Buffalo’s Restaurants

The Best Restaurants in Western NY

While Buffalo’s culinary reputation rests largely on the spread of our wings around the world and the now common use of “Buffalo-style” to indicate a spicy experience ahead, the city is in fact a melting pot of diverse dishes, cuisines, and dining experiences. Old school restaurateurs who have been perfecting their menus for decades are being joined by a new generation of chefs (many of them former Buffalonians returning to their resurgent hometown) who are opening innovative restaurants that are re-defining dining in the city.

A variety of flavors

Alongside these re-pats are immigrants and refugees who are bringing a taste of places like Myanmar, Ethiopia, Cambodia and Iraq to the streets of Buffalo. If that’s not enough variety, the city has dozens of food trucks rolling around that serve everything from poutine to pierogi. Sure, come for the wings, but stay to sample one of the most dynamic food cities in the United States.

Harrita West is the owner of Park Vue Soul Food Bar and Restaurant in Buffalo’s Schiller Park neighborhood.

  1. Baba’s Place

    Baba’s Place located on Bailey Avenue in East Buffalo, in the University District is my favorite Mediterranean restaurant. Chef Bashir and team take pride in serving fresh food made to order. Two of my favorite meals are the open chicken soulvaki and shrimp stir fry served with a warm pita. Their food melts in my mouth.

    3318 Bailey Ave.

  2. Ms. Goodies

    An East Buffalo favorite for the Sunday dinner buffet and the junkyard dog. The Sunday buffet consists of a main course and three sides, cornbread, and Kool-Aid as a beverage. Chef Celena and Team have been serving the community for 17 years.

    1836 Bailey Ave.

  3. Phat Catz Restaurant & Bar

    This minority and locally owned restaurant is also located in East Buffalo. Chef Kim and her team specialize in soul food cuisine–specifically southern fried chicken, seafood and much more.

    965 Kensington Ave.

  4. The Rose Bar & Grill

    The Rose Bar & Grill is in downtown Buffalo. The owner and staff are friendly, and they offer great food, great drinks, and a great atmosphere. My favorite is their salmon dinner.

    199 Scott St.

  5. Parkside Meadow

    Located in Buffalo’s Historic Parkside community. I love going there not only because of the amazing food but also the décor. Everything in the building is decorated with unique Buffalo memorabilia. The House Burger and Buffalo Chicken Wings are my favorite items from this restaurant.

    2 Russell St.