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Diners' Choice: Good for special occasions restaurants in Western New York

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for the best special occasion restaurants 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!

A photo of Lucia's on the Lake restaurant

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

T

Taryn

Dined 4 days ago

Food was amazing, loved the atmosphere. Highly recommend.

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A photo of Lobster Linguini of a restaurant

Lobster Linguini

A photo of Lobster Ravioli of a restaurant

Lobster Ravioli

A photo of Bang Bang Shrimp of a restaurant

Bang Bang Shrimp

A photo of Giancarlo's restaurant

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

T

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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A photo of Corn and Crab Ravioli of a restaurant

Corn and Crab Ravioli

A photo of Crab Crusted Salmon of a restaurant

Crab Crusted Salmon

A photo of Chocolate Mousse Cake of a restaurant

Chocolate Mousse Cake

A photo of BUFFALO CHOPHOUSE - PRIME STEAKS & FRESH SEAFOOD restaurant

BUFFALO CHOPHOUSE - PRIME STEAKS & FRESH SEAFOOD

4.7

4.7 (3358)

$50 and over

Steak

Buffalo

About the restaurant

Buffalo Chophouse is Western New York's premier steakhouse, serving only the finest USDA Prime steaks as well as a selection of fresh, succulent seafood. Located in the heart of Buffalo’s Theater District, we are in close proximity to Shea's PAC, the Convention Center, KeyBank Center, and all major downtown hotels. Buffalo Chophouse is the perfect place to begin or end your evening, celebrate a special occasion, or simply treat yourself to the most fabulous dining experience offered in the WNY area. Whether you prefer filet mignon, strip steaks, ribeye or lobster, our knowledgeable service staff and reputable kitchen team offer our guests an exclusive dining experience. Make a selection from our expansive wine cellar, sip on handcrafted cocktails prepared by our veteran bartenders, and be sure to indulge with a decadent dessert to conclude your memorable experience.

Established in 2002, Buffalo Chophouse remains WNY's most dependable steakhouse for the ultimate dining experience.

Top review

P

Paul

Dined on Dec 10, 2024

Fantastic as always!!!! Great meal with Great Service

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A photo of Mile High Chocolate Cake for Two of a restaurant

Mile High Chocolate Cake for Two

A photo of 12 oz Filet Mignon of a restaurant

12 oz Filet Mignon

A photo of black & blue Steak and Crab - Buffalo restaurant

black & blue Steak and Crab - Buffalo

4.7

4.7 (2666)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Buffalo

About the restaurant

black & blue Steak and Crab sets the bar for the New American Steakhouse; elegant yet unpretentious, sophisticated yet approachable. b&b offers an inventive design and an unparalleled, vibrant ambiance for you and your guests. Our inspired cuisine coupled with our gracious hospitality is perfect for your special occasion dinner, night out with friends, family gathering or executive business event. black & blue also offers a variety of private rooms and tailor made menus for large groups. We would be happy to help plan your next business meeting or celebratory function. Whether it’s an intimate party, a lavish reception, or an important business meeting, you can be certain the black & blue experience will be effortless and memorable. The Club Room accommodates up to 45 guests for a sit-down meal. The Board Room accommodates up to 20 guests for a sit-down meal. You are sure to find a wine you like in their 20 foot climate controlled wine rack.

Top review

L

Lori

Dined 5 days ago

Wonderful evening with my sisters. Great meal and drinks.

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A photo of Filet Mignon of a restaurant

A photo of Ribeye of a restaurant

A photo of Porterhouse of a restaurant

A photo of Bacchus Wine Bar & Restaurant restaurant

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

M

Michael

Dined 4 days ago

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

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A photo of Filet Mignon of a restaurant

A photo of Ahi Tuna of a restaurant

A photo of Pecan Crusted Salmon of a restaurant

Pecan Crusted Salmon

A photo of Russell's Steaks, Chops, and More restaurant

Russell's Steaks, Chops, and More

4.7

4.7 (7993)

$31 to $50

Steak

Buffalo

About the restaurant

ONE OF THE TOP STEAKHOUSES IN NY STATE, RANKED TOP 5 LAST 7 YEARS. Come see for yourself what 70 years of hard work has created. Russ Salvatore continues to work every night insuring perfection. While completing his finest vision yet, Russ and his team have created a Steak House that continues to impress. While In Buffalo experience genuine hospitality and a delicious cuisine all under one roof at the new Salvatore’s Grand Hotel and his signature restaurant… Russell’s Steaks, Chops & More.

TOP 100 ROMANTIC RESTAURANTS IN AMERICA.
Start your evening with something special from our vibrant menu. With service and quality above the rest, we have pulled out all the stops to create an intimate atmosphere for your dining experience with modern décor and hand-crafted finishing touches

Enjoy!

Top review

K

Kathleen

Dined 5 days ago

Food and service were absolutely great. Atmosphere was wonderful!

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A photo of Filet Mignon - 9oz of a restaurant

Filet Mignon - 9oz

A photo of Porterhouse - 28oz of a restaurant

Porterhouse - 28oz

A photo of Filet Oscar of a restaurant

A photo of The Colden Mill Restaurant restaurant

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

C

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.

A photo of The Melting Pot - Buffalo restaurant

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

B

BrianVIP

Dined on Dec 13, 2024

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

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A photo of Pure Chocolate Fondue of a restaurant

Pure Chocolate Fondue

A photo of New Year's Eve of a restaurant

A photo of Thursdate of a restaurant

A photo of Texas de Brazil - Buffalo restaurant

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

J

Jake

Dined 2 days ago

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

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A photo of HAPPY HOUR Mon-Fri of a restaurant

HAPPY HOUR Mon-Fri

A photo of Rizotto Ristorante restaurant

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

J

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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