Diners' Choice: Innovative restaurants in Western New York

OpenTable

Updated January 05, 2025

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 (3513)

$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

OpenTable Diner

Dined today

Our server Isabelle was awesome, very clear with what was going on and understanding when we needed a moment, the filet mignon in their gorgonzola cream sauce is easily, and by far, the best thing I have ever eaten, my wife was a big fan of the pasta Saratoga as well! We are definitely planning on coming back

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Popular dish

Corn and Crab Ravioli

Popular dish

Crab Crusted Salmon

Popular dish

Chocolate Mousse Cake

Mason's Grille 52

4.8

4.8 (1037)

$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

JanVIP

Dined 2 days ago

It is our go to restaurant on a regular basis. The food and service is always excellent. One of the best restaurants in the Village of Hamburg!

The Colden Mill Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (433)

$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

Erika

Dined on Jan 11, 2025

Absolutely wonderful! 5 star all around!! We can’t wait to go back!!

Jazzboline

4.6

4.6 (1853)

$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

Ellen

Dined 5 days ago

Our third time here, and the best yet. Sarah was fantastic.

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4.6

4.6 (47)

$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 on Jan 4, 2025

42 North offered our family excellent dining experience after a Shea’s performance. Our server was very helpful and attentive and our meals were excellent.

The Melting Pot - Buffalo

4.5

4.5 (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

Stacy

Dined 1 day ago

Fun but extremely expensive. I don’t know if I would come back

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Popular dish

Pure Chocolate Fondue

Experience

Thursdate

Experience

NEW! Ultimate 5-Course Experience

Patina 250

4.5

4.5 (1557)

$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

Diana

Dined 4 days ago

The salmon bowl was outstanding - perfectly cooked salmon with so many wonderful flavors alongside and the brussels sprouts perfect as always.

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4.5

4.5 (2125)

$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

Judy

Dined today

Great experience, service was awesome. Everyone enjoyed their food.

Blue Cave Italian Restaurant

4.5

4.5 (211)

$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 on Dec 21, 2024

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

Texas de Brazil - Buffalo

4.3

4.3 (4203)

$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

Karen

Dined 5 days ago

Awesome! Waiters and the people bringing the meat were fast and so nice. Food was awesome!

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Experience

HAPPY HOUR Mon-Fri

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