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The Upstairs Bistro Reviews List
The Upstairs Bistro
The Upstairs Bistro offers the best New York State has to offer. Artisanal cheeses, meats and fresh local produce are utilized in our Executive Chef's culinary creations to excite your taste buds and stimulate your palate's sense of adventure.
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65 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Rating Breakdown 65 reviews
5 stars
(26)
4 stars
(27)
3 stars
(7)
2 stars
(4)
1 star
(1)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- special occasion(33)
- fit for foodies(30)
- notable wine list(23)
- romantic(21)
- scenic view(21)
- great for lunch(17)
The Upstairs Bistro Reviews List
Review 1 for The Upstairs Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/17/2013
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This was a great experience. Just what we were looking
for a casual but up scale setting with a great menu. Excellent atmosphere."
for a casual but up scale setting with a great menu. Excellent atmosphere."
Dined on 5/17/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, scenic view
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Review 2 for The Upstairs Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The Perfect Night
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We wanted to sit outside on the wonderful deck to enjoy a great meal, perfect weather and a great view of the lake. Our table was right by the railing so our view was unobstructed. The wait staff were very pleasant and personable. The food was very good. THe soup of the day was served is terrific soup bowls, was hot and had just the right amount of spice. It was a broccoli-cheddar and we only wished there were a few pieces of broccoli and creamier as it was a little thin, but it tasted very good. We can't wait to return."
Dined on 5/07/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, romantic, scenic view, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 3 for The Upstairs Bistro
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
First and Last
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"For an establishment that prides itself on "educate, engage and excite" they need to spend more time training their staff. They host messed up our reservation and offered no apologies. The server forgot to bring out the bread and "the kitchen" forgot one of the sides. I had the pork chop which was average. It was too salty for my tastes."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: scenic view
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Review 4 for The Upstairs Bistro
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Don't miss this place
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Dined for lunch Sunday and Monday eve
Both times exceptional service and food"
Both times exceptional service and food"
Dined on 4/29/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 5 for The Upstairs Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The food was great. The service
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The food was great. The service was friendly but slow. It wasnt a problem for us because we were not in a hurry, but an appetizer and entree meal for two took about an hour and 45 minutes. All and all my husband and I both enjoyed it. Make sure that when you visit you have enought time to enjoy your meal."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 6 for The Upstairs Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We enjoyed dining at the Bistro,
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We enjoyed dining at the Bistro, but the entrees were very small. They resembled appetizers. Great ambiance and service and the food was fabulously prepared; just a little light."
Dined on 04/26/2013
2013
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Review 7 for The Upstairs Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Celebrating 38th anniversary
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"First time diners but we will return when in the area."
Dined on 04/17/2013
2013
Special Features: special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch
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Review 8 for The Upstairs Bistro
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
The dessert was to absolutly
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The dessert was to absolutly die for.
My salad dressing had wwaayyy tooo much vinegar in it. Terrible."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2013
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Review 9 for The Upstairs Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Appreciated the local food
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Appreciated the local food & wine!"
Dined on 04/19/2013
2013
Special Features: notable wine list
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Review 10 for The Upstairs Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Best Steak I have had in a
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Best Steak I have had in a long time! great service!"
Dined on 04/05/2013
2013
Special Features: late-night find, romantic, hot spot
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Review 11 for The Upstairs Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Everyone was pleased with
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Everyone was pleased with their food choices. We were allowed to sit for a long period of time undisturbed after our lunch, which we really appreciated. The only complaint I had was that I wasn't given a choice of kinds of tea and I would have appreciated having a small pot of hot water to refill my cup. Other than that, everything was very good. Lovely setting."
Dined on 04/02/2013
2008
Special Features: notable wine list, great for lunch
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Review 12 for The Upstairs Bistro
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Great service, beautiful decor
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The host didn't have any record of our reservation (I showed him my Open Table confirmation #), but there were plenty of available tables and we were seated right away. The decor was gorgeous, staff was very friendly & it was fun to see the different teaching kitchens (one was being used for a class, which was interesting to watch). I chose this restaurant because I had screened the menu online first (a member of our party is very fussy & intimidated by "fancy" food). I printed out the menu and showed it to him and he found a few items he thought he would like. Unfortunately there was a new, limited item menu in anticipation of Easter the next day. We were disappointed, but the food was very good (exc the ham, which was salty)."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 13 for The Upstairs Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The only food thing we didn't
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The only food thing we didn't like was the dessert selection. We eat out often and we didn't even know what most of the selections were. The table next to us ordered one and clearly didn't care for it.
They need a pastry chef.
The service was good but almost too informative..."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 14 for The Upstairs Bistro
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Lousy Service killed the meal.
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This was our second visit to the Bistro and this was a far cry from our first experience. Our waiter (mentioned by name in other posts) neglected to provide us with the specials (we heard another waiter mention them to another table, after we had ordered), did not provide any bread (all other tables had recieved), did not ask if we wanted a second glass of wine, refilled water glasses only when prompted by the manager and was overall not attentive. Other members of the staff were courteous and attentive, but not our waiter!
My entree was excellent (grilled sirloin), my wife's was inedible (crispy chicken breast which was bone in, gray dark meat chicken with skin on). Ultimately they replaced the entree.
