Dine out with friends amidst the warm breeze and vibrant ambiance of summertime. There’s nothing quite like an evening spent enjoying a leisurely meal, sitting in the setting sun on a patio near the water, or in an enchanting garden, until after the stars come out and the twinkling overhead lights come on. Maybe there’s a little live music playing softly in the background. Maybe the wine is flowing just as well as the conversation. Every bite is a delightful exploration of local flavors.

These are the dining experiences you’ll want to enjoy during a friend’s summer getaway to LivCo. Whether it’s a girls’ trip filled with yoga classes and winery tours, or a guy’s trip with golf, boating, and long hikes, these quieter moments at the end of the day are when memories are made and lifelong connections are forged. To craft these moments, don’t forget the perfect restaurant. Luckily, we have a few suggestions.

Galene

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Lakeville, New York

What’s a summer trip — or a lakeside getaway — without a little fresh seafood? That’s what Galene offers, in the New American restaurant’s coastal-inspired setting. Treat your tastebuds at the cold bar, or tap into the latest foodie trends when you peruse the tinned fish menu. If you and your crew of friends are in town on a Sunday, don’t miss the Sunday brunch. No time to stick around? From Memorial Day to Labor Day, you can place your order at the restaurant’s outdoor patio takeaway window.

 

Outdoor Patio at Galene

Ember Woodfire Grill

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Livonia, New York

The summer patio at Ember Woodfire Grill welcomes you with live entertainment and a menu filled with bites designed for sharing. Pass out the plates and divvy up servings of inventive options like sweet potato egg rolls and black garlic dill pickle pizza. Save room for dessert, you won’t want to miss options like the oatmeal cake with chocolate peanut butter frosting, or the coconut cake made with chocolate ganache and salted almonds. The libations menu is equally fun, with classic cocktails taking center stage.

 

Food at Ember

Whistling Farmer Pub

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Nunda, New York

After a game of golf at Woodlynn Hills Golf Course, stick around for an evening of farm-to-table cuisine at the Whistling Farmer Pub. Of course, there’s no need to be a golfing group to enjoy dinner here. Make the journey to this modern American eatery for gastropub favorites that take full advantage of LivCo’s robust agricultural scene.

 

Friends Dining Together

 

Caffe Tazza

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Dansville, New York

In downtown Dansville, Caffe Tazza combines so many of our favorite things: wine, wood-fired pizza, and tapas, just to name a few. Grab a seat on the patio and tuck into the seasonal menu that includes tempting options like Margherita, Mediterranean, and white truffle pizzas, traditional pasta dishes alongside unexpected international fare, like shrimp tacos and bangers and mash.

The Bronze

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Geneseo, New York

The Bronze is an eclectic and stylish eatery serving up local bites and sips from some of the region’s most passionate farmers, makers, brewers, and distillers. Every bite you take is as fresh as can be, with some of the ingredients merely hours old. The dinner menu changes seasonally, but you can expect shareables like charcuterie boards and flatbreads, alongside entrées such as pasta, steak, and seafood. Be sure to make a reservation to guarantee your spot.

 

Couple dining at the Bronze

Yard of Ale

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Piffard, New York

In Piffard, the Yard of Ale is a delightful historic restaurant that blends a casual environment with fine dining, serving up menu items including steak, chops, fresh seafood, and the crowd-favorite slow-roasted prime rib. You won’t want to miss dessert. The homemade ice cream comes in daily flavors and is the perfect way to end a summer meal in LivCo.

 

Yard of Ale Dinner Display

DON’T LET YOUR EVENING START AND END WITH DINNER - TACK ON OTHER FUN ACTIVITIES WITH YOUR DINNER RESERVATION.

 

A ROUND OF GOLF

Hitting the links is one of the best ways to soak in the incredible Genesee River Valley views. Livingston County has something to offer every level of golfer, from challenging championship greens to smaller, 9-hole courses for those learning the game. 

If you’re looking to dine and play, a round of golf is a no-brainer at Brae Burn Golf Course in Dansville, Livingston Country Club in Geneseo, or Woodlynn Hills Golf Course in Nunda. Looking for other options for your day on the links? Check out Caledonia Country Club in Caledonia, Conesus Golf Club in Conesus, FarView Golf Course in Avon, Old Hickory Golf Course in Livonia, or Lima Golf & Country Club in Lima. Weather not cooperating? Try the indoor golf simulator at HD Sports Zone in Dansville!

 

Men Golfing

 

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A ROUND OF DRINKS

Grab some drinks or a few at one of the stops on the LivCo Libation Loop. Livingston County is home to tons of renowned craft beverage makers, sourcing local ingredients and offering the perfect opportunity to stop, sip, and savor time with friends and family.

Favorite options near Conesus Lake include OSB Ciderworks in Lakeville, No BS Brew Company in Livonia, Deer Run Winery in Geneseo, and little Lake Brewing in Lakeville. If you’re closer to Hemlock Lake, try O-Neh-Da Vineyards. Other spots include Mortalis Brewing Company in Avon, Rising Storm Brewing Company in Avon, Dublin Corners Farm Brewery in Linwood, Strange Design Public House in Geneseo, Battle Street Brewery in Dansville, and Livingston County’s only distillery, Woodlawn Distilling in Linwood.

 

Friends Cheers Beer