentic flavors from around the world. If you're craving Indonesian spice, Mediterranean seafood, or a hearty British pub meal, these restaurants bring true international flavors to the table. 

Each has its story, time-honored recipes, and signature dishes that make them stand out.

Here's a look at some of Albany's top restaurants for authentic global cuisine—where every meal is a chance to experience something new.

Yono’s Restaurant – A Culinary Gem in Albany

🍽️ Modern American with Indonesian accents

Nestled in the heart of Albany, Yono’s Restaurant is a fine dining establishment that masterfully blends Modern American cuisine with Indonesian influences. 

Established in 1986 by Chef Yono and Donna Purnomo, the restaurant has remained a hallmark of culinary excellence for nearly four decades. In a testament to its excellence, Yono's is the longest-tenured Four-Star restaurant in the Capital Region.

Signature Dishes

Yono’s is celebrated for its meticulous attention to detail and bold flavors. Some of its standout dishes include:

• Overnight Braised Black Angus Beef Short Rib "Rendang" – A rich and tender Indonesian classic, slow-braised with an aromatic blend of spices and served with tamarind roasted eggplant and crispy compressed rice.
• Pan Seared Hudson Valley Foie Gras – Delicately seared foie gras accompanied by blackberry jam, toasted filberts, and brioche toast.
• North Atlantic Scallop Crudo – A fresh and vibrant dish featuring thinly sliced scallops with Espelette pepper, citrus olive oil, lime zest, radish, and salmon roe

Restaurant Details

📍 25 Chapel St, Albany, NY 12210

📞 518- 436-7747

🕐 Monday-Saturday, 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM (Closed on Sundays)

🌐 yonos.com

Café Capriccio – A Taste of Italy in Albany

🍽️ Authentic Italian

Located on 49 Grand Street, Albany, Café Capriccio stands as a testament to authentic Italian dining, bringing the essence of Italy to the Capital Region since its inception in 1982.

The restaurant’s menu is a reflection of Italian culinary tradition featuring handmade pastas, slow-braised meats, and seafood specialties, all crafted with locally sourced, high-quality ingredients. 

Signature Dishes:

• Calamari Neri: A Café Capriccio classic featuring fresh tagliatelle pasta in a rich squid ink sauce.
• Pork Osso Buco: Braised pork shank cooked in red wine and aromatic vegetables, served with saffron risotto and seasonal vegetables.
• Grilled Octopus: Tender grilled octopus accompanied by Castelvetrano olives and Romesco sauce.
• Eggplant with Four Cheeses: Lightly battered eggplant topped with a blend of four cheeses and a light tomato sauce.

Restaurant Details

📍 49 Grand Street, Albany, NY 12207

📞 518-465-0439

🕐 Monday - Sunday, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

🌐 cafecapriccio.com

Insider’s Tip: Love Café Capriccio’s authentic Italian flavors? Take it a step further with their Tuscan Culinary Experience—a once-in-a-lifetime trip where you’ll enjoy hands-on cooking classes, vineyard tours, and private dining in Tuscany. Check their website for information.

Athos Restaurant – A Taste of Greece in Albany 

🍽️ Classic Greek

Bringing the rich flavors of Greece to Albany, Athos Restaurant is an award-winning Greek eatery known for its authentic dishes, warm hospitality, and inviting atmosphere. 

Recognized among the Top 50 Greek Restaurants in America by the National Herald, Athos delivers a true Mediterranean dining experience with traditional recipes, premium ingredients, and a welcoming ambience that embodies Greek hospitality.

Signature Dishes You Must Try

• Lamb Chops  – Juicy, perfectly grilled lamb chops seasoned with Greek herbs and spices, served with lemon and olive oil.
• Mezze Platter  – A tasting experience featuring tzatziki, hummus, taramosalata, and dolmades, served with warm pita.
• Moussaka  – A rich and layered dish of eggplant, spiced beef, and creamy béchamel, baked to perfection.

For those who appreciate Greek wines, the restaurant’s curated wine list offers selections from Greece’s most famous vineyards, perfectly complementing the cuisine.

Restaurant Details

📍 1814 Western Avenue, Albany, NY 12203

📞 518-608-6400

🕐 Sunday – Thursday: 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Friday & Saturday: 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM

🌐 athosrestaurant.com

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Umana Yana – A Global Culinary Journey in Albany 

🍽️ International Fusion (African, Caribbean, Asian, Latin American)

If you’re looking for a dining experience that celebrates cultures from around the world, Umana Yana is a must-visit in Albany. Meaning “meeting place for the people”, this vibrant restaurant embodies the spirit of community, diversity, and international flavors. 

With a menu inspired by the Caribbean, Africa, Asia, and Latin America, Umana Yana is more than just a restaurant—it’s a cultural experience on a plate.

Signature Dishes to Try

Umana Yana’s fusion of international flavors makes for a one-of-a-kind menu, with dishes that balance bold spices, fresh ingredients, and creative presentations. Here are some must-try specialties:

• Red Curry Fish Tacos – Lightly fried fish seasoned with Thai red curry, served on soft tortillas with fresh salsa, greens, and house-made aioli, accompanied by sweet yellow plantains.
• Ethiopian Injera Plate – A vibrant selection of stewed vegetables, lentils, and cold salads beautifully arranged atop traditional Ethiopian injera bread.
• West African Jollof Rice  – A fragrant, spiced West African tomato-based rice dish served with your choice of protein.

