Diners' Choice: Hot spot restaurants in Western New York

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants that are the best hot spots 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!

Lucia's on the Lake

4.9

4.9 (4729)

$31 to $50

Italian

Buffalo

About the restaurant

Voted one of The Top 100 Restaurants in The United States by OpenTable Diners, Lucia's On The Lake is a captivating contemporary Seafood, Steak, and Italian Restaurant right on the Water. Featuring a Rooftop Patio, and Waterviews throughout the entire restaurant, Diners are captivated by the beauty of the Lake, warm ambience, dynamic food, and exceptional service.

AWARDS
Voted Top 100 Overall Restaurant USA - OpenTable 2023
Voted Top 100 Restaurant with a View USA - OpenTable 2021
Voted Top 100 Most Romantic Restaurant USA - OpenTable 2022
Best of 716 New York - 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
OpenTable Diners Choice Award - 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
DiRona Wine Spectator Award of Excellence North America 2024

Top review

Jennifer

Dined 3 days ago

Service was excellent. Food was delicious. Overall experience was great!

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The Colden Mill Restaurant

4.7

4.7 (430)

$31 to $50

American

Buffalo

About the restaurant

The Colden Mill strives to make your dining experience unique and memorable, and is located just minutes from Kissing Bridge at 8348 Boston Colden Road. The historic and rustic atmosphere of the once grain mill dating back to the 1830’s, gives the impression of a time to be remembered. We aim to delight our guests with our Contemporary American menu created by award winning executive chef Matthew Webb, highlighting Western New York’s abundant variety of produce and meats. Our casual yet elegant dining atmosphere always welcomes skiers and families alike. While our restaurant offers dinner service Tuesday – Saturday, our two banquet rooms can accommodate parties of up to 50 & 80 guests for parties 7 days a week, and also on or off-premise catering for any occasion.

Top review

Connie

Dined on Dec 14, 2024

If I lived closer to The Colden Mill, I would definitely be there more often for its food and ambiance ... very cozy. I absolutely love it there. The first time I went there was about 40 years ago ... as beautiful as ever.

Patina 250

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

Jazzboline

4.6

4.6 (1833)

$31 to $50

American

Buffalo

About the restaurant

At Jazzboline (jazz-BOE-lynn), our goal is to create a memorable experience for our guests. Taking inspiration from different time frames and time zones, we have assembled a menu of variations and recreations of some of the classics of both modern and traditional cuisines and cocktails, as well as independently inspired creations of our own.

Come one, come all, come together.

Reservations can be made online, or over the phone at 716-839-2220.

Tables are reserved for 2 hours for parties up to 4.
Tables are reserved for 2.5 hours for parties of 5 or more.

Top review

Mary

Dined 1 day ago

lovely and alive but relaxing atmosphere - service great. Food excellent.

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4.6

4.6 (408)

$30 and under

Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service

Buffalo

About the restaurant

Saturday & Sunday: (brunch until 3pm) The kitchen closes at 10pm nightly.

Top review

Dave

Dined on Nov 26, 2024

Jack Rabbit is a funky and friendly music and food venue in Buffalo’s Elmwood Village. The food is eclectic and varied. There is something for everyone including some vegan choices. The wait staff is friendly and attentive The staff behind the bar are experienced and friendly. The live music throughout the week reflects the local Buffalo music scene. Enjoy!

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.

Hofbrauhaus- Buffalo

4.5

4.5 (2109)

$30 and under

German

Buffalo

About the restaurant

Hofbräuhaus Buffalo, German Inspired and Locally Owned.

Steps away from the KeyBank Center and Canalside, we are Buffalo's biggest party! Featuring live music, indoor and outdoor dining, Hofbräu Beer brewed on-site, and the best Bavarian cuisine. Hofbräuhaus Buffalo welcomes parties of all sizes!

For events, please reach our Director of Marketing and Events at MC@hofbrauhausbuffalo.com
If you encounter any issues booking your reservation, please call us at 716-939-BEER (2337) for assistance.

Top review

Jerry

Dined 1 day ago

We had a good meal and good waitress! We ate in bar area and it was quiet in there.

Johnny D's

4.2

4.2 (67)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Buffalo

About the restaurant

Johnny D's Restaurant is the perfect choice for locals and travelers alike, offering a dining experience that caters to all audiences, within the Hyatt Regency Buffalo, makes us an ideal spot for business travelers, traveling sports groups, and anyone looking to enjoy a meal that embodies the spirit of Buffalo.

Top review

Egidio

Dined 2 days ago

The food was amazing and the chef was very friendly.

Hard Rock Cafe - Niagara Falls

3.8

3.8 (436)

$30 and under

American

Niagara Falls

About the restaurant

Hard Rock Cafe is a global phenomenon with 185 cafes that are visited by nearly 80 million guests each year. The first Hard Rock Cafe opened on June 14, 1971, in London, England, and from there the brand has expanded to major cities and exotic locations around the world.

Top review

Sara

Dined on Nov 16, 2024

The Burger and fries were amazing! The steak Cobb salad was not very good. The lettuce was whilted and soggy.

Juicy Burger Bar

3.4

3.4 (500)

$30 and under

Burgers

Buffalo

About the restaurant

"Pop In" Kitchen located at our sister restaurant Carte Blanche 61 Buffalo Street.
Come in and enjoy various craft beers, cocktails, AMAZING burgers and delicious sandwiches and salads with our #juicycrew
Reservations are given a 15 minute grace period. We ask that if you are going to arrive late or if you have to cancel your reservation please alert us as soon as possible. Given our smaller capacity all tables are given a 90 minute time limit.

Top review

John

Dined on Sep 4, 2024

The food was outstanding! Everything was fresh and perfectly cooked. Sitting by the lake on a beautiful summer night well enjoying this delicious meal was awesome!

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Popular dish

The Juicy Burger

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