Middletown’s dining scene is so woven into the Hudson Valley’s identity that we wouldn’t be surprised if a local menu made the town’s official crest. Ask five residents for their favorite spot, and you’ll get five passionate answers. We’ve done the delicious legwork to narrow it down to the 11 best—and ranked them for you. Time to start tasting your way through.
Yuan Fu
$ | (845) 342-9967 | WEBSITE
The fried wontons at this Middletown spot are crispier and lighter than some of the other wontons in town. But we’re not complaining, they’re exceptional. Order the shrimp egg rolls or Mu Shu chicken—the fillings are consistently flavorful, the wrappers are golden and flaky, and the sauces are savory. Each dish comes with a generous heap of fresh vegetables. Grab it to go since seating is limited, pair it with a hot wonton soup, and savor all their glory.
Crown Fried Chicken
$ | (845) 775-4033 | WEBSITE
This place is a Middletown institution—and it’s also home to the best fried chicken in town. You’re just as likely to find us here in the middle of the day as you are late at night grabbing a quick bite. But once you get your order, Crown Fried Chicken’s crispy chicken and juicy burgers await. Choose one of these classics in combo form. Each one is reasonably priced, and served with a wonderful mix of fries and a drink. Just make sure to double-check your order and stick to the fried chicken.
It’s by far the best thing on their menu.
Michoacana sabor a mexico
$ | (845) 775-3444 | WEBSITE
On the best of days, a scoop from Michoacana sabor a mexico is a creamy delight of homemade ice cream and refreshing horchata that can satisfy your sweet craving in Middletown. And tasting their unique cajeta caramel paleta on a warm afternoon is truly a love affair. Unfortunately, the spicy mango can be overwhelming on bad days, making this a harder sell unless you’re nearby and you can’t wait to satisfy your ice cream fix.
3 Ninja Express
$ | (845) 394-0234 | WEBSITE
The hibachi combos at 3 Ninja Express are all solid, if a bit heavy at times, but it’s still a trusty standby. Get the Middletown roll with your order. It’s packed with fresh fish, topped with spicy mayo and eel sauce, and is big enough to split between two people. Odds are your first trip here will be a delivery one because you’ll be craving something hot and fantastic after a long day. Just know it won’t be your last.
Cuginos
$ | (845) 355-3535 | WEBSITE
You’re heading to this family-run spot for one reason: the penne ala vodka. It’s coated in that creamy tomato sauce that’s so good it could make anything taste incredible, with perfectly cooked pasta that holds just the right amount of sauce. And if you’re craving more, you can get their garlic knots with cheese on the side. While the dishes here are delicious, the portions can be inconsistent, whether it’s a bit too much pasta and not enough sauce or the other way around.
Zen Sushi
$$ | (845) 692-8808 | WEBSITE
Zen Sushi’s all-you-can-eat deal is for those who love the heaps of fresh fish that test the capacity limits of a dinner plate. But there’s more to it than that. Unlike many of the other spots on this list, their sushi is still made to order behind the counter with chefs preparing each roll to your specifications, allowing for that fresh, just-crafted quality. The creamy avocado rolls with the smoky salmon flower that hits your palate as soon as you take a bite are my favorites.
Top whatever you get off with a drizzle of spicy mayo and the extremely smooth Hana-Kohaku sake (a standout in this town). These rolls are juicy, flavorful, and substantial. They have one location in the Hudson Valley, but this Middletown spot is the best.
Bakery Plus
$ | (845) 344-2529 | WEBSITE
Fast service, a welcoming vibe, and balanced cakes with flavorful layers are reasons enough to head to Bakery Plus. The Middletown spot holds its own with its big sheet cakes. They have several styles here (yellow, chocolate, cannoli, and Boston cream), plus a wide list of treats, including sugar cookies and cinnamon chip coffee cake. The whipped icing and mousse fortunately add a whole lot to the experience.
Still, we like ordering the cannoli cake, though it’s just never going to match up to that of the personalized birthday ice cream cakes.
La Morenita Market- Mexican Restaurant
$ | (845) 342-2287 | WEBSITE
Seemingly, everyone in Middletown has an opinion on La Morenita and their freshly baked bread. But by the signs of their steady business, they’re clearly doing something right. Is it authentic Mexico? That’s up for debate, but we will tell you the one thing that matters: the food here is delicious and worth the visit. Their carne asada burrito is what every generously stuffed wrap should aspire to be. It’s nicely seasoned with the right balance, and is among the greatest in town.
It should absolutely be your order. Add some of their fresh green salsa and cherish your precious moments with this burrito because the last few bites of meat juice, pinto beans, guacamole, and sour cream will be the best.
San Cristobal
$ | (845) 775-4373 | WEBSITE
San Cristobal is a Mexican restaurant tucked away in an industrial part of Middletown, NY. They also happen to serve some delicious food with nice proportions and fresh ingredients. It’s hard choosing between enjoying the perfect atmosphere or the excellent service, so just soak it all in and call it a day. Just be sure to bring the kids because they’re welcome, and street parking is available.
The Colonial Diner
$ | (845) 342-3500 | WEBSITE
This place is on our list mostly because of the welcoming family atmosphere and the best thing on their menu: the Ruben sandwich with corned beef and sauerkraut. Other items, like the chicken scampi with large portions is fine, but the breakfast platters and cheeseburgers can often be straightforward.
El Azteca Mexican Restaurant
$ | (845) 342-3448 | WEBSITE
In the heart of Middletown is one of the area’s finest mole poblano. The rich, complex sauce at El Azteca Mexican Restaurant raises the bar for all other pork chops—and if you’re not getting it served with warm tortillas, savory, with everything, you may as well turn around and head back home disappointed.