Diners' Choice: Innovative restaurants in Western New York

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for the best restaurants that are fit for foodies in Western New York? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Giancarlo's

4.8

4.8 (3488)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Buffalo

About the restaurant

Our Sicilian Steakhouse is an original concept that celebrates the Sicilian-immigrant culinary experience. Referred to as the "original fusion cuisine," Sicilian food is a historical mosaic influenced by the various conquering nations. Traces of Greece, North Africa, Rome, the Middle East, Germanic nations, France, Spain, and Italy are evident in traditional Sicilian cuisine. At Giancarlo's, our love of history-rich Sicilian cuisine is combined with our interpretation of both the great American Steakhouse and the Neapolitan Pizzeria.

Top review

Tiana

Dined 3 days ago

Everything was absolutely delicious! The service, the apps, the dinner, the drinks and the dessert - CHEF'S KISS!

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Popular dish

Corn and Crab Ravioli

Popular dish

Crab Crusted Salmon

Popular dish

Chocolate Mousse Cake

Bacchus Wine Bar & Restaurant

4.7

4.7 (2786)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Buffalo

About the restaurant

Bacchus wine bar and restaurant is located in the historic Calumet building in the heart of Buffalo's entertainment district. A seasonal menu highlights the best available ingredients from local and regional farms. Together with our Wine Spectator award winning wine list, this elegant yet casual restaurant has continually been ranked as one of Buffalo's best.

Top review

Michael

Dined 4 days ago

One of my very favorite restaurants. Awesome food, great service.

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4.7

4.7 (1022)

$30 and under

American

Buffalo

About the restaurant

Welcome to Mason’s Grille 52!

Located on historic Main Street in the Village of Hamburg Mason's is a neighborhood gem. The Ayer family has been proud to serve this
community since 2004. Our goal is to continue providing the best possible experience for our guests.

Mason's Grille offers a comfortable, casual, fine dining experience. Our menu succeeds in satisfying everyone. From tasty appetizers such as our Bacon BBQ Wrapped Shrimp and specialty Flatbreads to a variety of freshly tossed salads, homemade soups, mouthwatering sandwiches, chicken wings and delicious dinners such as Macadamia Crusted Salmon, Certified Black Angus steaks and Bourbon Glazed Pork Chops. Even our desserts are delightful!

Our full-service bar features 10 draft beers ranging from your favorite domestic to some of the best local micro and craft brews around. Mason's also has a full martini and extensive wine list .

Top review

Jeanne

Dined 4 days ago

Excellent food and service!! We'll definitely be back! I highly recommend the Sweet Potato Chicken & Pears!!

Panorama On Seven

4.7

4.7 (893)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Buffalo

About the restaurant

Our guests and employees safety and health is our number one priority. We have implemented safety and health guidelines and procedures to do our part and Stop the Spread.
Hand-sanitizing stations have been installed throughout our hotel.
We have converted our menus to digital menu with QR code. To access our digital menus, guest can scan the QR code with their cell phone camera.
Complimentary disposable masks will be available for any guest.
All associates have completed a comprehensive Safety and Service Training Program. 716 852 0049

Top review

Mary Lou T

Dined 5 days ago

Delicious food, many choices, reasonably priced, great service & beautiful view of the skyline! looking forward to going back. Valet parking & server we’re most accommodating.

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The Melting Pot - Buffalo

4.6

4.6 (1471)

$30 and under

Fondue

Buffalo

About the restaurant

Welcome to The Melting Pot. We offer a truly unique dining experience created by the art of fondue.

Whether you're celebrating a birthday, anniversary, a long overdue date night, or celebrating with a group, The Melting Pot Restaurant is perfect for any occasion. Tailor your visit with a four-course dining experience including cheese fondue, salad, entree and dessert. Or, come by for fondue cheese paired with that perfect glass of wine from our extensive selection. That's not to say, we haven't had more than a few stop by to satisfy that chocolate craving after a movie.

Make reservations today, and see what people are talking about.

Top review

BrianVIP

Dined on Dec 13, 2024

Our waitress Taylor was outstanding! My kids really enjoyed the Shirley Temples.

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Popular dish

Pure Chocolate Fondue

4.6

4.6 (1538)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Buffalo

About the restaurant

Patina 250 serves seasonal menus using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, offering thoughtful, flavor-infused variations on the authentic tastes of Western New York. The restaurant interior offers a refined, welcoming atmosphere to enjoy drinks, shared plates or a full dining experience. Local artists’ work contributes to the modern mood with paintings, elaborate light fixtures and a sculptural wall installation. Owned by Delaware North, a global leader in hospitality.

Top review

Steven

Dined on Dec 14, 2024

Service was great... Food was good, but for the price I thought it could be better.

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CRISPY BRUSSELS SPROUTS

42N at The Flats

4.6

4.6 (38)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Buffalo

About the restaurant

42 North at The Flats is home to 42 North Brewing Company’s downtown taproom located in the historic Wurlitzer Flats building. In the heart of Buffalo’s theater district, craft beers and a full bar are complimented by creative and contemporary artisan fare from Queen City Bistro. Whether you are stopping in for a beverage or a full meal, 42 North at The Flats is designed to offer a great experience for all.

Reservations open 6 weeks in advance for bookings

Top review

Elwyn

Dined 3 days ago

We enjoyed a relaxing evening in a wonderful Buffalo dining spot. Our waitress, Sam, was fantastic as was our meal.

Blue Cave Italian Restaurant

4.5

4.5 (208)

$30 and under

Italian

Buffalo

About the restaurant

Contemporary Italian Cuisine in a casual setting. Freshly prepared authentic food created by Chef Mario Bianca. Chef Mario is originally from southern Italy. His culinary style blends traditional Sicilian flavors with modern Italian recipes. We offer a variety of wines from small production vineyards that are sure to please. Our atmosphere is the perfect place for a date night, to bring the family, celebrate a birthday, anniversary, or have a world class meal before going to a baseball game or seeing a show at one of the many theaters just a block or two away. We are located in the heart of downtown Buffalo, NY just minutes away from Sahlen Field and Shea's Theater District.

We operate as a small, family-run business with a limited staff. We hope you leave feeling like family.

Top review

Danielle

Dined 1 day ago

Delicious! Everything was perfect! Can’t wait to go back!

Texas de Brazil - Buffalo

4.4

4.4 (4191)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Buffalo

About the restaurant

Texas de Brazil, is a Brazilian steakhouse, or churrascaria, that features endless servings of flame-grilled beef, lamb, pork, chicken, and Brazilian sausage as well as an extravagant salad area with a wide array of seasonal chef-crafted items.

Top review

Jake

Dined 2 days ago

Good food. Food seemed to stop for awhile but started coming slowly again.

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Experience

HAPPY HOUR Mon-Fri

Rizotto Ristorante

4.2

4.2 (581)

$30 and under

Italian

Buffalo

About the restaurant

"Since opening in 2012 Rizotto Italian Eatery in Amherst has truly become local entrepreneur Michael Rizzo’s signature restaurant. Rizzo’s fifth restaurant in Western New York offers an casual dining experience with a menu that features a wide array of items including fresh seafood dishes, fine cuts of beef and traditional Italian pasta. A trendy Antipasto bar offers the perfect prelude to any meal. Guests can choose from a variety of items including roasted and grilled vegetables, specialty meats and cheeses, and several hot items such as homemade sausage, meatballs.

Top review

Jay

Dined on Dec 13, 2024

food was very good outstanding service from Jake Great round table for eight. Made reservations for New Years Eve. Looking forward to return visit!

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