Amazing food, amazing drinks, amazing service every single time! The vibes are spectacular!

Service was excellent. Housemade bread & butter were wonderful. Loved my cocktail, it was made well. Nice ambiance but very loud, as expected in a small establishment. I absolutely hated my swordfish, it was dry & tasteless. Paired with 1 piece of potato, fennel & tomatoes. Personally I feel did not mesh well with the fish and were also flavorless and dry. Very disappointed in that aspect, expected a lot more as far as taste. Needs improvement. read more

Popped in for dinner on a Saturday night and had a great time! It took about 20 minutes to place our orders after we sat down, but we went into it expecting a longer dinner with a nicer place like this. The amuse bouche and bread was lovely. I ordered the burger, which I found to be cooked perfectly to my liking but slightly chewy. I am super picky with burgers and will acknowledge this, so I can't discount them too much for this. We also got the scallops as an appetizer and were pleased with our choice. I loved the decor and ambiance. It's a fantastic choice for date night in Utica. I would love to go back to try out the prix fixe menu which looked excellent. read more

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What a difference 24 hours makes. I was still recovering from the awful Ocean Blue and found Motus. The restaurant is class from the decor to the service. The wine list is gory but very good. Every dish sounds exciting and thoughtful. I had the coquille st Jacques and it is the best appetizer I have eaten for many months. The pumpkin ravioli lacked a little depth of flavor when compared to that amazing appetizer. The broth and squash with the ravioli was excellent Can't wait to try more read more

I ate at Motus for the first time and it was a superb eating experience. I attended a baby shower there. I have a gluten intolerance and was worried that I wouldn't be able to eat anything on the menu selected for this event. I was assured by staff that they could modify any food item to my needs. The substitutions were absolutely delicious and included a vegan appetizer with fiddle heads, and gluten-free focaccia (which was amazing). The pan roasted Faroe Island salmon was cooked perfectly, and since I couldn't eat the cake made by a local bakery, I was surprised with a delicious chocolate flourless piece of cake. The staff was extremely accommodating and very friendly and the atmosphere had a great vibe. I highly recommend Motus and plan to eat there again...and again. read more

Great service, very allergy friendly, fun ambiance, great pork chop, steak and shrimp dishes, and fun drink menu

I was very impressed! Cutting to the chase, this was absolutely the best burger I have ever had. I added foie. The jam was really nice as well. I'll be back for another pot de creme as well read more

Had an amazing dinner with my partner earlier this evening. My first time there and I will absolutely return. From the moment we entered you couldn't escape the warm vibe. The background music was perfect. Our server Izzy couldn't do enough for us. The food was amazing. The place is spotless. I work in the business and notice all of these things. Whatever you're doing there please keep doing it. I just can't figure out how it took so long to find this beautiful place. A perfect TEN! read more

I ordered takeout from this location. They had outdoor seating available and a modern, inviting dining room. The staff were polite and greeted me promptly upon entering. My order was ready on time when I requested. My favorite part of the meal were the fresh cut fries and house made ketchup! The burger was also delicious with herb aioli and cheddar melted over the top. While it looked beautiful, the sesame brioche bun was too dense and did not enhance the burger so I removed it. The salad was a nice touch, except there was appeared to be only about 1 teaspoon of dressing along with it. It would have been nice if the restaurant had included silverware with my meal. The Four Screw cider was refreshing and complemented my meal. I'm very satisfied with my experience and would definitely come back again. Thanks! read more

