8 Best Restaurants in Hudson Valley, New York

Save room for the sticky toffee pudding cake or one of the other amazing desserts at this American restaurant in the former village hall. The wine is stored behind bars in the old jail, and other historic accents make for a charming dining room. Entrée favorites include shrimp and pappardelle puttanesca with anchovies, black olives, and capers, as well as Asian barbecue duck breast with whipped potato, baby bok choy, and apple-orange chutney. Brunch is a show-stopper.

Vaulted rustic beams and cozy fireplaces warm this sophisticated restaurant overlooking picturesque duck ponds and landscaped gardens. The menu changes seasonally and may include tartare of Japanese hamachi, grilled swordfish in a bouillabaisse broth, or the chef's famous cowboy ribeye for two. If you're not up for a full dinner, try small plates and great cocktails at the bar. The restaurant is in Congers, 4 miles north of Nyack.

The locally-sourced menu here changes daily, but the bistro-style dishes always have a Mediterranean accent. You'll find lots of fresh seafood, like yellowfin carpaccio, fresh shucked oysters, baby shrimp crudo and P.E.I. mussels. There's also plenty for the vegetarian set too, like feta-stuffed ravioli and chickpea sliders with cumin yogurt. On the weekends, there's a lively bar scene.

The decor at this busy Thai restaurant is rather basic, but don't let that deter you from trying the varied menu that includes excellent dishes like crispy duck and steamed dumplings. Weekend specials are often standouts too.

For anyone who wants to imagine themselves on the streets of Paris, look no further than this bakery serving classic French pastries, crepes, and desserts. In the warmer months there are sidewalk bistro tables, a perfect spot for enjoying a croissant and gourmet cup of coffee, but beware the long weekend lines. For a quick and delicious lunch, you can't go wrong with a simply but tasty baguette sandwich.

Day-tripping bicyclists and locals favor this popular bakery, where you can sip gourmet coffee and nibble on omelets or "Hubwiches" (tasty breakfast sandwiches named after various bicycle brands), as well as scones, muffins, and pastries that will satisfy any sweet tooth. Lunch offerings include hot and cold sandwiches, and a variety of hearty soups.

Chicken with basil, red-curry stews, and seafood steamed in banana leaf are standouts at this Thai place in an old silver diner. The dining room is often packed on weekends during prime dinner hours, but tables turn over quickly. Dishes labeled "hot" are not for the faint of heart.

The stylish surroundings are a match for the hip, Asian-fusion cuisine served at this spot. The menu includes an innovative selection of sushi and rolls; tasty small plates such as black cod with miso; and such refined main courses as crispy salmon with pomegranate reduction. Reservations are essential on weekends.