Buffalo’s Restaurants

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

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Carmine’s Italiano

7170 Transit Road
Williamsville, NY 14221

(716) 636-3100

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Carnivorous

2941 Delaware Avenue
Kenmore, NY 14217

(716) 341-8663

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Carrabba’s Italian Grill

1645 Niagara Falls Boulevard
Buffalo, NY 14228

(716) 833-5003

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Carte Blanche

61 Buffalo Street
Hamburg, NY 14075

(716) 649-2101

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Casa Antica Ristorante

490 Center Street
Lewiston, NY 14092

(716) 754-2581

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Casa Azul

191 Allen Street
Buffalo, NY 14201

(716) 331-3869

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Casa Di Francesca’s

2022 Seneca Street
Buffalo, NY 14210

(716) 783-9595

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Casey’s Black Rock

484 Amherst Street
Buffalo, NY 14207

(716) 436-6959

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Cataract House Restaurant & Academy

310 Rainbow Boulevard
Niagara Falls, NY 14303

(716) 299 – 1002

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Center Street Smokehouse

Roaming Buffalo
Buffalo, NY 14203

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Central Park Grill

2519 Main Street
Buffalo, NY 14214

(716) 836-9466

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Jessica Railey is a partner and sommelier at Waxlight Bar a Vin, 27 Chandler St. in Buffalo.

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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