The Appian Way

The Appian Way

Schenectady, New York

1839 Van Vranken Ave
Schenectady, NY
(518) 382-3286

The Appian Way in Schenectady, New York is worth a trip from anywhere in the world. The restaurant is run by two sisters, who do things the “old fashioned way”–that is, homemade, and by hand.

We hear some groans: It takes too long. Yes, fresh, home-cooked food usually does.

They need a bigger wine list. Ahhh well–this is family Italian. Red or White, just like back home.

This place is five star. The food is stupendous. The Penne Vodka is simply incredible, as is the Chicken Cordon Bleu. We will usually order two dishes and make a deal to split them. All the veal is hand pounded in the back, and is cooked to perfection. Our personal favorites are any veal, chicken or pasta dish. And sometimes Gina offers up a special like Osso Bucco, a veal shank you can cut with a spoon.

For appetizers, try an antipasto or grilled eggplant.

The Appian Way is a fine, fine restaurant. Everything here–everything–is made by hand by the two sisters. Arrive early enough, and grab the seat by the fireplace. But again, the fresh raw pasta that passes your way is not the only fresh made food you will enjoy (yes, they make their own pasta) along with

Delicious Italian Bread, baked fresh daily

Sauce

Pasta (and lots of it)

Award-winning gelato.

The greens in the salad  come seasonally from the backyard garden.

The key to appreciating this restaurant is to understand that you simply don’t find restaurants of this caliber anymore. In a world that pops everything out of a can, “can” is a word simply verboten at the Appian Way. Homemade, homemade, homemade.