Kyle Green
Buffalo is the second-largest city in New York, and it’s a beautiful place to visit for the scenery and abundance of activities.
Between the Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino, the Buffalo Museum of Science, and Delaware Park, there’s no shortage of fun things to do while you’re in town.
Just 25 minutes away from Buffalo, you have one of the most popular tourist destinations in Niagara Falls.
Additionally, there are numerous art galleries and museums to see while you’re in town, on top of the premier shopping boutiques.
New York is known to be one of the most diverse food scenes in the country. With such a vast population, there are influences from all over the globe.
Understanding that everyone has different tastes and preferences, I’ve assembled a list of the best restaurants in Buffalo that features a little bit of everything.
Bacchus Wine Bar & Restaurant
56 W Chippewa St, Buffalo, NY 14202
Phone: 716-854-9463
Visit Website
Bacchus Wine Bar & Restaurant is in Buffalo’s entertainment district, in the Calumet building, a historical landmark.
It’s an innovative eatery that serves small plates, full entrees, an extensive wine list, all situated in a candlelit setting.
The restaurant always uses the freshest ingredients sourced from local farmers. With an unrelenting commitment to excellence, Bacchus, named after the Roman God of Wine, ensures that every bottle of wine you receive is enticing and robust.
There were too many delicious dishes to choose from, but the Duck Confit Salad by far was my favorite.
It includes butternut squash, Granny Smith apple slices, blue cheese, candied walnuts, honey Dijon vinaigrette sauce, and crispy, juicy duck meat.
It was so good I thought of ordering another plate to go! Aside from this meal, I thoroughly enjoyed the Gnocchi Mac & Cheese and the Bouillabaisse.
Bacchus is an incredible restaurant with the best red wine in the city; I highly recommend visiting.
Hutch’s
1375 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14209
Phone: 716-885-0074
Visit Website
Hutch’s is near Gates Circle and has been a part of the community for more than 25 years. They serve French cuisine with an American twist.
The environment is intimate and comfortable, perfect for special occasions or friendly get-togethers.
The layout is spacious enough for private dining events, and the decor consists of lovely artwork on the vintage brick walls. Hutch’s also has a patio for outdoor seating, perfect for a warm day.
The way that the chef can manipulate flavors to give you a familiar dish while also making it unique is spectacular. The Lobster Bisque, for example, was smooth and creamy, as you’d expect it to be.
However, the layers of flavor present in the meal were surprisingly delicious. Friends also enjoyed the Escargot, Soft Shell Crab, and the Oysters. Great vibes at Hutch’s!
Oliver’s Restaurant
2095 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14216
Phone: 716-877-9662
Visit Website
Oliver’s restaurant is close to Delaware Park and has served fine cuisine throughout Western New York for nearly a century.
After recent renovations, the interior is elegant and modern, producing a sophisticated ambiance at Oliver’s.
The focus is American fare and a long list of wines and specialty drinks that you can enjoy around the circular bar or in the booths.
While the menu wasn’t overwhelming, there were a nice amount of options to choose from. I went with the Lamb Carpaccio because I had never ordered it before and the waitress made a helpful suggestion. She was spot-on, and I was glad that I gave it a try.
Additionally, locals state that the juicy Prime Rib, crispy Spinach Bread, or the perfectly Poached Salmon is top-of-the-line good.
Ristorante Lombardo
1198 Hertel Ave, Buffalo, NY 14216
Phone: 716-873-4291
Visit Website
If you’re in the North Park neighborhood, drop by Ristorante Lombardo. This restaurant gives you old-school-style Italian cuisine.
They have an air of elegance without the vibes being pretentious and stuffy. Whether you’re hungry and want a quick bite, or you’re celebrating a formal event, they’ve got you covered.
The private patio also has a stunning landscape where you can sit and enjoy light appetizers, a refreshing drink, or a snack with family and friends.
Some of the most frequently ordered dishes include the Grilled Octopus, Lobster Ravioli (with mascarpone), Tagliatelle Bolognese, and the Fried Calamari (it has an incredible lemon, tomato sauce).
San Marco Ristorante
2082 Kensington Ave, Buffalo, NY 14226
Phone: 716-839-5876
Visit Website
The staff at San Marco Ristorante have been providing excellent hospitality and food to eager guests for years.
San Marco Ristorante provides top-level service in an inviting atmosphere for a bonafide taste of Northern Italian delicacies.
The dress code is business casual, and the space is great for an anniversary, graduation, date, or another formal gathering. A few beers are available, lots of wine, and no liquor on the menu.
