This past weekend I visited Diciannove Dieci (1910) Restaurant at Geneva on the Lake for lunch with friends to toast to the new year. Overlooking Seneca Lake in Geneva, New York, Geneva on the Lake was built in 1910 as a private home modeled after a villa in Italy that inspired the marble fireplaces, wall tapestries, ionic columns and wood-coffered ceilings that make the property so special and elegant yet warm and intimate.
The restaurant features American cuisine with a twist incorporating the flavors of Italy, France, and Asia. Their menu offers a wide variety of dishes from Applewood Smoked Wings to Sushi Nachos to Cacio E Pepe (spaghetti with black pepper & pecorino romano). I ordered a Spinach and Arugula Salad topped with grilled salmon that was cooked to perfection, just the right amount of crispiness on the outside and still tender on the inside. I paired the salad with a flight of Finger Lakes white wines beautifully presented in a multi-level carrier.
The wine director, Stephanie Fenner, took a lot of time helping us select flights curated for our individual tastes. My husband, David, sampled the Beaujolais flight and my friend, Valerie, sampled a Finger Lakes red flight, and each were delighted with their choices.
We ordered three desserts so that we could sample each one. My favorite was a decadent, rich chocolate torte. It was like eating the deepest, darkest, smoothest, yummiest truffle you can imagine. The cheesecake and the warm apple pie were super delicious as well! And (big plus for me) they know how to make a good cup of coffee, too - full and robust!
The overall service was fantastic. Our server was friendly and knowledgeable about the menu and gave us plenty of time to make our choices. Even though there were six of us, we all were served our food hot and at the same time. Having worked in restaurants, I know that is not always an easy feat! The chairs were comfy and the atmosphere cozy with soft lighting and lovely art work on the walls.
Located in the heart of the Finger Lakes Region known for it’s wineries, craft breweries, and farm-to-table eclectic food scene, the historic small City of Geneva is worth a visit. Seneca Lake, the deepest of the Finger Lakes and second longest draws fishing and boating enthusiasts from around the world. It is also a favorite destination for golfers and bicyclists. Geneva on the Lake offers a “Cozy Winter Escape” package through February 10 that includes accommodation, continental breakfast and $40 voucher towards dinner in their restaurant. Remembering the breathtaking view of Seneca Lake, I find this offer very tempting!