Javon Pratt

This was our second time at Café Canole and it was just as amazing as the first. We sat outside and ordered the Chicken Milanese and Chicken Francese. Both were delicious, but the Milanese stole the show — crispy chicken over a rich cream sauce with the citrusy salad cutting through… one of the best dishes I’ve had in a long time. Dean, the owner, personally stopped by our table both times to check in, which really stood out. No special occasion needed — this will be a regular spot for us!

David B

Sat outside during Friday August evening and ordered the special, haddock Franchise. Lightly breaded, not salty, not fishy, served with risotto and spinach. Dani, our server was outstanding, attentive and efficient. Most enjoyable dining experience.

Dr. Sheridan Mish

My wife Irene and I decided to go to Cafe CaNole for her milestone birthday, with a reservation for 8 PM and although there was no host or hostess at the door, we were quickly acknowledged by a passing server once we entered that someone will be over to seat us, and we were at our table within a couple minutes. They brought us waters and some fresh bread baked in house with a dipping oil. My wife got a limoncello spritz which also had some prosecco in it and is a seasonal drink special. The menu has a nice variety of choices and also offers items noted as vegetarian or gluten free options. We split a Caprese salad that had a light but lively vinaigrette. Super enjoyable and great for summer. We got the fried meatballs and the greens CaNole for appetizers. The meatballs were phenomenal, made with fresh garlic and as good as anything you’ll find from the old East Utica Italian neighborhood. They come with a red pasta sauce to dip in, which was one of the best pasta sauces we’ve had. The greens were really good, but on the spicy side. Next time I would ask for lite spice. We ate a few bites, then boxed them up and made them with eggs scrambled in for breakfast the next morning which tempered the spice level. For entrees we got the filet mignon and the haddock oreganato. The haddock came on a bed of rich risotto and topped with sautéed spinach. The filet mignon came with a thick au jus that was exceptional. It came with a side of the Gorgonzola potatoes. Oh my goodness, these potatoes (which also can be ordered as an appetizer) were out of this world and quite possibly the best potato dish we’ve had in our lives. The wine selection was small, but mighty. It had enough variety curated to perfectly pair wine by the glass with any dish one chooses. The quality of the wines were very high. We were quite stuffed at this point, but wanted to try a little dessert so we got a vanilla pasticiotto. The pasti had a sweetness of the vanilla pudding filling that was a nice finish to an amazing meal. After we had gotten our check and had paid, we were sitting at table finishing our wine. It was the end of the night, we were one of the last tables there, the kitchen was closed, and Chef Dean came by and thanked us for coming. I told him we loved everything and that I was ashamed to say it was our first time eating here, but we chose to come here for my wife’s momentous occasion. He then said he was going to bring us a slice of each of their famous limoncello blueberry cake and Godiva chocolate cake. I told him we appreciate the gesture and we were stuffed so he didn’t need to do that, but he insisted and walked away to get them. Let me tell you that these cakes were absolutely heavenly and divine. The cakes were both light and fluffy, the frosting mildly sweet and a consistency almost like a whipped cream mousse. The fillings were as perfectly balanced as one could get. We each took a few bites of each and then packed up the rest. They made the perfect compliment as a breakfast dessert the next morning. The service all around for the night was fantastic and a noticeable team effort as there were six different servers who had a hand in our experience to make us feel totally welcomed. They were attentive to every need, checking in at the right times, clearing dishes when finished, bringing the next course immediately out, and packaging up leftovers promptly. My wife and I are extremely grateful that Chefs Jason Nole and Dean Nole who are the owners and are brothers, came out to take a picture with us before we left. Everything we got contained generous portions made with culinary excellence that was packed with balanced flavorful perfection. The three most outstandingly best things we had were the meatballs, Gorgonzola potatoes, and the slices of cakes. One must try them. Cafe CaNole is definitely one our top 5 restaurants in all of Central New York, and arguably in the top 3. If you’re looking for quality culinary dining with an unforgettable gustatory experience, then look no further.

+7

Grace Pratt

I can’t say enough good things about this incredible restaurant! From the moment you walk in, the warm hospitality of the servers and chefs makes you feel like family. The chicken Milanese is an absolute standout—perfectly crispy, tender, and bursting with flavor, it’s a dish I dream about long after my visit. And don’t get me started on the pastries! I’ve been coming here for years just to indulge in their delectable, freshly baked treats that never fail to impress. Every detail, from the impeccable service to the mouthwatering menu, showcases the passion and care this team puts into their craft. Five stars isn’t enough—this place is a gem!

Jessica Gibson

We ordered chicken French , Godiva and fresh strawberry puff pastries. Our food was outstanding, flavorful, perfect temperature packed appropriately for take out. The Godiva chocolate creme was smooth in texture. Puff pastries were soft and fresh fruit was refreshing. Our experience with the staff was perfect, order taken with efficiency and accuracy. My dad was so happy to have a surprise meal and I recommend Cafe CaNole for every occasion.

