Ancora! in Utica, NY

Contacts

QR code, vCard

Telephone:	+1 315-724-4815
Website:	ancorautica.com
Address:	261 Genesee St, Utica, NY, 13501
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:	0.8 miUtica
Categories:	Italian Tapas/Small Plates Caterers

Download QR Image Download vCard

Map

Streetview

Activate map

Bussiness info

Takes Reservations	Yes
Delivery	No
Take-out	Yes
Accepts Credit Cards	Yes
Good For	Dinner
Parking	Street, Private Lot
Bike Parking	Yes
Wheelchair Accessible	Yes
Good for Kids	No
Good for Groups	Yes

Attire	Dressy
Ambience	Trendy
Noise Level	Average
Alcohol	Full Bar
Outdoor Seating	Yes
Wi-Fi	Free
Has TV	No
Waiter Service	Yes
Caters	Yes

Today

Today	11:30 am – 2:00 pm 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm Closed now
Local time (Utica)	02:12 Monday, 23 June 2025

Business hours

Monday	11:30 am – 2:00 pm 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Tuesday	11:30 am – 2:00 pm 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Wednesday	11:30 am – 2:00 pm 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Thursday	11:30 am – 2:00 pm 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Friday	11:30 am – 2:00 pm 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Saturday	11:30 am – 2:00 pm 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Sunday	–

Description

Specialties

The perfect blend of rustic old-world & urban Mediterranean and Italian cuisine. Located downtown adjacent to the historic Stanley Theatre. Fine bar & Italian for encore!

Related places

Nearby

Browse nearby places:

The Stanley

259 Genesee St

Broadway Theater League of Utica

259 Genesee St

220

Big Brothers Big Sisters

258 Genesee St

220

Quality Development And Support

258 Genesee St

260

Adecco Staffing

258 Genesee Street

260

Cohen & Cohen

258 Genesee St Ste 503

20 reviews of Ancora!

No registration required

Jennie S.

Place rating: 4
Boston, MA

Sat down at 6:08. Was waited on at 6:22 and got my first glass of water (that I asked for) and my Malbec at 6:33. That math = 25mins. I’m patient, I have nowhere to be (traveling from TN), so I wait it out to see what the rest of the night is like. They were busy and looked like only two servers working the whole place.
It’s funny another person on Unilocal said something about the loud locals at the front, and there was the stereotypical businessman in his tight, teal polo telling a story at the top of his lungs, spilling his drink. Again, I don’t mind — makes for a fun atmosphere if your people-watching.
Malbec is fine, was hoping for more body/bite.
Got the crab croquettes — were good. You get three with a wangy mustard sauce. See pic. Main dish was Beef tips (servers favorite). Beef with big chunks of red and green peepers, mushrooms, onions over a Parmesan risotto. Meat and veggies were in some kind of ragu-sauce. Beef was good, tender. Plenty of food.
Passed on dessert but looked extensive.
Left at 7:20.
Giving it a four and not three, because i’m giving the waitstaff the benefit of the doubt.

Mike F.

Place rating: 2
Utica, NY

«Meh. I’ve experienced better» is an appropriate way to sum out our experience. On a busy theater night at the Stanley we walked in about 6:00 pm. They were able to seat us right way, with no reservation. We started with a bottle of wine and ordered the fried calamari appetizer. An hour later at 7:00 PM our appetizer finally came, with only a «sorry» from our server. Really? an hour for a fried seafood dish that should only take about 10 minutes or less. Oh, and the calamari was over cooked and rubbery. I’m sorry we didn’t speak up and send it back but with the show at 7:30 pm we didn’t have time to wait longer. Our entrees soon followed giving us only about 10 minutes to eat. Beef tips and cavatelli are what we ordered. Flavor and seasoning was lacking in both dishes and the beef tips were dry. The risotto had no flavor or seasoning either which was a shame. So sad to have this experience from a restaurant that used to have such high standards.

Jim R.

