A New Chapter at 15 Church: Refined, Welcoming & Still the Gold Standard
At a Glance
15 Church has long been the go-to restaurant in Saratoga Springs for gourmet, chef-driven cuisine. Under the new ownership of Scott and Kait Smith, and the continued culinary leadership of Executive Chef Michael Mastrantuono, the restaurant is entering a vibrant new era.
While maintaining its reputation as a high-end dining destination, 15 Church is evolving to offer two distinct experiences: an intimate, ultra-elegant, indoor dining room, and a refreshed, lively, outdoor patio.
By introducing more versatile menu options and a focus on a “selfless” service culture, the restaurant is bridging the gap between world-class, fine dining and a welcoming, everyday neighborhood gem.
Whether you’re looking for a celebratory multi-course dinner, or a spontaneous evening of cocktails and small plates with friends, 15 Church remains the pinnacle of Saratoga hospitality and dining, and they’re reopening to the public after light renovations on April 14, 2026.
Fine Dining in Saratoga: A Legacy Evolved
While there has been a lot of buzz recently regarding the sale of 15 Church, Chef Michael “Mike” Mastrantuono is setting the record straight: the standards aren’t lowering, they are sharpening.
“15 Church is 15 Church for a reason,” Chef Mike told us. “Because of our customer service, because of our drive on food, and our standards. We never cut any corners.”
Chef Mike has been at 15 Church for nearly a decade. Though he once imagined only spending a few years in Saratoga, he quickly found something special in this restaurant, and stayed to help shape it into one of the area’s standout dining destinations.
Now, with the new ownership and a renewed vision for the future, 15 Church is embracing positive changes while maintaining those same high standards and ingredient-driven meals.
The new owners were long-time customers themselves. They’re dedicated to preserving the restaurant’s history while investing in the future with new menu additions, cultural updates, and a series of thoughtful updates across the indoor and outdoor spaces, including the restrooms.
Two Distinct Dining Experiences at 15 Church: The Dining Room & The Patio
The biggest change for the restaurant is a move towards two restaurants: 15 Church, and The Patio at 15 Church. Inside, 15 Church will continue to lean on their bread and butter (pun intended): an intimate, fine dining restaurant experience.
Outside, The Patio will embrace a more energetic identity, with a menu designed with the same high quality ingredients and care, but with more of a focus on smaller plates, lighter fare, and a more social style of dining.
“The initial menu when we’re reopening this next upcoming week is kind of a merger between what we currently do and what our plan is for the future of The Patio,” Chef Mike said. “Two different menus, two different restaurants. But you have the same chef, same front of house.”
The Best Romantic Dinner Spot in Saratoga: An Intimate Indoor Experience
For those seeking the ultimate romantic dinner spot in Saratoga - or just for upscale dining in general - the indoor dining room at 15 Church is becoming more elegant than ever. After 12 years of continuous operation, the space has been thoughtfully refreshed with updated paint, general aesthetical improvements throughout, along with fully updated bathrooms.
The indoor menu remains the peak of fine dining. Guests can still look forward to those signature fan favorites like:
- Filet Mignon: sourced through exclusive connections and aged to perfection
- Chilean Sea Bass: a signature staple
- Zeppoles: traditional Italian fried dough pastries on the dessert menu
- Gnocchi Bolognese: the legendary dish that is a non-negotiable for regulars
“If I got rid of the Gnocchi Bolognese they would picket outside the restaurant. It would be a total disaster.”
Besides the fine dining at the sit-down tables, the bar will now have a small snack menu with items priced anywhere from $9 to $21.
However, make no mistake that the evolution of the menu is designed to complement, not replace, the ultra-luxury experience 15 Church is known for. Their commitment to VIP clientele is stronger than ever, with continued access to the world's most exclusive ingredients, special and rare wines, and a "no request is too large" philosophy that ensures the highest level of hospitality and service.
Outdoor Patio Dining in Saratoga: Small Plates & A Lively Energy
Perhaps the most exciting shift at 15 Church is happening outdoors. Known for years as one of the best patio dining spots in Saratoga, outdoor dining enthusiasts can look forward to even more to love.
The patio will debut with a new, crisp, white finish, and a refocused culinary identity centered around upscale small plates and sharing - which feeds right into Chef Mike’s vision to make 15 Church more welcoming for all types of diners.
One word that kept coming up in our conversation with Chef Mike besides “welcoming” is “fun.”
