Buffalo, New York is well known for its famous chicken wings and beef on weck sandwiches. But the dining scene in Buffalo goes far beyond its iconic dishes. With chef-driven restaurants and a focus on locally sourced ingredients, Buffalo has become a destination for foodies.
| Restaurant Name | Cuisine/Style | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Marble + Rye | Contemporary American | Seasonal dishes, craft cocktails, urban vibe |
| Toutant | Southern Comfort | Shrimp and grits, fried chicken, brunch cocktails |
| Oliver’s | Fine Dining | Seasonal cuisine, elegant setting, extensive wine list |
| Left Bank | Modern European | Roasted beet salad, seafood, vibrant brunch |
| Craving | Elevated Comfort Food | Simple flavors, high quality ingredients, cozy setting |
| Ristorante Lombardo | Italian-American | Classic dishes, homemade pastas, elegant dining room |
| Hutch’s | Bar Food | Vintage decor, diverse menu, live music |
| Bacchus Wine Bar & Restaurant | Contemporary American | Seasonal dishes, extensive wine list, intimate ambiance |
| The Terrace at Delaware Park | Seasonal Contemporary | Scenic views, local ingredients, Sunday brunch |
| Ulrich’s Tavern | Traditional Buffalo | House-made sausages, cozy wooden booths, nostalgic charm |
| Black Sheep | Locally-Sourced Seasonal | House-cured meats, rustic-chic environment, charcuterie |
| Root & Bloom Cafe | Brunch/Lunch | Locally sourced coffee, house-baked pastries, vintage furniture |
From trendy eateries to old-school taverns, there is something for every palate and budget. Here are 12 of the best restaurants that capture the diverse and delicious food scene in Buffalo.
Marble + Rye
Name and Location: Marble + Rye
Marble + Rye is located at 112 Genesee St, Buffalo, NY 14203.
History and Significance:
Marble + Rye opened in 2018 in downtown Buffalo. It’s known for its contemporary American cuisine and extensive whiskey selection. The restaurant is housed in a historic bank building and has preserved many original architectural details.
What to Expect:
Marble + Rye serves creative seasonal dishes like bacon-wrapped dates, chicken fried quail, and trout with forbidden rice. The cocktail menu features many whiskey and bourbon-based drinks. The atmosphere is upscale and vibrant, with leather booths, marble accents, and a large bar area.
Visitor Information:
Marble + Rye accepts reservations and has valet parking available. Dress is business casual. It’s open for dinner daily from 5pm-10pm, and also serves weekend brunch. Cocktails and appetizers are available at the bar during off-hours.
Marble + Rye is one of Buffalo’s hottest new restaurants, located downtown in the Lafayette Hotel. The cuisine is contemporary American with global accents. Chef Darian Bryan sources top ingredients from local farms and purveyors to create his seasonally inspired dishes.
Start your meal with duck wings glazed in cherry barbecue sauce or the creamy burrata with roasted grapes. Mains shine with creativity like the pan-seared scallops with parsnip puree, pickled apples and bacon jam. Marble + Rye also offers an extensive craft cocktail menu curated by their expert mixologists. The vibe is upscale and urban with exposed brick, chandeliers and a massive antique bar back.
Toutant
Name and Location: Toutant
Toutant is located at 437 Ellicott St, Buffalo, NY 14203.
History and Significance:
Toutant opened in 2012 and specializes in Southern comfort food. The owner is James Beard-nominated chef James Roberts, who wanted to bring his Louisiana roots to Buffalo. The restaurant is known for reinventing Southern cuisine with unique twists.
What to Expect:
Expect New Southern dishes like fried chicken, shrimp and grits, and jambalaya. There’s an extensive bourbon list and craft cocktails like mint juleps. The vibe is laidback and rustic, with reclaimed wood, exposed brick, and checkered tablecloths.
Visitor Information:
Toutant doesn’t accept reservations but has first come, first served seating. There is street parking available. It serves dinner Tuesday-Saturday from 5pm-10pm, and brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 10am-2pm.
