Diners' Choice: Neighborhood gem restaurants in Western New York

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for the best restaurants that are the best neighborhood gems 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!

Mulberry Italian Ristorante

4.8

4.8 (1260)

$31 to $50

Italian

Buffalo

About the restaurant

Equal parts restaurant and experience, Mulberry Italian Ristorante is a wonderful option for those who want an authentically delicious meal. Explaining that it may look like the Bronx, but that it tastes like Manhattan, this cozy eatery is just south of the center of Buffalo and offers iconic Italian foods.

Visitors to Mulberry Italian Ristorante can enjoy their lunch or dinner menu items and will find that even some of the standards are far more creative than what they usually encounter. Freshness is also a huge part of the experience, and the caprese is hand crafted each day while the pasta is homemade on the premises. Delicious and comprehensive, the Mulberry Italian Ristorante menu is a delight.

Top review

Nora

Dined 2 days ago

Amazing food and service! Cannot wait to be back.

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Trattoria Aroma - Williamsville

4.7

4.7 (666)

$30 and under

Italian

Williamsville

About the restaurant

Trattoria Aroma-Williamsville is known for rustic, regional Italian cooking in a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere. Guests from Western New York and beyond have enjoyed our homemade bread, pasta and menu specialties for over 20 years. Enjoy our famous freshly made Napolitan Pizzas, Pasta Bolognese, Veal Saltimboca and daily Chef's specials. We feature a full bar along with the only all Italian Wine List in the area. Our in house Sommelier, Joseph will be happy to recommend the perfect glass or bottle of wine or make your favorite cocktail. End your meal with homemade Tiramisu, Cannoli and Gelato or just enjoy a Cappuccino with our signature Biscotti. Simple meal or special occasion, Trattoria Aroma-Williamsville is your destination for Italian food. Buon Appetito!

Top review

Luke

Dined on Dec 12, 2024

Trattoria Aroma is a cozy little spot that feels like home. The food is fantastic, and the service is friendly and attentive. It's a great place to enjoy a high quality meal with friends and family

Mason's Grille 52

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!!

Rick's on Main

4.7

4.7 (1378)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

East Aurora

About the restaurant

Upstate NY Award Winning Steakhouse.

Rick’s on Main is a restaurant that serves hand-crafted, high quality meals within a friendly atmosphere. We offer a variety of specialized entrees, such as a Bacon-infused pork chop, an Filet Mignon with roasted red pepper compound butter and we always have fresh Seabass that will melt in your mouth over a variety of sets.

We feature a wide range of salads, including our fan favorite Fall Creek Salad, a Boston Bibb Salad with sliced apples and a gorgonzola vinaigrette, Ricks Chopped Salad tossed in parmesan peppercorn dressing.

Top review

EricVIP

Dined 5 days ago

I don’t come here often. But when work does bring me to East Aurora I always eat at Ricks. Love it.

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Hot Banana Pepper Dip

Waterstone Grill

4.7

4.7 (296)

$31 to $50

American

Hamburg

About the restaurant

Coming Soon!

Top review

Claudia

Dined 4 days ago

Food, service, and ambiance were all fabulous. Festive atmosphere, beautifully decorated for the holidays. We’ll definitely be back.

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.

Acropolis OPA

4.6

4.6 (62)

$30 and under

Greek

Buffalo

About the restaurant

Acropolis OPA is a modern Greek/Mediterranean neighborhood restaurant located in the heart of Williamsville, NY. We offer a great breakfast and lunch program and a weekend brunch menu as well. Open 6 days a week 8am-9pm Wednesday through Saturday. Tuesday and Sunday we open 8am-4pm. Mondays we are closed. We are known for our breakfast and lunch and dinner and our signature dish is our Souvlaki Salad. For dinner, Our Roasted Lamb Shank is a must. Authentic dishes like Pastitsio and Mousaka and desserts like Rice Pudding and Bougatsa and Baklava are made in house by Effe who started the restaurant in 1982.

Top review

JimVIP

Dined 5 days ago

The bagel with lox was outstanding. As was the Avocado toast.

Jack Rabbit

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!

Tavern at Windsor Park

4.3

4.3 (397)

$30 and under

American

East Amherst

About the restaurant

We are Hometown Tavern specializing in English & American Cusine with a heavy emphasis on Import & Craft Beer and Sports.

Top review

Cheryl

Dined on Oct 9, 2024

Always a great experience. Excellent service. Our food was delicious and our sever very pleasant and attentive.

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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