The decor is not exactly upscale and the dress code is very informal, but the food in this North Buffalo restaurant is outstanding. Basically, it's a pizzeria with pasta, wings, subs and other munchies that will force you to loosen your belt a notch or two. It is an affordable blue-jeans joint—no pretentiousness here—a great place to bring the kids. Nearby attractions include Delaware Park, the Buffalo Zoological Gardens and the Anderson Gallery.
Since 1946, Bocce Club Pizza has been serving up pizza and more. Founder Dino Pacciotti had worked at the Bocce Club in Buffalo, which served drinks and snacks, and also had bocce ball courts. Dino had the opportunity to purchase the club and soon developed his own pizza recipe. He moved the pizzeria to Bailey Avenue in Amherst in 1954 and later opened a second location on Hopkins Road in Williamsville in 1988. The pizza dough and sauce are made from scratch daily. In addition to a variety of pizzas, including the original 18-inch bocce pizza, they have specialty pizzas like white pizza and chicken finger pizza. The menu also features chicken wings, boneless wing bites, chicken fingers, salads, subs, wraps, and burritos. The restaurant is strictly takeout and delivery is available. Partially baked pizzas can be shipped overnight nationwide to friends and relatives.-Christine A. Smyczynski
My Tomato Pie, located in Northtown Plaza, is primarily known for its popular fried green tomatoes. These plump, green tomatoes are coated in cornmeal then lightly fried and served with roasted red peppers alongside a ranch dip. Other appetizers include Mama Rose's stuffed peppers, stuffed mushrooms and bruschetta. Lunch entrees include a variety of sandwiches and wraps, including panini made with homemade Focaccia. Dinner entrees include pasta dishes like spaghetti and cheese ravioli, as well as Chicken Marsala and Eggplant Parmesan. There are also over a dozen specialty pizzas on the menu.
This small, yet cozy eatery has been voted to have the best cheese and pepperoni in Buffalo. Since 1979, they have been serving specialty pizzas, wings, fingers, wraps, stromboli, subs, and more. They serve an all-you-can eat spaghetti dinner on Mondays; along with a lunchtime all you can order the all you can eat pizza. Their award wining cannoli pizza is made with cannoli, cream, powdered sugar, chocolate sauce, and chocolate chips. Daily specials include wing night on Thursday and a Friday fish fry. Be entertained by Mr. No the Balloon Guy. - Christine A. Smyczynski
Since 1957, La Nova has been serving pizza and later, wings, in the Buffalo area. Owned and operated by the Todaro family, the restaurant has two locations and is the largest independent pizzeria in the United States. They ship pizza and wings overnight anywhere in the country, and are one of the top sellers of Buffalo wings in the nation. The menu features traditional pizza, a New York style pizza with really thin crust. and a gluten-free pizza. Some of their specialty pizzas include a super steak pizza, California veggie pizza, and bacon cheeseburger pizza. Their award-winning wings come in more flavors than you thought possible, and include unique selections like the Jay Leno wing and Italian style wings topped with marinara sauce. -Christine A. Smyczynski
In business in various locations around western New York since 1927, family owned and operated Santora's Pub and Grill is known for their pizza and Italian specialties. Other food to mention are subs, 16 flavors of char-grilled wings, pitas, wraps, and more! Located next to the buffalo Niagara Marriott, Santora's is a popular place for locals and visitors. In addition to a spacious dining room that seats 100 people, Santora's also has a seasonal patio and a large bar area. Eighteen flat-screen TV's can be found throughout the restaurant and bar area. For your entertainment, there is a dart game and bubble hockey table in the bar. 24 beers are on tap and 20 more are available bottled. New York and California wines are also served. Santora's offers a daily all-you-can-eat pizza lunch from 11a-2p. Banquet facilities are available. - Christine A. Smyczynski