For elevated comfort food, head to Toutant in Buffalo’s Elmwood Village. James Beard-nominated Chef James Roberts takes his Southern roots and gives dishes a delightful twist. The menu changes often, but regular highlights include the shrimp and grits with tasso ham and bourbon butter sauce.
Or try their famous fried chicken served with savory cheddar waffles and hot sauce syrup. Toutant offers an array of inventive brunch cocktails like the coffee old-fashioned and orange creamsicle mimosa. The atmosphere is laidback and welcoming, like stopping by a friend’s house for a home-cooked meal.
Oliver’s
Name and Location: Oliver’s
Oliver’s is located at 2095 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14216.
History and Significance:
Oliver’s is a Buffalo institution that opened in 1937. It’s the oldest restaurant in Buffalo and is known for preserving its retro 1950s decor. The cozy diner is popular with locals and tourists for classic comfort food and legendary milkshakes.
What to Expect:
Look for diner fare like burgers, patty melts, club sandwiches, and wraps. Don’t miss the milkshakes and malts in flavors like peach, pineapple, and black raspberry. The vibe is casual and nostalgic.
Visitor Information:
Oliver’s is open daily 7am-10pm. No reservations are accepted and seating is first come, first served. Free parking lot available. Cash only.
Oliver’s is Buffalo’s premiere fine dining destination, housed in an elegant 19th century manor. Under Chef Kate Reid, Oliver’s has received national accolades for its seasonal contemporary cuisine. starters showcase Reid’s skills, like the pan-seared foie gras with poached apple. For mains, splurge on the rack of lamb with stilton crust and port wine sauce.
An extensive wine list from their cellar pairs perfectly with each dish. Desserts are exquisite, especially the banana cream pie with caramel and peanut brittle. Exposed brick, crystal chandeliers and original artwork create a romantic ambiance in the restored dining rooms. Reservations are essential to experience this special occasion restaurant.
Left Bank
Name and Location: Left Bank
Left Bank is located at 511 Rhode Island St, Buffalo, NY 14213.
History and Significance:
Left Bank first opened its doors in 1970 in Buffalo’s Elmwood Village neighborhood. It helped pioneer the farm-to-table movement in the city, developing relationships with local farmers. The restaurant is still owned by the original family and prides itself on fresh, seasonal cuisine.
What to Expect:
Left Bank serves new American cuisine focusing on fresh local ingredients. Look for dishes like chicken paprikash, pan seared scallops, and grilled bison ribeye. The dining room has an upscale yet relaxed vibe.
Visitor Information:
Left Bank is open Tuesday-Thursday 5pm-9pm, Friday-Saturday 5pm-10pm. Reservations recommended, especially on weekends. Valet parking available.
For a casual fine dining experience, visit Left Bank in Buffalo’s West Side neighborhood. Housed in a former church, Left Bank’s soaring ceilings and stained glass windows set the stage. Chef Alex Gosch focuses on modern European cuisine with dishes like roasted beet salad with goat cheese or steak frites with herb butter. Seafood is another specialty, like the sea scallops with cauliflower puree and pomegranate glaze.
Their menu is very vegetable forward, with seasonal sides like Brussels sprouts with pancetta. Left Bank has an acclaimed brunch featuring lobster Benny’s and chicken schnitzel and waffles. Whether enjoying a romantic dinner or lively Sunday brunch, Left Bank’s ambiance and cuisine shine.
Craving
Name and Location: Craving
Craving is located at 520 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14202.
History and Significance:
Craving has been serving Japanese cuisine in Buffalo since 2004. Chef-owner Takashi Irie focuses on high-quality traditional sushi along with creative fusion rolls. The sleek sushi bar and dining room provide an upscale Japanese dining experience.
What to Expect:
Expect an extensive sushi and sashimi menu featuring everything from tuna and salmon to yellowtail and sea urchin. There are also Japanese small plates like gyoza, edamame, and specialty rolls. The vibe is hip and modern.
