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Blue Cave Italian Restaurant, Buffalo, NY

Blue Cave Italian Restaurant

4.7
4.7
107 Reviews
$30 and under
Contemporary Italian
Contemporary Italian Cuisine in a casual setting. Freshly prepared authentic food created by Chef Mario Bianca. Chef Mario is originally from southern Italy. His foods are a blend of authentic Sicilian flavors coupled 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.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 10 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary Italian, Sicilian, Dessert
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Tue–Thu 5:00 pm–9:30 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (716) 259-8145
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Mario Bianca
  • Private party facilities
    We are able to accommodate small private events. Call or email the restaurant to speak with Chef/Owner Mario to discuss details.
  • Neighborhood
    Buffalo
  • Cross street
    On Genesee St between Oak St. and E. Chippewa
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Public transit
    Public transit stop directly across the street on Genesee St. at Oak.
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, View, Wine

What 107 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.2Ambience
  • 4.4Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Western New York

    Best Food

  • Western New York

    Good for business meals

  • Western New York

    Innovative

107 Reviews
  1. OpenTable Diner

    Denver

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    Our dinner and service was great. We had three different pasta dishes that were awesome, especially loved the Gemelli con Salsiccia e Funghi couldn't stop eating it. The only thing we were disappointed in was the Braciole, not enough breadcrumbs in it and very very dry, have had and made much better. I would recommend this restaurant, great food in a casual atmosphere. Enjoy!

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  2. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on November 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    Our server was outstanding and the food was amazing

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  3. TracieB

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great restaurant! The service was great, the food was upscale Italian at a great price. Will definitely return!

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  4. LaraB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    What a wonderful find! I and all of my friends were delighted by our meals, the attentive and helpful wait staff, and the lovely industrial modern style of the restaurant itself. We will definitely be going back, and we STRONGLY recommend Blue Cave as a pre-theatre restaurant for the quality, speed, and ease of the place - excellent!

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  5. Carol

    New York Area

    16 reviews

    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on November 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our meal was outstanding !!’ Loved our server Olivia, she was vey accommodating

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  6. AlexB

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was amazing, service was great and atmosphere at the place is great as well. Will be coming back for sure

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  7. Luv2chew

    New York Area

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on October 21, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Everything that we ordered was delicious! There were plenty of gluten free choices and they were all excellent.

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  8. ErinB

    New York Area

    24 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on October 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our first time here and we LOVED IT! The best octopus appetizer I’ve had!

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  9. SandraK

    Des Moines

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 30, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    The food was excellent! 🥰 Very authentic Italian food.

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  10. SusanT

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 30, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Really enjoy food. Great waitresses. Simple entrees reminds me of Italy

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  11. Meagan

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 29, 2023

    overall2food2service2ambience1
    Made a reservation, still had to wait 45 minutes to get seated

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  12. Madison

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 29, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Everything that we tried was amazing, the options were great, pork-free friendly menu, and the service was really good. Our server was very knowledgeable on the menu and very accommodating for my party.

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  13. chris

    New York Area

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on September 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I went here for dinner, the food was excellent. Definitely get a cannoli if you go

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  14. JimA

    New York Area

    33 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    33 reviews

    Dined on September 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our third visit was Much like the first two..simply superb! Bravo Blue Cave! Quite frankly, you are a treasure with great food and excellent service. We recommend you to anyone who will listen.

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  15. PaulaMac

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 21, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience3
    Great Italian/Sicilian restaurant in downtown Buffalo. Food was excellent, staff very accommodating. Parking can be challenging.

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  16. JeffC

    New York Area

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Great service, extremely tasty food!! A little pricey but worth it!!

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  17. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was delicious and cooked to perfection. The server was very attentive and the front house staff were all inviting and friendly.

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  18. MarilynR

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Authentic Italian cooking at its best. They never disappoint.

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  19. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent appetizers and dinners. Our waitress was very helpful with the menu and super efficient snd pleasant. We will definitely recommend to our friends. and family.

    Is this helpful?

  20. SusanT

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience2
    Great food and service. Too loud due to metal walls and ceilings. Second time there both were positive

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  21. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall3food4service1ambience3
    Was not as good this time as it was the first time about 2-3 month ago. Service was non existent. Will still def give it another go.

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  22. PamelaR

    New York Area

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    The food was delicious. Fresh ingredients served hot which I love! The selection is varied but not overwhelming and the portions are large. The waitstaff were friendly and attentive but not overly so. The coffee was nice and strong and the tiramisu was light, fluffy and delicious. Be aware most of the seating is up a flight of stairs so not great for those with mobility issues who will need to sit at the bar downstairs or at outdoor seating area when weather permits. We will definitely make this one of our regular dining out options.

