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Best Italian Restaurants in Buffalo

Best Italian Restaurants in Buffalo

Curated guide featuring 7 outstanding restaurants, all rated 4.5+ stars

Home › Where to Eat › Best Italian Restaurants in Buffalo

Buffalo's Italian food scene is the real deal, shaped by generations of Italian-American families who brought their recipes, traditions, and serious passion for good food to Western New York. This isn't just red sauce and checkered tablecloths (though you'll find those too, done right). From old-school red-gravy joints that have been feeding families since the 1920s to contemporary osterias putting creative spins on regional classics, the city's Italian restaurants offer everything from perfectly charred Sicilian-style pizza to tender osso buco that falls off the bone. The best part? These spots have earned their reputations through decades of consistent, honest cooking.

This guide brings together 10 of Buffalo's highest-rated Italian restaurants, each boasting at least 4.5 stars and hundreds (sometimes thousands) of rave reviews. You'll find beloved institutions where locals have celebrated life's big moments for generations, intimate neighborhood gems known for their handmade pasta, and upscale destinations that prove Italian cuisine is as sophisticated as it is comforting. Whether you're craving a classic chicken parm, fresh seafood with Sicilian flair, or a perfectly executed risotto, these restaurants represent the best of what Buffalo's Italian dining scene has to offer.

Featured Restaurants

Chef's Restaurant
$$

Chef's Restaurant

★★★★☆
4.5
(3,649 reviews)

This Buffalo institution has earned its stellar reputation with over 3,600 glowing reviews, drawing both locals and visitors for its welcoming atmosphere and diverse menu that caters to every palate. Travelers consistently praise the quality and value at this moderately priced gem, making it a reliable choice whether you're seeking a casual lunch or a satisfying dinner. Given its popularity, consider making a reservation ahead of time, especially during peak dining hours on weekends.

291 Seneca St, Buffalo, NY 14204, USA
Ilio DiPaolo's Restaurant & Banquet Facility
$$

Ilio DiPaolo's Restaurant & Banquet Facility

★★★★☆
4.7
(2,684 reviews)

This beloved Blasdell institution has earned its stellar reputation with nearly 3,000 glowing reviews, making it a reliable choice for both intimate dinners and special celebrations at their full-service banquet facility. Locals and visitors alike consistently praise the welcoming atmosphere and generous portions that won't break the bank. Given its popularity for events and gatherings, calling ahead for reservations is highly recommended, especially on weekends when the dining room fills quickly with regulars who've been coming back for years.

3785 South Park Ave, Blasdell, NY 14219, USA
Mulberry Italian Ristorante
$$

Mulberry Italian Ristorante

★★★★☆
4.7
(2,464 reviews)

This beloved Lackawanna gem has won over nearly 2,500 diners with its warm Italian hospitality and consistently excellent food, earning an impressive 4.7-star rating that speaks to both quality and value at moderate prices. Travelers rave about the authentic flavors and welcoming atmosphere that make it feel like dining at a friend's family table. Given its popularity, consider making a reservation for weekend evenings, and don't hesitate to ask your server for their personal recommendations from the menu.

64 Jackson Ave, Lackawanna, NY 14218, USA
La Bella Sicilia
$$

La Bella Sicilia

★★★★☆
4.5
(2,417 reviews)

La Bella Sicilia has earned its stellar reputation among Buffalo diners, with over 2,400 reviews praising its welcoming atmosphere and consistently satisfying fare. Travelers appreciate the reliable quality and moderate pricing that makes it perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions without breaking the bank. Given its popularity, consider making a reservation during peak dining hours, especially on weekends when locals pack this Genesee Street favorite.

2909 Genesee St, Buffalo, NY 14225, USA
Giancarlo’s Sicilian Steakhouse
$$$

Giancarlo’s Sicilian Steakhouse

★★★★☆
4.6
(1,428 reviews)

Giancarlo's Sicilian Steakhouse brings together the best of Italian and American steakhouse traditions in a warm, upscale setting that's earned it an impressive 4.6-star rating from over 1,400 diners. Travelers consistently praise the generous portions, attentive service, and the restaurant's ability to handle both romantic dinners and family celebrations with equal finesse. Make a reservation for weekend evenings when this Williamsville favorite tends to fill up quickly, and come hungry enough to fully appreciate their hearty portions.

5110 Main St Ste 125, Williamsville, NY 14221, USA
Osteria 166
$$

Osteria 166

★★★★☆
4.5
(875 reviews)

This beloved Franklin Street gem has earned its stellar reputation among locals and visitors alike, with nearly 900 glowing reviews praising its welcoming atmosphere and diverse menu offerings. Diners consistently rave about the quality and variety, making it a reliable choice whether you're craving comfort food or something more adventurous. With its moderate pricing and high ratings, it's smart to arrive early during weekend dinner service, as this popular spot fills up quickly with crowds who know good food when they find it.

166 Franklin St, Buffalo, NY 14202, USA
Lombardo
$$

Lombardo

★★★★☆
4.7
(747 reviews)

This beloved Hertel Avenue bar has earned its stellar 4.7-star rating from over 700 reviewers thanks to its welcoming neighborhood vibe and consistently satisfying food and drinks. Locals and visitors alike praise it as the kind of reliable spot where you can settle in for casual drinks with friends or a laid-back meal without breaking the bank. Arrive during happy hour to experience the lively atmosphere when this Buffalo favorite really comes alive.

1198 Hertel Ave, Buffalo, NY 14216, USA

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