As the leaves turn amber and the crisp air settles in, there’s no better way to celebrate the Hudson Valley’s charm than indulging in its culinary bounty. The region’s farm-to-table scene offers the kind of fall experience that warms you from the inside out, with chefs turning seasonal ingredients into dishes that make you want to wrap yourself in a blanket and dive headfirst into a bowl of roasted squash soup. Let’s take a tour of ten restaurants that not only serve up autumn on a plate but do it with such finesse and flavor that even your Instagram photos will smell like pumpkin spice.
Let’s begin with Henry’s at the Farm in Milton, nestled within the picturesque Buttermilk Falls Inn. The space exudes rustic elegance, with views of rolling farmland and orchards that practically beg you to stay for hours. Chef Gary Lucato’s fall menu is all about comfort without sacrificing sophistication. You’ll want to start with the Oven Roasted Beet Salad, a colorful medley of candy cane and golden beets, fennel, and chevre—a dish so fresh, you’ll swear the beets were pulled from the earth that morning (and they probably were). Then, move on to the BBQ Brisket Sandwich, where tender brisket meets a Vermont cheddar and maple aioli combo that will have you wondering if it’s socially acceptable to lick your fingers in public.
In Rhinebeck, Terrapin is a farm-to-table institution, housed in a former church with stained glass windows that somehow make your meal feel both holy and indulgent. Chef Josh Kroner crafts a fall menu that leans into rich, hearty flavors. Start with the velvety Butternut Squash Soup, a warm embrace in a bowl, followed by the Apple Cider Braised Pork Belly—which is as juicy and tender as you’d hope after being lovingly braised in local apple cider. And if you’re not already in a state of bliss, the Pumpkin Cheesecake will finish you off, combining the best of fall spices with that creamy, tangy cheesecake base we all know and love.
For a more intimate affair, head to Aroma Thyme Bistro in Ellenville. This cozy bistro takes sustainability seriously, and Chef Marcus Guiliano is practically a wizard with local ingredients. His Forager Burger is fall on a plate, featuring Wagyu beef, local apples, and Forager cheese that melt together in savory harmony. But it’s the Pumpkin Gelato that steals the show, offering a smooth, creamy bite of autumn with every spoonful. Pro tip: stretch out your meal just so you can enjoy one more glass of their biodynamic wine.
Over in Ghent, Grazin’ is proof that diners can be sustainable, too. The restaurant is built on the ethos of “field to plate,” and every bite of their GOAT Burger—featuring local chèvre and caramelized onions—is a reminder of why they’re so committed to their farm practices. The Whiskey-Braised Mushroom Burger is another standout, with rich, earthy flavors that taste like they’ve been kissed by the autumn woods themselves. And yes, the place has a laid-back vibe, but that just makes your burger and fries taste all the better.
For those looking for dinner with a view, Black Barn in Saugerties offers unparalleled vistas of the Esopus Falls. It’s the kind of place where the food competes with the scenery, but Chef Giuseppe Napoli ensures the flavors win every time. The Roasted Squash Soup sets the tone—rich and velvety, with a touch of fall spice that lingers just long enough. The Herb-Crusted Chicken with root vegetables and sage gravy is as comforting as a fuzzy sweater and a cup of cider, and it pairs perfectly with their house-made Apple Tart, a dessert that whispers “just one more bite” with every forkful.
In Wappingers Falls, Heritage Food + Drink brings farm-to-table to a more modern setting, where the open kitchen and sleek decor remind you that fresh, seasonal ingredients can still be exciting. Chef Brandon Walker’s Truffle Bacon Ranch Burger is pure decadence—rich, smoky, and topped with crispy bacon. But it’s the General Tso’s Cauliflower, with its sweet heat, that’ll have you coming back for more. The balance of flavors makes it the perfect dish for those chilly fall nights when you need a little spice to warm you up.
Peekamoose Restaurant in Big Indian is a true Catskills gem. The renovated farmhouse is warm and inviting, and Chef Devin Mills creates dishes that make you feel like you’re eating at a friend's (really talented) house. The Beet Tartare is a celebration of fall’s earthy flavors, while the Roast Chicken with Root Vegetables is exactly what you’d want after a day hiking through the crisp mountain air. By the time dessert rolls around and the Apple Galette hits the table, you’ll be planning your next visit before you’ve even finished the last bite.
In Kerhonkson, Mill & Main is the place to go if you’re looking for something laid-back but still brimming with seasonal flavors. Chef Claudia Sidoti’s Pulled Pork Burrito is stuffed with slow-cooked pork and autumn veggies, a comforting dish perfect for a crisp day. If you’re after something a little more refined, the Leek and Parmesan Puff Pastry delivers with its buttery crust and rich, savory filling. Mill & Main feels like a hug from the inside out—a place where food is made with love and tastes even better because of it.
At Purdy’s Farmer and the Fish in North Salem, the fall menu is all about celebrating the harvest. Chef Michael Kaphan brings fresh ingredients straight from their on-site farm to your plate. The Roasted Farm Beets Salad is light, refreshing, and a perfect way to kick off your meal. But if you’re here for the seafood (and why wouldn’t you be?), the Lobster Boil with steamers, creamers, and local vegetables will make you feel like you’ve captured the last of summer’s bounty before winter sets in.
Lastly, we come to The Salt Line in Poughkeepsie, where Chef Zachary Lovenguth brings a hyper-local focus to his fall menu. Located at The Heartwood, a net-zero hotel, The Salt Line exudes modern eco-chic vibes. Start with the Hudson Valley Steelhead Trout, paired with fennel and an orange reduction that perfectly balances the rich fish with bright fall flavors. And for the main event, the Northwind Farms Roasted Half Chicken is so tender and flavorful, it’ll make you forget all about your usual go-to comfort foods.
So there you have it—ten restaurants, ten reasons to fall in love with the Hudson Valley’s farm-to-table scene this autumn. Whether you’re tucking into a hearty burger, savoring a bowl of squash soup, or enjoying a perfectly roasted chicken, these spots are sure to make your fall deliciously unforgettable.
