I grew up in an incredibly Italian household. My mother’s family was from Naples, and my father’s from Sardinia. Despite our early family roots in America starting in New York, we always focused more on the culture on the mainland and less on the Goodfellas side.
Sometimes I miss my family across the ocean, but all I have to do is travel down to the Hudson Valley to get a taste of home…
New York’s Most Authentic Italian?
In 2024, Via Cassia opened its doors in Hudson, NY. Obviously, New York isn’t exactly fighting for new Italian cuisine, but Via Cassia believes they’re doing it differently. The owners spent four years in Tuscany working with the Corsini Family at Villa Le Corti.
A man making pasta with his bare hands
Credit: Canva
When they returned to the states, the realized that they needed to do something different. You can’t just lean into the hokey “Italian-esque look”, so they went more traditional. Their restaurant is meant to be an Italian trattoria, which is nothing more than a simple dining room, good homemade pasta, great wine, and genuine hospitality.
Best in the Nation
Don’t just take my word for it, take the critics. A recent poll released by USA today ranked the best choices for new restaurants across America, and Via Cassia came in at Number 4, and for good reason.
The owners already have plenty of experience as former Chefs at Babbo in New York City, which lead them to focus on a truly show-stopping experience. If you want real authentic Italian that doesn’t just taste, but feels like home, this is the place to be.
The Capital Region’s 10 Best Italian Restaurants [RANKED]
When it comes to food, the Capital Region is best known for its long list of great Italian restaurants. From chicken parm to veal to amazing seafood dishes and everything in between, here are the best of the best in the greater Albany area according to GNA listeners.
Gallery Credit: Matty Jeff
The Capital Region’s 10 Best Pizza Joints [RANKED]In the mood for a couple of pies or a slice on the go? The Capital Region is known for its great pizza joints like DeFazio’s, Dom’s, Caputo’s, and so many more. From Troy to Albany to Schenectady, and the surrounding towns and cities, great local pizza spots seem infinite. So to determine the best, we asked our listeners: who serves up the best pizza in the Capital Region? Here are the top 10 in the area – according to YOU! Happy eating!
Gallery Credit: Matty Jeff
Upstate New York Country Concert Calendar
Check out all the artists set to make their way to the Capital Region and Upstate New York.
Gallery Credit: Matty Jeff
Dining and Cooking