“You have to be able to have a lot of fun outside with some smaller plates and different cuisines, and, you know, things that aren’t as big of a commitment,” he said. “You don’t have to come in and just order your $100 entree and it’s like, ‘This is what I got, I don’t want to get anything else, because it’s $100.’ I want you to be able to come in with a friend or a loved one, and. . .order eight different things and be able to do that.”
Those “eight different things” could include small plates like mini crab tartlets, or a sticky rice salad with mango and palm sugar vinaigrette, maybe paired with a glass of champagne or wine.
Chef Mike stresses they’re not taking shortcuts when it comes to the patio - just making the high quality of food diners have come to expect at 15 Church more approachable, more casual. Instead of a sit-down anniversary dinner you can only enjoy once a year, you can come with friends and have some drinks and freshly shucked oysters.
They also host private events and parties, and can customize menus and source high-end products only they have access to. They can fly in a live king crab for your party with a few days' notice. They accommodate their VIP clients to the max.
Seasonal & Locally Sourced: The Ingredients Matter
Chef Mike is particularly proud of the seafood at 15 Church, emphasizing the great sources the restaurant has, to be able to provide at the level they do. “I’ve made really great connections with boats all over the world, and a lot of stuff locally.”
Diners will never see a Sysco truck parked outside the restaurant - absolutely no sourcing from big conglomerates.
And, “seasonal” isn’t just a buzz word at 15 Church - it’s a strict culinary timeline. Strawberries are good for two and a half weeks in Upstate New York, and that is how long you’ll see strawberry-centered items on the menu.
“There are some staples - beef, pork, sea bass - that have been on the menu for years, and those are locked in. Those will always be there. But the rest of the menu will be driven around what we’re finding, what we’re shopping for, where we’re getting things, and what’s in season," according to Chef Mike.
But the menu is not limited to only what’s available seasonally, by any means, and not just relating to seafood. “If I can get wagyu from New Zealand - currently like the best thing ever - then we’re getting wagyu from New Zealand.”
The bar program will also evolve with the menu. The beverage team will build drinks around many of the same ingredients and seasonal inspirations that drive the kitchen.
“It’s not going to be something where you’re just dumping a bunch of different juices into a container, shaking it up, and pouring it.” Diners can expect mocktails as well.
What’s New on the 15 Church Menu: More Vegan, Gluten-Free Options
“So meeting the new owner and our partnership together - she’s a vegan, which in the past, I’ve never even entertained at all,” Chef Mike admitted, talking about Kait Smith. “I’m a big woodsman. I’m a big hunter. I know where everything I eat comes from, or how it was handled. But once I met the new owners I fell in love with them.”
The new ownership at the restaurant has motivated Chef Mike to introduce more plant-based items to the menu, and to cater specifically to vegans and gluten-free diners. They even have dedicated gluten free and vegan fryers inside and outside.
Chef Mike joked that he hides when he eats the vegan food. “I have the Korean barbecue tofu with a black garlic aioli and spiced peanuts - I hide when I eat it. I think it’s delicious! Or we make a beautiful confit tomato tartlet. . .we have this whipped feta, this vegan whipped feta and cashews that we pipe that in with confit tomatoes, and black truffle, and fresco baldi olive oil, and baby mustard - it’s absolutely delicious.”
A Culture of Selflessness in the Kitchen
Chef Mike talked a lot about how he wants the clientele at the restaurant to feel welcomed, to feel like they can come out for a special occasion or a random Monday or Tuesday for a light meal, and leave feeling like they had an amazing experience - this hyper hospitable attitude is rooted in selflessness and it extends to the kitchen.
“Our goal is that when you walk through that door, we turn your day into the best day you’ve had in a year,” he said. “That starts with a happy, motivated staff.”
Chef Mike spoke about how one has to be selfless in this industry - to care more about the people around you than yourself - in order to foster an environment where everyone is working together.
“I’m not a screamer. I don’t yell at line cooks. I motivate them. I motivate them a lot, and they appreciate it, which in return flows into the front of the restaurant. . .you’ll never see anybody in the front of the restaurant stressed out. At least not anymore.”
This culture Chef Mike is cultivating in his kitchen leads into a broader vision for the Saratoga restaurant industry in general - and that’s one where the staff gets to enjoy their own time off with their families.
For this reason, while 15 Church will be opening at 4pm instead of 5pm now, they will be closed on Sundays. It’s one of the first things Chef Mike brought up to the new owners; they asked why, and he said so staff can spend time with their families (who are presumably working regular Monday through Friday jobs), and they agreed.
“I just want everybody to love this restaurant, starting with the staff. And I also want people who work in other restaurants who aren’t happy - I want them to know they could be welcome here with open arms.”
