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2026 Saratoga.com Fab Five Winners: Best Small Plates & Shareables

By Joe Legault

The 2026 Saratoga.com Fab Five winners for Best Small Plates & Shareables highlight restaurants bringing big flavor to smaller dishes across the Saratoga Springs area. This category recognizes spots known for standout appetizers and shareable plates designed for the table. Gather your group and sample a variety of bites at these local favorites.

The Wishing Well Restaurant

1. Familiar Creature

Tucked away at 42 Phila Street, this vibrant, European-style wine bar is a breakout favorite for groups looking for a high-energy, communal meal. The kitchen relies on a field-to-table focus to crank out ingredient-driven plates and build-your-own charcuterie boards, pairing them with a playful wine list.

2. Boca Bistro

Boca Bistro continues to be a favorite for Spanish-inspired tapas and shareable plates served in a lively downtown setting. Guests enjoy the variety of flavors, approachable menu, and vibrant atmosphere that encourage communal dining.

3. Salt & Char

While famously known for its premium cuts of dry-aged beef, this ultra-chic Broadway steakhouse next to the Adelphi Hotel provides an elevated, sharing-centric experience through its starter menu. Large parties can claim a spot on the massive front porch or in the sleek lounge to share decadent seafood towers, artisanal cheese platters, and upscale, modern interpretation appetizers before a night out on the town.

4. 15 Church

Hidden on Church Street in the absolute center of the city, this sleek dining destination balances white-tablecloth presentation with highly approachable shareable plates. Small groups can gather in the elegant main dining room or head back to the all-season heated patio.

5. The Wishing Well

Situated just north of the city on Route 9 in Gansevoort, this legendary Victorian farmhouse establishment pairs timeless fine dining tradition with a highly social appetizer lineup. Friend groups and families love sinking into the cozy, stone-fireplace tavern rooms to kick off their evening by sharing appetizers alongside a glass of wine or a classic martini.

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About the Author: Joe Legault Joe is a dedicated editor from Lake Luzerne, NY, with a passion for hiking the Adirondack high peaks, running half marathons and 5Ks, and visiting local craft breweries like Common Roots and Dancing Grain. He enjoys writing about the region's can't-miss attractions and activities.

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