It's kind of a unique venue as it appears to have once been a house converted into a restaurant and maybe was a deli as well? I can describe it as organized chaos as they were busy and the staff really do hop around trying to keep up. Starting with over warm bread and a nice oil/garlic dip the menu offers some nice choices and is not overwhelming large. The bruschetta was good and the calamari fresh but somewhat over salty but the red sauce kicked that down some. The entree's were good and the plates plentiful with extra to take home. Several dessert choices as well and the cannoli fresh and over stuffed. read more

See all

Just back from a really nice dinner at Cafe Calabria II. Nice atmosphere, friendly service, beautiful plating and delicious meal. We started with fried calamari ( starting eating and then took photo ) which was perfectly cooked and a nice mix of tentacles and tubes. Then we shared a Greek salad- huge dinner salad size and more than enough for two. Add the warm fresh bread - olive oil with a balsamic vinegar bunny ( Easter weekend) ;) Bolognese for him, linguine with white clam for me. And tomorrow's lunch is in the fridge! A little bit of a long time to be served, but on a holiday weekend they were busy and running as smoothly as one could hope. Very nice dinner. read more

See all

We chose this place for a Saturday evening meal in Albany due to its close proximity to I-90, fact that they take reservations and the great Yelp reviews. The atmosphere here is very nice with beautiful illuminated arches and tables that are nicely spaced. We enjoyed the Pinot Noir by the glass and the complementary bread with herbs and oil. All seemed nice. Things started to seem weird when our server told us twice that someone would bring us water and no water materialized. Before we ordered our meals i reminded her we needed water and finally she brought glasses and a small amount in a carafe. Apparently that was all the water we were going to get because she never brought any more even when my glass was empty. For the entree I got the eggplant parm and it was a pretty solid three stars. The sauce was nice and the portion generous but the eggplant was a bit soggy and could have been hotter. Others in our group seemed happier with the lasagna and the seafood pastas. I'd give this place another try because the atmosphere is nice and the location is convenient but would not order the eggplant parm again. Also, they really need to work on their water service! Gender neutral restroom but just one single bathroom for the whole restaurant. read more

Cafe Calabria II - Lasagna large portion and good meat to pasta ratio - Italian Near Me - Albany, New York

See all

To Carli at the very overrated Cafe Capriccio who ACTUALLY replied to reviews DARING ex customers to find better dining-- to you and your brain washed cult, Cafe Calabria has FAR better food, ambiance and customer service. I have been 3 times and cant wait to get back. Right now my favorite dishes are the Lobster Ravioli and the Eggplant Rollatini appetizer. The Eggplant is actually a meal in itself. My husband is a steak guy and loves ribeye for just $45. Most of the entrees average about 30 which is completely worth it. Especially since the customer service is so friendly and sober. So back to CARLI, I definitely found a better place to dine. read more

Cafe Calabria II - A response from Cafe Capriccio - Italian Near Me - Albany, New York

We love Cafe Calabria! The food is always great. The owners are fantastic and the servers are always friendly and helpful. Make sure to end your meal with an espresso martini!! read more

See all

I've been a customer for many years, and it's because of the consistent high quality of the food and lovely family that runs the restaurant. Everything from their bread to salad dressing is incredibly fresh and homemade. I'm also obsessed with their red sauce, which is some of the best in the Capital Region, in my opinion. I rarely deviate from the Chicken Parm, which is a classic they do right. It also two large pieces of chicken, so you'll likely get several meals out of it. Their side of pasta is also a great sized portion. If you like cheesecake, definitely order the Pineapple Cheesecake - it's homemade and unbelievable! Also, since they've reopened as Cafe Calabria II, they've added a large bar and drink menu, which features specialty cocktails in addition to their wine selection. If you haven't been, make reservations and get your stretchy pants ready! read more

