Top Rated Restaurants & Cafes in Buffalo

Casual and friendly, Osteria 166 is a nice place to stop by for a quick lunch or a leisurely, fun meal out with friends. The atmosphere is lively and vibrant, with plenty of groups and couples enjoying a meal out. The restaurant has a buzzing bar section, as well as a quieter restaurant dining area. The bar often features live music and is great for an after work drink with colleagues. The menu is largely Italian featuring comfort favorites like Fresh Mussel Stew, Burrata with Charred Bread, Veal, Spaghetti and Meatballs and Classic Pizza.

Placed in the Greenhouse Food Court of the Main Place Mall, this place serves some mouth watering sandwiches and wraps all in Deli style. The baked potatoes are worth giving a try. Though on an expensive side, this place is good to grab a bite after a long day of shopping. Make sure you inquire about the happy hours and other offer related coupons provided.

Occupying a first floor space in the swank Avant Building in Downtown Buffalo, SEAR introduces an inventive take on the classic New York steakhouse. This modern restaurant offers an exquisite chef-driven menu that features brilliantly plated creations of Wagyu Beef Carapaccio, Pork Belly, Prime Ribeye, and the Kansas City strip. There is also a small plates menu, and a customary seafood menu serving staples like Seared Sea Bass, and Seared Ahi Tuna. An impressive wine list featuring nearly 350 wines complements the flavors wonderfully. With respect to the decor, SEARS sports a chic, modern layout, replete with dark mahogany wood furniture, sleek banquette seating, and a delicate crystal ceiling to dine under. The restaurant also provides a room for private dining, as well as a separate bar counter, distinct from the main dining area.

This locally-owned coffeehouse offers a welcomed alternative to corporate shops and is the place to relax while enjoying a delicious cup of joe. The large two-room cafe has become a gallery for local artists and a stage for local musicians. The menu includes several baked goods and other food items. In addition, you'll find a wide selection of coffee products and machines for sale. The Calumet Arts Club is a hop, skip and a jump from this Delaware location.

Located in the center of the city, within the Hotel @ The Lafayette, Public Espresso + Coffee is a great choice if you are looking for some of the finest coffee drinks in Buffalo. The elegant decor of the place is perfect for a business conversation or simply reading a book, while sipping a steaming cup of coffee. The drinks here are prepared using the finest of coffee beans and other ingredients. Matcha Green Tea Latte, Cappuccino, Strawberry Pop Tart are some of the local favorites on the menu. You can also enjoy a Revolution Roast or an Emoji Cookie along with your drink. The service here is quick with friendly staff members as well. If at Buffalo and you are a coffee lover, Public Espresso + Coffee must definitely be tried.

While this upscale yet casual downtown eatery has all sorts of lunch and dinner entrees to choose from, the reason you come here is for the chocolate. First, the entrees offer salads like Greek pasta salad, Buffalo cobb salad or Thai chicken salad, or perhaps try a sandwich like turkey Florentine, peanut butter, honey and banana or Buffalo chicken. Then there's desserts, with specialties like molten lava cake, frozen hot chocolate and more, including homemade ice cream with flavors like Belgian hot fudge, sinnamon (sinfully delicious cinnamon?), and "peanut butter panic". They also serve over 2 dozen different martinis. - Christine A. Smyczynski