Visitor Information:
Craving accepts reservations for parties of 6 or more. There is street parking available. Hours are Monday-Thursday 4:30pm-10pm, Friday-Saturday 4:30pm-11pm. The sushi bar accepts walk-ins.
Nestled in an 1860s building, Craving delivers elevated comfort food in a cozy setting. Chef Christine Walsh’s menu celebrates simple flavors and high quality ingredients. Start with deviled eggs with maple bacon or fried calamari with banana peppers. Mains include seasonal dishes like pan-roasted chicken with wild mushroom risotto or braised short ribs over creamy polenta.
Locally sourced produce and humanely raised meats are utilized for dishes like their popular grass-fed burger. For dessert, indulge in the salted caramel pot de crème or warm brownie skillet. The historic exposed brick walls, dim lighting, and antique wood bar give Craving warmth and character for a memorable neighborhood dining experience.
Ristorante Lombardo
Name and Location: Ristorante Lombardo
Ristorante Lombardo is located at 1198 Hertel Ave, Buffalo, NY 14216.
History and Significance:
Ristorante Lombardo opened in 2002 and is considered Buffalo’s premier Italian fine dining destination. The Lombardo family aims to provide old-world Northern Italian cuisine and hospitality in a refined setting. The restaurant has received numerous awards from local publications.
What to Expect:
Expect rustic yet elegant dishes from regions like Piedmont, Emilia-Romagna, and Lombardy. The menu features housemade pastas, risottos, ossobuco, and lighter seafood options. There is an extensive Italian wine list. The atmosphere is upscale and romantic.
Visitor Information:
Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends. Valet parking is available. Ristorante Lombardo serves dinner Tuesday-Saturday 5pm-10pm and Sunday 4pm-9pm. Jacket recommended but not required for men.
Ristorante Lombardo has been a Buffalo tradition since 1968, serving quintessential Italian-American cuisine. They are renowned for dishes like chicken piccata, veal parmesan, and pasta bolognese. Daily specials showcase old-world recipes, like braised rabbit agrodolce or swordfish oreganata.
Homemade pastas and sauces are prepared fresh, with highlights like lobster ravioli in vodka sauce or rigatoni alla vodka. Ristorante Lombardo has an award-winning wine list with a focus on Italian varietals that pair impeccably with the food. The dining room is classic and elegant, with white tablecloths, dark wood accents, and touches of Italian marble. A beloved spot for everything from romantic dinners to big family meals.
Hutch’s
Name and Location: Hutch’s
Hutch’s is located at 1375 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14209.
History and Significance:
Hutch’s opened in 1969 and is considered a beloved neighborhood tavern and restaurant. It started as a small beer and shot bar and evolved into a casual dining destination while retaining its quirky, down-to-earth vibe.
What to Expect:
The menu focuses on pub fare like wings, burgers, fish fry, and other comfort foods. There is a large selection of local and global beers. The atmosphere is laid-back and unpretentious, with memorabilia covering the walls.
Visitor Information:
Hutch’s accepts reservations for large parties only. Street parking is available. Hours are Monday-Thursday 11am-midnight, Friday-Saturday 11am-1am, Sunday 12pm-midnight.
For delicious bar food and drinks in a fun atmosphere, Buffalo locals flock to Hutch’s. Opened in 1938, Hutch’s feels like stepping back in time with its vintage decor. But the menu keeps favorites like beef on weck alongside contemporary options like chicken wonton tacos. Hutch’s has one of the best burgers in town, made with a secret blend of five meats.
Daily features like fish fry Fridays or wing Wednesdays draw crowds. One of their specialties is roast beef on kummelweck, thinly sliced and piled high. With live music, hearty food, and daily drink specials, Hutch’s is always buzzing. The classic dive bar vibe makes it a go-to hangout spot.
