Diners' Choice: Best Food restaurants in Western New York

OpenTable

Updated November 05, 2026

Looking for restaurants with the best overall cuisine in Western New York? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Lucia's on the Lake

4.9

4.9 (5460)

$31 to $50

Italian

Buffalo

About the restaurant

Voted one of The Top 100 Restaurants in The United States by OpenTable Diners, Lucia's On The Lake is a captivating contemporary Seafood, Steak, and Italian Restaurant right on the Water. Featuring a Rooftop Patio, and Waterviews throughout the entire restaurant, Diners are captivated by the beauty of the Lake, warm ambience, dynamic food, and exceptional service.

AWARDS
Voted Top 100 Overall Restaurant USA - OpenTable 2023, 2024
Voted Top 100 Restaurant with a View USA - OpenTable 2021, 2022
Voted Top 100 Most Romantic Restaurant USA - OpenTable 2022
Best of 716 New York - 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
Best of 716 Overall Restaurant 2024, 2025
OpenTable Diners Choice Award - 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026
DiRona Wine Spectator Award of Excellence North America 2024, 2025

*We want to be as accommodating as possible when it comes to reservations, if it says nothing available please give us a call to make a reservation! (716)-627-9752

Top review

Alexis

Dined 4 days ago

My fiancé and I decided to try Lucia’s for the first time. This was our last anniversary as an unmarried couple and what a phenomenal experience it was. Thomas provided some of the best service we have ever had. The food and cocktails were as great as he was. Everything we ordered delivered and even exceeded what we had expected. We cannot wait to make this a yearly (at least) place for us!

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Stella A Kitchen and Bar

4.9

4.9 (813)

$31 to $50

American

Lakewood

About the restaurant

Join us for casual fine dining in an eclectic atmosphere. Our kitchen is led by chef owner Bruce Stanton. We take pride in sourcing and preparing fresh quality seafood and meats, pastas, unique salads and southern inspired dishes. Serving dinner Wednesday-Saturday, reservations are highly recommended. 3 time winner of open table diners choice.
We are steps from Chautauqua Lake ( public dock in summer) , a short drive from the National Comedy Center, Chautauqua Institution, and the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel.
Booking special events on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday evenings and luncheons everyday.
Stella will be closed from Jan 1- Feb 3, 2026. We look forward to seeing you Feb 4!

Top review

Karen

Dined 2 days ago

Been here many times, it never disappoints! Great food and great service every time!

Mulberry Italian Ristorante

4.9

4.9 (1986)

$31 to $50

Italian

Buffalo

About the restaurant

Equal parts restaurant and experience, Mulberry Italian Ristorante is a wonderful option for those who want an authentically delicious meal. Explaining that it may look like the Bronx, but that it tastes like Manhattan, this cozy eatery is just south of the center of Buffalo and offers iconic Italian foods.

Visitors to Mulberry Italian Ristorante can enjoy their lunch or dinner menu items and will find that even some of the standards are far more creative than what they usually encounter. Freshness is also a huge part of the experience, and the caprese is hand crafted each day while the pasta is homemade on the premises. Delicious and comprehensive, the Mulberry Italian Ristorante menu is a delight.

Top review

Jennifer

Dined 5 days ago

We dine there a few times a year as we are from Rochester. It is always an amazing experience and the food is absolutely delicious.

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4.9

4.9 (45)

$50 and over

American

Aurora

About the restaurant

Join us for an interactive chef's table dining experience! Gather around the counter for a show-stopping five-course prix fixe meal inspired by the season's bounty. Wine pairings and à la carte beverages are available. We can accommodate most dietary restrictions with advance notice.

Top review

StephenGold

Dined on Oct 12, 2026

We had a lovely meal at Aurora Cooks the other evening. Abby, the chef, made our dining experience engaging, informative and delicious. Justin’s service and knowledge of the local wines made for a very pleasant evening. The setting was beautiful and the sunset spectacular.