Cafe Calabria II - Drink menu - Italian Near Me - Albany, New York

See all

This restaurant is near where I work and one of the places where you have eaten a long time ago but you keep procrastinating to go back. The restaurant is a cute home with an entrance located on the side of the main street. With the management changing in 2023, it was a good enough reason to go visit them again. The portions are good, food is made with love served by a group which seems like a family. I visited the place Saturday after Black Friday, just before they were ready to close so didn't get to talk to them much. From what I remember from a long while back, I had tried a sandwich for lunch, which was made with one the best bread I had eaten. Despite me not being able to order a sandwich, the bread that was served tasted great, few of the vegetarians were able to just enjoy the bread. We tried 2 appetizers, eggplant rollitini and bruschetta. The appetizers were large portions with great flavors. the main meals chicken Parm and Shrimp Angelina. We ate well, and still had some leftovers. I enjoyed the leftovers more, adding some spices, chilli and chili flakes. Overall great food and probably will make the top 5 Italian restaurants in Capital region. read more

See all

This was from a big pick up at my work so I cannot contest to the service or ambiance of the place. I ordered the Catania from their lunch menu. It was not the nicest packed sandwich ever and was kinda falling everywhere when I opened it but again they had to make about 10 sandwiches so I give grace. This was not the best tuna I've ever had it was just okay. The bread though is FANTASTIC. I would definitely grab a sandwich here just for that because of how good. A sandwich comes with a side of pasta salad. That was just okay, it's just tasted like cold garlic and buttered pasta. From other reviews I think I need to go and try dinner. Definitely give this a try for lunch if you are looking for a place in the area. read more

Cafe Calabria II - Catania - Italian Near Me - Albany, New York

See all

This Italian restaurant is a charming woman-owned gem located on Western Avenue in Guilderland. We booked reservations for a recent Friday night. While it was still early when we arrived, the restaurant quickly began to fill up. It turned out that making reservations was a good idea. We came because my husband wanted an Italian meal. His family is from Calabria, Italy. I knew we were in for a treat as soon as a server brought us fresh warm bread a along with a plate of pesto and olive oil for dipping. Yes, know how people's mothers always tell them not to stuff themselves with bread when they go out to eat. I tried to resist but I ate a few slices because it was just so delicious. We ordered a Clams Casino appetizer to share. It was just amazing. So much flavor in every bite. It probably worked out that I ate the bread because it took about 40 minutes to prepare our entrees. I had the Chicken Marsala which came with pasta. It went well with the Prosecco that my husband ordered. He had the Veal Parmesan. We thought the meals were terrific. The portions were generous. So we wound up taking some home. We had them for lunch the next day. The restaurant is a stand alone building with a pretty yellow interior. The decor is tasteful. There's plenty of seating. The owner, Sandra, was behind the bar. Her mother, Rosanna, was one of our wonderful servers. She was very welcoming. The fascinating story behind the restaurant is explained on the back page of the menu. Cafe Calabria II opened last year. So glad we came for dinner. This was our first visit. We look forward to coming back. Rosanna said they're also open for lunch and serve great sandwiches. I'll have to try them sometime. read more

See all

Food was incredible, large portions and tasty. Meatballs antipasta tasted great but was small. Paparadelle bolognese was incredible, fresh and flavorful. Chicken parmigiana was delicious. Ambiance was good, they had a live music player that was awesome. Service was pretty bad. Serve said they were busy. No one came to take our order until we stopped a server, and we didn't get entrees until after about 75 minutes. They gave us free desert to make up for it though, so I won't knock it stars. read more

Cafe Calabria II - Chicken parmigiana - Italian Near Me - Albany, New York

See all

We were visiting Albany and did not want to go far from our hotel after driving all day. This little gem was close by and perfect. It's homey and friendly...and the food is amazing. We felt like part of the family. They have great confidence in their food, and they are right! The homemade salad dressing is outstanding-- and we purchased a container to take home. It was that good! We both had chicken dishes which were excellent, with ample portions. We took them home, too. Desserts are homemade, too, and tasty. This little restaurant is just right for a great authentic Italian meal. The wine list is not huge but well chosen. There's outdoor seating, too. read more

Amazing is short of what this restaurant is , the food is as if I'm in Italy, Love , love , love with a simple ambience to match. Family owned and serviced by the family, so they make you feel like you're at a Sunday dinner every time. After my first dinner and the second visit for lunch I will make Calabria ll my favorite restaurant, I just really enjoy the company of the owner she makes you feel at home. Oh and not to forget the delicious dessert made right the by her mother... again Amazing!!! read more

