The 5 Best Restaurants in Buffalo, NY

Whether you live in Buffalo or you’re in town to visit nearby Niagara Falls, you want to try the top restaurants Buffalo has to offer. So without further adieu, here are our picks for the five best restaurants in Buffalo, in no particular order:

• Raclettes: This Parisian-style bistro is the place to try charcuterie and fine cheese in Buffalo.
• Buffalo Little Lamb: Never tried Mongolian-style hot pot before? Little Lamb is an excellent spot to dive in for the first time. See our Buffalo Little Lamb deal.
• Anchor Bar: Take part in time-honored tradition (since 1964) and scarf down as many buffalo wings as you can at this iconic bar, where it was invented.
• Fuji Grill: Enjoy watching chefs show off the cooking and knife skills on the teppanyaki grill...or stick to the delicious and expansive sushi menu. See our Fuji Grill deal
• Dinosaur Bar-b-que: One of Western New York’s best barbecue spots is this laid-back bar—its fans insist the pulled pork can’t be beat.

Spotlight on: Oh Canada Eh Dinner Show

See our Oh Canada Eh Dinner Show deal.

Right across the northern border in Niagara Falls, the Oh Canada Eh Dinner Show puts on pure Canadian entertainment in a 250-seat log-cabin theater. This comical, kitschy, musical dinner show provides dozens of Canadian-themed tunes over the course of two hours Best yet, you’ll enjoy a classic Canadian dinner: Quebecois pea soup, Atlantic haddock, BBQ ribs, and roasted chicken.   

See what actual customers say about Oh Canada Eh Dinner Show:

“This show was the BEST entertainment we experienced on our visit to Canada! After spending many hours viewing, hiking, walking, boating, and listening to the great Niagara Falls, this was the perfect cultural event to attend for a change of environment.” - Linda Y.

“The most fabulous show I have ever seen. Two and a half hours of nonstop singing and merriment. There are a total of 71 songs in the show. Most amazingly beautiful voices. Excellent food and service. ... Don't miss this!” - Catherine P.

“The Oh Canada Dinner Theatre and show was so, so funny. I laughed until I had tears running down my checks ... best show ever. ... The food was good too, especially the fried haddock, best I have ever had.” - Jeanne M P

Great Downtown Buffalo Restaurants

Whether you’re visiting downtown Buffalo for a Sabres game or to go to the theater, it’s nice to have solid options for lunch and dinner. To that end, we recommend these downtown Buffalo restaurants for your pre- or post-event meal.

• 31 Club: In the 1940’s, 31 Club was Buffalo’s most-popular supper club, and it continues that tradition with first-class steaks and seafood, served in a warmly updated dining room. See our 31 Club deal.
• Bacchus Wine Bar: American-style tapas and a massive wine list put Bacchus on 10Best’s list of Buffalo’s best restaurants.
• Toutant: Chef James Roberts brings Gulf seafood dishes and New Orleans-style drinks and desserts to upstate New York at this uproariously fun restaurant.

Spotlight on: Buffalo Little Lamb

See our Buffalo Little Lamb deal here.

When you go to Little Lamb, you take part in a Mongolian-inspired tradition that takes place at hundreds of “Little Lambs” all over the world. The basic idea: you choose the broth, the meats, and the veggies, then you cook it yourself, one piece at a time, in a hot pot at your own table. It’s a delicious formula, and you’ll savor proteins ranging from beef rib-eye to shrimp balls...all cooked right in front of you.

See what actual customers have to say about Buffalo Little Lamb:

“Wasn’t sure what we were getting into when we arrived. We were pleasantly surprised. From the sheer value of the meal, to the flavors, to the uniqueness of the experience and the helpfulness if the staff. ... We did the all you could eat and the value was certainly worth it.” - Chris Von R.

“I love how you make your own experience, You control the amount you spend and how much food you want. You choose the flavor profile and add-ins. The food is so delicious and fresh.” - Tammy T.

“Great food, great service. ... The fish and vegetables were fresh, the sauces were amazing and the seafood broth was delicious. ...  Very helpful staff and reasonable prices. Best hotpot in Western New York.” - Behjat H.

The Best Buffalo Wings in Buffalo

We’ll leave out Anchor Bar, a Buffalo institution where the buffalo wing was conceived. That’s a must-visit. But where else should you try the hallowed bar food? Try these three spots:

• Bar Bill Tavern: NyUp.com picked this East Aurora bar as having the best wings in the city, plus it offers a mean beef on weck, Buffalo’s other culinary classic.

• Gabriel’s Gate: This was the choice of Bon Appetit magazine, which praised Gabriel’s delicate, tangy sauce as “balanced to a tee.”
• Duff’s Famous Wings: Perhaps Anchor Bar’s biggest rival, Duff’s wings are slathered in its “famous sauce,” which is known around Buffalo as being especially spicy.

Spotlight On: Black Button Distillery

See our Black Button Distillery deal.

Craft distilleries are popping up all over the country, but what makes Black Button Distillery stand out might be its backstory. Head distiller Jason Barrett comes from a family of button-makers, and all through his childhood, Jason thought he’d be a button-maker, too. But then he discover a new love: great whiskey—and that passion won out with the creation of Black Button Distillery. Taste Jason’s straight bourbon whisky, summery gin, and even apple-pie moonshine.  

See what actual customers have to say about Black Button Distillery:

“A great place to sip on a bourbon on ice or enjoy a local craft beer. The staff was very friendly and attentive. Loved it. We will return!” - Audrey K.

“Outstanding. Servers Allie and Christian made us so comfortable and were very knowledgeable in explaining our tasting experience. Also was pleasantly surprised by the great cheese, cracker and meat board that was part of the tasting experience.” - Martin J.

“Just a great experience all the way around. Our "bartender" was very knowledgeable and helpful! All of the spirits were really good and the drink she made with the spirit we chose was fantastic. We sat and talked with her for quite awhile. Even the other people working took time to talk with us. DEFINITELY will be back” - Robin R.