The Best Restaurants in Western NY
While Buffalo’s culinary reputation rests largely on the spread of our wings around the world and the now common use of “Buffalo-style” to indicate a spicy experience ahead, the city is in fact a melting pot of diverse dishes, cuisines, and dining experiences. Old school restaurateurs who have been perfecting their menus for decades are being joined by a new generation of chefs (many of them former Buffalonians returning to their resurgent hometown) who are opening innovative restaurants that are re-defining dining in the city.
A variety of flavors
Alongside these re-pats are immigrants and refugees who are bringing a taste of places like Myanmar, Ethiopia, Cambodia and Iraq to the streets of Buffalo. If that’s not enough variety, the city has dozens of food trucks rolling around that serve everything from poutine to pierogi. Sure, come for the wings, but stay to sample one of the most dynamic food cities in the United States.
Carmelo’s Coat of Arms
425 Center Street
Lewiston, NY 14092
(716) 754-2311
Carmine’s Italiano
7170 Transit Road
Williamsville, NY 14221
(716) 636-3100
Carnivorous
2941 Delaware Avenue
Kenmore, NY 14217
(716) 341-8663
Carrabba’s Italian Grill
1645 Niagara Falls Boulevard
Buffalo, NY 14228
(716) 833-5003
Carte Blanche
61 Buffalo Street
Hamburg, NY 14075
(716) 649-2101
Casa Antica Ristorante
490 Center Street
Lewiston, NY 14092
(716) 754-2581
Casa Azul
191 Allen Street
Buffalo, NY 14201
(716) 331-3869
Casa Di Francesca’s
2022 Seneca Street
Buffalo, NY 14210
(716) 783-9595
Casey’s Black Rock
484 Amherst Street
Buffalo, NY 14207
(716) 436-6959
Cataract House Restaurant & Academy
310 Rainbow Boulevard
Niagara Falls, NY 14303
(716) 299 – 1002
Center Street Smokehouse
Roaming Buffalo
Buffalo, NY 14203
Central Park Grill
2519 Main Street
Buffalo, NY 14214
(716) 836-9466
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The Dapper Goose
The Dapper Goose
Dapper is all about the chill vibe, the welcoming atmosphere, the smiley, warm service, and the wine! Keith, Tim and Peggy do an excellent job of always having some of the most interesting wines by the glass available, while also having some classic options, which is what I really appreciate.
491 Amherst St., Buffalo
thedappergoose.com
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The Little Club
The Little Club
They have an ever-rotating by-the-glass list that’s fun and quirky. So much of the owners’ and staff’s personalities shine through here and it’s fun to see someone else not sticking to “the rules.” And they always have great featured wines — they’re excited about fermented grape juice, dare I say a little nerdy about it, and I love it!
1197 Hertel Ave., Buffalo
thelittleclub.bar
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Toutant
Toutant
Toutant has a very special place in my heart, and I go back for the fried chicken AND the most perfect Vieux Carre crafted by bar manager and my good friend, Jill Hutnyan. When I want a cocktail, I want a classic, and Jill just puts her magic touch on this rye and cognac based New Orleans drink like no other.
437 Ellicott St., Buffalo
Toutantbuffalo.com
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Mes Que
Mes Que
I usually go to Mes Que for a crisp, gigantic European beer, and a wee bit of bourbon, rather than for soccer. Prices are wildly reasonable and it’s always a relaxed but buzzing environment.
1420 Hertel Ave., Buffalo
mesque.com
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Casey’s Black Rock
Casey’s Black Rock
Casey’s just re-opened, but it is and has been a Black Rock gem, and this time, it’s so much better. It’s clean, has great food, fun games, good decor, awesome staff, and there’s always sports on. It’s the best stop after a long night at Waxlight or on a Monday when we’re off to order a Utica Club or a Miller High Life with some solid bar food.
484 Amherst St., Buffalo
caseysblackrock.com