Culinary Experiences, Local Flavor, and Lakeside Charm in the Finger Lakes Countrysides
From farm-to-table dining and lakeside brunches to wineries, restaurants and some of the best ice cream in New York, Yates County offers a delicious mix of culinary experiences. This three-day itinerary highlights the best foodie stops in the Finger Lakes Countrysides, giving you a perfect blend of taste, charm, and a sense of place.
Where to Stay
Choose your perfect stay:
- The Inn at Glenora Wine Cellars – Wake up to vineyard views on Seneca Lake. The Inn offers onsite dining at Veraisons Restaurant, where the menu highlights fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced fare paired with Glenora’s award-winning wines.
- Plum Point Lodge on Seneca Lake – This seasonal boutique lakeside property provides a secluded, intimate lodging experience. Its restaurant, Sapalta, specializes in locally inspired, farm-driven menus paired with Finger Lakes wines.
Day 1
Explore Downtown Penn Yan & Amity Coffee Co.
Stroll through local shops and pause at Amity Coffee Co. for a morning pick-me-up, with a selection of coffees and house-made pastries.
Lunch at Fox Run Vineyards Café & Market
Pair flatbreads, sandwiches, or cheese boards with Fox Run’s estate wines, all while overlooking vineyard and lake views. Their fully house-made menu celebrates local flavors, making this a quintessential Finger Lakes stop.
Afternoon Exploring
Spend time browsing farm markets throughout the county to gather local treats, or wander the Keuka Outlet Trail for a scenic interlude between meals.
Dinner at Veraisons Restaurant (Glenora Wine Cellars)
Dine from a scratch kitchen where local meats, produce, and cheeses shine. Choose indoor seating with cathedral ceilings and vineyard views or enjoy the terrace overlooking Seneca Lake. Be sure to call ahead for updated hours and reservations.
Day 2
Breakfast at Oak Leaf Café & Bakery
This café offers a robust breakfast menu, house-baked pastries, and an espresso bar. Their commitment to quality and consistency makes it a welcoming local favorite. Visit the Windmill Farm & Craft Market – Open Saturdays from late April through November. A one-stop shop for discovering local farms, producers, and flavors.
Visit a winery on Keuka Lake in the afternoon
Whether wine is your number one priority when visiting the Finger Lakes, or your goal is to fit in one tasting room visit, Keuka Lake will not disappoint. The Finger Lakes was named Best Wine Region in the US by Wine Enthusiast in 2025, so it won’t take long to find a spot that fits your taste(buds).
Dinner at 18th Amendment Kitchen & Cocktail Bar
On Penn Yan’s Main Street, 18th Amendment offers a dining experience where chefs and local ingredients take the lead. The menu shifts with the seasons, whether you choose a full dinner, nightly specials, or a casual plate at the bar. Cocktails are just as thoughtfully crafted, featuring house-made syrups, fresh juices, and local spirits that highlight the flavors of the Finger Lakes.
Day 3
Late Brunch at Main Deck
Sleep in and slowly head over to Main Deck Restaurant overlooking Keuka Lake in Penn Yan,, This spot combines fresh ingredients with creative flair, pairing inventive dishes with craft cocktails and worldly wines. The lakeside setting makes it as much about the atmosphere as the food, offering the perfect balance of flavor, relaxation, and Finger Lakes charm.
Visit the Saunders Finger Lakes Museum
Discover the natural and cultural heritage of the Finger Lakes at this interactive museum in Branchport. You’ll find a public kayak and canoe launch, wetland trails with interpretive signage, a natural playscape for younger visitors, and a StoryWalk along the walking paths. Through exhibits, programs, and hands-on experiences, the museum highlights the region’s landscapes, waterways, and communities, offering a meaningful way to connect with the place behind the flavors.
Afternoon at Laurentide Beer Company
Enjoy a craft beer experience rooted in the Finger Lakes’ glacial history. Laurentide Beer Co., established in 2020, serves creative brews in a friendly, adventurous atmosphere that reflects the region’s natural beauty. Try some of their signature items from their food menu, like Grandma Driscoll’s wings or the LBC beer cheeseburger.
More Restaurants
If you are here for longer than a couple days, here are some other not-to-miss eateries:
Burnt Rose Wine Bar
Close out your trip with an elegant yet approachable dining experience. Burnt Rose Wine Bar’s field-to-table philosophy showcases dishes crafted with seasonal ingredients sourced directly from local farms.
Dean Lane Dining
Open Mondays and Fridays for a four course prix-fixe menu, founder and chef, Michael Dean, brings worldly cuisine in the classic French style. The menu is carefully crafted from seasonal items from their farm, paired with local wines, beer, and cider.
Seneca Farms
Open March through October, this local icon is great for a quick cone, or stay and enjoy their full food menu. Producing over 50 homemade ice cream flavors and rotating seasonal specials, your taste buds are in for one of the sweetesttreats.
Outlet 111 Kitchen & Cocktail Bar
Named after its unique spot on the outlet trail connecting Keuka Lake and Seneca Lake, this venue takes pride in curating a wine list that showcases the Finger Lakes region and highlights the talent of women producers. Expect to find fresh ingredients integrated into their food menu that is a perfect marriage with a craft cocktail or local wine.
Check out a complete list of places to eat on our website: https://www.fingerlakescountrysides.com/explore/food/restaurants/
