Melissa Durand
This was our first visit and we already know that we will be back. When we made our original reservation it was to use a Groupon but then found out that our reservation was for the first night of Albany’s annual restaurant week. Dinner included an appetizer, entree and dessert for $25 per person. It was well worth it. We also ordered 2 different bottles of wine to accompany our meals off a nicely varied menu. Everything we had was well prepared, beautifully presented and delicious. We look forward to experiencing the full menu choices on our next visit. We do wish that the restaurant offered better parking options as they have no parking lot of their own and most parking options entail a significant walk to the restaurant which can be difficult for those with a disability.
… moreJames Lane
A Hidden Gem… Got a Groupon And Took my Wife and Daughters to have dinner…. we were pleasantly welcomed. It was like walking back in time …cozy, quaint and welcoming. The service was outstanding, Food was Phenomenal and the experience will make us go back!! A defiant must do with wife/fiancee/girlfriend on date night!!!
… moreChristopher Messina
Tucked in the back streets off State St near the Times Union Center. The restaurant is nicely decorated with nice wood paneled walls, and dark mirrors, and a few wine bottles and wine glasses. It was dimly lit with a chandelier and some wall sconces. It could be a somewhat romantic setting, though the seating was fairly close to others. The atmosphere reminded me of a cross between a study in a fancy house, the kind that would have a leather arm chair, and a speak easy. However, something about the decor seemed like it was only 80% of the way there but lacked some finishing touches.
The waiter was attentive but without being annoying, he seemed to come around at just the right time. There were about three or four other groups dining at the time, but the place wasn’t very large, so it was probably at least half full.
We ordered two martinis, one chocolate flavored and one that was more tropics themed. We then ordered off the restaurant week menus which are three course prix fix menus. For an appetizer I ordered fig caprese. It was good, though only a slight variation of a regular caprese as the fig taste wasn’t too strong. The main course I choose the beef bourguignon and my girl got the mushroom ravioli. The bourguignon was a bit salty for my taste, though it tasted similar to many of the beef bourguignon I’ve had in the past. The ravioli tasted really good, had a very nice mushroom flavor without being overwhelming. There was two choices, a flourless chocolate cake and a lemon something (I kinda stopped listening after I heard chocolate). We both ended up getting the chocolate cake, which was so rich and thick it was like eating a creamier version of fudge. I didn’t finish the cake as the sweetness was a bit overwhelming, though I did finish the other half later as a snack.
Overall it was a nice place, though it probably doesn’t stand out on anyone’s toes 10 list.
… moreJames C
La Serre is an institution in Albany. My fiancee and I hosted an engagement party/dinner there with family and everything was wonderful. The interior is beautiful with the classic elegance you only find in historic restaurants. The service was excellent. The food is always great – their menu has classic dishes with a mix of seafood, chicken, beef, vegetarian, with French and Italian influences.
I was very surprised by some of the negative reviews. I have dinner at La Serre every time I visit Albany and it is always great. Yes, some nights it may not be very busy, particularly if the legislature is out-of-session and downtown is not busy. However, the staff and owner always seem to be happy to serve (yes, the owner is there most nights).
For a nice, elegant dinner La Serre is a great choice.
… moreKevin Johnson
Our third time here. The food is very consistent. The owners are friendly and talkative.
I had the salmon and my wife had the lobster ravioli. Both were delicious , the vegetables still firm.
Waiter was very attentive and the owner makes her rounds and fills your water and makes you feel at home .
Of course we’ll be back.
… moreElyse Malabanan
We had our wedding rehearsal dinner here since we were having our wedding in downtown Albany and it was within walking distance from the hotel. They allowed us to use the private side room for our gathering. The food was delicious and the service was wonderful. Everyone was very accommodating and we had a lovely evening.
… moreMichelle Capron
Had seen several pretty negative reviews from Groupon customers, but I have to say, our experience there was excellent. The staff was friendly and polite (in spite of being very busy with a very large holiday party). We had no issue whatsoever with our Groupon deal. The food was delicious and the atmosphere is lovely. Dessert was extra delicious. I wouldn’t hesitate to go back again. No complaints at all!!
… moreXi Pint
A lovely restaurant with classic French dishes. Don’t let the older style decor and formal setting turn you away from some delicious food. Went with some friends for restaurant week, and I do plan on returning. For date nights, family dinners, or just before a show or walk down town. Just off the beaten path, this place is a gem.
… moreKevin L
Very great place. As a fine dining restaurant, I don’t understand what people don’t like here. Food is perfect and represents French restaurant correctly. Do not expect to be serve American style or size but everything I had was great and just enough. I highly recommend
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