Nestled among the Catskill Mountains and winding rivers, the Sullivan Catskills has quietly cultivated a culinary scene that is rooted in authenticity and deeply connected to place; reflecting the land, seasons and the surrounding community. This is a place where chefs know the farmers by name, ingredients are sourced just down the road, and what you eat is a direct reflection of where you are.
In the Sullivan Catskills, dining isn’t driven by trends; it’s shaped by time. Honoring the seasons, each meal is carefully curated, preserving tradition and building relationships with local Chefs who cook your favorite meal. Beyond sustenance, a meal here is a reflection of what surrounds you, a tribute to the local hands working behind the scenes, and an invitation to slow down, savor each flavor and appreciate that the locally grown and gathered ingredients don’t just complete the dish, but unmistakably root the meal in its place. Here, every dish tells the story of the Sullivan Catskills.
Seasons Reflected on Every Plate
In kitchens throughout our region, chefs let nature lead the way, crafting menus that move swiftly with each flowing stream and generous harvest. At The DeBruce in Livingston Manor, the tasting menu is a journey through the principles that embody our region, shifting through four periods defined as Heritage, Stream, Farm and Mountain. Chef Eric Leveillee, the Culinary Director at The DeBruce, draws his inspiration from “three core pillars – the local heritage of the area, the products grown and crafted from his neighbors, and the rich and bountiful mountain under whose shadow The DeBruce is nestled.” So, whether they are utilizing the local trout, freshwater fish and early Spring produce for the Stream progression or highlighting the passionate local farmers and producers in the Farm progression, each dish is a testament to the intimate relationship between land and plate. Meanwhile in Roscoe, Bob Eckert the chef, owner and pasta maker of Northern Farmhouse Pasta crafts his signature pasta using 100% local NY wheat flour and incorporates local produce and ingredients in each dish—a nod to the abundant fields that stretch out beyond the restaurant’s door. In this kitchen, something as simple as a bowl of pasta becomes a meditation on the land itself. For example, a favorite of the mountains, Bucatini alla Boscaiola, is made with locally grown mushrooms, peas and guanciale (diced crispy pork) and served in a light sauce served with fresh bucatini pasta. These meals offer more than flavor; they offer an opportunity to savor your surroundings.
Crafted with Care and Creativity
Creativity in the Sullivan Catskills is purposeful and rooted in curiosity. The local chefs are not just cooks; they are storytellers. Each dish honors what is growing nearby and lets each individual ingredient speak for itself. At The Kaatskeller in Livingston Manor, wood-fired pizzas become unique works of art. Each pie is built starting with the foundation of locally sourced cheeses and layered with toppings that shift with the seasons—perhaps wild boar in winter, or garlicky ramps in spring. Chefs are able to improvise here, utilizing each dish, or each pizza in this case, as a snapshot of the moment. In Callicoon, creativity extends beyond the kitchen and shapes the entire experience, from the theme of the space to the minor details that inevitably capture your attention. Black Walnut owners Shawn and Kris have transformed a historic 19th-century Delaware hotel into a warm and welcoming space for diners, combining creativity with elegance. This concept space invites you to step into another era, adorned with Roman Clay walls, European murals, and grand tin ceilings. While antique sofas and curated homeware lend the space a cozy, lived-in charm. It’s a place that feels both familiar yet transforms you to a place beyond the Sullivan Catskills. In the adjoining mercantile, guests can browse an exclusive collection of handmade homewares available for purchase. The classic cocktail lounge, with its carefully crafted drinks and intimate ambiance, completes the experience, creating a space where every detail is thoughtfully designed. Black Walnut is a testament to the idea that creativity, when rooted in place and purpose, can transform the simple act of dining into something memorable.
Stories of Intimacy and Place
In the Sullivan Catskills, dining is always personal. Independent and locally owned spots far outnumber chain restaurants, creating a dining culture that feels thoughtful and intimate. The people behind these restaurants are not just business owners; they are neighbors, friends, and consumers of other local businesses. Many establishments are independently owned by Chefs and creatives who care deeply about the region and seek to honor the local bounty. Like The Heron in Narrowsburg, which sits right on the Delaware River and welcomes diners into an intimate 40-seat space. Co-owned and operated by locals Marla Puccetti and Paul Nanni who were inspired by the vast resources in the Sullivan Catskills region and therefore influenced to create something meaningful. They left the city behind to build a restaurant that is both community-driven and locally sustainable. Their goal was simple: to serve great food in a comfortable atmosphere where everyone feels at home. Today, The Heron carries that spirit through every meal, incorporating regional flavors with fresh ingredients sourced from local farms and purveyors.
In Mountaindale, Basbousa offers a different kind of comfort. Here, Southern comfort food mingles with Lebanese family recipes, honoring the owner, Samara Ferris’ heritage and creating a menu inspired by generations of love. Whether it’s Moroccan fried chicken, kofta meatballs, or shrimp creole, each dish is a blend of traditions and an invitation to taste the stories of the owner’s rich cultural heritage. Threshold, a Korean restaurant in Livingston Manor, adds its own layer to this story of belonging. Here, the kitchen is a testament to the idea that home can be found in every bite, even if it’s a home you’ve never visited. Their dishes are deeply rooted in Korean tradition and shaped by the Catskills region, creating a menu where local produce fuses with Korean essentials. Vegan and plant-based options are woven into the menu with the same care and intention as every other dish, ensuring that everyone has a place at the table. Each meal is an invitation to discover the warmth of the local community.
Places Made for Pausing
One of the greatest luxuries the Sullivan Catskills offers is time; time to sit, slow down, and soak in what surrounds you and savor each moment. A sentiment expressed by many business owners and community members; people find themselves here to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. In this region, gathering places are designed to reflect that. At the Cochecton Pump House, an 1880s oil pumping station has been transformed into a unique and historic open-air spot. Here live music floats through the air, mingling with the scent of delicious food and laughter among old and new friends. In Eldred, the Homestead Restaurant and Lounge welcomes you with sweeping views of the Catskill mountains complimented with floor-to-ceiling windows. Even The DeBruce, perched atop the lodge of the same name, overlooks the surrounding mountains and valley. In the summer, the surrounding glass walls open, transforming the dining room into a suspended, open-air experience. These places are as much of an invitation as any to take the time to absorb your surroundings and think about each and every bite of your meal. In Livingston Manor, the Arnold House Tavern offers simplistic comfort. A wood burning fireplace invites locals inside in the Winter and when the weather’s warm, the gentle breeze wafts through the open screen windows. No matter the season, there’s a sense of welcome here, an easy comfort that feels just like home.
Beyond the Plate
In the Sullivan Catskills, meals are more than food on a plate. They reflect the land, community, and quiet passage of time. From dishes built based on what grows down the road, to spaces that invite you to pause and stay awhile, every meal is symbolic of respect. It’s a gentle reminder of how deeply we are connected to the land and to one another, and that the best meals are the ones that ask us to slow down, pause between bites, and let the flavors dance on our tongues. To notice the smell of wood smoke just beyond the open door, the way you sink into the soft velvet couch or the beacon of light that peaks beyond the nearby mountain. To be present in the celebratory clink of glasses, the subtle hum of conversation and the gentle creak of the wood board beneath your feet.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a longtime local, the Sullivan Catskills invites you to linger. So come hungry, but not just for food. For the stories that unfold in each dish, for the moments of connection, for the chance to be part of something special. In the Sullivan Catskills, every bite and every moment tells a tale of a community that values their resources, history and future.
