Best of 19 soups in Albany
Soups in Albany are a must-try for any food lover. The city offers a wide variety of soup options, from classic favorites like chicken noodle and tomato to unique and exotic flavors. Many local restaurants showcase their culinary skills by featuring specialty soups that change with the seasons. Whether you're looking for a light lunch or a hearty meal, soups in Albany are sure to satisfy.
- 1. TapAsia Asian Tapas
- 2. Tanpopo Ramen and Sake Bar
- 3. Taiwan Noodle
- 4. Ria's Bistro
- 5. Panera Bread
- 6. Van's
- 7. Moliendo Cafe
- 8. Dove + Deer
- 9. Better Bite
- 10. Panera Bread
- 11. Uncommon Grounds Coffee & Bagels - Western Avenue
- 12. Rain Modern Chinese
- 13. Emmanuel Thai Restaurant
- 14. Risotto
- 15. Umana Yana
- 16. Chop Stix Restaurant
- 17. Northeast Chinese II
- 18. The Cobblestone Lunch Shoppe
- 19. Honest Weight Food Coop Cafe
1. TapAsia Asian Tapas
A fusion of Asian cuisines with a modern twist, TapAsia also offers a great selection of vegan and gluten-free options.

Customers rave about the tapas options at the restaurant, including dishes such as dumplings, Pad Thai, and drunken noodles with beef. The seafood chowder is a standout dish, known for winning awards. One customer described having the tom yum soup with tofu as a "quick snack" and enjoyed it thoroughly.
The server at the restaurant is attentive and delightful, engaging customers in friendly conversation. They take care to inquire about dietary restrictions, such as vegetarian preferences, to ensure that the dish meets the customer's needs. In the case of the tom yum soup, which typically contains fish sauce, the server made a thoughtful accommodation for the vegetarian customer.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Dinner
- Downtown Spots
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2. Tanpopo Ramen and Sake Bar
Hand-pulled noodles, traditional broth, and extensive sake menu

Tanpopo is a beloved ramen restaurant known for its delicious offerings. Upon arriving on a cold December night, the welcoming staff greeted us and offered sake, which helped to warm us up. The restaurant, located in an old diner, boasts a fantastic atmosphere, creating a cozy and enjoyable dining experience.
The menu featured crab rangoons, which were a tasty starter, and we decided to try the spicy miso ramen. While the ramen was good, it fell slightly short of our expectations for greatness. Overall, Tanpopo is a solid choice for ramen, offering friendly service, a unique ambiance, and delicious food that is sure to satisfy.
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TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
3. Taiwan Noodle
Small family-owned restaurant with a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, serves authentic Taiwanese cuisine

The noodle soup was enjoyable, but it lacked the exceptional quality that comes with hand-pulled noodles. The beef noodle soup, also known as stewed beef chuck noodle soup and Gu ba mi, was a popular choice among customers. Its believed to be an authentic and delicious dish.
Hand-pulled noodles would have elevated the noodle soup, but even without them, the soup was tasty. The beef noodle soup, in particular, was a hit with customers, and its authenticity added to its appeal. Its delicious taste is believed to be a result of its authentic preparation.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Vegetarian Options
- Dinner
4. Ria's Bistro
Cozy and intimate atmosphere with outdoor seating available

Ria's Bistro is known for its delicious food with large portions and cozy, relaxing atmosphere. The bistro offers a variety of options for catering, including gluten-free wraps, salads, sandwiches, and hot foods to go. Customers' favorites include deli sandwiches, hot sandwiches, salad and sandwiches, in-house made cookies, and soup. The staff is friendly and welcoming, providing great service and ensuring a wonderful dining experience.
If you see cops, tradespeople, and state employees waiting in line for a tuna melt, you know you've found the right spot for lunch at Ria's Bistro. The staff has just enough of a "soup nazi" feel to let customers know they mean business, so it's important to order efficiently and listen for your name to ensure a smooth and enjoyable dining experience. Overall, Ria's Bistro is a great choice for catering or a quick and satisfying lunch, with wonderful food and service that keeps customers coming back for more.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Happy Hours
- Downtown Spots
5. Panera Bread
Comfort food, Fast casual dining, Bakery items