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We came here with modest expectations. Billed as a gastropub, we looked forward to some good beer and hopefully some better than average bar or pub food. Little did we know what we were in store for. My wife wasn't really even that hungry yet and was planning on probably ordering just an appetizer. I had been getting hungry for awhile after having driven her through a trip back in time to her birthplace and childhood stomping grounds - Rome, NY. I saw a listing for a brewery in Rome, Copper City Brewing, but they didn't offer any food. So tossed between a highly rated six-year-old, farm to table Utica restaurant and a less than one-year-old gastropub in Utica, we decided on Motus. Six o'clock on a Saturday night in downtown Utica does not appear to be a hopping time if there isn't a performance going on at the nearby Stanley Theater. Just like downtown in Albany or Schenectady, NY I guess. We weren't even sure if they were open as we parked on the empty street across from Motus. Inside was the first surprise. It's not large, maybe a dozen seats at the bar and thirty-plus or so at tables with one wall having a long banquette. Lighting is not dim, but it gives the feeling that you have entered an intimate atmosphere. Very pleasant, not-too-loud background music played as I sank comfortably into my tall-back chair. There were maybe three other parties already being served. A fellow stopped in at the bar for a drink while he waited for a pizza from an neighboring business. In addition to the beer, wine and cocktails menu, there was the main menu, a 4-course prix fixe ($55) menu, and a listing of the various local sources that supply Motus. Right away I spied an imperial lager from Rome's Copper City Brewing, Romans Smelt It First ($8). What a wonderfully flavored lager and 7.5% abv to boot. My wife chose their Strawberry Margarita ($12) special which was dangerously delicious with their house-made strawberry jam. The kitchen sent out an amuse bouche of two crispy, freshly made potato chips each topped with a sage leaf and crumbled bits of yolk to give a saltiness effect. House-made bread was also provided with whipped butter topped with grey sea salt. The crust of the bread was extra crispy while the crumb was soft and chewy. So much for my wife not being hungry, she ordered off the prix fixe menu. Her choices were Course 1 - Beef Carpaccio; Course 2 - House Salad; Course 3 - Falafel, to which she added Scallops ($10); and Course 4 - Buttermilk Pannacotta with rhubarb compote and almond tuille (which she had them pack to take home with her leftover falafel and scallops). Trust me so I don't have to go on and on, all of it was so perfectly seasoned, prepared and delicious. I ordered their nightly feature of two large Smoked Beef Ribs ($28) from Kilcoyne Farm, with their house-made BBQ sauce and sides of macaroni and cheese, sautéed kale, and an optional side of Sugar Snap Peas with Cantonese pork belly and black sesame seed ($8). My goodness! The smoking was just right, not overpowering. The mac and cheese was gooey-good and the peas and pork belly were excellent. I'm not a big kale fan, but I liked them enough to finish them. One of the ribs and half the mac and cheese had to come home if I wanted to save room for dessert. I forgot to mention that they were offering a three-beer flight special ($5) along with the Ribs, so I got to try a Skinny Atlas Light (Kolsch from Empire Brewing), a Good Nature Brown Ale (farm brewery in Hamilton), and a Pig City Porter (Critz Farm Brewery, Cazenovia). All quite good. My wife had a glass of Chinon Rose ($11). I did not bring my dessert home like my wife did. I ate all of my Gin and Tonic Cake ($11) with Fenimore Lilac Gin, lime buttercream, and macerated strawberries. Sooo gooood. French press coffee for two ($8) had both body and flavor. Service was very knowledgeable, helpful, and efficient - overall, excellent. I believe our server was the chef/owner's wife. Motus is a must visit if you are in Utica. read more

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I base my opinion of restaurants based on a few variables: Decor Dinner ware Presentation Service Cleanliness Quality of ingredients Taste We have dined at restaurants all over the world so I reserve a five star for something very special like the Peat Inn in Scotland. In my opinion Motus is the best restaurant in Utica for fine dining and meeting all the above mentioned criteria. We had dinner before "To Kill a Mockingbird" and it was a very enjoyable experience. If you're looking for atmosphere, a comfortable noise level and food cooked with attention to detail and passion Motus is the place. Well done! read more

It wasn't just dinner but a culinary experience! From drinks to dessert, and everything in between! The staff was attentive and knowledgeable of the chef's vision. Thanks Nikki for serving up excellence Date night couldn't have been more cozy and romantic!!! read more