The superb food choices at this family-owned eatery are presented beautifully on the plate. The portions are the perfect amount for two, and you can make substitutions for certain dishes.
My favorite menu items were the Seafood Pasta, the Pasta and Fagioli (beans), and the Oxtail Ragù with a bottle of red wine. Amazing.
The Black Sheep Restaurant & Bar
367 Connecticut St, Buffalo, NY 14213
Phone: 716-884-1100
Visit Website
The Black Sheep Restaurant & Bar is an unsuspecting establishment on the lower west side of Buffalo, near Front Park.
They serve eclectic entrees and small plates in a warm setting. The focal points at the Black Sheep are handmade and homemade food with knowledgeable and friendly service. The menu promotes a “global nomad” theme with locally-sourced ingredients.
They also have modern and classic cocktails with insane attention to detail. The beer list is also impressive, with local and rare picks for your pleasure. A unique item on the menu was crispy and fun to eat Fried Cheerios.
I also thought the Sticky Toffee Pudding, Egg Benedict with Smoked Salmon, and the Shrimp Aguachile were mouthwatering.
Toutant
437 Ellicott St, Buffalo, NY 14203
Phone: 716-342-2901
Visit Website
Over near Shea’s Performing Arts Center, Toutant is a Southern-style restaurant with contemporary and classic southern fares and cocktails. The setting is cozy and casual with an industrial-chic interior.
The ingredients are always high-quality and seasonal, so the menu constantly changes to keep things fresh.
Their dedication to the local farmers in Buffalo helps them support the small businesses around them while also bringing their customers the very best.
A trip to Toutant guarantees elevated Southern comfort foods and fresh shellfish and seafood.
My favorite dishes were the Buttermilk Fried Chicken, Jambalaya, Cast-iron Skillet Cornbread, and the House-smoked Sausages.
The frozen daiquiris are the perfect way to end your meal, or you can go for the local coder for a non-alcoholic option. There’s also whiskey, bourbon, and moonshine, all of which are exceptional.
Buffalo Chophouse
282 Franklin St, Buffalo, NY 14202
Phone: 716-842-6900
Visit Website
The Buffalo Chophouse is near Johnson Park, and it is a premier steakhouse that is refined with a retro decor style.
There are dog paintings on some wall areas and velvet banquettes on other sections. Buffalo Chophouse is home to Buffalo’s best fresh seafood and prime steaks.
Their Filet Mignon with Truffle Butter may have been the best thing I ate during my entire trip to Buffalo. The meat was so tender, and it literally melts in your mouth.
The deep flavor from the truffles is exquisite, and I had a baked potato on the side that was cooked perfectly.
The servers are attentive and courteous, and you never have to wait for very long to get seated. If you’re a steak lover, don’t hesitate to try Buffalo Chophouse when you’re in the area.
Osteria 166
166 Franklin St, Buffalo, NY 14202
Phone: 716-858-3118
Visit Website
Osteria 166 is situated near the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center, in case you have any trouble finding this gem that serves some of the best pizza in the city.
This Italian grill has an exclusive collection of food items and pizzas prepared in a wood fire oven.
You can count on stellar customer service and a pie that is hot and fresh with a thin crispy crust.
Osteria 166 is a cozy and swanky eatery perfect for special occasions. The quality of the food is second to none. The pizzas are 100% authentic Italian and have a flavor only a wood fire oven can render.
Here are some of the choice delicacies you should try on your visit: Veal Parmesan, Scallops, Spaghetti and Meatballs, Sea Bass, and pizza with any toppings they offer!
The Grotto
60 Niagara St, Buffalo, NY 14202
Phone: 716-768-5424
Visit Website
Located near the Centennial Pool, The Grotto is a casual eatery that serves homestyle cooking, salads, and Italian cuisines such as pasta and pizzas.
This modestly decorated restaurant is a perfect place to let your hair down to enjoy a nice meal and perhaps a cocktail.
The owner and the staff seem to be on lockstep, all being dedicated to one single objective: to make your time at the Grotto enjoyable and memorable.
The service is terrific, and the food tastes like grandma’s home cooking. Italians are prominent in using natural ingredients without too much added in. They let the spices and fresh veggies and meats speak for themselves.
The most popular dishes, according to reviews, are the Fish and Chips, Cannoli for One, Chicken Parm Pasta, Chicken Cesar, and the Tiramisu for dessert.
TEMPO
581 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14202
Phone: 716-885-1594
Tempo is a villa-Style restaurant that delivers on decor and upscale Italian fare. You can find Tempo near the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site and a few other lovely shops along the street.
