Buffalo’s 11 Best Restaurants: An Updated Guide to an Unstoppable Food Scene

By Maria Rodriguez | Feb. 4, 2025

I keep coming back to Buffalo, and not just because I enjoy a good snowstorm. The food scene here is one of the most exciting in the country, a mix of old-school institutions and ambitious new spots that keep raising the bar. On my latest visit, I found another standout—the new-to-me Southern Junction—so I’ve updated a list that was already red hot. Whether you’re after impeccable pasta, next-level wings, or something unexpected, these are the best places to eat in Buffalo, a city that’s always worth the trip.

Southern Junction

1. The Dapper Goose

The Dapper Goose, in Buffalo’s Black Rock neighborhood, is a true gem. Their New American menu constantly changes, but regulars rave about the duck and pork chops. There’s also a killer cocktail menu, which might explain why you’ll spot more than a few locals lingering at the bar.

2. Waxlight Bar à Vin

For those who like their wine with a side of culinary experimentation, Waxlight Bar à Vin is the place to be. This modern bistro in Black Rock mixes global flavors with natural wines. Try the charcuterie or anything involving seafood—you won’t be disappointed.

Imagine a culinary collision so audacious, it'd make your grandma clutch her pearls. That's Southern Junction, where chef Ryan Fernandez has taken Texas barbecue and Indian cuisine and mashed them together like he's trying to start a flavor riot. Fernandez, who grew up straddling the line between India and Texas, decided to stop choosing sides and just bring the whole damn party together. The menu combines those flavors of Italy with Texas barbecue: brisket rubbed with garam masala; pulled pork slathered in a tamarind barbecue sauce; and naan bread that’s got more butter than a Paula Deen Christmas special. That bread serves as the perfect vehicle for sopping up every last drop of that masala-spiced meat juice.

3. Southern Junction

4. Prescott's Provisions

Located along the historic Erie Canal in Tonawanda, Prescott’s Provisions combines a legacy of family dining with a modern touch. Their menu reflects the region’s bounty, with locally sourced ingredients that create fresh takes on traditional dishes. It’s the perfect spot to relax by the water, with a menu as crisp as the evening breeze.

5. Ristorante Lombardo

Ristorante Lombardo is a staple in Buffalo's dining scene, serving high-end Italian cuisine in a stylish atmosphere that captures the essence of the city. Known for its classic Italian dishes like veal and pasta, this restaurant doesn’t just feed you; it transports you straight to a dinner table in Italy. The impeccable service and well-curated wine list add an elegant touch to the experience.

6. Bacchus

Bacchus Wine Bar & Restaurant feels like the kind of place where you’d impress a date or close a business deal over a bottle of Bordeaux. The menu leans upscale American, but it’s the small plates that steal the show—try the tuna tartare, a delicately balanced dish with avocado, sesame, and a sharp citrus finish. The space manages to feel both polished and inviting, with its exposed brick walls and cozy nooks. Bonus points for their wine list: curated, extensive, and best navigated with the guidance of their knowledgeable staff.

7. Las Puertas

Craving upscale Mexican food? Las Puertas delivers with dishes that look almost too pretty to eat (but you’ll manage). Chef Victor Parra Gonzalez is a James Beard Award semi-finalist, so expect to see some of Buffalo's best bites here. Don't skip the octopus or the housemade tortillas.

8. Marble + Rye

This downtown spot nails contemporary cuisine with a focus on wood-fired cooking. Marble + Rye’s burger has developed a cult following, but don't overlook the bone marrow or the seasonal vegetables or the Detroit-style pizzas. And yes, the whiskey list is top-tier.

9. Left Bank

A Buffalo classic, chef David Albright’s Left Bank is where locals go to celebrate anything from birthdays to “it’s finally warm out!” nights. The menu’s eclectic, pulling from Italian, French, and New American influences, and the outdoor patio is one of the city’s most coveted dining spots.

10. Hutch’s

This modern American restaurant on Delaware Avenue has been around for a while, but Hutch’s consistent, quality dishes keep it at the top. Seafood lovers should head straight for the dayboat scallops or the seafood stew. And the cozy yet upscale vibe doesn't hurt either.

11. Betty’s

This neighborhood favorite in Allentown has been serving up comfort food since 2004, but it’s still as fresh as ever. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or just plain hungry, Betty’s delivers. Get the tofu scramble for breakfast or the meatloaf for dinner—you can’t go wrong either way.