Hands down the best place to go for Paella. Ancora does a fabulous job with service, their staff is fabulous (hilarious, helpful, kind) and their food is always delicious. P.S. our server was Greg and he was amazing! Everything is made in house (sauces, dressings) and is so flavorful and delicious! Their drinks are great and have many options (including non-alcoholic beverages). Definitely recommend a reservation for busy dinner hours. It's a smaller place, but definitely has enough tables for bigger parties (we had a party of 6 with 1 child). There is street parking, but also has a parking lot to the right of building with lots of space. Wheelchair accessible (although it's a little tight). Great food, great drinks, great atmosphere. Will always come back to Ancora. read more

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A wonderful restaurant in downtown Utica, a small city filled with wonderful restaurants. Ancora stands out for its fidelity to Spanish and Italian cuisine. Tapas like they serve in Barcelona, paella, chock full of seafood and spicy sausage, wonderful appetizers, and a full bar menu that is staffed by an unseen mixologist who knows what he/she is doing. Good paella is difficult to find. Although the paella at Ancora is served in a tomato-saucy bed of rice in stark contrast to the more traditional yellow saffron rice, it is a beautiful paella, teeming with flavor. The desserts are spectacular. The table settings, flatware, serving dishes are all appropriate and fully functional. The staff are all friendly and capable. The portions are generous and you will be provided with containers to pack up leftovers. The cappuccino was a bit off, as was the coffee, but no one else at my table seemed to notice or mind. But chances are that They were too distracted by the incredible desserts to notice. I will definitely be back. read more

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Nice little atmosphere the food is delicious and they're on top of their game the waiter is very knowledgeable

Had a very nice dinner at Ancora tonight. Based on fellow Yelpers reviews I had my sights set on the seafood paella for two. Service was top notch - waitress was attentive and well schooled. I appreciate the beer list on a chalkboard in the dining room and apologize for not snagging a picture. We had a couple beers and the paella for two - it was ginormous. We started working on the mussels and shrimp and ended up still needing a to-go box as we couldn't finish the very flavorful Spanish rice mix. Very good meal, excellent service, would love to return and try something else! read more

Ancora! - Ancora 's Original Paella for two. One split lobster tail, 8 mussels, 4 large shrimp and Spanish rice seasoned with hot peppers and pork. - Tapas Bars Near Me - Utica, New York

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We had the calamari and arancini for appetizers. I didn't have the arancini but my coworkers said they've had better. The calamari wasn't bad but definitely needed salt. I remember reading in other Yelp Reviews that people kept talking about the lack of salt and I didn't get it....Until I had the food. My honey glazed salmon was exactly that. Salmon with some honey glaze on it. The salmon itself was too burnt on the outside and therefore the honey glaze was just sitting on it. It wasn't flavored into the salmon probably because of how burnt it was. The risotto also lacked salt. One coworker got the steak and she said the same thing. It was lacking salt and flavor. My other coworker however had the Chicken Riggies and that dish was actually good. Overall, this place is good for its drinks and the Riggies from my experience. read more

Ancora! - Honey Glazed Salmon w/ Sesame Seeds - Tapas Bars Near Me - Utica, New York

Great food and always top quality Menu is unique and delicious. Service is quick and friendly Atmosphere is very relaxing

In CNY, Italian food can be a little hit or miss, even in the same restaurant. Ancora's staff are attentive and professional. No complaints there! The space is a bit loud, but the booth bench seating, at least, is comfortable. Now for the food: Ancora Greens: The more of this dish I ate, the more I enjoyed it. The flavor of the dish really stewed into the greens in a lovely fashion. It was quite enjoyable. A classic Utican dish. I might have added a little bit of cream or cheese to it, but I really cannot complain. I almost ruined my appetite, eating it. Homemade Cavatelli: This dish was excellent- once we added salt, pepper, and cheese. It was oddly underseasoned before that. Otherwise, however, the pasta was lovely, rich, and filling. I would order this again. Chicken Francesca- Sadly, I cannot recommend this dish. I ate a small portion of it, and then took it home to give away to my housemate, who is surely dressing it up as I type. It was incredibly bland and underseasoned. There was a lemon flavor, but that was it. No salt. The sauce was watery, which isn't a great combination with something that is breaded. It didn't stick to the angelhair pasta in any significant way. The sautéed spinach on top was incredibly bitter. I just really didn't enjoy it at all. I instead ate some of my partner's cavatelli. The bread you get at the beginning of the meal is pleasant, but would be better were it warmed up a little. My tropical drink tasted like slightly alcoholic pineapple juice. Not very complex. My partner's whiskey sour was a bit better. The Tiramisu- this was delectable. I would absolutely eat this again. It also came with some rich chocolate ice cream. I would consider returning for the greens, the pasta, and the tiramisu. It's not a bad choice for downtown Utica. read more