See all

We used to frequent this restaurant when it was the original Cafe Calabria. When ownership changed (it is now owned by a different family member) we wondered if the quality would still be there Well, we worried for nothing! The food is still truly wonderful. This restaurant is relatively small so you, generally, need a reservation. We arrived at our reservation time and were pleased to see that one of our former waitresses was still there among some new folks. We were pleasantly greeted and seated. We were a party of four and two of our group had also never been to this new version of the restaurant. We placed our drinks order and they arrived promptly. One of our party ordered a whiskey sour and remarked that it was the best he ever had. Shortly thereafter we were served fresh, hot bread and our orders were taken. Despite the restaurant being very busy our meals arrived promptly. Chicken parmigiana, lasagna, veal parmigiana, and chicken piccata were our choices. Two words describes all four dishes: outrageously delicious! I apologize for not taking photos. We were all hungry and there was a feeding frenzy when our food arrived. It tasted as good as it looked and it looked wonderful. Only one of us was brave enough to order dessert and she remarked that the cheesecake was super Overall this was a great dining experience. We highly recommend this restaurant for mouth watering Italian cuisine. read more

Delicious food. Authentic and uplifting atmosphere. Impeccable service! Stopped there unplanned for dinner with a friend and was blown away by the entire experience. Will definitely return. read more

Everything was outstanding! The food was fresh and full of flavor, the service was perfect, and everyone was so welcoming.

The location, the people, the ambience, the feeling of family truly enjoyed my service and my food at café Calabria outstanding recommended to anyone read more

Service was efficient. The food was slow to show up and was dreadful! Now this is coming from an actual Italian so call me a little biased but if you want good Italian food try Cannali's in Rotterdam. If you want great Italian food, find a Italian friend who actually still cooks these days (so sad)! read more

Cafe Calabrian ll is a hidden gem. New bar is an awesome addition and staff was very friendly and accommodating. Started off with delicious appetizers. Highly recommend the Greens and Beans. The house salad with homemade vinaigrette dressing was excellent. The veal parmigiana was top notch. Everyone at our table raved about their dinner choices. Can't wait to go back! read more

Good food, and a lot of it. Service was great The only thing and it's a little thing after dropping almost $100 our receipt had a service fee for using my debt card which I do not think is right ,I could understand if it was for a $20 pizza. read more

My boyfriend and I dined here for dinner after a last minute decision as we have ordered a chicken parm family dinner from here in the past and it was delicious. We did not have a reservation and they were still able to accommodate us, even though they appeared busy. They told us it may be about ten minutes until we saw the server but drink orders would be taken and bread was brought to the table. The restaurant is owned by an Italian family and the mother of the owner is lovely. When the restaurant slowed down she came and talked to us and was very friendly. It did take a bit to receive our food after ordering, however, everything was made fresh following ordering. We received bread with dipping oil/pesto (amazing) and a couple of drinks while we were waiting. The side salad was fresh and a great portion. I ordered the shrimp scampi and it was delicious, the shrimp was cooked perfect. I would definitely come back here, however, would make a reservation. We are all about supporting a family owned business! read more

OMG! Amazing, delightful and delicious! Husband and I agree we probably had the best Veal (mine) and Chicken (his) Parmigiana in the area!!!! Thin, crisp and tasty sauce. Too much for one dinner (for me) so I had lunch the next day. It was so, so good!!! Cannoli to end the meal was perfection. We will return read more

best food in the northeast , spotless , friendly staff and on and on best chef in the northeast chef guido futia read more

In town for business and will be coming to Albany from NC for the next three years or more for a project. Started looking for Italian, not a chain but a locally owned, family restaurant. Found Cafe Calabria. Saundra the owner was behind the bar and very nice to everyone. I ordered the Veal Bruschetta and Clams in White Sauce. Very good!! I learned to ask, if it's not on the menu, They will accommodate off menu requests. Everyone local or visiting try this great place, a local gem! I will be back next week. read more

See all

Excellent food. We've been going there for years. Always consistent. Consistency is most important to me. Nice people. Clean restaurant. Reasonable prices. read more

This restaurant is still excellent after its re-opening by female family members. It's a fairly small, unassuming and quiet space. We tried our old favorite app, the eggplant rollatini, and it's still superb. We split an orecchiette con salsiccia (sausage), which has rapini, white beans and garlic, as well as shrimp Angelina on pappardelle with artichokes, roasted red peppers and lemon. Lovely dishes both. The former reminded me of a favorite dish of mine at the old Mangia's in Slingerlands. We also had a house salad which no longer comes with entrees. I don't usually like balsamic dressing which tends to be sweet and overpowering but theirs is quite nice. The last time I went I tried the burrata ravioli, a new menu item made with basil and roasted red pepper -- very good. We can also attest that they make great Italian sandwiches and the desserts are pretty great. read more

Service was excellent. I had veal and eggplant parm which was so good. Couldn't finish it. Definitely recommend this family owned restaurant

Thank you for the great handicap ramp in the back, near the hc parking. We had Saturday 6:15 reservations (a very good idea) and arrived on time, were seated and got menus and ice water. Most tables were occupied but it didn't sound loud or feel cramped.,Cole our server was attentive and friendly. I ordered Lobster Ravioli (big portion of 7-8 ravioli) and house Salad, balsamic dressed). Hubby ordered Nocce e Fruitti salad (huge portion) which he raved about and Linguini with white clam sauce. He enjoyed his meal thoroughly. Generally, once the food arrives, his conversation ends and focuses on eating, but he kept remarking how much he enjoyed it. My salad was large but the dressing was so good, I didn't leave a leaf behind. But I was matching my husband's swooning over my ravioli with vodka sauce., Save some bread (or ask for more) but dip your bread in that sauce. We had no room for dessert. Our meal was $100 with enough for tomorrow night. A great ending to an autumn day. read more

See all

The food at CC 2 does NOT disappoint! If you leave hungry that is user error on your part!! The restaurant and staff are inviting and friendly! read more

Food and service were outstanding. There were 4 of us and we tried multiple apps and dinners, not to mention decadent desserts! Cant wait to return. read more

The best in the Albany area. I travel a lot and the food, service and atmosphere is excellent. They are conveniently located off the NYS Thruway down Western Avenue. You can't go wrong by choosing Cafe Calabria II. read more

Great Italian food. Small menu but I enjoy that. Less to decide on and menu provides plenty of options. Will go back again. Would've given 5 stars but thought pricey without salad included for entree. read more

We just tried Cafe Calabria II for the first time ever and decided shortly into our meal that we will be repeat and regular customers. We loved everything about our 5 STAR dining experience, from the warm and welcoming staff, to the incredibly delicious (and warm!) fresh bread with its accompanying delectable pesto sauce (wow!!!!) to the wonderful house salad (complete with delicious house made roasted red peppers, shaved parmigiana cheese and perfect balsamic house dressing) to our wonderful entrees and the fabulous desserts - the homemade cannoli and pineapple cheesecake, both of which were the best we have ever had! My husband loved his entree - the chicken parmigiana - so very much and my penne a la vodka entree was extremely delicious! The pasta was perfectly done and the sauce is so amazing you will want to lick the plate. It was an honor to meet the delightful and charming owner Sandra who, along with her very friendly and hard working staff, provided us with excellent service. We felt like VIP's and the restaurant was completely full. If you are new patrons like we were, you will enter as a stranger and leave feeling like family. The restaurant is beautifully decorated, and the volume level is perfect (even with a full dining room). We intend to try every dish on Cafe Calabria II's very impressive menu. Grazie mille per il delizioso pasto! read more

We went here last week for the first time. It was great! I started out with a Negroni on the rocks and both of us shared a poached pear salad which was a perfect combo of sweet and savory with drizzles of balsamic glaze. We both ordered the zuppa di pesci with calamari, squid, scallops, shrimp, clams, and mussels. As you know, cooking these "fish" requires a deft touch which the chef demonstrated. We chatted for a long time with the owner who was born in Calabria. My wife and I finished with a glass of limoncello. We unreservedly recomend this restaurant. (In fact we have a reservation for this week). Michael and Donna read more