Bacchus Wine Bar & Restaurant
Name and Location: Bacchus Wine Bar & Restaurant
Bacchus is located at 56 W Chippewa St, Buffalo, NY 14202 in downtown Buffalo.
History and Significance:
Bacchus opened in 2000 with the goal of providingBuffalo with a sophisticated wine bar. It has an extensive wine list along with gourmet charcuterie boards and cheese plates. Bacchus offers a more European dining experience.
What to Expect:
Look for small plates like stuffed figs, mussels, and flatbreads to pair with Bacchus’ wine selection. There is also a selection of craft cocktails and local beers. The setting is intimate yet lively.
For a romantic evening complete with award-winning cuisine and wine, Bacchus is a top choice. Chef John Maniccia serves contemporary American plates like seared scallops with cauliflower puree and truffle vinaigrette. Bacchus boasts an extensive wine list with over 200 varieties, specializing in small batch, organic wines. Their wine shop allows guests to purchase their favorite glass or bottle enjoyed with dinner.
Handcrafted cocktails like their cucumber gimlet with locally distilled vodka are also popular. Bacchus’ intimate ambiance features exposed brick walls, pressed tin ceilings, and flickering candles on each table. Beside entrees, small plates encourage sampling and sharing. Bacchus delivers a cozy, sophisticated spot for a special night out.
The Terrace at Delaware Park
Name and Location: The Terrace at Delaware Park
The Terrace is located in Delaware Park at 199 Lincoln Parkway, Buffalo, NY 14222.
History and Significance:
The Terrace opened in 1991 and overlooks Buffalo’s Delaware Park. It’s known for its outdoor patio dining and picturesque views. The elegant yet casual restaurant hosts weddings and events in addition to daily service.
What to Expect:
The Terrace serves classic American cuisine like steaks, seafood, chops and pasta. The patio has panoramic views of the park and city skyline. The interior dining room has floor-to-ceiling windows.
Visitor Information:
The Terrace accepts reservations for patio and indoor dining. Valet parking available. Open Tuesday-Thursday 5pm-10pm, Friday-Saturday 5pm-11pm, Sunday 4pm-9pm.
For beautiful views and seasonal contemporary fare, book a table at The Terrace inside Delaware Park. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook Hoyt Lake, creating a tranquil ambiance. Dishes are prepared with local ingredients like bibb lettuce salad with roasted beets, NY blue cheese, and candied walnuts. Entrees on their ever-changing menu might include seared scallops with corn succotash or a grass-fed bison burger.
For Sunday brunch, indulge in specialties like crab cake Benedict or wild mushroom and brie omelette. Their bar program includes inventive cocktails like the tequila honeybee spritz with chili-infused honey. The scenic location and excellent cuisine make The Terrace a top spot for everyday dining or celebrating special occasions.
Ulrich’s Tavern
Name and Location: Ulrich’s Tavern
Ulrich’s Tavern is located at 674 Ellicott St, Buffalo, NY 14203 in the city’s West Side neighborhood.
History and Significance:
Ulrich’s first opened in 1868, making it Buffalo’s oldest continuously operating tavern. It serves German food and beer and has maintained its old-world charm through the years. The historic building dates back to the 1840s.
What to Expect:
Expect German fare like schnitzel, sausage, spätzle and roast duck. There are also pub options like wings and sandwiches. The beer menu includes German brews along with local craft selections.
Visitor Information:
Ulrich’s accepts reservations for parties of 6 or more. Street parking available. Open Tuesday-Thursday 4pm-10pm, Friday-Saturday 12pm-10pm, Sunday 12pm-9pm. Cash only.
For quintessential Buffalo favorites, Ulrich’s Tavern has been a go-to since 1910. Beyond their famous beef on weck sandwich, Ulrich’s makes their own sausages, bologna, hot dogs, and smoked meats in house. Menu standouts include their char-grilled Polish sausage platter and Ulrich’s goulash, a hearty beef stew.
Cozy wooden booths and decor straight from a Buffalo historic tour give Ulrich’s loads of nostalgic charm. Specialties like made-from-scratch potato pancakes and cheese and bacon stuffed peppers harken back to Buffalo’s immigrant roots. With live polka bands on weekends and the crew calling regulars by name, Ulrich’s feels like the classic neighborhood tavern it has been for over a century.
Black Sheep
Name and Location: Black Sheep
Black Sheep is located at 367 Connecticut St, Buffalo, NY 14213 in the Elmwood Village.
History and Significance:
Black Sheep opened in 1993 with a focus on high-quality food in a casual setting. It helped pioneer Buffalo’s contemporary dining scene with its seasonally changing menu. The restaurant works closely with local farms.
What to Expect:
Black Sheep’s menu changes daily based on seasonal ingredients. Dishes range from brick chicken to rack of lamb to seared scallops. The dining room has an inviting, neighborhood vibe.
Visitor Information:
Reservations recommended, especially on weekends. Street parking available. Open Tuesday-Thursday 5pm-9pm, Friday-Saturday 5pm-10pm. Closed Sundays and Mondays.
An elegant yet unpretentious spot, Black Sheep offers a seasonal locally-sourced menu in a rustic-chic environment. Known for their extensive charcuterie program with house-cured meats, try the meat and cheese board. Soups, salads, and starters showcase New York produce, cheeses, and proteins. Mains like the crispy Amish chicken and gnocchi bolognese highlight their scratch cooking.
At brunch, popular picks are the croque madame sandwich and salmon benedict. With exposed brick walls, reclaimed wood tables, and tin ceilings, the dining room encapsulates industrial charm. The bar has cocktails on tap plus a local craft beer and wine list. Sophisticated fare at a modest price attracts patrons for any occasion.
Root & Bloom Cafe
Name and Location: Root & Bloom Cafe
Root & Bloom Cafe is located at 406 Rhode Island St, Buffalo, NY 14213 in the West Side.
History and Significance:
Root & Bloom opened in 2016 with a focus on healthy, plant-based cuisine. Everything is made in-house, from sandwiches to sweets. The cafe strives to be sustainable and ethical in its business practices.
What to Expect:
Expect a menu of vegetarian and vegan fare like avocado toast, grain bowls, sandwiches, salads and smoothies. Great coffee and espresso drinks are also served. The vibe is laid-back and bohemian.
Visitor Information:
No reservations needed at this counter-service cafe. Street parking available. Open Monday-Friday 7am-5pm, Saturday-Sunday 8am-4pm.
For the best brunch in Buffalo, locals suggest Root & Bloom Cafe. Opened in 2018, Root & Bloom believes in ethical sourcing and capitalizes on Buffalo’s position near bountiful farmlands. The locally roasted coffee is sourced via direct trade. House-baked pastries start the day right, like their popular jalapeño cheddar scone. Inventive brunch cocktails include a beet and vodka Bloody Mary.
Entrees shine, with options like shakshuka skillet with peppers, onions, and baked eggs or lemon ricotta pancakes topped with blueberries. Root & Bloom also serves imaginative lunch and dinner specials. Mismatched vintage furniture and floral wallpaper give the space quirky charm. For feel-good food with flavors that delight, Root & Bloom is a must-visit.
Conclusion
From elevated farm-to-table fare to old-school taverns serving Buffalo’s most iconic dishes, the city offers a diverse and exciting dining scene. Trendy new restaurants are putting a contemporary spin on cuisine, while long-standing spots deliver traditional flavors. With acclaimed chefs sourcing top local ingredients, Buffalo’s reputation as a food destination continues to grow.
From quick lunch bites to celebratory fine dining, these restaurants capture the breadth of options available. Exemplifying tasty cuisine, hospitable service, and one-of-a-kind spaces, Buffalo dining invites exploration of these culinary gems. Visitors and locals alike will find satisfaction at the table, experiencing the city’s unique blend of history and innovation one outstanding meal at a time.