Good restaurants in Schenectady?

[MooseInSJ]

I will be travelling to Schenectady (via train) in October and while most of my stay will be busy I will have my first night free. I am looking for a good restaurant for dinner that night. I would really like a fine dining or bistro type restaurant, but I wil happily accept any recommendation.
Thank you in advance for any advice you can give me.

[MooseInSJ]

Wow, no ideas people? I have never been failed by Chowhound before :(

[markabauman]

Will you be staying downtown? Have transportation? Although I am often in Schenectady and lived there for four years, I'm from Saratoga. Maybe the lack of responses is due to hesitation by CH-ers due to lack of really fine dining in Schenectady. There are plenty of down-home Italian places available (search some on this board). If you are staying downtown, there is a decent bistro-type place called Aperitivo right near Proctor's Theater; comfortable place. Can go right around the corner to Villa Italia for some decent Italian pastry/espresso/gelato for dessert. Again, let us know about where you'll be and whether you'll have transportation and we can try to fill in the details and suggestions further.

[MooseInSJ]

I am actually staying just down the street from Proctor's at the Hampton Inn. Last year some friends and I ate at a restaurant that was pretty nice a block or two from the train station and we enjoyed it, but I can't remember the name :(

[financialdistrictresident]

I grew up in Schenectady and it is not exactly a dining destination, though there are some gems. Saratoga and Albany have the best food IMHO (if you will have a car and are willing to drive a bit). A few thoughts:

*Cella Bistro (short ride by car or taxi, near Ellis Hospital)
*Pinhead Susan's (pubby, walking distance)
*Second Villa Italia
*Second researching options in thread AmyH posted

Enjoy and please report back on your experience.

[AmyH]

lots of ideas on this thread:
http://www.chow.com/topics/349608