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

OpenTable

Updated March 05, 2025

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!

Lucia's on the Lake

4.9

4.9 (4823)

$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

Fred

Dined 2 days ago

A scrumptious meal and a pleasant atmosphere made for an unforgettable experience. Great selection of fare perfectly timed and artistically prepared. Welcoming vibe and beautiful view of the lake as well!

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JUMBO SCALLOPS RISOTTO

BUFFALO CHOPHOUSE - PRIME STEAKS & FRESH SEAFOOD

4.8

4.8 (3417)

$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

OpenTable Diner

Dined 3 days ago

Service was incredible and the meal was cooked to perfection.

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Popular dish

Mile High Chocolate Cake for Two

Popular dish

12 oz Filet Mignon

Mulberry Italian Ristorante

4.8

4.8 (1356)

$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

OpenTable Diner

Dined 5 days ago

Amazing Italian food and outstanding service! Every dish was full of authentic flavors, and the staff was warm and attentive. A truly wonderful dining experience—I’ll definitely be back!

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4.8

4.8 (1423)

$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

OpenTable Diner

Dined 5 days ago

Love it here! Always a stop when visiting EA. Always get the scallops tostadas!!!

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Hot Banana Pepper Dip

Russell's Steaks, Chops, and More

4.7

4.7 (8033)

$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

JulieVIP

Dined 5 days ago

Wonderful meal to celebrate a milestone birthday. Attention to detail was wonderful - food delicious!

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The Colden Mill Restaurant

4.7

4.7 (438)

$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

Daniel

Dined on Mar 8, 2025

All good , nice ambience , very good service will definitely be back

Mason's Grille 52

4.6

4.6 (1057)

$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

timothycVIP

Dined 5 days ago

Very good appetizers, cocktails and array of dinner selections for 8. Service was outstanding. Love going here

Texas de Brazil - Buffalo

4.5

4.5 (4201)

$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

OpenTable Diner

Dined 3 days ago

Our server Andrew was amazing. He made us feel like we were his only table. Honestly, the meats were great, but actually Andrew made our experience what it was. We will definitely be back, but it will be with the whole family. Hopefully, Andrew will still be here....because I want to us to be where he is. Thank you Andrew, you made my wifes birthday experience amazing.

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Experience

HAPPY HOUR Mon-Fri

Carte Blanche

4.5

4.5 (1628)

$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

Dawn

Dined 3 days ago

We enjoyed Carte Blanche and will revisit soon. The food I would have given three and a half stars if able.

Italian Prime at Salvatore's

3.8

3.8 (4206)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Cheektowaga

About the restaurant

Established in 1967, ITALIAN | PRIME at Salvatore's is recognized as one of Western New York's premier full-service fine dining restaurant. The chefs have created an inspired menu with Steaks, Seafood and Italian Cuisine. Awards include the DiRONA and the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence — Two Cups.

Our team of Chefs are continually updating the menu and services with creative offerings and is now noted as Buffalo's only Italian Steakhouse.

The Chandelier Bar, at Salvatore's, has become a destination on its own. The Salvatores have created a relaxing contemporary space for a casual meal, happy hours, weekday specials and live music.

Salvatore's Hospitality, also offers two boutique hotels. The Garden Place Hotel and The Delavan Hotel and Spa offer hotel, Spa and dinner packages, perfect for a quick getaway, and out of town guests. Buffalo Niagara International Airport shuttle service is complimentary with your hotel rese

Top review

Karen

Dined 3 days ago

Loved the food and the atmosphere in this restaurant is very professional, the staff are so accommodating I will definitely go again when I’m in town .

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