Diners' Choice: Neighborhood gem restaurants in Western New York

OpenTable

Updated May 05, 2025

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

4.9

4.9 (1391)

$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

Lisa

Dined 5 days ago

We had a fabulous dinner. We were moved to a quieter table in the back room. Amy, our server, was absolutely fabulous and made our meal memorable. We will definitely be back.

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4.8

4.8 (32)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Buffalo

About the restaurant

Specializing in modern comfort food, Gertie’s in New York provides a vintage country atmosphere that gives patrons a relaxing chance at a fresh breath of air away from the city noise. Recipes change weekly and are influenced by diners from all across the world. Lunch offers specialty comfort items such as baked sweet potato fries, meatloaf, hand made pizzas and sandwiches. Gertie’s is made famous for its baked desserts, offering unique and custom twists on modern delicacies. The restaurant offers such desserts as ganache brownies, carrot cake and scones. Gertie’s gives New York diners a chance to experience the warmth and radiance of country family living, with many patrons returning to see that some of their favorite dishes have been added to the menu. With a certificate of excellence, the restaurant is a fresh step into a vintage home with a modern flair.

Top review

Sheryl

Dined on Apr 24, 2025

We moved to Clarence Center almost a year ago and live just around the corner from Gertie’s. We’ve given it a try a few times in the past, but honestly, we were never too impressed—until now. Last night, we decided to give it one more shot after hearing about the new chef. We’re so glad we did. The food was absolutely exceptional—such a noticeable improvement from our previous visits. My husband had the pork chop, and I ordered the sea bass. Oh my goodness… both were incredible. We left genuinely excited, and we’ll definitely be back. Gertie’s is officially on our regular rotation now!

Rick's on Main

4.7

4.7 (1447)

$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

Caitlin

Dined on Apr 26, 2025

Good was great, server was nice and knowledgeable!

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Hot Banana Pepper Dip

Waterstone Grill

4.6

4.6 (326)

$31 to $50

American

Hamburg

About the restaurant

Coming Soon!

Top review

DonaldVIP

Dined on Apr 26, 2025

Excellent all around! Quickly becoming our go to place!

Jack Rabbit

4.6

4.6 (439)

$30 and under

Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service

Buffalo

About the restaurant

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

Top review

Michael

Dined on Apr 25, 2025

Food was fantastic as always and our server was so perfect!

Mason's Grille 52

4.5

4.5 (1063)

$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

Trina

Dined on Apr 30, 2025

One of our favorite regular places to visit. The chocolate martinis are the best and dinner is always great!

Carte Blanche

4.5

4.5 (1637)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Hamburg

About the restaurant

The Carte Blanche Team is passionate about combining fresh ingredients to create a local cuisine for the Hamburg NY area. We are dedicated to creating an atmosphere that is both friendly and inviting for our local residents and visitors.
During this time we must follow all CDC guidelines regarding masks.
Guests must arrive promptly for their reservation wearing a mask. When moving throughout our space we require you to be wearing face covering correctly. Guests who arrive without masks will not be allowed to enter. Please understand that we are trying to keep our staff, their families and you safe during this time.
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 to ensure proper sanitation and so that we can seat future reservations in a timely manner.

Top review

Linda

Dined 4 days ago

Had a great girls night celebrating our 3 birthdays! One had chicken Milanese - delicious; another Pesto pasta - awesome; and finally Lemon truffle risotto with scallops - mmm! One of my favorite places to dine!

The Burning Buffalo Bar & Grill

4.4

4.4 (275)

$30 and under

American

Buffalo

About the restaurant

At The Burning Buffalo being a good neighbor is at the forefront of everything we do. We serve our community by providing impeccable food and beverages served with exceptional hospitality. In the spirit of generosity and kindness, we support our neighbors by sponsoring local sports leagues, hosting local events and giving back to the community where we live and work.

We specialize in elevated pub fare, craft cocktails, and craft beer. We also offer takeout and online ordering.

Top review

Kelly

Dined 3 days ago

Restaurant Week brought me in as a first time visitor, but I will be back. The food came out hot and was delicious, especially the roasted tomato basil soup. My next visit I hope to sit on the outdoor patio and enjoy the hustle of Hertel Ave. Service was prompt and efficient. The bar was very busy, also a good future option.

Blue Cave Italian Restaurant

4.3

4.3 (234)

$30 and under

Italian

Lewiston

About the restaurant

Experience contemporary Italian cuisine in a warm, casual setting at Blue Cave Italian.
Led by Chef Mario Bianca—originally from southern Italy—our kitchen brings together the bold, traditional flavors of Sicily with a modern Italian twist. Every dish is freshly prepared with passion and authenticity.
While our food and wine are thoughtfully curated, our vibe is laid-back and welcoming. We offer good food, good wine, and genuine hospitality. Whether you're planning a romantic date night, a family dinner, or celebrating a special occasion, Blue Cave offers a welcoming atmosphere in the heart of the historic Village of Lewiston, NY.

Top review

JohnVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Very happy we stopped by for a meal . The service and food were exceptional . We will definitely be back !

Trattoria Aroma - Williamsville

4.1

4.1 (701)

$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

Patrick

Dined today

Menu variety including seafood and meat was excellent. Food was terrific. Cocktails were terrific. Service by Lisa was excellent. Owner Reemo checked in with us twice.

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