We celebrate the diversity and revival of our area through annual cultural festivals, professional sporting events, art exhibitions, and the wide variety of ethnic eateries and local mom-and-pop style restaurants.
Celebrate Differences!
Upstate New York is a region rich in diversity and culture, making it an ideal destination for those seeking to experience a vibrant and inclusive community. With its diverse population, this region offers a unique blend of traditions, languages, cuisines, and celebrations that make it stand out from other parts of the state.
Our community is enriched by the exchange of cultural traditions and ideas. We foster a community of understanding, tolerance, and respect among its residents.
Embracing diversity in Upstate New York brings numerous benefits both socially and economically. It promotes understanding among individuals from different backgrounds while fostering economic growth through increased entrepreneurship opportunities. By celebrating our differences rather than fearing them, we can create a more inclusive society that thrives on mutual respect and appreciation for all cultures present in this vibrant region
ENJOY OUR DIVERSE CULTURE
OMG! THE FOOD IS AMAZING!
Ethnic eateries, restaurants, and food trucks are plentiful throughout the neighborhoods of Upstate NY. What was once an Italian-American dominated scene in the early 20th century (attributed to Italian immigrants who settled in Utica to work in the factories and mills) has notably transitioned to an all-encompassing representation of worldly cultures thanks to a recent immigration of refugees from Bosnia and Southeast Asian regions.
The modern wave of newcomers has served as an economic engine for the Upstate area, most remarkably in the form of cuisine, and some of our most iconic food attractions are the unassuming cafes serving dishes that are guaranteed to make your mouth water.
African Americas Soul Food
Big Al’s BBQ of New York, 33 Dietz Street, Oneonta
Soul One12 – 171 Genesee Street, Utica
Asian Fusion
KARMA – 34 Oriskany Boulevard, Whitesboro
The Lotus Garden Noodle and Sushi House – 1011 King Street, Utica
Nanabi Cafe – 106 Bleecker Street, Utica
Sunny Restaurant – 527 Albany Street, Utica
Sushi House – 621 James Street, Utica
Taichi Bubble Tea, Ramen, and Poke Bowl- 90 N Genesee Street, Utica
Bosnian
Ruznic Market and Restaurant – 801 Albany Street, Utica
Yummilicious Cafe & Bakery – 1600 Rutger Street, Utica
Caribbean
Capresso Coffee Bar and Cuisine – 215 Main Street, Oneonta
Island Breeze Bar and Grill – 517 Mandeville Street, Utica
Simmer Jamaican Restaurant – 606 South Street, Utica
The Sugar Beat – 281 Main Street, Oneonta
Chinese
Beijing House – 1506 Genesee Street, Utica
China Wok – 2001 Genesee Street, Utica
Grand Harmony – 1809 Genesee Street, Utica
No. 1 Chinese Restaurant – 1122 Mohawk Street, Utica
WuKong Asian Restaurant – 435 Main Street, New York Mills
Dominican
El Barajo Restaurant – 672 Bleecker Street, Utica
Joel’s Spanish Food – 1225 Park Avenue, Utica
Mi Casa – 1315 Genesee Street, Utica
Sabor Latinos Bar and Restaurant – 339 Bleecker Street, Utica
Sazón Frank – 655 Bleecker Street, Utica
Ecuadorian
Tierras Tropicales Bar & Restaurant – 1300 Whitesboro Street, Utica
German
Bagg’s Square Brewing Company- 330 Main Street, Utica
Greek
Greek Gyros – 260 Oriskany Blvd, Yorkville
Symeon’s – 4941 Commercial Drive, Yorkville
Stathis – 1901 Genesee Street, Utica
Mister Mike’s Gyros– 50 Kellogg Road, New Hartford
Halal
Al Madina Halal—1155 Mohawk St, Utica
Indian
Minar Fine Indian Cuisine – 609 French Road, New Hartford
Norbu – 149 Main Street, Cooperstown (Indian, Tibetan, Nepali)
Taj Mahal Indian Halal Restaurant – 60 Genesee Street, New Hartford
Irish
5 Points Public House – 623 Columbia Street, Utica
The Celtic Harp – 805 Varick Street, Utica
Italian
Ambassador Restaurant- 537 Albany St., Utica
Ancora! – 261 Genesee Street, Utica
Aqua Vino Restaurant and Banquets – 8655 Clinton Street, New Hartford
Bella Regina – 15 Auert Ave, Utica
