Motus

5.0

656 Reviews

$31 to $50

American

Make a reservation

2 people

Mar 16, 2025

8:00 p.m.

Booked 2 times today

Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

Good for special occasions
Great for creative cocktails
Neighbourhood gem

mōtus (Latin); movement, progress, passion, revolt

A tradesman's gastropub with an undeniable message of purpose.

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
American, Gastro Pub
Hours of Operation
Dinner Wed–Sat 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
Phone number
(315) 624-9090
Website
http://www.motusutica.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive Chef
Vincent Petronio & JD Smith

Location
234 Genesee St, Utica, NY 13502
Neighbourhood
Utica
Cross Street
Bank Place
Parking details
Washington Lane parking garage and on street parking available
Additional
Beer, Cocktails, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

Sunday Dinner at Motus
Multiple dates available
Experience the warmth and tradition of Sunday suppers at Motus. Our family-style dinner series transforms the freshest seasonal bounty from local farms into a feast meant for sharing, conversation, and connection. Gather around communal tables and indulge in hearty, thoughtfully prepared dishes that celebrate regional flavors and honor the hands that grow our food. Every plate tells a story of community, sustainability, and genuine hospitality, from vibrant garden greens and rustic breads to slow-roasted mains and comforting desserts. Additionally, enjoy chef-selected red and white wines to your heart's content. Come break bread with friends old and new and savor the simple joy of dining together. As a family-focused event, children are welcome and will be charged a reduced price for the experience.

Shrimp CocktailUS$12.00
house cocktail sauce, caper berry, lemon, house smoked bacon, pickled fiddlehead
Root Vegetable MinestroneUS$12.00
nys pinto beans, house pasta, seasonal root vegetable, spinach, parmesan reggiano
Backpacker's Lunch
selection of local cheese and charcuterie, vegetables, pickles, olives, mustard, egg, house made crackers
- ppUS$15.00

On the Side

House Cut Fries, House Ketchup
Roasted Brussels Sprouts, House Smoked Bacon, Almond
Risotto, Three Village Summit, Local Mushrooms

Children's Options

Grilled Cheese
Burger
House Penne Mac and Cheese

Something More

Chicken & BiscuitsUS$25.00
schmaltz biscuit, farm carrots, onion, celery, sweet pea
Local Mushroom RisottoUS$27.00
baby kale, preserved lemon, marcona almond salad, winter vegetable, parmesan reggiano
Mōtus BurgerUS$18.00
House cut fries, chicory creek greens, herb aioli, nys cheddar, nys tomato, pickled red onion, sesame seed brioche. Kilcoyne farm beef or gianoforte farms black bean
Pan Roasted Filet MignonUS$38.00
duck fat pommes anna, winter squash purée, local mushroom sauce suprême
Bone in Berkshire Pork Chop SchnitzelUS$32.00
house penne mac & cheese, braised winter greens, house smoked bacon, comeback sauce
Grilled Mahi MahiUS$32.00
coconut jasmine rice, baby bok choy, mango salsa

Take-Out Features

Mōtus Burgers for TwoUS$35.00
house cut fries, house pickles, house salads, mexican cokes
Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwiches for TwoUS$35.00
house cut fries, house pickles, house salads, mexican cokes

To Finish

Dark Chocolate MousseUS$8.00
brandied orange, cocoa nib
Maple Crème BrûléeUS$8.00
honeycrisp apple & cranberry chutney, candied walnut

Beer, Wine + Cocktails

Beer

Unfiltered Apple NY, 5.0% ABVUS$8.00
southern tier cider works, lakewood
Non-Stop Hop Onslaught NY, 4.0% ABVUS$8.00
good nature brewing company, hamilton
Utica Club NY, 5.0% ABVUS$5.00
f.x. matt brewing company, utica