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Experience

Aurora Cooks! Chef's Counter

Bacchus Wine Bar & Restaurant - Buffalo, NY

4.9

4.9 (2882)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Buffalo

About the restaurant

Bacchus wine bar and restaurant is located in the historic Calumet building in the heart of Buffalo's entertainment district. A seasonal menu highlights the best available ingredients from local and regional farms. Together with our Wine Spectator award winning wine list, this elegant yet casual restaurant has continually been ranked as one of Buffalo's best.

Top review

Jonathan

Dined 3 days ago

Bacchus is one of my favorite restaurants in Buffalo!

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Experience

Charlie Brown Christmas

Experience

Charlie Brown Christmas

Giancarlo's

4.8

4.8 (3986)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Buffalo

About the restaurant

Giancarlo's Sicilian Steakhouse blends bold Sicilian flavors with American steakhouse traditions and Neapolitan influences. We take pride in using the finest ingredients, from prime cut steaks to authentic Sicilian flavors, crafting dishes that are both classic and innovative. With warm hospitality and elegant private dining spaces, we create the perfect setting for special occasions and corporate events. Join us at Giancarlo's, where every table has a story.

Top review

Jada

Dined 2 days ago

Giancarlo’s was AMAZING! Hands down, some of the best food I’ve ever had! Yes, it’s a little pricey, but the taste, the energy, the atmosphere, and the overall vibe made every penny worth it. Everything was top tier! They even went the extra mile and had a personalized menu made with my name on it for my birthday. Those little touches really make a difference. Thank you for making my birthday special and giving me such a great experience. Definitely a 10/10! I’ll absolutely be back! ❤️

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4.8

4.8 (166)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

East Aurora

About the restaurant

Are you wrapping up a long day at work and can't bear the thought of having to slave over a hot stove to prepare dinner when you get home? Are you and your significant other overdue for a special night out together? Have you been craving the mixture of bold flavors and comfort food that only a classic American restaurant can provide? Then stop into The Old Orchard Inn tonight for an exquisite dining experience in beautiful East Aurora, NY!

Top review

Suzanne

Dined on Oct 28, 2026

You should put the chicken fricasee back on the menu.

Rick's on Main

4.8

4.8 (1717)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

East Aurora

About the restaurant

Upstate NY Award Winning Steakhouse.

Rick’s on Main is a restaurant that serves hand-crafted, high quality meals within a friendly atmosphere. We offer a variety of specialized entrees, such as a Bacon-infused pork chop, an Filet Mignon with roasted red pepper compound butter and we always have fresh Seabass that will melt in your mouth over a variety of sets.

We feature a wide range of salads, including our fan favorite Fall Creek Salad, a Boston Bibb Salad with sliced apples and a gorgonzola vinaigrette, Ricks Chopped Salad tossed in parmesan peppercorn dressing.

Top review

Christopher

Dined 2 days ago

Food and service was great! No wait with the reservation. Server was great! Will be back again!

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Melting Pot - Buffalo

4.6

4.6 (1385)

$30 and under

Fondue

Buffalo

About the restaurant

Melting Pot isn't just a meal - it's an experience! Perfect for date nights, birthdays, and celebrations, Melting Pot blends fine dining with interactive fun that makes every occasion memorable. Our restaurant offers a warm, inviting escape where guests cook, dip, and share fondue together at the table. Savor our signature four-course fondue journey with award-winning cheese fondue, crisp salads, premium entrées (filet mignon, cold-water lobster tail, shrimp, teriyaki sirloin, chicken, vegan and vegetarian options), and unforgettable chocolate fondue. Private seating options, curated celebration experiences, and a full bar with craft cocktails and an extensive wine list help create an evening designed for connection and celebration.

Top review

Emily

Dined on Oct 11, 2026

Our server was phenomenal and very thorough! We will be returning ALOT

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VIP Deluxe Romance Experience

Pasquale's Italian Restaurant-East Aurora