Yono's — Restaurant in City of Albany

So let me preface this with the fact that I have been coming here for 12+ years so this is not my 1st time. Long story short , Yono's has become a few steps above McDonald's but still a few steps below Wendys ! If you're interested in why , please read on... This timeline encompasses over 2 1/2 hrs !

So for those of you who don't know, Yono's is classified as "fine dining" and is nestled in the middle of another Bar/pub style called DP's. Yono's is supposed to be the finer side of dining where the staff know your name and treat you accordingly.

Tonight , myself and 2 other friends visited and this is how it went .... Going to speed shot this one and forego the glamor for this as it's a lot!

Originally got the DP's menu but asked for the Yono's menu for a nicer dinner experience. Yono's menu is now these 3 course or 8 course tastings. No real good selections so back to the DP's pub style menu.

Sat down and immediately felt rushed but that's ok . Ordered a round of drinks and came out 20 min later .

got drinks and immediately ordered another round for 2 of us (not 3) because it seemed like it was taking time

35 min later got 2nd round. The guy who DIDN'T want one got another and the other guy who did want one didn't get his. 10 min later he finally got his. Dirty Martini tasted a bit off but ok ... I can manage it.

immediately placed an order for the 3rd round of drinks

put in app order of 3 apps. 20 min later got 2 apps, 3rd never showed up ( Waitress - Ooops .. sorry,)

Put in dinner orders 10 min after app order. 2 burger specials, 1 fish special dinner

30 min later 2 burgers and 1 fish comes out. 1 was the special and the other was God knows what but wasn't the special . "Let me fix that" - 5 min later I got the correct burger

10 min later (35 min from order) got the 3rd round of drinks. Dirty Martini had so much vermouth in it, couldn't drink it. I think the vermouth actually started to eat into the glass. Most disgusting Martini ever had and come on ... It isnt that hard !

Ate the burgers which actually were not that bad but the fish had so much sauce on it , it gave a southern plate of biscuits and grave a run for it's money. Just over the top drowning in sauce.

Done with dinner, the waitress said another martini could be made but by now we were done and I said I'm all set. Once you get that vermouth taste in your mouth , it's hard to get rid of it. Would you like some more tap water .. "Yes please , best thing I've had tonight",

Desert menus ? No we are done .

Coffee .. on the house because of a bad drink ? "Are you serious? No we are good"

Well they were kind enough to take Martini off of bill as it was still sitting on the table and she made a point to tell us that

"Hope you enjoyed your evening" ... Here is your $280 bill

Fine dining this is not ... Not even close . This place was a crown jewel in Albany when Yono ran it . Now it's a pitiful 3rd class restaurant that's still trying to ride on a retired great chef where pride, service and quality still meant something

Bottom line , don't waste your money . There are plenty of other pubs / establishments in that area that offer the same if not better food, definitely much better service, better drinks and all for a 1/3 to 1/2 of the price !

Over 12 yrs going there and...

Went for Valentine's Day tasting dinner. After requesting a menu of the 8 course menu for about two weeks before Valentine's day weekend I was not given one nor responded to by the restaurant. Ok cool maybe the chef is keeping it close to the vest. When we arrive we are told that our reservation was for the dp bistro which it was not but the reservation app has issues per the gentleman at th desk. Luckily the hostess was very helpful and got us into the Yono dining room that was behind a very non discript door. When we entered we were seated by th same excellent hostess. We then waited for about 20 mins for someone to ask if we've been helped. We said no and then asked for water. It came about another 15 mins later. We then waited again for roughly 15 mins and we're approached by a nice man who apologized for our wait. We ordered the 6 course yes 6 not 8 like advertised for 165$ per person. Each dish was like a painting and presented beautifully. Problem is they just left them on our table without any description of what it was. Everything except the fois gras and chocolate ganache was close to tasteless. Our boar belly was so dry that without the reduction added would have been inedible. Service was terribly lacking and we felt like an after thought. The bread service was the best part. Not what I would expect for an end bill of 500$ for two people. My wife and I have had the pleasure of visiting some of the best restaurants in NY, Yonos is not one of them unfortunately. Not only will we not return but will absolutely warn against. Another Albany location living off a memory of what it was....

It was a fortuitous Thursday evening dining experience at Yono’s. When we arrived, the restaurant was empty. We received the full brigade treatment from the Joshes, old and young, plus Ed. Stellar service, insightful menu assistance, and enjoyable conversation ensued. I opted for the Four Course Tasting Menu with tailored wine selections, substituting the Roasted Stoney Mountain Farm Sucking Pig instead of the Maple Leaf Farms Duck Breast. A bracing round of expertly crafted cocktails were presented and enjoyed. Ranging from the traditional Martini and Old Fashioned to the trendier Aviation and Chancellor, all hit the mark. The suckling pig was cooked to perfection and very flavorful. Yono’s accompanying wines started with a brisk, most enjoyable Ca’del Bosco Brut Prestige and continued to pair well with all entrees. The Montauk Tuna Lion and duck breast were also thoroughly enjoyed. Desserts centered on a decadent Black Mission Fig Ice Cream. The negatives are trifling. Let’s say the Lamb Heart Tartare is an acquired taste and the decor hasn’t bounced back from previous water damage, it has a funeral parlor vibe. Yono’s retains its unique, classic dining...