A Hidden Gem in Hudson: Dining at The Maker Restaurant

Just a few hours from NYC, The Maker Restaurant in Hudson offers one of the region’s most unforgettable dining experiences. Nestled in a lush glass conservatory and led by chef Alex Napolitano, this visually stunning spot blends bold design with a seasonal, ingredient-driven menu that’s well worth the trip.

bySharan Kuganesan

Just a few hours north of New York City, The Maker Restaurant stands as one of Hudson’s least-kept secrets. For out-of-towners, discovering it feels like striking gold – there’s nothing quite like it in the area. It’s the kind of place that makes every detail an experience, from the vintage frame-lined entryway to the lush plants that draw your eye at every turn.

The restaurant sits within the Maker hotel, a cozy space with only 11 eclectically bohemian rooms. If snagging a hotel stay on a given weekend is looking ambitious, we highly recommend stopping by for a meal or even just a drink – it feels like entering a little piece of paradise.

The Space

You’ll find the restaurant nestled in a glass conservatory filled with greenery and thoughtfully curated antiques sourced across the Hudson Valley and Europe. The design lies somewhere between bohemian and mid-century modern, creating a storybook-like feel. By day, natural light floods the space through the skylights, while at night, the ambiance transforms into something deeper, more enchanting. Dramatic lampshades, Moroccan-inspired rugs, and jewel-toned furniture tie the room together seamlessly. The attention to detail is awesome, the service is warm, and the vibe is charming.

The Menu

Chef Alex Napolitano has created a menu inspired by his Italian heritage, while celebrating regional ingredients and techniques found in the Hudson area. Pro tip — you’ll want to sample a little bit of everything, so leave to room to try a few of his small plates, pastas, and entrées.

Clad with a layer of fresh snow, our February stop at The Maker was filled with many cold season hits. Starting with the Winter Citrus Salad, it’s bursting with summer colors that make it easy to forget the chilly reality outside. It sports varieties of citrus—including vibrant blood oranges—and is a welcomed palette opener. Crisp radishes and shaved fennel add a satisfying crunch, while a Libertine vinaigrette brings a little zest. We’d be remiss not to mention the bread. The Bartlett House Baguette is as crisp on the outside as it is tender on the inside. It’s an ideal munch between plates.

A year-round favorite, the Heirloom Eggplant Terrine remains a menu staple through every season for good reason. The eggplant is sliced so thinly that you might not even recognize the vegetable at first. It’s dredged in flour, flash-fried, seasoned, and cooled before being layered with San Marzano tomatoes and Parmigiano-Reggiano. The terrine is then roasted until set, pressed as it cools, and skewered before being seared on all sides. Finally, it’s topped with whipped ricotta, roasted heirloom tomatoes and house-made Calabrian chili crisp.

Alex’s face lit up the moment I asked him about his Osso Buco Ravioli, touting it as one of the best things to come out of his kitchen. The triangoli are filled with veal shanks braised in beef stock and red wine, eating like a beef marrow soup dumpling. And if that didn’t already sound great to begin with, the dish is finished with a splash of saffron tea, marrow butter, fresh horseradish, Parmigiano, and parsley oil. This is a must from us!

Another seasonal comfort, the Golden Beets Risotto is like a ray of sunshine on a cold day. Hearty, simple, yet wildly interesting — a perfect blend of savory, sweet, acid and bitter. Carnaroli rice is simmered with shallots, butter, white wine and a flavorful parm stock. Poppy seeds and golden beets add layers of textures, while a generous helping of Parmigiano and butter create that silky deliciousness. The risotto is finished with a splash of pink grapefruit juice and zest, giving it some acidity.

We couldn’t resist the sound of the Veritas Farms Rib Eye for Two. The locally sourced 24oz steak is seasoned with salt and perfectly seared in a cast-iron pan giving it a rich crust. It’s served with a generous side of spinach smothered in a creamy gorgonzola mornay sauce and a crisp chicory salad for a refreshing balance. And if there’s one thing The Maker Restaurant doesn’t skimp on, it’s portion sizes.

While we gravitated towards their Tiramisu for dessert, it quickly became a “let’s try both” moment, and we’re so glad we did. The Pistachio Panna Cotta is different, and we like different.

After dinner make your way into The Maker Lounge. It’s an intimate cocktail bar that sits in a converted 19^th century carriage house. Low-lit and drenched in velvet, it’s the sultry post-dinner spot you picture when you think of night caps. Here you can sample everything from fragrance-forward cocktails to local brews.

THE MAKER RESTAURANT FAQ:

1. Where is The Maker Restaurant located?
The Maker Restaurant is located inside The Maker Hotel at 306 Warren St, Hudson, NY, just a few hours north of New York City.

2. Do I need a hotel reservation to dine at The Maker Restaurant?
No! While the boutique hotel has only 11 rooms and tends to book up quickly, the restaurant, lounge, and café are open to the public. You can stop by for a drink, a meal, or dessert without being an overnight guest. Reservations to the restaurant are recommended!

3. Can you get just drinks at The Maker?
Absolutely. Visit The Maker Lounge, an intimate velvet-drenched cocktail bar housed in a converted carriage house for unique cocktails and nightcaps. It’s open to walk-ins.

4. Does The Maker Restaurant offer vegetarian or gluten-free options?
Yes. The seasonal menu often includes vegetarian and gluten-free dishes, though options may change—always ask your server for current offerings.

5. What are the hours for The Maker Restaurant?
As of writing:
Daily from 5PM – 9:30PM

6. Is there parking available?
Hudson has ample street parking and several public lots within walking distance of The Maker on Warren Street.

7. What’s nearby to do before or after dinner?
You’re in the heart of downtown Hudson! Nearby spots include:

The Hudson Whaler Hotel

Hudson Hall (music & arts venue)

Antique shops, galleries, and boutiques on Warren Street

Drinks at Backbar or The Maker Lounge