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My husband and I decided to go for their New Years Eve 7-course meal. It was delightful. From their appetizers to dessert, everything was amazing. Service was fantastic. My husband had their wine and drink pairing during dinner. He really enjoyed that as well. We look forward to trying their regular menu! read more

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Had my 60th bday party there recently and it was absolutely amazing! Everything went seamlessly. From the first phone call requesting info right up to blowing out the candles and walking out the door. Vince, Alicia and staff were perfect. The food was beyond delicious and looked gorgeous. My 40 guests were very happy and I had a big smile on my face as I entered a new decade of life. A million thank yous to Motus...cannot WAIT to dine again with you and celebrate more milestones. read more

Our favorite special occasion restaurant in the greater Utica area. The food is carefully crafted with some of the most unique flavors and local ingredients. Every dish will wow you. The service is prompt and professional. If you've never been, you need to add it to your bucket list. read more

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Excellent service, awesome food, and good drinks! Nice ambience and a great for place for a date night.

We just had my wife's Birthday celebration party at Motus. It was a huge success. Vince and his crew gave us amazing service and the food was excellent. We couldn't have asked for a better experience . Thanks to the Motus team read more

Let me start with WOW! This place is a hidden gem, farm to table fresh, flavorfully seasoned, cooked to perfection! The staff is on point and Stephanie and her crew are wonderful bar tenders! Can't wait to eat here again! Kudos to the chef! read more

Motus - The bar is well stocked! - Gastropubs Near Me - Utica, New York

This place is a true gem. For 60 dollars you can get it the prix fixe menu which comes with salad, bread, appetizer full size main course and a dessert or dessert cocktail. The filet mignon was easily the best steak I've ever had. Melts right in your mouth. Also the service is impeccable. We were treated amazingly. Would definitely recommend this place to anyone looking for a fine dining experience read more

Motus - Pumpkin Pie Martini - Gastropubs Near Me - Utica, New York

The food is incredible and they will adjust almost any menu item to fit your dietary needs. I am gluten free and was offered various sides with my dish that were not on the menu. I chose the risotto which was the best risotto I've ever had! That being said expect to pay a pretty penny and to be here for a minimum of 2hrs. You will also need a reservation and be aware that there is limited parking available. read more

The food here is amazing and so tasty. This is definitely a unique experience and the ambience here is great! This is my second time visiting with my boyfriend and the servers are always so nice and very detail oriented. This a great place to go grand food and drinks when you want something a little more upscale. Highly recommend! read more

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On a trip to the ADK's to climb, we stopped in Utica for the night. The B&B we stayed at recommended Motus, and we were not disappointed. The atmosphere was eclectic and comfortable, and there were tables outside as well. The food was outstanding - we've eaten in a number of great restaurants, and Motus was just as good. The highlight was the Iberico ham - just exquisite. We also had the seasonal salad. If we are ever back in Utica we will be back! read more

Motus is a wonderful new addition to Utica's up and coming restaurant scene. Locally sourcing most of their ingredients (and giving credit on their menu) they've created a delicious menu that not only tastes amazing but makes you feel good about where your food is coming from. Every aspect of our meal was enjoyable, including the bar with many local beers, wines and spirits and the ambiance which makes you feel like you're in a modern version of a farmhouse kitchen. The food, from bread and salads all the way to French press and dessert, tasted clean, fresh and multidimensional. It truly shows that each dish is made with love. We will definitely be returning as soon as we can!! read more

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Wonderful restaurant! Sat at the bar and had a small Salad as an app, was very fresh and flavorful followed by the Bratwurst plate. The brat is made In house and came with all scratch made accompaniments - the entire dish was phenomenal!. For drink I had the roasted pineapple soaked tequila on the rocks, was a first and absolutely delicious . The staff was attentive and very knowledgeable, atmosphere was great. I highly recommend Motus! You will not be disappointed read more

