The Preserve at 405
Nestled into Syracuse’s Inner Harbor at 405 Spencer St., The Preserve at 405 is a culinary gem that seamlessly blends tradition with innovation. Established in September 2018 by the masterminds behind The Gem Diner, this restaurant has quickly become a local favorite, drawing in a steady stream of patrons eager to experience its delectable offerings. They are open Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 9 pm. They are also happy to accept reservations and pick up orders by phone at 315-214-4399. For more information and to check out their menu visit their website at thepreserveat405.com. Also be sure to like The Preserve at 405 on Facebook and keep up with all of their amazing and ever changing specials! 
The moment you step into The Preserve, you’re greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere that pays homage to Syracuse’s “rich and salty” history. The interior is tastefully designed, creating a cozy yet sophisticated setting for diners to enjoy their meals. The thoughtful attention to detail in construction and design is evident, making it a perfect spot for family gatherings or a romantic evening. The menu at The Preserve boasts an array of mouthwatering options that cater to diverse palates. Stone-fired pizzas steal the show with classics like “The Pie with Cheese,” the bold “Funky Chicken with Cheese, chicken, hot sauce, and bleu cheese,” and the sophisticated “Neptune with Scampi Base and grilled shrimp, lobster, mozzarella, and a pinch of basil.” Each pizza is a culinary masterpiece, showcasing the restaurant’s commitment to quality ingredients and creative flair.
Appetizers are a symphony of flavors, with standout options such as “The Pump House Cheese Platter,” a beautifully crafted charcuterie board, and the indulgent “Philly Nachos,” a delightful marriage of nachos and Philly cheesesteak loaded with cheese, shaved steak or chicken, and smothered with two types of cheese, topped with all the fixings. The Preserve doesn’t stop impressing with its main courses. The sandwich boards and salads are scrumptious, offering a variety that caters to different tastes. The selection of entrees features Italian favorites and Angus reserve steaks, showcasing the culinary expertise of the kitchen team. Each dish is a celebration of flavor and freshness, leaving patrons eager to explore more. The service at The Preserve is impeccable, with a staff that is attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable. From the moment you walk in to the final bite of dessert, the team ensures a seamless and enjoyable dining experience. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours, but pickup orders are also available for those craving a taste of The Preserve’s delights from the comfort of home.
We arrived at the Preserve at 405 on a lovely Thursday evening. As we pulled in we were thrilled to find that there was plenty of off street parking even though it was obviously a very busy night! We loved the warm and cozy yet sophisticated feeling that you are immediately immersed in when you walk through the door. We were seated at a cozy table and completely enjoyed the low lights complimented by the soft light flickering from the candles and the fireplace. We excitedly looked over the menu and had a super difficult time deciding because everything looked so good!
That evening they had a special, The Big Dupa, a Polish Platter boating Kielbasa, potato pierogi, golabki, kapusta, and buttered dark rye bread. Even though that looked amazing there were just some menu items that we couldn’t pass up! For starters we couldn’t pass up the Meatball Mania, with 6 or 12 meatballs with your choice of some delicious sauce options! We decided on the marinara and the garlic parmesan; these meatballs were amazing both individually and the sauces mixed together! I would love to try them all so we will certainly be back! We also couldn’t pass the West End Greens, an impressive dish with homemade sausage, escarole, prosciutto, cherry peppers, topped with bread crumbs, garlic, and cheese. For our entrees I really struggled between the Beef on Weck and the 10 oz. Strip Steak. Ultimately I just had to order the Midwest grain fed and aged 30 days angus reserve strip steak. It was cooked to perfection and was complimented by the wedge salad with bleu cheese, crispy French fries and asparagus. Every bite was melt in your mouth delicious! Kyle decided on the Seafood Scampi, a gigantic dish of angel hair topped with lobster, scallops, and 12 shrimp in creamy scampi. This dish was a 10 out of 10 and I can’t recommend it highly enough! This was a perfect meal in an absolutely lovely atmosphere.
The Preserve at 405 is a testament to culinary excellence, offering a delightful journey through a menu that pays homage to both classic favorites and innovative creations. Whether you’re a pizza aficionado, a fan of tantalizing appetizers, or someone with a penchant for hearty entrees, this restaurant is sure to satisfy your cravings. Make a reservation, explore the diverse menu, and savor the flavors of Syracuse at its finest. Your taste buds will thank you, and The Preserve at 405 will undoubtedly secure a spot among your favorite dining destinations.