Place rating: 1
Mohawk, NY

So I had open table reservations for Valentines Day at 7:00 on a night when it was –15 degrees and when I arrived I found the restaurant had no power, just them. Now this is not their fault and I am sure they were working to fix. However the power was out since 3:30 and they never bothered to inform anyone with a reservation to call prior to ensure the power was restored. Not allowing them to make other plans or just not venture out into the cold night. They had some very weak excuses but they had everyone’s phone number they just did not care and do not value the customers they have. I will never go here again. Its unfortunate too, because they do serve great food. But I will spend my $$$ at a restaurant that actually values who comes through the door

Brian R.

Place rating: 5
Utica, NY

This is my go to spot. I’m there at least once a week. Dan has a great personality to make people feel comfortable. Dan N. and Mike P. make great drinks and are attentive servers. I bring all of my out of town guests here and I recommend this place to everyone. If you haven’t been, what are you waiting for?

Mike A.

Place rating: 3
Mendon, NY

Had the haddock special and a glass of wine. Wine prices are a little steep, and food was pre-packaged (not fresh-made on-site). OK, but not worth the money.

Nicole L.

Place rating: 4
Utica, NY

My husband and I have been here many times and we’ve always loved our meals. Their drinks are always made well, and the service is great. It’s one of our favorite spots in Utica.

Kimberly K.

Place rating: 5
Utica, NY

Ancora is amazing! Their food is so delicious and they provide service like no other. The new owner is dedicated to ensuring everyone feels welcome and is served only the best. I recommend the pumpkin ravioli!

Steffan P.

Place rating: 5
Long Island City, NY

Amazing service, the pork and beans where out of this world, shrimp and calamari was perfectly cooked and the sauce was outstanding

Chris S.

Place rating: 2
Utica, NY

Visited Ancora tonight, had to track down someone after standing in the middle of the restaurant for a time. Ordered an entrée to go and had a seat, wasn’t offered anything during my wait. Have prepared better chicken francaise at home. Pass.

Gabriela B.

Place rating: 5
Richmond, VA

Amazing service, amazing food. As a large group, we tried a variety of appetizers (the crab croquettes were a standout!) and several of the main dinner dishes. The paella was flavorful, thick, and had plenty of delicious chorizo and shrimp. Likewise, the steak was near-perfectly cooked and tender.
The dessert was just as outstanding as the main meal– crepes bursting with warm fruit or Nutella and topped with rich gelato were truly the «encore», as the restaurant’s name would suggest. Our waitress was very friendly, and the food was served with minimal wait.
Definitely a unique spot worth visiting!

Ken G.

Place rating: 5
North Syracuse, NY

We sat at the bar and were immediately greeted and asked for our orders by Jen, who was all round fabulous and attentive. Arugula salad, roasted beet salad, both excellent. We had an excellent bottle of Pinot Noir to accompany dinner. Our meals were the house specialty of Paella and a Filet. The Paella was superb. The filet was properly cooked, but under seasoned. All in all a great meal and experience.

Ousa T.

Place rating: 3
Inner Harbor, Baltimore, MD

Came here with a group of 7, so we were able to try most of the menu. Service was the right amount of attentiveness without being intrusive. Menu was definitely hit or miss. Paella, NY strip, «Pork&Beans», Gorgonzola Potatoes were all excellent. Gnocchi, fried meatballs, mussels and bread were complete misses. Gnocchi was store bought/stale. Meatballs badly needed a sauce, and most of the mussels were dead. Still a Solid restaurant and would come back.

Todd B.

Place rating: 4
Brooklyn, NY

I chose Ancora when I was in town for business, and I am so happy that I did. I loved the food and the service experience. The bartender, who acted as my server, was incredibly nice, knowledgeable and interesting. The menu was interesting — Italian and Spanish combined — but who is complaining? I was a bit disappointed in the wine list given that the restaurant markets itself as Spanish, but only a couple of Spanish wines on the wine list. The arugula salad was beautiful in presentation and memorable in its taste. I requested the paella for one person, and it arrived in substantial portion. I enjoyed everything about Ancora, and I wish it much success.

David C.

Place rating: 4
Palm Harbor, FL

Excellent tapas; not really Spanish but sort of like their own spin on tapas. Great wine selection. Good music. This place is best when the atmosphere is chill…
But occasionally this tiny restaurant and bar is set upon by gangs of overdressed greased-up locals pretending to be big shots and their drunken wives out for a night of urban yelling. They yell into their cell phones, chug White Zinfandel and martinis and will ruin your whole experience if you’re sitting in the main room close to the door. I’d recommend hitting this place up on a non-party night, and definitely avoid going here the nights they’re showing musicals at the Stanley.