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We absolutely love Ancora! For us it is one of the top local restaurants in Utica!!! Every time we have visited it has never disappointed. We went last night for my birthday dinner and it was everything I could've ever hoped for. I knew hands-down I wanted dessert so that I would be bringing some stuff home. We started with the parmesan polenta fries and Arancini and they were both delightful. I had never had the fries before in the texture to me was spot on and the marinara was incredible. I got the special which was shrimp with homemade gnocchi and pesto cream sauce and I cannot even explain in words how scrumptious it was. The shrimp was cooked perfectly in the sauce was plentiful and beyond. But the highlight of the meal the piece de resistance was the tiramisu!!! I love the coffee flavor and the texture and cream were so delightful. The chocolate ice cream was an incredible surprise as it was smooth and creamy and so good! I highly recommend visiting!!!! read more

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Very good value for the money Overnight in Utica. Who knew such a place could be found here? Pro Excellent service Good food Beautiful presentation Con Noisy read more

I went to Ancora for a baby shower. We utilized the back room for a party of around 25 guests. It was spacious, decorated with a Christmas tree, and set up well for eating, game playing, mingling, and gift opening. The bartenders were very attentive and went above and beyond. They made sure everyone had water while they were playing games, mixed my daughters fruit punch from scratch, and cooked them chicken tenders when they wouldn't eat the "adult food." Our party had food off of the catering menu: Chicken Riggies, Utica greens, meatballs, and mashed potatoes. I like how they included hot peppers on the side in case you wanted to spice your Riggies up a bit. The meatballs were so big and meaty that they were cut in half. The plates we were offered were even pretty! The food was delicious! I will certainly be back for dinner sometime with my husband when we are in the Utica-area. read more

Very good dinner and nice service. Business meal out in town. We had the gnocchi and the cavatelli. On the side we shared the pure vegetables. All were very flavorful and fresh. The pasta was cooked perfectly for both dishes and the veggies were charred and fresh. $$ read more

Traveling through for work. Super cute and clean! Everyone was very friendly. Service was great. The patio is adorable, but I sat at the bar since I didn't have reservations and it really didn't matter to me where I sat. My drink was strong and the food was delicious. I got 2 Utica staples, the greens and chicken riggies. Yummm read more

Ancora! - Greens Ancora - Tapas Bars Near Me - Utica, New York

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Delicious, amazing food. Staff was wonderful. Window seat was sweet. Highly recommend.

I will return time and time again to Ancora. The food is simply delicious, what more is there to say! The service is great and the food is made so fresh. I highly recommend this restaurant to others-- for any occasion! read more

Ancora! - Ancora 's Original Paella - Tapas Bars Near Me - Utica, New York

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I've never written a review in my life and I've been in fine dining for 15 years. I moved to New York one year ago to the Adirondacks. Besides the place I work and one other restaurant in the area I cannot find any good cuisine. So I've been searching in Utica and this is the go to place for good food, great atmosphere, creative cocktails and excellent service. Suszanne was an incredible server with all the knowledge! read more

SO pleased with this restaurant. My husband and I took our daughter for her first night in a hotel during our Father's Day weekend and we were desperate to find local Italian fare that offered takeout. The first restaurant I called at around 7 told me it was going to be over an hour and a half for an order... but Ancora! to the rescue! I should have just called them first. 20 minutes flat and we walked up the street to pickup our order that was well packed and hot. We ordered 5 different items that were all large portions and beautifully cooked. The riggies were hands down the best I've had, and I've had A LOT of riggies. read more

Ancora! - Arancini, calamari, riggies - ALL amazing! - Tapas Bars Near Me - Utica, New York

