Diners' Choice: Best Value restaurants in Western New York

OpenTable

Updated November 05, 2026

Looking for the best value restaurants 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!

Aurora Cooks

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

Jerry

Dined on Oct 18, 2026

Wonderful experience. The chefs are all so friendly and we had a tremendous time chatting with them and our neighbors. The whole experience feels so relaxed, like having dinner at a friend’s house. It helps that the food is incredibly delicious and watching it come together in front of our eyes made it even more special. I do recommend the wine pairing, all were excellent, well explained, and local. Overall, if you’re in or near Aurora, I think this is a is a must!

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Experience

Aurora Cooks! Chef's Counter

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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Pasquale's Italian Restaurant-East Aurora

4.6

4.6 (277)

$30 and under

Italian

East Aurora

About the restaurant

Pasquale's has proudly been serving fine Italian food for dining and takeout in WNY since 1975.

Top review

JeffGold

Dined 5 days ago

seated right away, excellent service, food came out very quickly. Couldn’t have had a better night

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!

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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4.8

4.8 (447)

$31 to $50

American

Hamburg

About the restaurant

Coming Soon!

Top review

Kim

Dined 3 days ago

My fiancé and I met there 10 yrs ago - went for our anniversary.. it was surprisingly a great experience.. we tried going back several yrs ago and was disappointed. Something’s must have changed. It was a lovely evening and delicious meal 🍷

Aroma Main

4.7

4.7 (765)

$30 and under

Italian

Williamsville

About the restaurant

Trattoria Aroma-Williamsville is known for rustic, regional Italian cooking in a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere. Guests from Western New York and beyond have enjoyed our homemade bread, pasta and menu specialties for over 20 years. Enjoy our famous freshly made Napolitan Pizzas, Pasta Bolognese, Veal Saltimboca and daily Chef's specials. We feature a full bar along with the only all Italian Wine List in the area. Our in house Sommelier, Joseph will be happy to recommend the perfect glass or bottle of wine or make your favorite cocktail. End your meal with homemade Tiramisu, Cannoli and Gelato or just enjoy a Cappuccino with our signature Biscotti. Simple meal or special occasion, Trattoria Aroma-Williamsville is your destination for Italian food. Buon Appetito!

Top review

Audrey

Dined on Oct 22, 2026

Cozy atmosphere and delicious food contributed to a great evening. Attentive staff and a menu that's not overwhelming. Homemade pasta dishes were delicious as was the dessert. Overall just a great little spot in the heart of Williamsville.

Old Orchard Inn

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.

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

Griffon Brewery and Gastropub - Lewiston

4.7

4.7 (68)

$30 and under

Gastro Pub

Lewiston

About the restaurant

Griffon Gastropub brings bold flavor, house-crafted brews, and a warm neighborhood feel to Western New York. Known for elevated pub fare and locally inspired dishes, Griffon delivers a dining experience that blends comfort, quality, and creativity. Guests can enjoy everything from casual dinners and lively happy hours to celebrations with family and friends in an inviting, energetic atmosphere. Set against the backdrop of the Niagara River, Griffon offers world-class waterfront views, seasonal patio seating, and live music on the patio every Friday through Monday—perfect for soaking in the scenery. Every visit feels relaxed, refined, and distinctly local.

Top review

Dined on Oct 16, 2026

We attended the Great Lakes Outdoor Writers conference in Lewiston & this was a fantastic place to eat! Good beer. Phenomenal food.

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