Panera Bread offers a Creamy Tomato Soup, Caesar Salad, French Baguette, and Chicken Noodle Soup on their menu. The Creamy Tomato Soup is served warm, but reviews are mixed. Some customers rave about its delicious taste, while others complain that it is not hot enough. The Caesar Salad and French Baguette have also received positive feedback for their freshness and quality.
Panera Bread's Chicken Noodle Soup has a rating of 3.6, based on 168 reviews. Like the Creamy Tomato Soup, it is served warm, but there are varying opinions on its quality. Some customers love the taste and texture of the soup, while others find it lackluster. Overall, Panera Bread's soups and salads receive positive feedback, with customers praising the freshness and quality of the ingredients. However, there is room for improvement in terms of temperature and flavor consistency.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
6. Van's
Authentic Vietnamese cuisine, cozy atmosphere, fast service

The pho in this Albany restaurant is truly exceptional. The broth is rich and packed with flavor, making it a standout dish. The generous portions ensure that customers leave feeling satisfied. When it comes to pho, this spot is one of the best in the area.
In addition to the pho, the hot and sour soup is also a must-try. It features a perfect balance of flavors, with just the right amount of spice. Fans of hot and sour soup will not be disappointed with this delicious offering.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Hidden Gems
- Social Gatherings
7. Moliendo Cafe
Family-owned business with a cozy atmosphere and fast service

On Mondays, Colombian beef-ribs soup is served, a slowly simmered broth where beef ribs still connected by cartilage unravel in ropey threads. This soup is rich in collagen and has an intense flavor. The restaurant's menu is extensive, offering a wide range of dishes such as empanadas, arepas, authentic Colombian soups, and various chicken, beef, pork, and seafood options.
This dining establishment is known for its delicious and flavorful food, with the menu showcasing a variety of Colombian delicacies. Some of the popular dishes include savory empanadas, soft arepas, and slow-cooked soups. Additionally, there are multiple choices for meat-lovers, including chicken, beef, pork, and seafood options.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
8. Dove + Deer
Cozy atmosphere, Local ingredients, Vegan and gluten-free options

The soup du jour dinner special was a popular choice among diners. Priced at only $3.00 plus tax, it was an affordable and tasty option for those looking to enjoy a hearty meal. The soup of the day was delightful, with a rich and flavorful broth that was filled with fresh ingredients. It was a perfect starter to any meal, as it was not too heavy but still satisfying.
Diners who ordered the soup du jour special were pleased with their choice. The soup was served hot and had a generous amount of ingredients, including vegetables and meat. It paired perfectly with the main course, as it provided a nice balance of flavors. Whether enjoyed as a standalone dish or as a starter, the soup du jour dinner special was a hit among diners. Overall, it was a great value for the price and left many people satisfied and happy with their meal.
TOPICS
- Downtown Spots
- Mid-Range
- American Cuisine
9. Better Bite
Uses locally sourced and organic ingredients.

The chicken noodle soup and turkey sandwich at this establishment are highly rated options. Soup has a delicious flavor, packed with tender chicken pieces and wide noodles. The sandwich features generously stacked turkey, fresh bread, and flavorful accompaniments. Both items were satisfying and left a positive impression.
Visiting for the first time, the food exceeded expectations. The chicken noodle soup and turkey sandwich were both delightful and made for a satisfying lunch. The quality of the food and friendly service leaves a strong desire to return for another great dining experience. Gratitude is expressed for the delicious lunch, which made for a memorable first impression.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Happy Hours
- Downtown Spots
10. Panera Bread
They offer a 'You Pick Two' option, where customers can choose a half soup and half sandwich or salad

Yesterday, we ordered dinner from a food app, selecting soup, sandwiches, salad, and cookies. The experience was positive, so we chose to use the app again today. Ordering and picking up the food was convenient.
In particular, we enjoyed the Broccoli Cheddar Soup. Its creamy texture and delicious flavor make it an excellent choice, especially on a chilly day.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
11. Uncommon Grounds Coffee & Bagels - Western Avenue
Seasonal soups with fresh and local ingredients, Gluten-free soup options available

The soup of the day that I had was a vegetable-based soup, described as hearty and delicious. House-made bagel chips were served alongside the soup, adding a nice touch to the meal. This soup is generally a good choice at this establishment, particularly suitable for colder days.
The vegetable soup was a delightful and satisfying option, complete with crunchy bagel chips. Regardless of the weather, the soup here is a recommended selection. The in-house creation of the bagel chips enhances the overall dining experience, making the soup an even more enjoyable choice.
TOPICS
- Breakfast
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
12. Rain Modern Chinese
Uses locally sourced ingredients in their dishes, friendly staff, cozy atmosphere

