Ironically, my experience had NOTHING to do with the food, which I'm pretty confident is beyond extraordinary. Reservations mean nothing, so be prepared to stand at the front door like a statue for what seems like "forever" until someone grudgingly acknowledges you and your guests. Not remotely how I'd run a restaurant, but to each his own. Our party left after 45 minutes of no service....not even a menu or drinks. read more

This is not the typical dining experience- it feels like being in your nonna's kitchen when she's too busy to chat and she's slightly annoyed by your presence. However, if you can look past that, or even see it as part of the charm, you will love this place! The fresh pasta is unlikely any other in the area. The portions are HUGE! And while we were prepared to wait as the restaurant was full and the staff limited- everything came out quickly and perfectly cooked. While it's on the pricier side, for the ingredients and freshness I'd say it's very very fair. The waitress was an angel, offering dessert and a happy birthday song to our table. Dishes that came highly recommended from our table were the meatball app, porcini mushroom cacio e Pepe (though on the saltier side) and the saffron cream sauce angel hair dish with scallops. Another at our table loved the lamb ragu! I did leave a voicemail reservation but checked in the day of and it seemed like they may not have had it- maybe something to note. I think this is a wonderful spot for a special occasion and it's made it to my top 5 in the area without a doubt! read more

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The service was friendly! They are a smaller space but have 3 separate dining rooms so we only had one server and we waited an hour just to place our orders, but the food came out hot and quick! The portions are HUGE, so the heftier prices make sense! The taste is good - but maybe I'm not used to Venice style Italian so the flavors were a little weird for me. Everything was so rich and decadent and a little on the sweeter side - which was just too much for me even on an empty stomach. You will def be bringing leftovers home ! I would coke again and try different dishes and dessert. Btw - all their pasta is homemade too! read more

Downtown cafe - Meatball - Italian Near Me - Kingston, New York

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Not like any restaurant I've been to. We made our reservation via text. But I got the sense there was no list. When we arrived for our early dinner we were surprised at the piles of produce and items stacked on bar stools. Odd. But once we were seated by the sweetheart hostess we knew something special was happening. The food was superb. We had spinach ravioli and the lasagna with a house salad. Big portions. Most delicious meal. Oh there was a sign asking to wait to be seated. It was like eating at someone's home. Will return soon. Bravo Chef Graziano. My advice get there early to enjoy the crazy atmosphere. Again. Most delicious food. read more

Downtown cafe - Delicious spinach raviolis and Lasagna. - Italian Near Me - Kingston, New York

This is hands down one of my favorite area restaurants. The food is SO good, the real deal Italian. It is definitely for people who don't need white linen service or atmosphere. The funky atmosphere is part of it's charm! Just Graziano in the kitchen, one or maybe two waitresses in warmer months, and frequently a long wait to order for what will be a memorable meal no matter what you get. It's an experience, with excellent food at it's core. read more

Wow. I wanted to come after watching a video about the place and was down for the day hiking in the area. So I walk in and see produce and deliveries laying in the floor. No one greated me or my lady friend. We sat down as there was only one person's as in the restaurant. Immediately we were scolded by a kid about 20 years of age who said "um you need to wait to be seated. I asked him how I'd know that as his tone was rude and he said there was a sign smuggly. There is no sign for the record. The owner or chef who was spraying truffle oil all over 4 different plates he was cooking for his knows who yelled to us did you call ahead. I looked and saw he was sweating profusely had no gloves or hair net and I promptly left. Why would you pretend to be Italian and have no ability to talk or be polite to your customers? Didn't have any food but I wouldn't go back. No hospitality at all read more

The best Italian food and atmosphere in the area. One of my favorite places period. Just enough chaos and great food to make for an excellent night out. Service is amazing either way and engaging and knowledgeable waitress. Food: excellent Graziano is the real deal. Cant recommend enough. read more

What a fantastic restaurant. The definition of a hometown family business, Graziano's serves fresh, delicious pasta and seafood dishes in a charming atmosphere overflowing with the smell of parmesan and garlic. The waitstaff are happy to make recommendations. Get the mushroom asiago ravioli, you won't be disappointed. read more

We were going elsewhere but saw this, so looked inside and it looked interesting, and smelled the food and got lured in. Everything was excellent, service was very real (in a good way) and the portions are ridiculously generous. It's really scruffy, which just made us love it more. read more