Kyle Wilson

Absolutley amazing Italian food! Just moved to town and truly wanted one of everythingnon the menu. Kept it simple last night, but will definetly be going back to try other options. The bakery looked amazing and we got some chocolate cake to go! Keep in mind the portions are massive here!

+1

Meli Meli

A beautiful place to eat food is great... only negative thing is too small for the amount of people overcrowded for sure.. cant even walk around tables that small and loud can not hear the person next to you.... Would love to see this place expand... food is really good portion sizes good to even share .. waiter got few things wrong rushing ..teen...... But kitchen staff / owner ...even sends things out to sample absolutely 5 star food.... Building is too small .... But in a beautiful nh nook of town :) !!!! Then there was the kids b day party another day ... Whole place is yours... The help is great... And the kitchen staff amazing... Every child had their own pizza... Drinks by bar tender lots to choose.... All food was really great and every parent is coming back for dinner this week :) doesn't get more family friendly then this :) but you will pay the price of 5 b day parties :) if you can afford it good if not skipp the next 5 b days n you good:)

Dee Ann Tumbuan

Delicious and unique dishes, amazing bakery and delightful service from all the staff. Great spot to meet friends, have a curated cocktail and meal. Don't sleep on Cafe CaNole.

+5

Tyler

We recently celebrated our wedding and were fortunate enough to have the pleasure of working with Dean & Linda for our wedding cake and dessert table. I cannot tell you how happy we were with our cannoli wedding cake and the AMAZING dessert table of assorted mini pastries! Cafe Canole has always been our absolute favorite when it came to any pastries growing up in New Hartford & it’s so nice to know that their quality has not changed over the years. If you want an amazing vendor for desserts for your wedding or any event for that matter, Cafe Canole is truly the best! Thank you again for the absolute best pastries for our wedding!

Steven Ho

I've been to Cafe CaNole twice now and it won't be my last! The portion sizes are huge, the whole table was in awe with the sizes of these dishes. Just look at the size of these fish tacos 🌮 The flavors were great, the service was fast, the servers were friendly—everyone at my table had a great time! Also, the bartender really knows how to make a good pistachio martini 🍸

Jeff O

We had an excellent experience dining here. The food is delicious, homemade and fresh. The wait staff is attentive and helpful. This is a great little gem and the only challenge is getting a table! Once you try the food, you'll know why!

Thomas J. Armitage

One of the best dessert places in the Utica area. This is a staple for both homeowners as well as travelers. I personally like the cannollis and lobster tails. Prices are competitive. Dining is also very nice. Cozy place. Menu offers variety. More upscale than not. Limited seating though so make sure to call ahead for reservations. Highly recommend.

Suzanne D

I had the pork special, which was delicious.. We had reservations and came a few minutes early. We were seated right away. Food had a lot of flavor. Service was good, and we were not rushed. This was our 1st visit and it won't be our last

Leigha Rivera

I flew in for my mother’s birthday and this is the restaurant she picked. Upon arrival we brought a cake in which we gave it to the server assistant. We got sat immediately. The same server assistant brought us bread and waters, it wasn’t until 10 minutes our server greeted us. We ordered drinks in which the server assistant brought out, ordered 2 lemonades in which never came until I asked the server may we have 2 lemonades to the table right before our dinner came out. Our server proceeded to take our orders 26 minutes after we sat, we wanted appetizers but due to it taking so long we only ordered entrees. Alcoholic drinks and food came quick, there was 2 4 tops who had a different server that came in after us that received our food before us. Food was very good, after sitting for 15 minutes waiting for boxes I finally got our servers attention. I asked for boxes all the way around and for the cake back that we had brought. He asked “well what’s the problem” I had Responded well sir this has taken a very long time he responded “well the restaurant is busy“ I said sir it took you 26 minutes to take our order. (Mind you this wasn’t even an app order but we skipped out due to It taking so long) he responded “have you ever been to a restaurant that does courses” I actually do work at a fine dining restaurant in a different state that does indeed do courses but in this instance we didn’t do courses. I responded I do work at a restaurant, 5 minutes later he comes back and proceeds to literally drops the cake on the table and says “this isn’t even our cake so I don’t know why your complaining at me for” , and told me I was very rude and says I am not allowed back. Another 10 minutes goes by and he drops the check. I said excuse me sir it’s not one check he says “you never said that” I said you never asked, mind you this is a 7 top and he responds “nobody asks for split checks”. As a fine dining restaurant bartender/ server at a very successful restaurant the fact you allow a server to treat your guest this way, and to tell a guest they aren’t allowed back is absolutely disgusting. I truly hope you reprimand this server and his name is Jason. I really would love a call back from the owner to speak about this experience because a review just doesn’t do enough. This was a birthday dinner and it was absolutely ruined. If a customer expressed to me that they didn’t like the service they received I would never ever speak to a customer like that . Drinks and food all came very quickly , only the service was slow . He was no where to be found throughout the entire night , no where in sight . I spoke to multiple bartenders in the town of Utica and they also experienced bad service from Jason, not to mention I am from Utica.