Wine by the Glass

Prosecco, Laluca, Veneto, ItalyUS$9.00
Pinot Gris, Sheldrake Point Winery, Finger Lakes, NYUS$9.00
Riesling, Dry, Red Tail Ridge Winery, Seneca Lake, NYUS$10.00
Sauvignon Blanc, Gisen Estate, Marlborough, New ZealandUS$9.00
Chardonnay, Lakewood Vineyards, Finger Lakes, NYUS$9.00
Riesling, Semi-Sweet, Boundry Breaks, Finger Lakes, NYUS$10.00
Rosé of Cabernet Franc, Kelby James Russell, Nutt Road Vineyard, Finger Lakes, NYUS$12.00
Rosé of Grenache, Guilhem, Moulin de Gassac, Pinot, FranceUS$11.00
Cabernet Franc, Red Newt Cellars, Finger Lakes, NYUS$11.00
Pinot Noir, Red Tail Ridge Winery, Sencea Lake, NYUS$12.00
Tempranillo, El Vino Pródigo, Rioja, SpainUS$11.00
Cabernet Sauvignon, Pellegrini Vineyards, North Fork of Long Island, NYUS$11.00

Imbibe

Smoked Nys NegroniUS$10.00
flower city gin, st. agrestis inferno bitters, antica formula vermouth, smoke, dried orange
Perfect ManhattanUS$10.00
everyday bourbon, doling dry vermouth, antica formula vermouth, angostura bitters, luxardo cherry, dried lemon
Pineapple MojitoUS$10.00
bacardi gold rum, house juiced pineapple, maraschino liquor, lime, sugar, sweet mint, orange bitters, Saratoga sparkling

What 656 people are saying

Motus reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

5.0

5 based on recent ratings

4.9Food
4.9Service
5Ambience
4.9Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Upstate New York
Best Overall
Upstate New York
Best Food
Upstate New York
Best Ambience
Upstate New York
Best Value
Upstate New York
Innovative
Upstate New York
American
Mohawk Valley
Best Overall
Mohawk Valley
Best Food
Mohawk Valley
Best Service
Mohawk Valley
Best Ambience
Mohawk Valley
Best Value
Mohawk Valley
Healthy
Mohawk Valley
Hot spot
Mohawk Valley
Neighbourhood gem
Mohawk Valley
Great for fine wines
Mohawk Valley
Romantic
Mohawk Valley
Good for special occasions
Mohawk Valley
Lively

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Motus in Utica is a culinary gem, celebrated for its "phenomenal plates" and "outstanding service." Diners enjoy a "relaxing atmosphere" with "excellent food and ambiance." The menu showcases "creative dishes" with "fresh ingredients," and the "prix fixe" menu offers great value. Guests appreciate the "intimate, cozy" setting and the "friendly, attentive" staff.

656 Reviews

H
Hannah
Upstate NY1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Motus is truly a standout in Utica’s culinary scene. As someone who’s had the pleasure of working here in the past, I can speak firsthand to the heart, passion, and creativity that goes into everything they do. Chef Jeff “JD” Smith crafts a menu that’s bold, locally sourced, seasonal, and beautifully executed, while Alisha Smith brings warmth, elegance, and exceptional hospitality to the bar and dining experience. You can feel the care in every detail — from the food and drinks to the atmosphere and service. It’s a rare thing to find a place that balances high-end cuisine with such a welcoming, down-to-earth vibe. Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, Motus delivers every time. A true gem, and an easy 5 stars from me!
Is this helpful?
P
Philip VIP
Toronto3 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Very interesting and delicious food, excellent waitress, Prix Fixe menu good value and 👍 choices.
Is this helpful?
C
Chantel VIP
New York City31 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 8, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Wonderful experience here! Staff was very friendly and attentive! The food was delicious and the ambiance was perfect for a birthday celebration!
Is this helpful?
N
Nicole
Upstate NY1 review
5.0
Dined on March 8, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Nothing short of amazing! My absolute favorite. I can't wait till the next time!
Is this helpful?
D
Dustin
New York City2 reviews
5.0
Dined on January 8, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Best place for dinner. Great service and excellent staff
1 person found this helpful
D
David
Upstate NY1 review
5.0
Dined on January 1, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
New Years Eve Tasting Menu offered 5 courses. Each one was amazing. Pleasant atmosphere, friendly and efficient staff. Very enjoyable evening. Kudos Motus!
1 person found this helpful
R
RACHEL
Upstate NY1 review
5.0
Dined on January 1, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing service with wonderful food. The owners truly do an outstanding job. It was a night to remember.
Is this helpful?
MA
MikeA
New York City4 reviews
5.0
Dined on December 31, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
New Years Eve tasting menu was excellent! This was our second year doing it and it is our new tradition.
1 person found this helpful
M
Michelle VIP
New York City2 reviews
5.0
Dined on December 31, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
One of the best restaurants in Central NY. Excellent food with hospitable service. Another wonderful New Years Eve dinner- thank you Motus!
1 person found this helpful
S
Sarah
New York City1 review
5.0
Dined on December 28, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Lovely evening, the service is awesome! Staff goes out of their way to accommodate & make sure you are a happy guest!
1 person found this helpful