This is like traveling to Italy- Chef Graziano is just behind the counter prepping and cooking - all the vegetables and pastas are chaotically spread on counter( which i LOVE) his Cacio e Pepe & Straciatella is so good . This is a little gem. The staff is on point. read more

Found this cute restaurant via the internet and since we were on a date in the area, decided to stop in for dessert and an expresso. After entering and passing the a multitude of dusty decor and random boxes of produce out in the open, we encountered the chef making plates ready to be served. We were not greeted or even acknowledge, but despite the lack of hospitality, we thought we'd stay. There were multiple open tables, so we seated ourselves and when we did, a worker rudely said "You have to wait to be seated." He followed that with "there's a sign." It was very condescending, so we chose to leave and on our way out, the chef (possibly owner) shouted, "did you call?" Feeling unwelcome, we exited. We also did not see a sign. Sadly, we will never bring our business there again. read more

Been here three times. The first was amazing. The second time the food was so bad we couldnt even eat it. Credit to the owner, he didnt charge us for anything. The third time the waitress was borderline hostile and seemed annoyed that she had to do her job and that customers were there. We left. read more

Worst guy ever working there. Pretty sure he was the owner. He looked at me sideways for asking for a coffee WHEN THE PLACE'S NAME IS DOWNTOWN CAFE. He then proceeded to make fun of me because I asked for milk that isn't whole milk. He told me the only milk he had was one that will make me shit like from a cow as if I was stupid. Real big asshole. Oh and I forgot to mention it smelled like rotten cheese and looked like a pig stalk in there. Such a porker. read more

A small piece of Northern Italy on The Strand. Graziano's style reminds me of the amazing Osterias I come across in some of the smaller towns surrounding Ravenna and Bologna, Italy. The food is always delicious and freshly made. I highly recommend! read more

This restaurant really did impress me. Only 17 yelp reviews, all good, this eclectic menu looked interesting, had to try it during a Sunday stroll through the Kingston waterfront area. Family run, there's a small dining room across from an open kitchen, however we ate in the brick alleyway which leads to a backyard garden area. Great music was playing (Steely Dan, Bread...) but the food was the star! Tuna tartare presented beautifully with capers cucumber olives and drizzle of balsamic was excellent. The sea scallops in a brandy cream sauce as an appetizer was delicious and decadent, it took a lot of restraint not to lick the bowl clean. It was well complemented with a fresh, crisp frisée salad with pine nuts. A full hour and 20 minutes from my house however I know I'll be back, hopefully often! read more

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We were in Kingston for a long weekend and were recommend the Downtown Cafe with Chef Graziano. The open kitchen layout of the restaurant was so cool because we got to see him cook every meal! It's so impressive to see one chef cooking the food for the entire restaurant! If you get the chance, we highly recommend sitting in the front. The wait staff were very friendly as well! We ordered the Beef Meatballs in Tomato Basil Sauce for our appetizer, for our entrees we ordered the Cacio E Pepe and the Linguine Pescatore, and for dessert we had a strawberry shortcake. It was so easy to tell that the pasta was homemade. All the dishes were delicious! The restaurant was a bit cluttered but was homey at the same time. Our only disappointment was that our appetizer came with our entrees and not before due to a miscommunication between the staff. We will definitely be returning one day! Could not recommend this place more! read more

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Cozy space in a converted garage. Interesting menu. The food was outstanding. Busy, but efficient waitress.

Excellent food, but the place is having a difficult time with staffing and your order can run really late. Our server was unable to compensate with visits to check in on us. No added attention or even a small token of a modicum of interest in a guest who has waited forever. They simply cowered away and hid in the kitchen. When it finally arrived, the food was fairly memorable, but all in all, we won't be back. read more

Absolutely outstanding food. If you love incredible food with no pretense in a bit of a chaotic kitchen setting, this place is for you. Watch this one man show create incredible food and devour everything. If you want a quiet setting with a romantic ambience, this place isn't for you. Rivals any place I've eaten in Italy. read more

This was the best food I've ever had in NY (outside Manhattan), and I lived in Manhattan for almost a decade. My high school played Kingston in sports but I never knew Kingston had good food. It pains me to say they do, and it's literally almost life changing, right here in Kingston. EAT HERE AT ALL COSTS!!!! read more

We came here last night for diner and was good, not great. My ravioli with spinach in a pink sauce were covered with so much sauce, hard to taste the ravioli. My companion had the ragu with lamb over pappadrelle which he liked and couldn't finish. Good size portions but not cheap considering pasta, period. no salad or vegetable. some slices of toasted bread with a bit of olive oil, which had no taste. A big menu, a cute casual vibe and nice waitress service but doubt we'd go back for the $26 or so each pasta dish cost. read more

Dinner was delicious, service was good. First time at the cafe would definitely go back.