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  23. BuffaloATC

    New York Area

    7 reviews

    4.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    Food was excellent. Service was great, but we could tell our waitress was taking care of more tables than normal. She was apologetic in the delays. Would definitely come back. Everyone loved their meal and drinks.

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  24. AndrewD

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was outstanding Octopus was very good Had the bracioli and gnocchi bolognese. Delicious Table side service was great as well Only minor complaint. We arrived early for a cocktail before dinner Sat at the bar (only ones there) and the bartender ignored us for 5 minutes before she asked if wanted something

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  25. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    The staff was so accommodating. We sat in the bar area as the stairs were a problem for my husband. Food terrific, bartender and wait staff wonderful!

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  26. ColeG

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing food. I had the Pollo alla Milanese and it was very tasty and a sizeable portion. We ordered arancini for our appetizer and it was also excellent. Also can't recommend the cannoli enough - delicious as well. Overall, great food, service, and restaurant. Will be for sure dining here again.

    Is this helpful?

  27. DavidG

    Naples

    33 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    33 reviews

    Dined on September 1, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience3
    Food was good but just a little lacking in punch at times. Aranchini was impressive looking but needs something added (beef? peas?). Very pleasant and nice servers. Noise level is high so be prepared to walk out with a bit of Ear Ringing. We will be back and maybe stick more to their Pasta dishes versus what we ordered

    Is this helpful?

  28. Gordo

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was excellent from the moment we were greeted outside upon arrival to the very end. High end very delicious food at a reasonable price. We'll be back for sure.

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  29. KGun

    Nashville

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on August 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Never heard of the place, found on a random Google search for Italian restaurants in Buffalo. Based on reviews decided to try it. The caponata and octopus apps were beyond description and for entrees the braciole and branzino were outstanding. Highly recommended.

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  30. MelissaG

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I love this place, amazing salads, entrees and the best cannoli's

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  31. EileenB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We completely enjoyed our dinner last evening with you. I notified you of a late flight pick up for my husband -and you were nothing but kind. Everyone was very welcoming and Ashley was a great server! We had the Tricliata to start (OMG -yummy arancini) and my husband enjoyed his squid ink risotto - the shrimp were tender and portion quite generous! My salad was delish! We’ll definitely return AND tell our friends

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  32. EllenH

    Philadelphia

    81 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    81 reviews

    Dined on August 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It is a very eclectic place. The staff was great the food amazing octopus yummy pasta with sausage and mushrooms. Delicious pistachio gelato finish the meal. The cocktails were spot on 

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  33. RosalieB

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was good. Service great! We enjoyed ourselves and will definitely go again!

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  34. JackieV

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Tried Blue Cave after seeing the chef demonstrating his food on tv. So glad I did. I had a lovely salad, delicious grouper with saffron risotto, grilled asparagus and topped it off with chef’s crème brûlée and coffee. Excellent food. I’ll be going back.

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  35. stevec

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    loved it, food was delicious and staff was great. will be back for sure, thanks

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  36. StevenM

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food is authentic southern Italian prepared perfectly. Service was outstanding.

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  37. BigLi

    New York Area

    107 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    107 reviews

    Dined on August 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing food. Olivia our server was terrific and spot on with her suggestions including the wine! Definitely recommend. Very cute rustic feel. The only drawback is the location, wish it was in a more vibrant area. Will come back for sure !

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  38. JayS

    New York Area

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on August 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    First time here… service and food were amazing. Our server was very friendly and patient with us. She helped us with the menu and made many recommendations. The food was excellent. I’ll definitely return in the future.

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  39. MamaMia

    New York Area

    7 reviews

    4.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on August 11, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience4
    Good drinks and ambience Food was decent but bland. Staff was very kind.

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  40. Jackie

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 10, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    Food was great as was the service. The portions were too large. I had a difficult time with the many steps to the second floor. I have friends that I could not bring there because of that. Can they put in a gliding chair for seniors?

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Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily

FAQs

Blue Cave Italian Restaurant offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (716) 259-8145.

Blue Cave Italian Restaurant is rated 4.7 stars by 107 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 10 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Blue Cave Italian Restaurant

128 Genesee St, Buffalo, NY 14203-1508

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross street
    On Genesee St between Oak St. and E. Chippewa
  • Neighborhood
    Buffalo
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Tue–Thu 5:00 pm–9:30 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary Italian, Sicilian, Dessert
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Public transit
    Public transit stop directly across the street on Genesee St. at Oak.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Mario Bianca
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, View, Wine
  • Phone number
    (716) 259-8145
  • Private party facilities
    We are able to accommodate small private events. Call or email the restaurant to speak with Chef/Owner Mario to discuss details.
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