The Roast Duck Noodle Soup offers a delightful and comforting culinary experience. Its rich and savory taste makes it a must-try for any food enthusiast. This dish stands out for its ability to provide a satisfying and warming meal, making it an ideal choice for any occasion.
In addition to the Roast Duck Noodle Soup, the Shanghai Soup Dumplings are another exceptional menu item. These dumplings offer a burst of flavor that is sure to impress. They are a testament to the restaurant's culinary expertise and commitment to quality. Whether you are a fan of soup dumplings or looking to try something new, these are definitely worth ordering.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Dinner
13. Emmanuel Thai Restaurant
Offers a cozy and intimate atmosphere with excellent customer service

We began our meal with a bowl of Tom Yum soup. The sweet and sour seafood soup was my choice, while my friend went for the teriyaki option. Our taste buds were further delighted when my friend generously ordered Thai iced tea for us to share.
The servings were abundant, and the flavors were delightful, particularly the Tom Ka Chicken soup. The staff members were kind and observant; however, they did take their time attending to us.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
14. Risotto
Cozy and intimate atmosphere with a focus on traditional Italian cuisine

Risotto is a restaurant that prides itself on its diverse and ever-changing menu. One of the standout features of the restaurant is its rotating selection of seasonal soups and specials. These options allow customers to experience unique and fresh flavors throughout the year, making each visit to Risotto a new and exciting dining experience.
In addition to its soups and specials, Risotto also offers a variety of other dishes that showcase its commitment to using high-quality ingredients and creative culinary techniques. From pasta dishes and risottos to seafood and meat entrées, there is something for everyone at Risotto. Whether you are looking for a cozy meal on a cool evening or a refreshing dish to enjoy on a summer day, Risotto has got you covered.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Mid-Range
15. Umana Yana
Umana Yana is a unique cultural experience, featuring traditional South American cuisine and decor.

The red bean stew I had was exceptional. It was more of a hearty soup, perfectly seasoned and very comforting. This dish is a must-try for anyone visiting.
The soup selection is particularly noteworthy at this establishment. Apart from the red bean stew, the coconut curried chickpeas soup is another standout dish. It is rich, creamy, and packed with a variety of spices, making it a delicious and satisfying choice.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Mid-Range
16. Chop Stix Restaurant
All soups are prepared daily in-house and can be customized to suit dietary restrictions or preferences.

The hot and sour soup provided a delightful dining experience with its perfect blend of spice and tanginess. Its delicious flavor makes it a standout recommendation. In contrast, the wonton soup I ordered was unremarkable. While the wontons were acceptable, the broth lacked the richness and depth that would have made the dish truly satisfying.
When it comes to comparing the two soups, the hot and sour soup was a clear winner. Its taste was complex and well-balanced, making it a satisfying and enjoyable choice. Unfortunately, the wonton soup did not live up to the same standards. The lackluster broth failed to add depth to the dish, while the wontons were merely passable. Overall, the hot and sour soup is the one to try.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Lunch
17. Northeast Chinese II
Offers a unique and lesser-known regional cuisine with vegetarian options.

The hot and sour soup stood out with its delightful taste and excellent balance of flavors. Its deliciousness makes it a must-try for anyone visiting. Moving on to their other soup offerings, the beef noodle soup is particularly impressive. Its hearty texture and rich flavor make it a satisfying choice.
In summary, the soups offered at this establishment are exceptional. The hot and sour soup is a must-try for its perfect blend of flavors, while the beef noodle soup is a hearty and flavorful option. Both soups are recommended for those seeking a satisfying and delicious meal.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
18. The Cobblestone Lunch Shoppe
Cozy atmosphere, Supports local farmers and businesses

Cobblestone Market takes great pride in preparing all lunch offerings from scratch using fresh and locally sourced ingredients. This includes soups, salads, sandwiches, sides, and desserts. The use of high-quality ingredients ensures that every dish is delicious and nutritious.
The soups at Cobblestone Market are particularly noteworthy. Made from scratch daily, they feature an ever-changing variety of flavors and ingredients. Those who work near Cobblestone Market are lucky to have such delicious and comforting options available for lunch. A favorite among customers is the Cobblestone Day, which features a hearty and satisfying soup that is perfect for warming up on a cold day.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Cheap Eats
19. Honest Weight Food Coop Cafe

TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots