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They’re not called “Buffalo Wings” in Buffalo. They’re just “wings”. The nationally popular finger food originated right here at the Anchor Bar. (The wings creation story is on the website.) There is an extensive, principally Italian menu. But come here for the wings. Don’t be cowardly; order them “hot” or if you dare “suicidal.” Jazz on the weekends.

Astoria
423 Elmwood Ave.
Buffalo NY
716 884 4711
http://astoriabuffalo.com/
Monday – Friday 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Saturday   4:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Closed Sunday
Moderate

The accent is on Greek favorites like souvlaki, gyros, spanakopita and Greek style broiled fish. What distinguishes Astoria from dozens of other similar joints is the extensive list of daily specials often featuring perfectly grilled fish, steaks and chops. And in the summer Astoria moves outdoors onto the gracious backyard patio, the epitome of urban outdoor dining.

Bistro Europa
464 Elmwood Ave.
Buffalo NY
716 884 1100
No website
Monday – Thursday 11:30 AM – 11:00PM
Friday – Saturday 11:30 to 1:00 AM
European
Moderate

That’s Mittleres Europa. This tiny place, less than 30 seats, specializes in the cuisine of Germany, Austria, and Poland: Rindsrouladen, Weisswurst, Bigos. The Chicken Paprikash is accompanied by liver dumplings. Comfort food for those cold Buffalo nights.

Buffalo Chop House
282 Franklin Street
Buffalo NY
716 842 6900
Monday – Saturday 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Sunday 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
www.buffalochophouse.com
Cuisine: Steaks
Expensive

Every thing that is good and not so good about a steakhouse. The good is the steaks and chops, huge pieces of meat, aged to perfection, wonderfully seasoned and cooked to order. The not so good is everything else including the big sides of undercooked veggies and pedestrian potatoes, all priced a la carte. Fish and fowl are available but that’s not why one goes here. Lush décor.

DiGiulio & Company
763 Hertel Ave.
Buffalo NY
716 446 1673
Monday – Thursday 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Friday – Saturday 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM
digiulioandcompany.com
Cuisine: Contemporary American
Moderate

The name DiGiulio is synonymous with fine dining in Buffalo. Hostesses Joanne DiGiulio and her daughter Deanna continue the tradition in a beautifully appointed location on popular Hertel Ave. Upscale fine dining and excellent service. Reservations are a very good idea.

Founding Fathers Pub
75 Edward Street
Buffalo NY
716 855 8944
No website
Monday – Friday 11:30 – 2:00 AM
Saturday 4:00 PM – 4:00 AM
Cuisine: Pub Grub
Inexpensive

It’s a pub, for sure, warm and friendly, where everyone is made to feel welcome. The décor is an eclectic collection of memorabilia mostly relating to American history and presidents. Genial host Michael Driscoll is frequently found behind the bar from where he conducts a never ending trivia challenge. What’s amazing is the variety of great food turned out in the tiny kitchen including Buffalo’s best burger.

Harry’s Harbour Place Grille
2192 Niagara Street
Buffalo NY
716 874 5400
Lunch Tuesday –Friday 11:30 AN - 3:00 PM
Dinner -Tuesday – Saturday 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
http://www.harrysharbour.com/
Cuisine: American
Expensive

The only restaurant in Buffalo on the Niagara River takes full advantage of its location offering gorgeous views of the beau fleuve from just about every table. Aim to be there for the spectacular sunsets. Upscale dinning: steaks, chops and seafood.

Kuni’s to Go
226 Lexington Ave.
Buffalo NY
716 881 3800  
http://kunistogo.com/
Lunch   Tuesday – Friday 11:30AM - 2:00 PM
Dinner  Tuesday –Saturday 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Cuisine: Sushi, Sashimi
Moderate

For over a decade Kuni Sato offered world class sushi from his namesake restaurant. Kuni’s legions of fans were broken hearted when he closed. Now they rejoice as Kuni is back dispensing pretty much the same menu from a side street storefront. This time, however, it’s strictly take out. It’s best to phone or fax ahead.

Left Bank
511 Rhode Island Street
Buffalo NY
716 882 3509
http://leftbankrestaurant.com/
Monday – Thursday 5:00PM – 11:00 PM
Friday – Saturday 5:00 PM – 12:00 Am
Sunday 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Sunday Brunch 11:00 AM – 3:00 Pm
Moderate
Cuisine: Eclectic

Long a mainstay for fine dining in Buffalo. In addition to the excellent entrees and daily dinner specials, Left Bank also offers “Bourgeois Fare” e.g.,  Hot banana peppers baked in San Marzano tomato sauce with asiago cheese and shredded basil and “Peasant Fare” e.g., Red Beans and Rice with chorizo for ridiculously low prices. Very popular and can be very loud. Reservations highly recommended.

Nektar
451 Elmwood Ave.
Buffalo NY
716 881 1829
http://nektarrestaurant.com/
Monday - Saturday 5: PM – 2:00 AM.
Sunday 11:30 AM -9:00 PM
Expensive
Cuisine: Eclectic

Trendy and tasty, Nektar features the finest dining on the Elmwood strip.  Extraordinary variety from around the world, Fried Calamari and Hungarian Yellow Hot Peppers, Teriyaki Udon Stir Fry, Mediterranean Twin Cut Lamb Chops, and Stavros Greek-Style Rack of Lamb all prepared to perfection. Open late.

Oliver’s
2095 Delaware Ave
Buffalo NY
716 877 9662
888.881.7337
http://www.oliverscuisine.com/
Monday – Thursday 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Friday – Saturday    5:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Sunday                   5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Cuisine: Contemporary American
Expensive
 
For decades Oliver’s has remained on the cutting edge of contemporary cuisine. Dinners are perfectly prepared from only the freshest ingredients. The menu changes seasonally. Impeccable service in a beautifully appointed room. A lounge menu is available in the often bustling bar area. Arguably the best restaurant in Buffalo. Reservations are highly recommended.

Papaya
118 West Chippewa Street
Buffalo NY
716 856 2444
www.papayarestaurant.biz
Monday – Thursday 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Friday – Saturday 11:00 AM – 2:00 Am
Sunday 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Cuisine: Asian fusion
Moderate

East meets west in the kitchen of this handsome downtown location. The freshest ingredients are infused with flavors from Thailand, Vietnam, Japan and China. Papaya serves sushi Wednesday through Saturday.

Ristorante Lombardo
1198 Hertle Ave.
Buffalo NY
716 873 4291
http://ristorantelombardo.com
Monday – Thursday 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Friday – Saturday 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Cuisine: Upscale Italian
Expensive

From its founding as a neighborhood Italian restaurant over three decades ago Ristorante Lombardo has evolved into one of the finest dining establishment in Buffalo. The menu still reflects its Italian heritage: veal, seafood and pasta are imaginatively and exquisitely prepared. A superb Caesar salad for two is prepared tableside. Expect exceptional food and service.

Rue Franklin
341 Franklin Street
Buffalo NY
716 852 4416
www.ruefranklin.com/
Tuesday – Saturday 5:30PM – 10:00 PM
Closed Sunday and Monday
Cuisine: Contemporary French
Expensive

“The Rue” introduced contemporary French cooking to Buffalo many years ago. Immensely popular from the beginning, this world class restaurant has burnished its reputation over the years. Flawless service in understatedly elegant surroundings. In summer, dinner is served on the beautifully appointed outdoor patio. The menu changes with the seasons. Reservations are highly recommended.

Shango
3260 Main Street
Buffalo NY
716 837 2326
http://shangobistro.com
Monday – Thursday 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Friday – Saturday 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Sunday Brunch 11:00 – 3:00 PM
Cuisine: N’awlins
Moderate

Shango purports to be a “New Orleans Bistro.” The emphasis is on Creole and Cajun: Blackened Catfish, Fried Oyster Po-boys, Creole Bouillabaisse and a pretty wonderful Creole Meatloaf. Shango goes all out for Sunday brunch.

Siena
4516 Main Street
Snyder NY
716 839 3108
http://siena-restaurant.com
Lunch Monday -Friday 11:30 AM -3:00 PM
Dinner Monday – Thursday 5:00 PM -10:00 PM
Friday & Saturday 5:00 PM -11:00 PM
Sunday 4:30 PM-9:00 PM
Cuisine: Upscale fine dining with an Italian accent
Expensive

Good things come from Siena’s wood burning oven, thin crusted pizzas with a variety of unique toppings, roasted chicken, rack of lamb, and fresh Florida red snapper. From the kitchen comes a variety of appetizers, entrées and pastas influenced by the Northern Italian city from which the name is taken.  When it comes to comfort food on a cold winter evening nothing beats the Osso Buco. Note: Siena does not take reservations and on a busy evening expect a lengthy wait for a table.  The long and often just as busy bar provides a convivial place to wait.

Torches
1141 Kenmore Ave.
Kenmore NY
716 447-7915
www.torches1141.com
Lunch
Monday – Friday 11:30AM – 3:00 PM
Dinner
Monday - Thursday 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Friday – Saturday 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Cuisine: Innovative
Moderate

“Í love to cook for people,” says J J Richert. That’s a good thing as he and his brother, Kevin, both veterans of the culinary scene, turn out some of the most sophisticated dining in town. The menu is, to say the least, eclectic blending flavors from around the world (Asian, Jamaican) with good old American comfort food (Nickle City Mac and Cheese). Everything is meticulously prepared. Daily specials. Reservations are a good idea.

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Note: This information was accurate when it was published. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the businesses in question before making your plans.