Buffalo's West Side, centered around Grant and Lovejoy Streets, was settled by waves of Italian immigrants in the late 1800s and early 1900s. That heritage still shapes the city today, from the Friday fish-fry tradition rooted in the neighborhood's heavily Catholic population to sponge candy, a Buffalo original with ties to the city's Italian-run confectioners.
A West Side Legacy
Generations of Buffalo families still gather at neighborhood red-sauce joints for Sunday dinner, and the city's Italian-American restaurants tend to favor hearty, unpretentious cooking over fuss — think veal, chicken French, and handmade pasta served in dining rooms that have barely changed in decades.
Top Italian Spots
Santasiero's
West Side • Old-school red-sauce
A Buffalo institution serving hearty Italian-American classics in a cozy, unpretentious dining room that's been a neighborhood fixture for generations.
Ristorante Lombardo
North Buffalo • Old-world elegance
Family-run since 1975, famous for its copper ceiling and warm, historic atmosphere paired with classic Northern Italian dishes.
Giancarlo's Sicilian Steakhouse
Elmwood Village area • Sicilian steakhouse
Handmade pasta meets perfectly cooked steaks in a menu diners consistently call some of the best food in the city.
Mulberry Italian Ristorante
Lackawanna • Cozy neighborhood spot
Known for consistently delicious, from-scratch cooking in a warm, welcoming setting that draws loyal regulars.
Bella Ciao
Buffalo • Modern Italian bistro
A well-reviewed spot blending classic technique with a fresher, contemporary presentation.
Frankie Primo's +39
Buffalo • Contemporary Italian
A newer favorite putting a modern spin on regional Italian dishes.
🏆 Our Picks
Best Overall: Santasiero's - the West Side classic that defines Buffalo Italian
Best Splurge: Giancarlo's Sicilian Steakhouse - handmade pasta and steak done right
Best Historic: Ristorante Lombardo - old-world elegance since 1975
Best Neighborhood Gem: Mulberry Italian Ristorante - from-scratch cooking in Lackawanna
Find Your Italian Spot
Let us pick a italian restaurant for you in Buffalo!
Spin for Buffalo ItalianFrequently Asked Questions
What are the best Italian restaurants in Buffalo?
Some standout Italian spots in Buffalo featured in this guide include Santasiero's, Ristorante Lombardo and Giancarlo's Sicilian Steakhouse.
How do I find Italian restaurants near me in Buffalo?
Use ChooseMy.Food's free restaurant picker — set your location to Buffalo, filter by Italian, and spin the wheel for an instant pick from a top-rated nearby restaurant.
When's the best time to visit Italian restaurants in Buffalo?
Weekday evenings and early lunch hours typically mean shorter waits at popular spots. For weekend visits, consider going early or booking a reservation where available.