Castelo's
About a ten minute walk from Schenectady's renovated downtown area, Castelo's offers huge portions of spicy food at very reasonable prices. House specials include chicken and artichokes and seafood marinara. Shrimp scampi is available in two incarnations--as a traditional dish or in a pizza. Antipasto salads are big enough to share.
Castelo's
183 Nott Terrace
Schenectady, NY 12308
(518) 374-0581
castelos.com
Petta's
For more than 50 years Petta's has been dishing out Italian specialties and traditional favorites. Try shrimp cacciatore, a seafood twist on a classic recipe, or a half dozen kinds of pasta. Everything is made from scratch, and steaks are cut and aged on the premises. It is open for dinner only, nightly from 4 until 9.
Petta's
134 Duane Avenue
Schenectady, NY 12307
(518) 346-7324
pettasrestaurant.com
Cornell's
A family restaurant that has been in business more than 65 years, Cornell's serves classic favorites like fettuccine Alfredo, 10 different veal dishes and seafood entrees like lobster a la diavolo. Beef lovers should enjoy the stuffed steak with garlic. Fine dining combined with a friendly family atmosphere makes Cornell's a local favorite. It's open for dinner only, and closed Mondays.
Cornell's
39 North Jay Street
Schenectady, NY 12305
(518) 370-3825
cornellsrestaurant.com
Villa Italia
Locals know this place more for its incredible array of pastries, but if you'd like to enjoy lunch outdoors, this is a terrific place. Try some of the more unusual sandwiches, such as fresh mozzarella and pesto or chicken parmigiana on ciabatta bread. Villa Italia has a wonderful selection of coffees, and trying to walk past the bakery display is impossible. The cannolis are fantastic. You can also cool off with a cup of rich gelato. It's open daily.
Villa Italia
226 Broadway
Schenectady, NY 12305
(518) 355-1144
villaitaliabakery.com
I Love New York Pizza and Pasta
This outlet of a small local chain has around 100 choices on the menu. The pizzas are rich and hearty, with rare toppings like proscuitto and artichokes. The bargain-priced calzones will satisfy the heartiest appetite. Pasta dishes are served in everything from vodka to clam to Alfredo sauce, alongside lassics like chicken parmigiana and cold subs. It's open daily.
I Love New York Pizza and Pasta
1705 Union Street
Schenectady, NY 12309
(518) 346-7272
About The Author
Nicholas Salvatore is a twenty-five year veteran of the television broadcast industry who has extensive experience as a reporter, anchor and network field producer. He's also done play-by-play for college basketball and minor league baseball. He has received awards for reporting from Associated Press and United Press International.