Renovations That Refresh the Space
Going beyond the menu, the physical changes to the restaurant happening right now include all new wallpaper, flooring, and furniture in the restrooms, the bar has been ripped out, and there’s all new equipment. They’ve touched up a lot of the paint, and a lot of the wood throughout the indoor dining room.
“Fortunately for us the previous owner was the exact same way as far as standards. . .so the furniture and chairs - if I told you how much one of those chairs were, you would lose it. But they are perfect and they’re comfortable."
The new owners plan to continue aesthetic improvements at the same price points and quality as under the previous ownership.
Patio diners can expect more floral decor outdoors, a repainted patio, and general upgrades and updates, including completely redone bathrooms and new bar coolers.
The whole restaurant itself is being repainted on the outside as well. It's being meticulously repainted in its signature mauve - a requirement of the local preservation guidelines that ensures the restaurant continues to honor the architectural heritage of the building.
New coolers and an additional walk-in are coming in ahead of track season, as well as fryers in the kitchen, and they plan to continue light renovations into the fall.
Why the Diners Return: Hear It From a Happy Guest
“A++ from start to finish! The place is a class act in so many ways. From the linens to the crystal stemware to the professional, warm service…beautiful atmosphere to outstanding food. I will return to Saratoga Springs just for this restaurant!” - Julia Haggerty
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About 15 Church
What is the future of 15 Church?
Under new ownership and the leadership of Chef Michael Mastrantuono, their goal is to remain the gold standard for fine dining in Saratoga. They're focused on sharpening every detail from fresh, creative menus to unique amenities to ensure an unparalleled guest experience.
Will the new accessible pricing impact the food quality or experience?
Not at all. 15 Church will continue to serve the highest caliber prime cuts and freshest seafood. They're simply expanding their menu with smaller-format plates to offer more versatility, allowing guests to enjoy curated bites and cocktails, as well as their traditional full-course, fine dining options, including Filet Mignon, Sea Bass, Pork Chop, and their signature Street Noodles.
What renovations are planned?
15 Church is undergoing a progressive aesthetic refresh, including refinished interiors, new bar equipment, and a revitalized patio with a crisp white color palette. You'll also notice polished updates to their floral program, host stands, and staff uniforms.
Does 15 Church accommodate allergies and dietary restrictions?
Yes. They offer various vegan and gluten-free options, and utilize a dedicated fryer for these items. Please notify your server of any specific requirements so they can accommodate you safely.
Where does 15 Church source their ingredients?
They prioritize elite quality, sourcing flown-in fresh seafood and USDA prime beef from exclusive purveyors. They balance these global standards with local and regional ingredients whenever they're at their seasonal peak.
Is the menu seasonal?
Yes. While they keep signature favorites on the menu, their offerings evolve throughout the year to highlight the best seasonal products and specialty shipments.
Will gift cards from the previous ownership be honored?
Yes. All gift cards purchased under the previous ownership remain fully redeemable, and 15 Church looks forward to welcoming you back!
Does 15 Church host private events and large parties?
They absolutely do. For event inquiries or parties of five or more, contact them at 518.587.1515 or email events@15churchrestaurant.com.
Are the hours of operation or reservation policies changing?
15 Church is now open earlier, at 4pm, Monday through Saturday. They're closed Sundays through the spring, with Sunday service returning for the season from July 5 to September 6. The hours are Monday through Thursday 4pm-9pm, Friday & Saturday 4pm-10pm, and closed Sundays except for Mother's Day, Belmont Weekend, and July/August.
The patio debuts on May 1, and it will be open Wednesday-Saturday with the exception of Mother's Day and Belmont Weekend. The patio will be open 7 days a week starting July 5. It will close on Sundays after Labor Day, and the last open Sunday is September 6.
Reservations can be made through the website. For parties of five or more call 518.587.1515 or submit an inquiry through the website.
Be a Part of the Reopening at 15 Church
"I think the biggest goal is that when you leave 15 Church, it leaves such a positive taste in your mouth, that you feel like you're almost obligated to tell your friends," Chef Mike said - come experience the not new, but upgraded, 15 Church for yourself!
The restaurant is now on a new reservation system, Toast, and you will be able to reserve through their website. Diners will be able to make a reservation for the main dining room, the patio, or even the inside bar.
15 Church reopened on April 14, 2026, with the patio reopening in late spring/early summer, and they can’t wait to welcome you with open arms. Whether you’re a long-time fan looking to revisit your favorite dishes, or you’re a bright-eyed, bushy-tailed new guest excited to try the latest menu items, there’s a place at the table for you at 15 Church.
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This article was sponsored by 15 Church.