Restaurant Details

📍 240 Washington Ave, Albany, NY 12210
📞 518- 915-1699
🕐 Tuesday – Friday: 5:00 PM - 9:30 PM

• Saturday: 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
• Sunday Brunch: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
• Closed on Mondays

🌐 umanarestaurant.com

The Olde English Pub & Pantry – A Slice of Britain in Albany 

🍽️ British Pub Fare

Housed in the historic Quackenbush House,  one of Albany's oldest buildings (dating back to the 1730s), The Olde English Pub & Pantry transports diners to a cozy British tavern, offering classic English comfort food, rich ales, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Stepping into The Olde English Pub, you’ll feel like you’ve crossed the Atlantic to a countryside inn in England. With its wooden beams, stone walls, and dimly lit ambiance, the pub offers an authentic British drinking and dining experience.

Signature Dishes & Pub Classics

The menu features traditional British fare, prepared with fresh ingredients and classic cooking techniques. Some must-try dishes include:

• Fish & Chips – Crispy beer-battered cod, served with house-made tartar sauce, mushy peas, and thick-cut chips.
• Bangers & Mash – Traditional British sausages served with creamy mashed potatoes and onion gravy.
• Shepherd’s Pie – A rich, comforting dish made with seasoned ground meat, peas, carrots, and onions, topped with buttery mashed potatoes.
• Full English Breakfast (Sunday Brunch Special) – Eggs, bacon, sausage, beans, grilled tomato, and toast, served the British way.

To complement your meal, the pub boasts a fine selection of British ales, stouts, and single-malt scotches, making it a true haven for beer lovers. 

Restaurant Details

📍 683 Broadway, Albany, NY 12207
📞 518-434-6533
🕐 Tuesday – Thursday: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Friday & Saturday: 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Sunday Brunch: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Closed on Mondays
🌐 theoldeenglish.com

Viva Cinco de Mayo – A True Taste of Oaxaca in Albany 

🍽️ Authentic Mexican (Oaxacan-Inspired)

If you're craving authentic Mexican cuisine in Albany, Viva Cinco de Mayo delivers bold flavors, traditional recipes, and a warm, family-friendly atmosphere. 

At Viva Cinco de Mayo, you'll find dishes inspired by generations of home-style Mexican cooking, using fresh ingredients, house-made sauces, and traditional Oaxacan techniques. 

Must-Try Signature Dishes

• Mole Oaxaca  – Tender chicken covered in rich homemade mole sauce, garnished with queso fresco and served with rice, beans, avocado, and warm corn tortillas.
• Chiles Rellenos  – Poblano peppers stuffed with cheese, chicken, or pork, topped with a house-made tomato sauce, and served with rice, beans, and tortillas.
• Molcajete  – A flavor-packed platter of steak, marinated pork, chicken, shrimp, chorizo, avocado, and cactus, served to sizzle in a lava rock bowl, with warm tortillas, rice, and beans.
• Camarones A La Diabla  – Juicy shrimp simmered in a fiery red chile sauce, served with rice, beans, and tortillas for a true Mexican spice kick.

Restaurant Details

📍 809 Madison Ave, Albany, NY 12208
📞 518-650-8605
🕐 Tuesday – Saturday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Sunday: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Monday: Closed

🌐 vivacincodemayoalbanyny.com

Shining Rainbow – A True Taste of China in Albany 

🍽️ Chinese 

No international dining experience is complete without the bold, diverse, and comforting flavors of Asian cuisine. Shining Rainbow, located in Albany, NY, brings authentic Chinese dishes to the Capital Region with a focus on traditional dim sum, classic entrées, and regional specialties. 

The restaurant features a vast selection of dim sum, handmade dumplings, and hearty wok-fried dishes, making it one of the best places in Albany for authentic Chinese cuisine.

Signature Dishes:

• Dim Sum Platters: A variety of steamed dumplings, pork buns, and shrimp siu mai, all served in traditional bamboo steamers.
• Peking Duck: A crispy, flavorful roasted duck, served with thin pancakes, scallions, and hoisin sauce.
• General Tso’s Chicken: Crispy battered chicken tossed in a sweet and spicy sauce, served with steamed rice.
• Ma Po Tofu: A spicy Szechuan favorite featuring silky tofu in a fiery, savory chili sauce.

Restaurant Details

📍 209 Central Ave, Albany, NY 12206
📞 518- 396-3881
🕐 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday: 11:00 AM - 10:30 PM

Friday & Saturday: 11:00 AM - 11:30 PM

Wednesday: Closed

🌐 shiningrainbowny.com

Conclusion

Food has a way of connecting people to places, and each of these restaurants brings a piece of its homeland to Albany and every dish carries the flavors and traditions of the culture behind it.

Next time you’re deciding where to eat, try something new. You just might find a new favorite dish—and a deeper appreciation for the stories behind it.

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