John D.

Place rating: 1
Utica, NY

I went here on a Saturday night and the place was semi-crowded. There were three people working behind the bar that looked at our party of four when we walked in, but not one of them said anything to us, like «Do you have a reservation?» or «The waitress will be right with you.» We stood there for a few minutes waiting for a waitress. When she finally came out, she asked how many and I told her «Reservations for four» and gave her the name. She walked away and then looked back, and with a little attitude she said «Follow me.» We followed her to a table next to the front window, which was situated with the backs of two of our chairs in the walkway. As soon as we sat down, someone walked by and pushed into our chairs. This was a bad place to put a table. I asked the waitress if she had another table because this one was in a bad spot. Again, with the attitude, she told me «That’s it.» I stood up, and our party of four walked out and we went to a different restaurant.
I can’t give an opinion about the quality of the food, but as far as the service goes I would have to say it was awful. Between the bartenders and the waitress, I was disappointed. I will not go back to this place.

Kat D.

Place rating: 4
Los Angeles, CA

One of my favorite restaurants in Utica while I lived there. Excellent tapas, wine, and delicious entrees. The entrees are big, so you’ll definitely have something to take home unless you are quite ravenous. Favorite tapas are the potatoes (amazing. drool) and the arugula salad. Always sat on the patio and the service was great. Would definitely recommend for anyone in the area. You can make reservations but walk-ins always get a table as well. Also, try the crepes! You won’t be sorry.

Ray D.

Place rating: 4
Santa Monica, CA

Here on a Saturday night. Pretty busy but service was still good. Excellent food — loved the pressed brick bistro chicken and the angora salad. Generous portions. Outside seating available. Well worth the visit.

Barry P.

Place rating: 4
Baltimore, MD

Only two experiences here, and they were spaced out by 1 ½ years, but I am confident in this 4 star rating. I’d really call it more like a 4.5. This has got to be one of the best in Utica. For one, we had the same server both times. And both times he juggled a crowded, tight packed room with an admiral deftness. I wish I had grabbed his name so I could shout him out here… there’s always next time!
The food and service was excellent both times. Don’t get me wrong, I love Chicken Riggies and all the authentic Upstate NY Italian food you can find in Utica, but this is definitely a good choice if you’re going out to a show at the Stanley, or want to show a date something a little bit different than the standard Utica Fare. Preview the menu, and I think you’ll see what I mean:
Tapas style is great for sharing, and allows plenty of room for the great cocktail and wine selection. And for what it is, prices aren’t too steep. For a more sophisticated bite in The U, I’d highly recommend stopping in to Ancora.

Nicci C.

Place rating: 5
Los Angeles, CA

Who knew such a gem could be found in Utica?
I was in town rehearsing for a show for about 10 days and I think ended up coming here almost every day. Not only is it convenient to the theater where we were rehearsing, but the food was fabulous and the service was great. The first dish I had there was a special, some kind of mushroom ravioli that was to die for. Never had the same thing twice and nothing I ordered ever let me down. One of the best parts? They didn’t make a fuss like many servers do when we asked to put the bill on 8 or more cards.

Janine f.

Place rating: 2
New Hartford, NY

The service was not great but not horrible. I was a little surprised when the bus person asked us to pass our plates to him when we were finished.
The bread that we got for the table was a loaf of store bought sliced italian — probably not from the area despite our having great bakeries here — it was not warmed up. it was served with olive oil that had red pepper flakes in it and no other flavoring. the olive oil was not very good, actually not a dipping oil but rather a cooking one so not yummy at all.
for first course i had the shrimp bisque that was very good — a bit too spicy for what i really like and a bit heavy on tomato but very good.
I ordered the chicken francaise — too much lemon with the slices cooked and laid on top of the chicken but under the spinach. the breading on the chicken was a bit slimy. not good at all.
the desserts were absolutely delicious.
I do not see myself ever going there again.

Ancora!

Utica, United States