Motus - Bratwurst - Gastropubs Near Me - Utica, New York

Grew up in this city and came back to visit for the holidays. My friend recommend this place so I thought we check it out since it is pretty new in downtown area. I love the ambiance, and the simple not over the top decoration (flower arrangement on the table is beautiful!). The hostess was very attentive, and very good at explaining the menus since it's always changing with the season. Looking at the menu, it's a farm to table restaurant, which I absolutely appreciate knowing they are working, and supporting the local farmer while utilizing the fresh ingredients. We started our appetizer with pork confit, which I thought was pretty good but the pork was a little salty for my taste. However, the sourness of the green and Dijon mustard seeds complemented the dish overall. We also received the salad on the house which I thought was a nice gesture. The wine vinaigrette used for the salad was absolutely amazing! I ordered the Pan half chicken with risottos. The risottos was cooked perfectly and it also kept the chicken moist at the bottom. However, the chicken was a little dry on the top but still tasty. My friend had the braised pork belly which was cooked perfectly! The fatty-ness of the pork belly just melts in your mouth. Last but not least, the dessert! We ordered the seasonal home made ice-cream. Let me tell you, it was to die for. We could not stop saying how good it was. The smooth rich honey butter was just breath taking. I was a little sad eating it knowing my expectation of what constitute as a "good ice-cream" has been raised.. Overall, the staff was attentive, and making sure we are enjoying our food but not overly smothering us every 2 min. I have to say, when I called to make a reservation, the lady on the end did not sound too nice, so I'd already had a little bad impression of the restaurant, but I'm not one to let that deter me from trying the food. However, upon arriving to the restaurant, everyone was nice and attentive! So I give it 5 stars! read more

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Food was outstanding and service was great. Scallops were cooked and seasoned perfectly along with the cauliflower steak. Timing between entrees was a little off but was a great experience. 2nd experience Burger was cooked as ordered and very good. Ketchup was heavier than a normal ketchup, honey and maybe cinnamon but it just didn't do it. Also wish they could make a traditional Moscow Mule. No ginger beer but a syrup? Also prefer a fresh muddled lime instead of lime juice. Didn't see a copper mug either. Service spot on as usual. read more

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Service was wonderful and the food I had was delicious. I recognize that the restaurant is high end but the menu was limited (less than 10 entree menu items). Definetly recommend for any fan of GastroPubs but this type of restaurant isn't for me. read more

Had dinner with my spouse today. It was one of those rarest of meals where absolutely every single thing was nothing less than spectacular. The service was top notch and the ambiance was great. I recommend this restaurant to everyone for everything! read more

The food is good, but does not justify the pricing. This is the most overpriced restaurant in Utica, no contest. Despite the wild prices, portions are still sometimes too small. Drinks are well-made, but also too expensive. There are better fine-dining restaurants in Utica for more reasonable prices so I have never been able to recommend Motus. The good: -Fresh food that is cooked and served competently -Inventive drink menu -Prices for take-out events (Thanksgiving, Xmas , etc.) are more reasonable The bad: -Price -Cramped dining area -Take-out event food is no where near as good as the food in house -Price read more

I wish I could live inside of this restaurant. As of this review, I have eaten at Motus five times over an eight month time frame. Each time I have gone, there has been a new menu. My initial reaction is to be disappointed that I can't get the item I fell in love with on my last visit, but somehow, they top themselves every time. The food is unreal and worth every dime. Look, you can go to *insert local steakhouse chain* and spend $8 dollars less on a slightly larger piece of unflavored (and probably over cooked) steak. But, if you were told that you could experience Heaven for $8, you wouldn't blink an eye. JUST DO IT! The servers are always sweet, and I love that they work as a coordinated team, checking to make sure you are happy, but never rush the meal! Amazing place for a special event, date night, or just because. read more

