Best Restaurants in Buffalo to Suit Every Craving

Buffalo, New York, is a city with a strong identity shaped by its history, communities, and creativity. While it might be world-famous for chicken wings, Buffalo’s food scene is far more diverse, welcoming food lovers with options that suit every taste and budget.

This article explores the best places to eat in Buffalo across different categories—from affordable gems to vegetarian spots and romantic venues. Whether you’re just visiting or a local rediscovering the city’s flavor, there’s something here to inspire your next meal.

Traveling with luggage? Drop it off at one of Qeepl’s convenient luggage storage spots across Buffalo. Whether you’re walking Elmwood Village, visiting the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, or catching a game downtown, you can store your bags safely and explore hands-free.

What Should You Know About Food in Buffalo?

Buffalo’s culinary identity is bold, flavorful, and comforting. Its most iconic creation—the Buffalo wing—was born at Anchor Bar in 1964 and remains a proud symbol of local flavor. But the best food in Buffalo doesn’t stop there.

Local favorites like beef on weck sandwiches, sponge candy, pierogis, and Friday fish fries reflect the region’s German, Polish, and Italian heritage. Many dishes here lean into hearty, savory territory, but the city also embraces creativity, global cuisines, and plant-based innovation. Buffalo is a city where you can grab a plate of wings one night, and enjoy truffle risotto or pho the next.

Best Affordable Restaurants in Buffalo

Buffalo proves that great food doesn’t have to come with a high price tag. These five affordable restaurants serve satisfying meals without stretching your budget.

1. Amy’s Place

Located near the University at Buffalo South Campus, Amy’s Place is a long-standing diner with a big personality. The menu blends classic American breakfasts with Lebanese specialties like lentil soups and falafel wraps. The lentil-berry sandwich is a vegetarian local favorite.

Prices range from $7 to $14, and portions are generous. With its quirky murals and casual vibe, it’s a go-to for students and locals looking for hearty, flavorful meals near the University Heights neighborhood.

2. Swan Street Diner

A vintage 1930s diner car turned breakfast destination, Swan Street Diner is parked right in the heart of Larkinville, near the buzzing Larkin Square. This spot serves up thick buttermilk pancakes, homemade cinnamon rolls, and diner classics in a nostalgic setting.

Most dishes are under $13, making it an excellent choice for a budget-friendly breakfast or brunch. Its location also puts you within walking distance of galleries and food trucks in the warmer months.

3. Lone Star Fajita Grill

A small local Tex-Mex chain, Lone Star is the go-to place for quick burritos, tacos, and nachos—customizable and packed with flavor. You’ll find their Elmwood Avenue location bustling, especially with shoppers visiting the nearby Elmwood Village boutiques.

Most meals are $8–$11, and you won’t leave hungry. It’s perfect for a fast, satisfying lunch or casual dinner after a walk through Bidwell Parkway.

4. Gino’s NY Pizza

Gino’s is beloved for its classic New York-style slices—thin, cheesy, and always fresh. Located downtown near Shea’s Performing Arts Center, it’s a great stop before or after a show.

A slice runs around $4, and full pies start under $20. They also serve subs, wings, and pasta, making it a solid choice for groups or families.

5. Pho Lantern

This Vietnamese spot is a gem near Buffalo’s Medical Campus. Pho Lantern is known for its steaming bowls of beef or veggie pho, spring rolls, and vermicelli bowls.

Prices stay around $10–$15, and the ambiance is warm and welcoming. It’s a great comfort food option, especially during Buffalo’s cold winters.

Top Vegetarian Restaurants in Buffalo

Buffalo’s veggie-forward scene offers plenty of exciting flavors, whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or just craving plant-based meals.

1. Root & Bloom

Root & Bloom is a fully vegan bistro in North Buffalo, near Delaware Park and the Buffalo Zoo. Its inventive takes on comfort food—like cauliflower wings, seitan burgers, and cashew mac and cheese—draw both plant-based diners and curious omnivores.

Dishes are priced between $11 and $18, with local ingredients and seasonal menus. The funky, artsy interior adds to its charm, especially in warmer months when patio seating opens.

2. Sunshine Vegan Eats

Located on the East Side, this Black-owned vegan restaurant infuses soul food traditions with plant-based goodness. Think loaded nacho fries, vegan cheesesteaks, and weekend brunches with sweet potato waffles.

Prices hover around $10–$13, and portions are hearty. It’s also close to Martin Luther King Jr. Park, ideal for a post-meal walk.