We don't anticipate returning."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2011
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Review 15 for The Upstairs Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The bistro is the upstairs
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The bistro is the upstairs floor of the NY Wine and Culinary Center, with a view overlooking Canandaigua Lake. I was a little disappointed at this first trip to the Upstairs Bistro to be honest. There were two other tables of two when I arrived and because the waiter was serving as host as well, it took a few minutes to be seated. The waiter I had was different rom the one who seated me. He was very nice but not very attentive for the restaurant being so empty. He failed to mention one of the specials (which I later heard the other waiter say to another group), which was unfortunate because I definitely would have gotten at one. The food was good, but I was expecting better. Will have to try again with a different season's menu."
Dined on 02/28/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 16 for The Upstairs Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
This was a great experience.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This was a great experience. It is very "pricey" however (both the food and the wine) and I would only eat here on rare and special occasions."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2013
Special Features: notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 17 for The Upstairs Bistro
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Dylan was a nice young man
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Dylan was a nice young man and polite, but his attention to our table and details were lacking. He did not come back to freshen our water glasses, nor did he ask if we wanted another drink after we placed our first order. He was distracted after clearing our appetizer dishes/ silverware, and forgot to get a place setting for one of our group.
Two of us ordered the Vegetarian Pasta special and although it was delicious, the number of raviolis was very limited considering the price. The price was $16 for ravioli with no side salad, especially when you consider one person had 3 raviolis and the other had 4. The other 2 meals were delicious, and there were no complaints."
Two of us ordered the Vegetarian Pasta special and although it was delicious, the number of raviolis was very limited considering the price. The price was $16 for ravioli with no side salad, especially when you consider one person had 3 raviolis and the other had 4. The other 2 meals were delicious, and there were no complaints."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2013
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Review 18 for The Upstairs Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Outstanding food, very fresh,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Outstanding food, very fresh, cooked to perfection. Presentation was the best in Canandaigua. Beautiful building, but no view unless seated at a window table. Wine list could be more inclusive of smaller wineries in our area. Wheres the grape pie or NY apples?"
Dined on 02/22/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 19 for The Upstairs Bistro
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
i'll think twice before going again
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"screaming children. management turned music up to compensate. overall, not the atmosphere my wife & I were looking for and we'll think twice before going to Upstairs Bistro again. our previous experiences there [2-3] were nice. something in the meal did NOT settle well with us either..no joke."
Dined on 02/22/2013
2013
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Review 20 for The Upstairs Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great place, the music was
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great place, the music was a bit off for a romantic dinner. However, the food was very good."
Dined on 02/18/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 21 for The Upstairs Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Wonderful dining experience
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Menu changes frequently so people's experiences will vary, but my entire 3 course meal was superb. My girlfriend was amazing up until the dessert, to which she was slightly disappointed (began stealing my dessert in fact).
Waiter's recommendations were wonderful and there are plenty of diverse options to satisfy everyone's palette!
It also may help to mention we went on a weekday, I'm told the weekends are very packed, so that may contribute to the overall experience."
Dined on 02/19/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 22 for The Upstairs Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The Upstairs Bistro is a terrific
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The Upstairs Bistro is a terrific place to eat lunch in a lovely setting. Food is excellent, the wine list...a New York State wine list...is very good. Great indoor dining for the cold weather; great outdoor dining for the summer. Located in the New York Wine and Culinary Center in Canandaigua adds an additional touch. Great food, wine, service and ambiance."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 23 for The Upstairs Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Give your review a title (optional)
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We always enjoy the unique menu and presentation - both the Salmon and Pork Chops were prepared to perfection. Service was friendly and attentive"
Dined on 02/09/2013
2010
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Review 24 for The Upstairs Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Have been there several times
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Have been there several times for dinner (would be excellent to start the dinner menu earlier than 5:30 p.m. on Saturdays because this is a great stop over location when heading in and out of Rochester, and went on Feb 3 for the new brunch. Menu is limited. Don't think we will go for that meal again."
Dined on 02/03/2013
2009
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Review 25 for The Upstairs Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Wish I lived closer...
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Ate brunch there on Sunday. Staff was very friendly, professional and attentive. The waiter was knowledgeable of the menu and wines. Service was professional and appropriate, not rushed or too slow. The menu was different which is what I want when I eat out. I had difficult deciding and ended up with the crepe which was beyond good. My spouse had the bread pudding benedict which was also good. We both had the wine sampler, another nice offering when you want to try different wines without getting loaded, especially on a Sunday afternoon. I thought the portions were generous without being huge and the prices were reasonable. I wished I lived closer to go more often."
Dined on 02/03/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 26 for The Upstairs Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We found it a very memorable
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We found it a very memorable occasion. Our waiter Dylan was very knowlagable, knew the menu, wine pairings, local area and was overall polite, cheerful and an excellent waiter. The food was delicious and our meal including our wine was from New York State, very impressive. Not only was this a great experience we intend to bring our very close and well travelled friends on our next adventure to your establishment. We would like to thank you and your staff for having such a wonderful culunary experience available to the public. We were amazed and impressed by how informed and educated your staff are. I stopped off at the desk downstairs to see what else was being offered by the establishment. Thank you for a delightful dining experience."
Dined on 01/25/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for lunch
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Review 27 for The Upstairs Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great improvements
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The meal and service were excellent. Our server was knowledgeable about the food and drinks. The manager also checked in to get our feedback on some new drinks. We enjoyed the gift shop and tasting room afterwards."
Dined on 01/25/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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Ratings-Only Reviews for The Upstairs Bistro
Based on the average of (38) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
4 out of 5 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate