There’s More Great Food In Buffalo Than Just Chicken Wings

Buffalo has a storied reputation as a chicken wing town, but savvy diners know you can find much more than pub food here. And just like the rest of the city’s fabric, the culinary scene reflects Buffalo’s diverse populations, vibrant entrepreneurial culture and growing arts reputation. From fine dining to street food, there are plenty of places to eat in Buffalo where every palate can feel at home.

Unbeatable bar snacks with whiskey to match

With a curated menu of seasonal selections, a next-level burger and vegetables that steal the show, Marble & Rye makes a fantastic pre-theater dinner or downtown date night. For a more casual experience, belly up to the rustic wood bar and order a smattering of small plates. Pickled onion rings, crispy chickpeas and a house-made twist on Buffalo standard “chips and dip” pair perfectly with Marble & Rye’s stellar craft cocktails.

Elevated street tacos

It’s hard to pass up this tasty pairing of a crispy fish taco with Tricked Out Nachos at Lloyd Taco Factory.

Lloyd Taco Factory started as a single food truck, parking near the downtown business district during the work week for lunch hour. Today, Lloyd boasts a fleet of food trucks, two brick-and-mortar restaurants and a catering business, all serving a modern twist on classic Mexican fare. Build your own taco or burrito from a list of standard proteins, or try a chicken-and-waffle, Big Mac, or Pad Thai-inspired twist. Top it all off with its zesty, smoky Rocket Sauce—trust us, it’ll be love at first bite. Don’t worry, they sell bottles to bring home with you.

Upscale Italian with a killer wine list

If you’re looking for a special night out, in your search of places to eat in Buffalo, enjoy an unparalleled taste of the Old Country at Ristorante Lombardo. Since 1975, the Lombardo family has served authentic Italian cuisine that would make Nonna proud. Start with a signature Caesar salad and explore handmade pasta and perfectly cooked entrees served in a white tablecloth atmosphere that elevates your meal. Lombardo’s carefully chosen wine list is second to none, and their experts will help you pair it perfectly.

A worker-owned cafe with creative sandwiches

For a quick pick-me-up while exploring Buffalo’s Allentown and Elmwood Village shopping districts, swing into the West Side to BreadHive Bakery & Cafe. The local worker-owned cooperative started by selling only wholesale bagels and loaves, but now it also serves up exciting sandwiches from a sunny yellow clapboard cottage. Open for both breakfast and lunch, it provides plenty of hearty fare for vegetarians and vegans, as well. A new happy hour features local beer and wine served alongside freshly made bread and dips for a fortifying afternoon snack.

Top-notch sushi and Japanese-style seafood

Seabar’s dynamically colorful sushi dishes almost look too beautiful to eat. Photo Credit: KC Kratt Photography

While theater district standard Seabar originally earned a reputation among places to eat in Buffalo for its sushi, Chef Mike Andrzejewski can turn any dish into a culinary journey. With creative takes on Buffalo favorites like Beef on Weck sushi and beautiful large-plate preparations, seafood fans can’t miss this spot. If you’re lucky, you may even meet “Mike A,” who battled it out on The Food Network’s Beat Bobby Flay.

Buffalo’s other iconic dish in a cozy tavern

While the city is best known for chicken wings, the fish fry comes a close second on the list of the most popular and best food in Buffalo. At Wiechec’s Lounge, guests get a real taste of the city’s tavern culture, as well as the best fried fish in town. Do your taste buds a favor and order a plate of pierogi to start, but don’t fill up on the homemade Polish specialty. Wiechec’s enormous fried haddock comes with creamy macaroni salad, potato salad, coleslaw and French fries. Wash it all down with a Labatt Blue Light and you’ll feel like a local in no time!

Authentic Chinese dishes off the beaten path

Buffalo’s universities have drawn a large Chinese population to the area and with it, some amazing authentic Northern Chinese fare. Head to Peking Quick One in nearby Tonawanda to taste what the locals rave about. While the restaurant offers both an American and “homestyle” menu, go for the latter to get the full experience. Spicy-food aficionados should not miss the crispy fried chicken with Sichuan peppercorn and dried chilies or poached pork in a dangerously hot red broth. Be sure to order the cold sliced cucumber to cool yourself off.

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