Casola Dining Room

This review is from a visit in March 2020, just a few days before the Covid lockdowns began. This restaurant deserves more than five stars, and after just one visit, you’ll understand why it’s so difficult to secure a reservation. Every aspect of the experience, from beginning to end, deserves high praise. The service was exceptional, with some of the friendliest staff we've ever encountered, and the food is of such a quality that it could easily compete with higher-end restaurants in the Capital District. If you're looking for a refreshing change from typical dining options, this is the place to go. With a menu that changes weekly, you won't want to eat anywhere else.

Although the menu was limited, we found some excellent options. We started with a shrimp bisque as our appetizer, which was absolutely perfect with a generous amount of shrimp. For our entrée, we chose the salmon Florentine, which was poached and topped with a rich Mornay sauce, served on a bed of sautéed spinach alongside small potatoes. It was outstanding. We rounded off our meal with a delicious apple tart for dessert. Overall, the meal was an incredible value for the price, and I can’t wait to return. On a side note, I found the Open Table reservation app to be a bit frustrating at first. It likely gets quite busy right at 8 AM, so I had to try a few times before securing our reservation. But don’t let that deter you; it’s worth the effort!

If you can secure a reservation, you have to visit this restaurant—it’s fantastic! However, getting in can be quite challenging. Check their website for instructions on how to make reservations. It’s open seasonally, only during the fall and spring. Lunch is available at 12:00 and 12:30 PM, and dinner is served at 7:00 and 7:30 PM, but not every day. Be sure to check the website for details. The food is top-notch and surprisingly affordable, with dinners costing under $25 each, including tax and tip! Please note that they don’t serve alcohol, but you’re welcome to bring your own wine for a corking fee.

The price is a bargain. Keep in mind that the servers are students who are learning and the kitchen is also staffed by students. That said, the food tends to be great. Dessert is hit or miss.

This is a student thing, but that being said, it is a wonderful experience in any context. It will take some effort getting reservations and finding the place, but it is a gem. The students all take this very seriously and as wait staff and as cooks, you could not ask for a better experience. Top notch.