Looks like they received their liqueur license as they proceeded to charge me for a corkage fee. Overall, meal was enjoyable. The homemade linguini was a bit different than what we were expecting and a little bit over cooked. Still, the sauces were tasty. Party I was with got the cockles (linguini with clam), the seafood, and the bolgenase. Seafood had a little bit of an odd taste. I had the cassoulet which was something Ive been yearning for a good, tasty one. touch on the greasy / oily side but very very tasty. Somehow, i think the dish needs to be brightened up because it came out a dull gray/black and not as appetizing as it did taste. Had the side of spinach and was again, expecting a little bit more green rather than a dull grey. Again, tasty but seems like this may have been frozen spinach rather than fresh. Somewhat understandable during the winter but ... not what i was expecting. Food quite filling as we didn't have room for desert. read more

People who don't like talent, creativity, warmth, and playfulness should stop eating at places like this and go back to the Olive Garden and stop writing reviews of places that are beyond the comprehension of their small brain and palate dulled by years of eating bland food served by trained clones. Graziano's is a place for new takes on old classics. Expect the unexpected. Unlike most other high end restaurants the portions are generous, the service and the ambience are unpretentious. The pasta has taste and texture that doesn't get swallowed by the sauce. The staff talk to you without being scripted. No trip to the Hudson valley is complete for me without a meal here read more

Great time. Service is excellent and food is delicious. Family feeling. Relax and enjoy. read more

A very small place that will deliver a memorable food experience that will be hard to match. Graziano Is a master that will have you needing to return. He loves his trade and you will realize that with the first and last bite of the appetizer, main meal and/or desert. read more

A total gem in Kingston. My boyfriend (now fiancée!) and I stopped in by accident last year after a reservation at a different restaurant fell thru. We came back for a second time this year because we just couldn't get Downtown Cafe out of our minds! One of the best dining experiences we have ever had--both times! Everything is SO fresh and tasty. Highly recommend the (fresh!) pasta with asparagus on the side. We love eating in the little garage attached to the restaurant too. Great atmosphere. Looking forward to our third visit :) read more

Always a really good meal here. Definitely do not come in a rush, my only negative comments would be it usually does take a very long time as there's typically just the owner/chef and one waitress and everything is cooked fresh but it is always worth the wait and they're super nice. The steak is incredible, all the salads, soups and bread always have a one of a kind taste and super flavorful and all around it's one of the best spots in Kingston for fresh and great lunch and dinner read more

What a gem! You don't come for the atmosphere (although it is welcoming and family friendly) you come for the food! Every appetizer and entree was a knockout. The chef is exceptionally skilled. The wait staff is also very friendly and accommodating. We'll be back next time we are in the area. read more

This is one of the best restaurants in the world! Never fails to impress. Awesome creative food, with real homemade style and grace.

Running a restaurant is really hard; complaining about a restaurant is really easy. That said, I'm obliged to say that this restaurant really failed the mission in every way . First there's the weird and rather dirty environment. Piles, piles, everywhere. Indoors, there's a small counter and a couple of tables filled up with piles of stuff--newspapers, boxes and bags of stuff, who knows. Outdoors, you choose between a cafe table perched on a narrow, steep sidewalk as the busy traffic goes by, or a table in the "portico," the garage/service entrance to the back of the building, the back of which was also teeming with piles of stuff. It did seem like somebody just pulled this idea of a restaurant together with odds and ends from their garage in a weekend. All that would have been just quirky fun if the food had been good, but it wasn't. I think the pasta was homemade, and the portions were huge, but what's the point when a heavy grease slick stands between you and the sauce and its meats? And what's with bread basket filled with stale raisin toast drenched in garlic oil? My guess was that it was repurposed from the breakfast service. All this and high prices, too. Even in the Hudson Valley, you have to expect more when paying $15 to $20 for appetizers/salads and $27 to $37 for entrees. I see all the good yelp reviews, and I just don't get it. read more

This is truly a dining experience... the ambiance of this cafe is amazing... Italian food at its finest... bring your own wine and the waitress is divine read more

Ther is not a whole lot on Yelp regarding downtown cafe... but eating here is a phenomenal old world experience... the ambience is truly rustic... but the food is really what you come here for. read more