FAQs

Motus offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (315) 624-9090.

Motus is rated 5 stars by 656 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Mar 16, 2025

8:00 p.m.

Booked 2 times today

Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

234 Genesee St, Utica, NY 13502

Additional information

Cross Street
Bank Place
Neighbourhood
Utica
Hours of Operation
Dinner Wed–Sat 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
American, Gastro Pub
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Washington Lane parking garage and on street parking available
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive Chef
Vincent Petronio & JD Smith
Additional
Beer, Cocktails, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.motusutica.com/
Phone number
(315) 624-9090

Motus

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Sunday Dinner at Motus

To Start

Shrimp CocktailUS$12.00

Root Vegetable MinestroneUS$12.00

Backpacker's Lunch

On the Side

House Cut Fries, House Ketchup

Roasted Brussels Sprouts, House Smoked Bacon, Almond

Risotto, Three Village Summit, Local Mushrooms

Children's Options

Grilled Cheese

Burger

House Penne Mac and Cheese

Something More

Chicken & BiscuitsUS$25.00

Local Mushroom RisottoUS$27.00

Mōtus BurgerUS$18.00

Pan Roasted Filet MignonUS$38.00

Bone in Berkshire Pork Chop SchnitzelUS$32.00

Grilled Mahi MahiUS$32.00

Take-Out Features

Mōtus Burgers for TwoUS$35.00

Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwiches for TwoUS$35.00

To Finish

Dark Chocolate MousseUS$8.00

Maple Crème BrûléeUS$8.00

Beer, Wine + Cocktails

Beer

Unfiltered Apple NY, 5.0% ABVUS$8.00

Non-Stop Hop Onslaught NY, 4.0% ABVUS$8.00

Utica Club NY, 5.0% ABVUS$5.00

Wine by the Glass

Prosecco, Laluca, Veneto, ItalyUS$9.00

Pinot Gris, Sheldrake Point Winery, Finger Lakes, NYUS$9.00

Riesling, Dry, Red Tail Ridge Winery, Seneca Lake, NYUS$10.00

Sauvignon Blanc, Gisen Estate, Marlborough, New ZealandUS$9.00

Chardonnay, Lakewood Vineyards, Finger Lakes, NYUS$9.00

Riesling, Semi-Sweet, Boundry Breaks, Finger Lakes, NYUS$10.00

Rosé of Cabernet Franc, Kelby James Russell, Nutt Road Vineyard, Finger Lakes, NYUS$12.00

Rosé of Grenache, Guilhem, Moulin de Gassac, Pinot, FranceUS$11.00

Cabernet Franc, Red Newt Cellars, Finger Lakes, NYUS$11.00

Pinot Noir, Red Tail Ridge Winery, Sencea Lake, NYUS$12.00

Tempranillo, El Vino Pródigo, Rioja, SpainUS$11.00

Cabernet Sauvignon, Pellegrini Vineyards, North Fork of Long Island, NYUS$11.00

Imbibe

Smoked Nys NegroniUS$10.00

Perfect ManhattanUS$10.00

Pineapple MojitoUS$10.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

Does Motus offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Motus restaurant rated?

Is Motus currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information