Everything was great about this place! Their chicken riggies is probably the best in the Utica area. You have to try the arancini, it was delightful. We had the vanilla creme brûlée for dessert and that was delicious! I was planning on our next visit while we were eating our food, that's how good it was! The staff there were very welcoming and accommodating! read more

Ancora! - Chicken Riggies (hot) - Tapas Bars Near Me - Utica, New York

I have dairy issues so I do my best to order around my issues, and I really try to just not order things with ingredients I don't care fir, instead of asking fir things to be removed and/or rebuilding the dish. That's a pain in the butt fir everyone. So I ordered the strip, mid rare, just with no blue cheese. Seemed simple enough. What I got was a dry over cooked steak on a greasy plate with not side or anything. It almost seemed spiteful. It was ridiculous, and when I mentioned it to the server she snapped at me, saying "YOU said you didn't want the blue cheese", like that and the steak were literally the only things listed on the menu. I paid, I didn't eat. I left and I won't go back. I'm a chef. That is not hospitality. read more

Another chicken riggie! I'm checking out chicken riggies in this area. Not intentionally though. The pasta was cooked al dente but I had a moment doubt it was under cooked. I suppose it still needs a bit more cooking time. Chicken was fine, reasonable sized chunks with about right cooking time, and texture is between juicy and dry. So not the best ones I had but defiantly in the "better" groups. Sauce is creamy and tasty and it actually helped eat the pasta. It somehow covered the texture and taste a bit. I like the peppers in the pasta and it provided me with more vegetables without having extra salad. The Parmesan fries are tasty and fried perfectly. Price was alright and reasonable for its size and taste. Environment is okay with some grease smell. Will go back. #chickenriggies #thisisutica read more

Ancora! - Tapas Bars Near Me - Utica, New York

Came to Ancora for my first restaurant meal since the shut down. I was so happy to be outside dining in beautiful weather. I was very happy with the quality of the food and the staff were very helpful! read more

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This is truly the best restaurant in town. We've been coming here for years and have never been disappointed. To the cocktails, delicious food with big portions and perfect customer service (attentive but not overbearing) you cannot go wrong. Every time we go, you can count you are going to have amazing food and the best time. Worth every penny! read more

Third time at Ancora's and still love it. Had drinks, appetizer and desert. Waitress lovely. read more

Ancora! - Spinach alone was amazing. Chicken cooked perfectly and sauce perfect combo of lemon and wine. - Tapas Bars Near Me - Utica, New York

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By far my favorite place in Utica !!! I took my beautiful wife there for a date night and we both amazed on how delicious the whole meal was, from the appetizers to the desert. We can't wait to come back!!! read more

Food yum excellent service good the reservation system sucks we have made reservations then you go and they say oh your not on here like really who's in charge of that and I would suggest cleaning the front hall as you walk in doesn't make the place look nice read more

Hours online state that they are open until 10 pm. Called ahead at 7:30 to ask if we need reservation. The gentleman that answered the phone told me that they stop taking tables at 8:30. My party of three got declined because it was 8:27pm. The woman bartender claimed the kitchen was closed. Really? What if a table that was there already wanted to order more food? I know that this was a plain lie and that is what bothered me the most. I did not like the attitude of the bartender as she was very much not eager to make any accommodations. As well as the line cooks staring me down as if me entering the restaurant was a crime. In times like these I would think that the service industry would be more eager to bring people together and make some money. Very sad and did not like the way I was treated whatsoever. It is my fault as I should have spoken to a manager. read more

Monday night at Ancora ! So much fun, wonderful staff. So happy they are open on a Monday. Greg took care of us, we sat at the bar. He whipped up delicious cocktails, white pear and rosemary cosmo (I think). Then a watermelon basil drink. Both very good. I have had greens many many times; Ancora's greens are bar far the very best! Then a mixed berry crepe was out of this world ! Thank you Greg and all for a great time. read more

Very good all around. We enjoyed every dish, the service was good, relaxed atmosphere, and the prices were reasonable. Would definitely go back next time I'm in Utica. read more

Just stopped in for desert and coffee. Had crepe with Nutella filling. Definitely enough for two. The dishes coming out of the open kitchen look great and I asked some people who said the food was great. read more

Best take out steak I've had! My strip cooked perfectly MR and delicious veggies! Very quick delivery also!