The restaurant offers outdoor seating on a beautiful patio, and the servers don’t keep you waiting for long.
From the waiter to the cook to the owner, everything is top-notch. Hospitality is vital, and they don’t skip any steps when it comes to making sure that you enjoy your meal.
The plate presentation is also stellar. Below are some dishes you have to try at Tempo: Lamb Rack, Lamb Shank, Seared Bay Boat Scallops, and the Bone-in Ribeye.
Betty’s
370 Virginia St, Buffalo, NY 14201
Phone: 716-362-0633
Visit Website
Betty’s is a modest and quirky dig that serves some of the most delicious comfort food in the city. Betty’s is nestled very near the Buffalo Public Schools Adult Education Center.
The interior has a warm and inviting atmosphere—perfect for a delightful brunch or a satiating dinner.
The service is fast, and even when it’s crowded, the servers do a good job of trying not to keep you waiting.
Although Betty’s has numerous dishes, it’s hard to overlook that their breakfast and brunch seem to be the star of the show. The vibrant and fresh look of the plates is delicious, and the cocktails are refreshing and tasty.
If you make it to Betty’s, be sure to try the Eggs Benedict, Chorizo Biscuits and Gravy, Carnitas Quesadillas, Shrimp and Grits, and the Chocolate Cake. You won’t regret one decadent bite!
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que
301 Franklin St, Buffalo, NY 14202
Phone: 716-880-1677
Visit Website
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que is a barbeque chain that serves up Southern-style prepared meats on a grill. This place has live music that you can enjoy in a fun and retro setting.
Shea’s Performing Arts Center is a landmark that isn’t too far away, as some have stated that the restaurant is hard to find the first time around.
This is where to go to get a hold of some juicy and tender rib bones. The portion sizes are enormous, so you will not feel cheated on any entree or side.
If you find yourself in the neighborhood, be sure to stop by and try out the succulent USDA Prime Brisket Plate or the delectable Pulled Pork entree with the seasoned vegetables or the Macaroni and Cheese.
CRaVing Restaurant
1472 Hertel Ave, Buffalo, NY 14216
Phone: 716-883-1675
Visit Website
The CRaving Restaurant serves seasonal New American fare and playful and tasty craft cocktails.
CRaving is in North Buffalo and boasts an elegant and sophisticated atmosphere perfect for facilitating the best of times. The presentation of the cuisine is particularly noteworthy and beautiful.
The staff is friendly, and the service is impeccable. Be sure to make this destination a priority on your next trip to Buffalo for high-quality food at excellent prices.
The Pork Belly, Fried Chicken, Ricotta Gnocchi, Sea Bass, and Broccoli Raab were delicious, and everything was cooked to perfection.
The Chicken was crispy and juicy with well-balanced flavors, the pasta was made by hand, and the sea bass was flaky and lightly-seasoned. Delish!
Tappo Restaurant
338 Ellicott St, Buffalo, NY 14203
Phone: 716-259-8130
Visit Website
The Electric Tower is a historical landmark that you can use to locate Tappo Restaurant, the Italian spot with a beautifully restored industrial space.
Tappo has a host of diverse wines that you can choose from. This eatery is a very exquisite restaurant that can be defined within one word: excellence.
You can dine inside, outside, or even on the roof. You’re bound to have a good time thanks to the infectious atmosphere no matter where you eat. All the food is cooked on the spot and delivered to the table quickly.
Some of the most highly recommended items on the menu are the Goat Cheese Crespelle, Rigatoni with Pork Ragù, Truffle Pasta, Eggplant Parmesan, and the Strawberry Cheesecake.
JT’s Restaurant
905 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo, NY 14222
Phone: 716-882-0905
Visit Website
JT’s restaurant has a classy vibe with a cosmopolitan feel; they specialize in serving authentic Italian cuisine.
You can find this restaurant located nearby the Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church. It’s cozy and elegant, and you can stop by for any occasion, whether it’s casual or formal.
I happened to be there for a private dining event, and my entire party was smiling from start to finish.
The servers are ready to accommodate you and your individual needs. Even if you have a very restrictive diet, they always have suggestions ready.
If you’re ever in Buffalo, NY, with a desire for some traditional Italian, try any of the following dishes: Margherita Pizza, Arancini, Filet Mignon, the Clam Dinner, and the scrumptious Apple Crumble.
These restaurants in Buffalo are diverse, each offering a different but equally enjoyable dining experience.
It’s hard to pick which one to try first, but visit them all across multiple visits to the city if you get the chance.
Did we leave a restaurant out of this list? Make sure you leave us a comment, and we’ll check it out!