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My sister and I were in town for the Boilermaker Race and wanted a good dinner the night before our run. We chose this place because the menu looked amazing. And we have to say that the food was absolutely outstanding! The only downfall to our visit was that once we mentioned to our server that we would not be drinking alcohol that evening, (due to us running in the AM), her demeanor completely changed and we were treated very rudely. We noticed the tables around us being pushed to order more drinks. I am sure their cocktails were quite amazing, but she made us both feel extremely uncomfortable during our visit. She was the main server in the restaurant so it wasn't like we could ask for someone else. We are chalking it up to her having a bad night, so thankfully the food won us over. read more

This being my 5th. visit to Motus I anticipated another great meal. So disappointed! Valentine's Day 2020 will be memorable in a bad way because the meals, mine and my wife's, were sub-par. There was a fixed menu with limited selections- we both chose the filet. It was perfectly prepared and presented, but also tough and tasteless. We rarely complain, but this time we mentioned it to the waitress. No apology from the chef was forthcoming. No adjustment to the check - but none was requested. I'm sure we will go back because the regular menu is always appealing, and other than this time we have been more than satisfied. Update - Motus contacted us and apologized for not recognizing the problem with our meals sooner. They offered, and we accepted, two meals on the house. The problem has been resolved and one of our favorite restaurants is back on our rotation! read more

Hands down the best restaurant in Utica, NY! Best part it's not the usual Italian fare you see at so many Utica restaurants not there is anything wrong with that I love Utica Italian food but this is such a welcome addition to the city. We had such an amazing dinner the food and service was outstanding. I can't emphasize service enough as I expect great food but when you combine great food with outstanding service you don't mind paying a little more for it. The inside decor was elegantly beautiful but not over the top. The bathrooms had actual rolled up towels to use to dry your hands which continued to step up the entire experience. The food is American farm to table with a creative menu. If you want something different than the typical Utica fare and outstanding service check out Motus. read more

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Braved the weather and went for dinner last night with some friends. Totally worth it. The restaurant is small, clean, intimate and has great art/decor and lighting. Our group of four called ahead for reservations which were probably not needed last night because of the weather but under normal circumstance would likely be necessary. We enjoyed cocktails and some lovely appetizers: scallops, tenderloin and beet gazpacho. All fabulous. The chef even sent out an amuse-bouche, shredded celery root tossed in a plum vinegar. A great way to kick off the experience. The menu is seasonal but if you go before spring get the half chicken. I cannot emphasize this enough. The skin was crisped to perfection and seasoned so well. Friends enjoyed the dry aged ribeye and the burger which comes with a fried egg. Dessert was a flourless chocolate torte even though I was stuffed. They also bring you tiny house-made chocolate chip cookies, which were the perfect ending. Had I known that I probably wouldn't have ordered dessert but I'm still glad I did. With regards to sustainability, Motus serves its cocktails with paper straws, not plastic, and has individual linens in the bathroom to dry your hands instead of paper towels. I love that! The only downside (but not enough of a bummer to deduct a star) is that they only serve New York State wines by the glass, save the prosecco. I find even the driest of NYS wines overly sweet so it was a bit disappointing that I was unable to enjoy my chicken with a glass of west coast wine, or wine from literally anywhere else beside NYS. They do sell non-NYS wines by the bottle. read more

Hands down one of the best restaurants I have ever visited. The filet was cooked to perfection and everything is fresh. The staff is friendly and the service is timely. I recommend Motus to everyone I know. read more

We started conspiring another reason to drive through Utica, NY to dine at Motus before the table was even cleared! We interacted with three different servers and each were warm, welcoming and excited about the food they were serving. We started with a pretty pink amuse bouche of roasted beet gazpacho sprinkled with crushed pistachio which was earthy, creamy and garlicky. That was served with warm, fresh sourdough bread and salted butter. We had seen a veggie burger on the menu when searching online for a restaurant for our 1-night stay in Utica traveling between Detroit and Boston. To our dismay that dish had been scrubbed from the new menu. But the chef was able to accommodate our request. What a treat! The texture and chew of the black bean and grain concoction accurately imitated a beef burger. It was served with melted cheddar, tomato, lettuce, flavorful herbed aioli and a brioche bun. Everything went together beautifully. The best extra was the homemade ketchup--I can't even begin to describe it, but I'll try--silky, sweet, savory, spicy. It was good on the burger and the delicious light and crispy truffle fries that came with it. We ordered the charcuterie board: drippy honey comb, camembert, cheddar, pork cheek, house-made pickles and olives, house-made grainy mustard, perfectly cooked petite hard boiled eggs, dried fig...I can't even remember everything on it, but it all went so well together and was pleasing to look at. I ordered a pasta dish that I wasn't so sure about but was my favorite thing of the night. It was a vegetable broth and in the middle was a ball of fresh mozzarella. Arrayed around it were snap peas, tomato and golden chanterelles. It didn't feel like a pasta dish--it felt more like a sophisticated soup that had some perfectly cooked rigatoni in it with fresh parmesan sprinkled on top. The broth was so delicious I was dipping everything else in it, the sourdough crust, the truffle fries...etc! The price was good when you take into consideration the quantity and quality of food we ate. read more

Visited Mōtus in Utica for dinner for the first time tonight. Alisha was our server and she did a fabulous job answering our many questions. She is chef JD Smith' wife and so knew every ingredient and the story behind every decorative element. The service was wonderful, and the decor was simple and elegant. Jacket and tie, or a pair of jeans, you'll fit right in. Artwork was tasteful and well chosen. The meal, this trip, was all about fiddlehead ferns and ramps (stink onions). Well known for their limited season, I had to have them and as they are only around for a brief time, it had to be now. We started with an Amuse Bouche (a peek into the chefs style). Then their homemade bread and butter arrived at the table. So good. Listed as an appetizer, "Touch of Spring", is their celebration the unique ingredients available in the beginning of the year. Alisha quickly understood, what I wanted was in fact, a full entree. And boy, did they accommodate me! I never had them before and the fiddleheads came in two versions, one being pickled. The ramps, they were a mild garlicy bite. Portion of Shiitake mushrooms was generous. Topped with an egg, this was a very complex meal, and was one fancy locally sourced salad. The fiddleheads, my reason for dining at Motus came from Herkimer. My spouse had Chana Masala, chick pea, house canned tomato, garam masala, ginger, garlic, house made yogurt, basmati rice, house made crispy naan, baby mustard green. Of course I duly sampled. Simply amazing. We don't often dine out, but always want it to be special. Motus succeeded. Kudos JD Smith, Vincent Petronio, Alisha Smith, and staff. read more

Motus - Gastropubs Near Me - Utica, New York

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The food and service at Motus was exceptional! We had a falafel appetizer that I could eat every day. Our meal, the hamburger and pork chop came with a lovely salad with heirloom tomatoes... delicious. The reason I am giving Motus only a three star rating, is I ordered a Dirty Martini with Grey Goose, waitress offered blue cheese stuffed olives... wonderful! My husband got a Breckinridge old fashion, which came in a half full glass, with a large ice cube. Both good drinks...until we got the bill-- $2 up charge for olives, that was fine. But there was a $ 9 up charge for Grey Goose vodka, so I had a $22 martini ! My husband's Breckinridge was a $14up charge so he had a $24 old fashion!! Very over priced drinks! read more

This is our go to for special occasions only because of the price. Otherwise would be our regular spot. Tonight- the beef was tough but flavor excellent. This is not typical. We usually have fabulous spot on dishes. Menu is awesome. Staff is stellar. We love this place. read more

Had a great dinner at Motus last Friday while traveling in NYS. We shared a scallop ceviche app that was so refreshing. I also had the cocktail of the day, which was excellent. Dinner was a ramen bowl with shrimp, salmon cakes and pork. Simply amazing - the broth was salted perfectly (which most are over salted) and everything was so fresh. The pork was probably the best I have had, tender, juicy, lean. This restaurant is a gem for Utica! read more