Café CaNole- 1 Campion Rd., New Hartford
Caruso’s Pastry Shoppe – 707 Bleecker Street, Utica
Cafe Daniele – 1556 Mohawk Street, Utica
Chesterfield’s Tavolo – 131 North Genesee Street, Utica
Delmonico’s Italian Steakhouse – 147 North Genesee Street, Utica
Desserts Beyond the Ordinary – 50 Auert Ave, Utica
Florentine Pastry Shop – 667 Bleecker Street, Utica
It’s a Utica Thing Kitchen and Bar – 350 Leland Ave., Utica
Pellettieri Joe’s – 927 Jay Street, Utica
Joey’s 307 – 307 Mohawk Street, Utica
Nostro’s Restobar & Lounge – 268 Genessee St., Utica
Rosa’s Trattoria: Italian Bakery and Deli – 2644 Genesee Street, Utica
Sammy and Annie Foods – 717 Bleecker Street, Utica
Trattoria Calabria – 706 Culver Ave., Utica
Ventura’s Restaurant – 787 Lansing Street, Utica
Japanese
Mitsuba – 17 Ellinwood Dr, New Hartford
Peking Tokyo – 3 Henderson St #3, New York Mills
Sumo Japanese Steakhouse – 4671 Commercial Drive, New Hartford
Red Samurai Steakhouse – 8562 Seneca Turnpike, New Hartford
Lebanese
Grapevine – 120 Genesee Street, New Hartford
Karam’s Middle East Bakery and Restaurant – 137 Campbell Avenue, Yorkville
Lafa Mediterranean by Zeina’s– 4666 Commercial Drive, New Hartford
Mariam – 372 Oriskany Blvd, Whitesboro
Phoenician Restaurant – 623 French Road, New Hartford
Zeina’s Cafe – 607 Varick Street, Utica
Mexican
Cantina Catrin – 700 Oriskany Blvd, Yorkville
El Buen Gusto – 1101 Mohawk St, Utica
El Jarocho Mexican Restaurant & Bar – 1305 Floyd Ave, Rome
Las Delicias Taqueria – 322 James St, Utica
Pedro’s Kitchen – 4648 Commercial Drive, New Hartford
Rio Grande Tex Mex Grill – 3913 Oneida St, New Hartford
Tren De Villa Mexican Restaurant – 95 E Main St, Mohawk
Polish
Polish Community Club – 810 Columbia Street, Utica
Venezuelan
Sun Taste’s Restaurant 852 Bleecker Street, Utica
Vietnamese
Pho Vietnam – 8469 Seneca Turnpike, New Hartford
Pho Mekong House of Noodles – 601 John Street, Utica
Yemeni
Cultural Clubs/Organizations
Pictured above is The Midtown Utica Community Center (MUCC) is an inclusive and multicultural community center in Utica, New York. They are anti-racist, multilingual, and refugee-friendly. Their programming is designed to enhance the safety, health, and educational opportunities of our diverse community.
Muju International Market pictured above sells and delivers groceries from different cultures. Their store is located at 1026 Champlin Avenue in Utica. They stock products from around the world and even have a kitchen so that you can order delicious food for lunch, dinner, or special events!
Pro Tip: Download their Chula app and order food delivery!
Ethnic Markets/Shops
Are you a Craft Beer fan?
Enjoy live music every week at Saranac Thursdays while you sample Saranac’s seasonal, summer beer from the 4th oldest, family-owned brewery in the United States, or pay a visit to a handful of locally owned breweries in the area!
One of the most historic and notable events of the Summer season, is Utica’s famous Boilermaker Road Race!
Lace up your running shoes and run alongside somealongside of some of the greatest athletes in the world in the 15K, or volunteer to pass out popsicles, water and orange slices in one of the most inclusive, supportive, and diverse community events of the year!
Have we mentioned the Post-Race Party?
Dylan and his mother, Sarah, enjoying a beautiful festive day at Little Falls Pride!
Veteran Resources
- Central New York Veteran’s Outreach Center – 726 Washington Street, Utica
- Oneida County Veteran’s Services – 800 Park Ave #1, Utica
- Oneida Veteran’s Services Agency – 125 Brookley Road, Rome
HELP US KEEP THIS LISTING UPDATED!
Help us keep adding to the Culture and Diversity Page. If you know a business or organization that we should add, please email the information and we will update the page! We’d love to include festivals, events, and all cultural experiences, so send those our way as well. Send all information to sfarrell@greateruticachamber.org or by clicking the button below!
Thank You To Our What's Upstate Partners