Downtown cafe - On top of spaghetti... All covered in cheese.... I lost My poor meatball... - Italian Near Me - Kingston, New York

One of the best restaurants in Kingston if you like freshly sourced and prepared food. I love the food and the atmosphere. The service is warm and welcoming. I am a weekly customer and enjoy all the food I've ordered. A good friend of mine who is Italian and has high standards re food has enjoyed Graziano's food also. He makes his own pasta and is a creative chef. Was there tonight and it was clean and bright-ready for business. read more

We stumbled upon Graziano's after picking up wine at Kingston Wine Co down the street after a passerby heard us asking the wine shop employee about restaurant recommendations. This restaurant seems really unassuming from the outside (and inside) but we had one of the best, most memorable meals of our lives here. We ordered a pasta paparadelle with some kind of pork ragu (special that week, hand made pasta) with a mountain of parmesean that I still dream about. We brought our own bottle from Kingston Wine (no corkage fee), a salad (large portions, we were able to share between the two of us) and a side of grilled asparagus. Seriously one of the top 10 meals I've ever had, still dreaming of coming back. read more

The Downtown Cafe' got their liquor license several weeks ago! Had lunch over the summer, and was delighted. Came back in September for dinner - 4 of us. The food was outrageously good. The entire place feels like art. That is the food is all han made, the decor and service original and charming. Hand made pastas. Italian cuisine made ny a master. We cannot wait to return! read more

The food was decent, however the vibe of the restaurant was horrid. It was not a classy establishment, and the staff as well as the owner were rude and unprofessional. The owner was very loud and unfriendly. Everything was dirty and the environment was awful on top of that, the wait staff was a bunch of teenagers ( how is that allowed ?) Our waitress was the only kind person in the establishment, she said her name was Amelia she was amazing, the only saving grace of the restaurant!! However, there was a boy who was disrespectful, talked bad to us about the staff and costumers even though he was sitting around doing nothing. When we asked him for something and he rudely said "ask you're waitress i don't care." Overall the whole situation was awful, our waitress was amazing tho... she deserves a raise! read more

Easily one of the worst dining experiences of my life. Seated in a deeply tilted garage, the first warning sign was the water glasses. Not glasses, but red plastic tumblers just like you would see a teenage kegger. There was a pile of food, cleaning supplies and equipment in the back room, visible through an open curtain. A bag of onions sat out unrefrigerated, as did a case of eggs. Just sitting on the floor, probably since Friday. (We 'ate here' on Sunday) . Then after we placed our order, the bread came out. This was sliced supermarket bread, some of it cinnamon raisin, some just plain old sliced white bread. It had been coated with garlic and oil, which renders the cinnamon raisin bread disgusting and unpalatable. Next, our salads arrived, mine was a pear Gorgonzola and my wife's an alleged Caesar salad. My salad featured a chunk of Gorgonzola only slightly smaller than a deck of cards, grapes, tomatoes and a fistful of candied walnuts, in a sickly sweet balsamic dressing. My wife's salad was overdressed, limp croutons, no anchovies, no parmigiana and was drowning in some mustard dressing. The disappointment continued with our main courses. My wife's guanciale came with house made tagliatelle was literally drowning in grease and indeed included many chunks of fat. Bland, unseasoned and gluey. My scallops with house made linguine and saffron sauce as greasy as my wife's guanciale, with the added treat of bland rubbery scallops and a surprising amount of sand and grit. Another unseasoned and unsalted dish. My beer wasn't very cold, but my wife did enjoy her wine. Overall, I am quite surprised to read all the glowing reviews here, I was genuinely embarrassed to have to pay for this extreme low quality, unloved food, indifferently cooked by someone who seems to have lost passion for his craft. read more

Wow! Looks can be deceiving. Didn't expect much when we first walked in but boy were we pleasantly surprised. What it lacks it atmosphere it more than makes up for in food. We both had the tuna steaks and they were fantastic. Highly recommend this little diamond in the rough. read more

Walked by this place and the read the Yelp reviews before visiting. All the reviews are spot on, as we had wonderful dining experience. Our waitress Barbara suggested we sit at the bar which we did and this gave us a front row seat to chef Graziano working his magic. Everything from our soup to our entrees was delicious! I was hesitant to write this review as the place is small and I fear that more attention this place receives the harder it will be to get a table in the future but alas I believe all great things deserve recognition. We will definitely be back here soon!!! read more