Graziano's Downtown Cafe

Super cozy atmosphere, definitely one of the best restaurants I’ve ever been to. Our server was lovely. The pork shank is delicious!

The food was excellent, and the service was even better. The one waitstaff that was there hustled throughout the whole night waiting on, serving and repeatedly checking in with our party of 9 adults. Don't go there if you are in a hurry, meals were made to order and take a while, however it is worth the wait and it definitely gives you time to talk to loved ones and friends. It's worth a visit to see for yourself.

Absolutely the best meal I've had in the 3 years that I've moved to New York State. My friend said the same thing for their meal. I'm a vegan and had no problem with meal selections.
The portions are big and very filling
You must make a reservation, and parking outside can be a challenge during the day, but in the evening, we had no problem. This is worth the drive from anywhere.

This place is amazing! We've lived in Kingston for so long and are kicking ourselves for not trying Graziano's sooner. The delicious hand-made pastas have great texture and the sauces are so yummy. We had the scallops with polenta which was so cheesy and creamy. The seafood linguine had the most flavorful tomato base with huge prawns. Even the strawberry shortcake tasted fresh with light whipped cream which was sweetened just right. I don't even like whipped cream, but I polished off the plate! Bold and well-balanced flavors. We're already planning for our next meal at Graziano's.

Amazing homemade food,/selection Great, cheerful service !!
I loved watching Graziano work his extraordinary culinary magic and usual Gracious welcoming conversation
Homemade Angel hair pasta with saffron large scallops as Amazing as was the taste of the seared Ahi
The cappuccino and desserts are also Amazing
Thank You Graziano for a perfect evening 👏❤ #homemadefood #cookedtoperfection

Absolutely the best restaurant in Kingston. And, maybe the best in the Hudson River Valley. And, the best Italian meal I've ever had in the USA. But, don't expect glamour. One must remember that one is dining in the chef's own kitchen and it looks like it. And, I appreciate that. This is not a place for flash. But the food is over the moon and I rather think it's an honor to be able to view the chef making every dish that comes out of his kitchen. Every dish is worthwhile and surpasses my expectations every time I go. Also, DO NOT compare this to any Italian restaurant you have ever frequented in the US. It's too authentic for comparison. Here one dines as one would in a rustic Northern Italian kitchen. If you like liver, don't miss the chicken liver starter. It's good enough to convert those who think they don't like liver. Or, try the sardine starter - I don't usually eat sardines ever, but I never fail to order them here. You will be surprised. But, if you come here with an open mind and heart you will be dazzled by anything Graziano prepares! I dream about dining here at least once a week! I think the few detractors here are folks who would rather be eating Italian food on an interstate highway. This is definitely not Olive Garden nor should it be! And, objecting to the bread being whole wheat...? Maybe that's the real way to enjoy garlic bread. We just ask for bread and out comes a basket of fresh breads that are lightly coated with herbs and flavored oils - no butter, it isn't necessary and it would mask the flavors of the breads. Just heaven. All around magnificent food! There's nothing disappointing about Graziano's masterpieces.

Without question, the best meal in a restaurant that I have had in a long, long, long time. I went with 2 friends and EVERYTHING we had was superb. The only knock, and it is minor, is that it is small and tight inside, so if you have a large group it could be tough. The food and service was impeccable.

Exceptional dinner! We are visiting from out of town and our host suggested this restaurant. The Gorgonzola pear salad is great. I’d personally recommend the scallops with handmade angel hair pasta.

Regarding the ambiance, it’s not what you’d expect at most great restaurants, but there’s absolutely nothing wrong with it either. It feels like you’re having a lovely homemade meal prepared in your favorite friend’s kitchen.

The food was absolutely delicious! I had the fresh pasta carbonara and my husband had the chicken parmigiana with fresh spaghetti. We finished by sharing strawberry shortcake. If you haven't eaten here you should!

I have size and mobility issues. I was worried about eating here because the seating looks tight but they were wonderful and very accommodating. The staff was conscientious and polite about my needs, they happily opened up a table in the other room for our party and made sure I had an appropriate chair.

The food was unbelievable. This is the closest I have ever felt to communing with God through eating pasta. I got a weekly special that was “chef made guanciale w/ porcini parmigiana sauce pappardelle.” I will be thinking about it for the rest of my life.

Graziano's Downtown Café- if you're looking for homestyle Italian cooking with lots of flavor and medium-to-large portions, go here.

Food:
Expect full size meals and lots of spices, butter, wine, and homemade pasta. Every dinner dish has had me coming back for seconds and the leftovers are great too.

Drink:
Limited menu but we loved the montepulciano, which was fruit forward and medium bodied. Coffee/espresso is on the menu as well, however we did not sample it.

Atmosphere:
Small restaurant with one owner and cook. Seating in the main building is very much like a home kitchen or a small side restaurant. There are a handful of outdoor tables, and a side building "garage" seating.

Worth a visit... or multiple!

Excellent local. The food is exceptional, authentic, and made with love. The decor is simple, which makes the food shine even more. Finally a chef who bets on the quality of his food rather than an instagramable decor 🤌🏽 . Thank you Graziano & team!

I can’t say enough about the quality and deliciousness of this restaurant. Very Mediterranean. Handmade pasta. Local grass fed meat and other ingredients. Vegans and vegetarians can eat here too. Yummy yummy yummy.

Real Italian food from a Venetian culinary genius. Ambience is homey and the furthest thing from pretentious. This place should be world famous. Please, just try it. You have my word.

Classic Italian trattoria with American portions. This place was so amazing from the food to the service and even the ambiance felt so cozy and welcoming. The pasta was clearly fresh but the other dishes like the tuna and the oxtail were also spectacular. The Apple strudel was incredible and it was big enough to be three people’s desserts. It’s not always a good sign when the portions are big but in this case we couldn’t get enough. Saved to favorites!

Legit Local gem. Every bite from salad through dessert was excellent. Wine list could be a little better - ask for bottles not on the list.

Five star experience without all the pretentious fanfare. The food, the wine, the chef, our waitress Cassandra!

Go here if you love food. Quirky layout and unusual ambiance, as in, not a ton of tables, and the space is broken up in two eating areas. It's not a traditional restaurant that most Americans are used to but that's not a bad thing I promise! The pasta is amazing, the things that go on the pasta are amazing, just go!

This is one of myself and my son's FAVORITE spots we go there or order at least 2 x month
Food is ALWAYS AMAZING
And Graziano & Cassie are the BEST! You walk in, and it's like being home, when I call for take out Cassie knows my order before I give it. THE BEST DYNAMIC DUO, and FOOD ❤

What an amazing gem in Kingston NY. Once you taste the food you are hooked for life. Try the bruschetta, meatballs, pasta. Literally everything is fantastic. Service is very welcoming too. Feels like you are home.