Syracuse, New York, boasts a surprisingly vibrant culinary scene, and for those seeking a healthy and delicious option, the city offers a bounty of excellent salad restaurants. Whether you're a local looking for a lunchtime staple or a visitor seeking a refreshing meal, this guide highlights 19 of the best salad spots in Syracuse, categorized for your convenience.
Best for Casual Dining & Quick Bites: Your Go-To Salad Spots
This section features restaurants perfect for a quick, healthy lunch or a casual dinner. These establishments often prioritize fresh ingredients and offer a variety of customizable options.
- Dinosaur Bar-B-Que: While known for BBQ, their sides, including their substantial salads, are worth a visit. Their unique BBQ-inspired salad dressings are a standout.
- Wegmans: A Syracuse staple, Wegmans offers a wide selection of pre-made salads and customizable salad bars, making it a convenient and affordable option.
- Apizza: This popular pizza joint also provides delicious and surprisingly creative salads that complement their pizza menu perfectly. Think fresh ingredients and interesting flavor combinations.
- Marshall Street Bar and Grill: This gastropub offers creative salads that combine fresh ingredients with unexpected flavors, providing a sophisticated take on casual dining.
- Pastabilities: This well-loved Italian restaurant offers a delightful array of salads, many incorporating fresh, seasonal ingredients from local farms.
Upscale Salad Experiences: Elevating the Salad Game
These restaurants offer a more refined salad experience, often incorporating high-quality ingredients and unique presentations.
- The Blue Plate Special: This acclaimed restaurant offers beautifully composed salads that are as much a work of art as a meal. Expect seasonal ingredients and sophisticated dressings.
- Saltine: Known for its upscale ambiance and creative menu, Saltine’s salads are a testament to the restaurant's commitment to quality ingredients and innovative flavors.
- Francesca's Cucina: This stylish Italian restaurant features salads that showcase the fresh, high-quality ingredients found in authentic Italian cuisine.
- Crafted: This modern restaurant emphasizes local and sustainable ingredients, and its salads reflect this philosophy with a focus on freshness and seasonality.
Unique & Thematic Salad Choices: Beyond the Ordinary
This category highlights restaurants with unique concepts or specialty salads that stand out from the crowd.
- Kitty Hoynes: While known for its Irish pub fare, Kitty Hoynes provides a surprising selection of hearty salads that would satisfy even the most discerning palate.
- Midtown Bakery & Cafe: This popular bakery also offers a selection of light and flavorful salads, perfect for a light lunch or an accompaniment to their pastries.
- More Than a Sandwich: This cafe offers salads built on quality breads and cheeses, creating a delightful combination of textures and flavors.
- Strong Hearts Cafe: This cafe specializes in vegetarian and vegan options, offering a range of creative and flavorful salads ideal for plant-based eaters.
Health-Focused & Customizable Salads: Diets & Preferences Met
These restaurants prioritize healthy eating, offering customizable options to cater to various dietary needs and preferences.
- Clean Juice: This juice bar offers a variety of healthy and refreshing salads that are perfect for those seeking a light and nutritious meal.
- Blossom: This health-focused establishment prioritizes organic and locally-sourced ingredients, showcasing the best of Syracuse's agricultural bounty in their salads.
Hidden Gems & Local Favorites: Discovering Syracuse's Salad Scene
This category showcases lesser-known but equally excellent salad restaurants deserving of attention.
- A Small World Coffee: This coffee shop offers a surprisingly delicious selection of salads that complement their coffee menu perfectly.
- Luna Cafe: This neighborhood gem provides a charming and relaxed atmosphere and a selection of flavorful salads made with fresh ingredients.
- Acropolis Restaurant: This Greek restaurant serves traditional Greek salads, bursting with fresh vegetables and feta cheese. A classic for a reason!
- Syracuse University Dining Halls: Depending on the time of year and location, Syracuse University offers surprisingly good salad bars that cater to the diverse tastes of the university community.
Choosing Your Perfect Syracuse Salad
This guide offers a starting point for your culinary adventures in Syracuse. Remember to check restaurant websites or call ahead to confirm hours, menus, and any special offerings. Happy eating!
