Best place in the Finger Lakes for affordable, good eating

Many of the Finger Lakes top restaurants can leave a dent in your wallet, especially if you are staying in the area for a few days. If you are trying to keep to a budget, there are many restaurants that are consistently good and less expensive. Here is what the region's top innkeepers have to recommend as the best place in the Finger Lakes for affordable, good food.

The Essenhaus

A comfortable family style restaurant with good food and reasonable prices. Their rolls are to die for and the deserts homemade. Several of our guests have eaten there and loved it. Located on Rt 14A between Geneva and Penn Yan (about 2 miles North of Penn Yan) ~ Glenda Nash - Gentle Giants Bed and Breakfast

Our personal favorite on the West side of Seneca Lake. Their menu is primarily in the "under $10" range for dinner. They feature good, home-style, cooking with generous portions. The staff is friendly and efficient and the atmosphere is comfortable/casual. We have never had a meal there we did not enjoy. ~ Burney and Susan Baron - Los Gatos Bed & Breakfast

The Golden Buck - A reliable family restaurant with good food, modest prices and a friendly hometown atmosphere. The nightly specials are always a treat. Located in Ovid between Seneca and Cayuga Lakes. ~ Steve and Kathy Wirt - Wine Country Cabins Bed and Breakfast

Connie's Diner.  We never knew about this little laid-back restaurant, until a writer for Bon Appetit stayed with us and this place really got her attention.  There is a lot of great home cookin' going on there.  Prices are very affordable and they try to use a lot of local ingredients and produce. 205 E Main St, Waterloo (Rt 5&20 between Waterloo and Geneva)   ~ Terry - Keuka Overlook B&B

Casa Italiana - An Italian submarine sandwich is great for an inexpensive picnic. If you order the sandwich on a roll, it's under $3. Take it to the picnic benches along the lake (Atwater Park) and you've got the best view too. Located on Parrish St. in Canandaigua at the North end of Canandaigua Lake. ~ Sheryl Mordini - 1795 Acorn Inn

Pronti's Restaurant - This is a neighborhood Italian restaurant that has been in operation since 1933. The portions are so huge they border on obscene. With that in mind you can even split orders and still have plenty to eat. Located at Avenue E in Geneva at the North end of Seneca Lake. ~ Donna Cunningham - Yale Manor B&B

Rose Corner Bakery & Restaurant.  -  It's a cozy little place that serves great food for dinner, lunch breakfast or just a snack like cookies, pastries, muffins, cinnamon rolls, cheesecakes, carrot cake,  all homemade! Located in the heart of downtown Canandaigua at 151 Main Street. ~ Al and Nancy - Gorham House Bed and Breakfast

The Decoy Restaurant - For a long time,  a "best kept secret" among locals, but one that is growing in popularity with guests, for good, affordable meals. They feature a great selection of both full and light meals,  a great Friday night fish fry, and a full bar. Open Wednesday through Saturday, from 5 - 10 PM.  Located on Rt 14 in Rock Stream on the West side of Seneca Lake. ~ Barbara Schiesser - Sunrise Landing Bed and Breakfast

Garcias Mexican Restaurant - Delicious mexican food! Great selection, huge portions and fast service. Two can eat a delicious lunch or dinner with drinks and dessert from between $20 to $30. They also have desserts to die for! Located at 313 Hamilton St in Geneva (315-789-5760) as well as locations in Ithaca, Corning, and Elmira Heights. ~ Betty McDonald - Toganenwood Estate

Middletown Tavern - Is our recommendation for family style dining that is both reasonably priced and guaranteed to satisfy mom, dad, and the kids. There is plenty of parking, a sports bar atmosphere without any riff raff and a very friendly environment that our guests tell us is great. From finger food to fish fries we give the Middletown Tavern a ten out of ten for casual dining. Located on Route 21, in Naples at the Southe end of Canandaigua Lake. ~ Fran - Ambroselli's Villa Serendip Bed and Breakfast

Mario's Restaurant - A great place to eat on a budget. Our clients love it. Located on Rt 5&20 in Geneva at the North end of Seneca Lake. ~ Cristina Diaz - The Farr Inn Bed and Breakfast

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