Bella's sits on Routes 5 & 20 between Geneva and Waterloo, and it does one thing extremely well: steak. Three consecutive FLX Finest Gold awards for Best Steakhouse (2022, 2023, 2024) is the kind of streak that does not happen by accident. The menu is built around prime cuts — thick, well-seasoned, charred to order — served in a dining room that splits the difference between old-school steakhouse formality and relaxed Finger Lakes warmth. The owners describe themselves as a traditional steakhouse in a relaxed setting, and that is about right: jackets are not required, but this is not a jeans-and-sneakers joint either.

Beyond the steaks, the menu includes fresh seafood, hearty burgers, and a kids menu. The bar is a genuine gathering point — Bella's suggests having a drink there while your steak is being prepared, and given that proper steak preparation takes time, this is smart advice. Reservations are available through their website and recommended, especially on weekends.

Two things to know before you go: Bella's closes seasonally for winter, so check their website or call ahead between November and March. And while the location — centrally positioned between Geneva and Waterloo, just a short distance from the north end of Seneca Lake — is convenient for wine trail travelers, it is set back on a commercial road rather than lakeside, so do not come expecting a water view. Come expecting a properly cooked steak in a comfortable room, because that is exactly what you will get.