For the second year in a row, Noble Cellar has been named Best Restaurant in Central New York, and after my most recent visit, it’s hard to argue with that decision.
Noble Cellar isn’t just a restaurant you go to for a meal. It’s a place you go when you want to relax, drink great wine, eat thoughtful food, and feel like someone actually cares about the experience you’re having at the table. If you’re still trying to figure out where to go for dinner this Valentine’s Week, this should be at the top of your list.
A Wine Program That Actually Guides You
One of the biggest standouts at Noble Cellar is the wine program, and more importantly, the people behind it. Their wine selection is deep without being intimidating, and the sommelier does exactly what a sommelier should do: ask questions, listen, and guide you toward something that actually pairs with your food and your preferences.
Whether you’re into bold reds, elegant Old World wines, or something crisp and unexpected, they take the guesswork out of it. You’re not just ordering wine, you’re being walked through it.
Starting with the Cheeseboard
We started the night with the cheeseboard, and it set the tone immediately. Four thoughtfully selected cheeses, each different in style and texture, paired with smart accompaniments like fresh apple, green mustard, and honeycomb.
It wasn’t overdone or gimmicky, just balanced, intentional, and really well executed. The kind of cheeseboard that reminds you why simple things work when they’re done right.
Venison Carpaccio That Steals the Show
For an appetizer, I went with the venison carpaccio, and honestly, this might have been the standout dish of the night.
Incredibly thin, very rare venison is layered over a base that’s reminiscent of Thousand Island dressing, then served with toasted rye crackers topped with white and black sesame seeds. The whole dish eats like a playful, elevated riff on a Reuben, but with raw venison instead of corned beef.
Beyond how good it was, what really stood out to me was simply seeing venison presented this way on a menu in Syracuse, New York. It’s confident, creative, and unapologetic, and that’s exactly what great restaurants should be doing.
Ribeye, Duck, and Letting Game Be Game
Andrea enjoyed both the ribeye and this year’s duck. When we talked about the duck afterward, one thing stood out: it still had that gaminess to it.
And to me, that’s a good thing.
As someone who hunts and appreciates wild game, I love when restaurants don’t try to erase the natural character of meats like duck and other waterfowl. Noble Cellar doesn’t force wild game to taste “safe” or generic. They let it be what it is and that honesty comes through on the plate.
Dessert: Simple, Done Right
We wrapped things up with dessert, and while there was a solid selection, the Biscoff ice cream was my favorite.
Yes, it’s simple.
And yes, it was absolutely delicious.
Not every dessert needs to be complicated. Sometimes you just want something comforting, sweet, and well executed and that’s exactly what this was.
Go This Week for Valentine’s Day
Winning Best Restaurant in Central New York two years in a row doesn’t happen by accident. Noble Cellar continues to prove why they deserve that title, through their food, their wine program, and the way they approach hospitality.
If you’re looking for a place that feels special without being stuffy, impressive without being pretentious, and memorable for all the right reasons, make a reservation at Noble Cellar this week for Valentine’s Day.
Trust me– this is exactly the kind of dinner worth lingering over.
📍304 E Onondaga St., Syracuse, NY 👉 Follow them on Instagram