Clearly a frozen pizza, was not good at all. Waitress was inattentive and didn't introduce herself.

Started out with calamari appetizer, and for my main course, I hate a fillet with bacon mushroom risotto. My meal was out if this world!! The fillet melted in my mouth and the risotto was just ridiculously delicious. Mind you, I'm not a huge risotto fan, but I would definitely go back for more! Service was excellent. Our waiter was attentive and on the ball! read more

Ancora! - Filet with bacon mushroom risotto - Tapas Bars Near Me - Utica, New York

Who knew such a gem could be found in Utica? I was in town rehearsing for a show for about 10 days and I think ended up coming here almost every day. Not only is it convenient to the theater where we were rehearsing, but the food was fabulous and the service was great. The first dish I had there was a special, some kind of mushroom ravioli that was to die for. Never had the same thing twice and nothing I ordered ever let me down. One of the best parts? They didn't make a fuss like many servers do when we asked to put the bill on 8 or more cards. read more

Ancora! - Wild mushroom ravioli - Tapas Bars Near Me - Utica, New York

First: Apparently having a valid paper NYS Drivers License replacement (because my replacement is physically in the mail) is not valid enough to order a Mic Ultra. And only 2 of the 4 of us were carded. 3 People had beef tips and were happy with them. Their only comment was that they anticipated the dish to be traditional: beef tips with a brown gravy. It was more of a tomato based sauce and served atop a semi bland risotto. I got the bistro chicken. It was flavorful. The greens were not special. Potatoes were decent. Also, NO salt or pepper was on the table, and not butter or anything on the mashed potatoes. All in all my whole experience was ruined by the ID issue and I had a bad attitude following the whole ordeal. -Salty read more

Service was OK, but seating is a mess. Watch out if your seated near a door or in a major thorough fare. Fried meatballs flavorless and hard. Rest of the food is ok. This is cramped loud dining. read more

Ancora! - Tapas Bars Near Me - Utica, New York

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My Utica friends have been raving about Ancora and they didn't exaggerate. It's a phenomenal restaurant / bar in the heart of downtown. If you're looking for gourmet experience in a fun and casual atmosphere, then you can't go wrong here. We ordered too much food but couldn't pass on the Utica Greens and calamari appetizers. I loved the "Pork & Beans Our Way" entre. Wow! How delicious and unique! Already looking forward to my next visit. read more

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Another 5 star meal at Ancora! I have yet to find a dish on the menu that isn't delicious! Tried their Riggies this time around and they were delicious!! The pasta was a perfect al dente, the sauce had just the right amount of kick (I ordered it medium) and they are very generous with the chicken. Angelica the bartender extraordinaire served my UC just as I like it (cold and full). Even got a visit from the owner as I sat at the bar. If you are looking for great food in downtown Utica, take a stroll down Genesee st. to Ancora! read more

Ancora! - Tapas Bars Near Me - Utica, New York

Gotta try the paella and polenta fries!!! This place has been a staple of Utica for the longest time. Dan has made sure this place cranks out the best drinks to pair with you food! Just ask him to make something awesome and it comes to the table....just awesome! read more

Somehow our order was incomplete, but after a phone call the owner showed up with the missing item and more. How about that for rectifying things . Food was great and we will be back !!!! Thanks Ancora read more

Serena our waitress was Amazing . The food and service was A1 . Paella and Strip Steak So fresh and flavorful. Will Be Back ( I'm from the city and this by far one of my fave restaurants so laidback) read more

Ancora! - Tapas Bars Near Me - Utica, New York

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Excellent tapas; not really Spanish but sort of like their own spin on tapas. Great wine selection. Good music. This place is best when the atmosphere is chill... But occasionally this tiny restaurant and bar is set upon by gangs of overdressed greased-up locals pretending to be big shots and their drunken wives out for a night of urban yelling. They yell into their cell phones, chug White Zinfandel and martinis and will ruin your whole experience if you're sitting in the main room close to the door. I'd recommend hitting this place up on a non-party night, and definitely avoid going here the nights they're showing musicals at the Stanley. read more