3. Big Mood

Tucked in the trendy Allentown neighborhood, Big Mood offers bold, modern vegan dishes in a lively, neon-lit setting. The rotating menu features highlights like tofu tikka masala, jackfruit BBQ sandwiches, and vegan milkshakes.

Meals typically range from $12 to $19. The atmosphere is upbeat and social, making it perfect for casual dinners and group meetups before heading to local bars or music venues.

4. India Gate

Situated on Elmwood Avenue, India Gate is not fully vegetarian, but its meat-free dishes are some of the best in the city. Try the palak paneer, vegetable korma, or daal makhani.

The lunch buffet is around $14, and à la carte entrées are $12–$16. With elegant décor and attentive service, it’s a cozy dinner spot before a stroll through Elmwood Village.

5. Taste of Siam

A quiet, unassuming Thai restaurant near South Park, Taste of Siam serves classic curries, stir-fries, and noodle dishes with plenty of vegetarian options. Try the tofu panang curry or vegetable pad Thai.

Most dishes are $10 to $14, and the space is serene, ideal for a relaxed meal away from crowds.

Romantic Restaurants in Buffalo

Whether it’s an anniversary, first date, or just a special night out, these restaurants set the perfect mood.

1. Hutch’s

A cornerstone of Buffalo’s upscale dining, Hutch’s is located near Buffalo State University and Albright-Knox Art Gallery. Known for its fine steaks, crab cakes, and wine list, the restaurant oozes elegance with candlelit tables and soft jazz.

Expect entrées to cost $28–$45. The location and ambiance make it ideal for couples looking for a refined evening.

2. Tempo

On Delaware Avenue in Elmwood Village, Tempo is stylish, intimate, and consistently praised for its Italian-American menu. You’ll find dishes like truffle risotto, veal saltimbocca, and handmade pastas.

Prices range from $30–$50 per entrée. It’s an excellent spot to enjoy a quiet dinner before exploring Elmwood’s shops or attending a gallery opening.

3. Lucia’s on the Lake

Located along the Lake Erie shoreline, Lucia’s combines a romantic setting with upscale Italian cuisine. Sunset views from the dining room are stunning, especially in the summer months.

Dishes range from $25–$40, and the seafood is especially popular. After dinner, take a lakeside walk from Woodlawn Beach State Park, just minutes away.

4. The Left Bank

With exposed brick, dim lighting, and live music on weekends, The Left Bank offers a cozy yet upscale vibe near Allentown’s historic homes. Its gnocchi with Gorgonzola cream sauce and sesame-crusted tuna are standout dishes.

Prices are $20–$35. It’s a favorite for locals and visitors alike looking for a charming, unpretentious spot for date night.

5. Chez Ami

Inside the art deco Curtiss Hotel in downtown Buffalo, Chez Ami is known for its revolving bar, chic decor, and American-style menu with European flair. Try the scallops or the bone-in ribeye.

Main courses run $25–$45. After dinner, ride the elevator to the rooftop lounge for city views and a nightcap, just steps from Canalside.

Are There Michelin Star Restaurants in Buffalo?

According to the Michelin Guide’s official website, Buffalo currently has no Michelin-starred restaurants. The city is not yet part of Michelin’s reviewed regions, which means its outstanding restaurants haven’t been officially evaluated for stars.

However, based on quality, consistency, and local acclaim, here are three of the best restaurants in Buffalo that could easily stand out in a Michelin-style review:

• Hutch’s: Known for its polished New American cuisine and upscale, yet welcoming atmosphere, Hutch’s is a mainstay on Buffalo’s fine dining circuit. Located near cultural landmarks like the Albright-Knox Art Gallery and Delaware Park, it attracts locals and visitors alike with expertly crafted steaks, seafood, and seasonal specialties. The attentive service and sophisticated wine list only add to its high-end appeal.
• Lucia’s on the Lake: Perched along the shores of Lake Erie, Lucia’s offers sweeping water views and a romantic ambiance that pairs perfectly with its elevated Italian menu. Signature dishes such as lobster ravioli and grilled branzino are plated with care and flavor, making it a destination for anniversaries and date nights. The sunset views alone would earn Michelin’s nod for unforgettable atmosphere.
• Root & Bloom: This vibrant, 100% vegan restaurant in North Buffalo is a standout for its artistic presentation, bold flavors, and commitment to sustainability. With dishes like jackfruit banh mi, buffalo cauliflower wings, and house-made cashew cheeses, Root & Bloom blends innovation with warmth. Its use of local ingredients and constantly evolving menu reflects the kind of thoughtful, forward-thinking dining that Michelin tends to reward.