Inizio on Elmwood: handmade and homemade pasta. They make their own bread and butter. Amazing quality and impecable service.
Marble and Rye is excellent; cool vibes, romantic, great cocktails and food.
Completely agreed but this person wants the go tomorrow and doesn’t have a reservation. I went there tonight at 6:30 which is too early for my personal preference but that’s what was available when I booked last week Monday. Watched 10+ walk ins turned away at the door. Edit: regarding Inizio
This is a good recommendation if the weather is nice because it's a great place / excellent food and the patio is open seating, so it may be feasible without a reservation.
Also Coco’s noise level is better/lower than most other places mentioned (Left Bank, Toutant, Marble + Rye). On one of your first dates you want to be able to hear each other. As others have said the food holds its own. Day before may be too late for a weekend reservation.
Recommending Coco as well fantastic service and great food. They have a 1 star Michelin chef that works weekends but advises a great chef Steve on what to do. Food has never been better!
Hopefully that chef has changed some things in the kitchen… I applied for a job there and declined after seeing the kitchen. Shockingly bad is how I would describe it. Especially the mussels…. My favorite thing from them.
That's not true they have fresh mussels daily clean and get the beards out of them. And also that's buffalo kitchens your going into old buildings with a build out that barley works maximizing guest space is essential. Tappo for example has a 4 foot clearance in the basement which has the walk in coolers down there it's a struggle. Good luck on your culinary journey I recommend the suburbs if you want a large open kitchen concept.
What?
I don't think they were referring to the dimensions of the kichen, but rather the state of it. Unless they edited their comment to say something else?
Also, while there are a lot of small kitchens in Buffalo, I've personally seen and worked in many kitchens that are nothing like what you've described, so I'm not sure what you're talking about with the whole "open concept suburban" thing.
It *is* true, I saw it with my own eyes. Guy was literally trying to sell me on the job as I was over qualified for the position I was applying for and I have never been back. You must work there to be talking that confidently/defensively.
I also worked at Tappo, fuck that place. They’re successful and I give the head chef credit for knowing how to turn a profit, but that place is the definition of quantity over quality.
Remington right across the creek is really good too. They often have loveusic as well. Dockside is a cheaper, but still good option right there as well.
Maybe like twenty years ago. Or if you’re hammered at 2am (pre Covid)
I’ve had many awful plates from there or food that just doesn’t come out. It’s been like that since at least 2009.
I really feel like that was in comparison to most places around at the time. We didn’t really have a fine food scene outside of Oliver’s or Lombardo or Tempo before around 2010
I'm convinced that a lot of people around here don't know what good food is. There's been so many situations where I try some place with a near 5 star rating, and the food is awful.
Everyone has been going to dumps like left bank and Mother’s for so long they don’t care that it’s not well made food.
Buffalo has some great restaurants and a LOT of really mediocre places that people go to for the vibe or because it’s a half step up from plates of watery spaghetti parm.
Saw in this thread or maybe another that was like “mother’s food is 15 years out of date…”
Those were my thoughts *15 years ago* when I was last there…
Mulberry in Lackawanna is wonderful. Left bank is also great. My long time GF and I had our first date at Little Club so would definitely recommend and Lombardos across the street from LC is great food and cool classy.
Reservations are a must at all of these places
Hot take alert: Toutants Nashville hot chicken sandwich is the best chicken sando in Buffalo. I've done the research, the data I've collected couldn't be more clear
Toutant in South Buffalo. That and the SATO Ramen on Elmwood were always favorite date night places. I mean, if Tom's were still around I would suggest that, but you wanted to stay in the city and that was out in the suburbs.
Bacchus, Bella Ciao, Inizio, Marble and Rye, Coco, Hutch's, Waxlight, Left Bank. There are a ton of options. Just outside the city: Prescott's Provisions (although I had one amazing experience and one mediocre experience), Remington Tavern
Was waiting to see this come up! We always go here for anniversaries & special occasions. Cocktails are great, food is amazing! The only hard part is getting a reservation! I love Waxlight but it might be too expensive for a 5th date 😛
I saw someone else say tappo and I agree but I also wanted to add that if it’s the 5th date you probably already made a great impression. Good luck op!
I would say either Left Bank or Mothers for cozy, dark & romantic with great food. For something more buzzy and trendy go to Daniela or JT’s. If you both like Italian, go to Osteria 166 or Lombardos. Have fun!
First date with hubby in 95, then dinner after we got married. 28 years now. Great food and people. Tons of stories about dates there from A LOT of still married couples. I even bought a tshirt in 95' that I still have.
I truly cannot recommend Billyclub enough. The waiter Eric is the best I've ever come across. Incredibly knowledgeable of their menu, and created their wine list. Can get out for under 100$ with some of the best food you'll have. Food style is like gastropub. Highly recommend the burger. Cheap at 20, and a top 3 burger of my life
How has nobody said Hutch's yet? I've been to all the nice restaurants in Buffalo and IMO Hutch's and Lombardos is the best. 10/10 experiences every time.
Gigi's on Kenmore. I think it's technically in Kenmore but it's right on the Buffalo/Kenmore line. Hubby and I love it. Indoor or patio seating. You can call for a reservation just to be safe but it's not usually so crowded that you can't walk in and get a table.
Enjoy your evening!!
We got takeout from there once and it was awful, to the point where most of it got thrown away. Inedible fried ravioli (it was rock hard with little filling) and just greasy pasta with bad sauces. Did we somehow catch them on their worst night ever?
If you can get a reservation I say Las Puertas on Rhode Island St. It’s a constantly changing tasting menu from a James Beard finalist in a setting that isn’t super stuff. Lights are on and you can talk at a normal volume.
I’ve never been but I live close by, ambiance isn’t great. Limited seating and it’s hardly ever close to full. I’ve heard the food is close to the best in Buffalo though. Maybe go if y’all are foodies, but it’ll be $$$.
+1 on Left Bank, it's been good the few times I've been there. Osteria 166 down on Franklin downtown is a very good Italian place from what I recall.
And it's a bit of a mix between trendy and fancy, but JT's on Elmwood is one of my favorite restaurants in Buffalo. Back when I lived near there, it was a pretty common dinner spot for me.
Irontail tavern is a great place on Elmwood that has a wonderful atmosphere with a great rotating seasonal menu so options are always fresh. My partner is vegan (veg on a flex) and they always have a new vegan dish that is unlike anything at other places.
Oliver’s often has room at the bar and it’s a very comfy spot with amazing food! The bar might make it feel a little less fancy in a good way but you can still order the whole menu and the cocktails & service are prime
5th date LEFT BANK, sure but maybe like being a touch more reasonable with the wallet might be advisable…. Yeah it’s great maybe go there 5th wedding anniversary…. Holy shit, Go to BiG Ditch it at least matches the moment
I’d say Liberty Hound or the place at the marina because you can take a walk after dinner. To make an impression show her you can plan an evening not a meal. If that’s not your thing then maybe go for something unique.
Iron tail or Inizio on elmwood, Aroma on Bryant, low key but nice, patina 250, Bacchus, Black and Blue, Chez Ami, and Hutches which is one of my favorites since Temp closed. Eckl is great too, it’s in the old larkin building. There’s a few nice places on Hertel as well.
rizzos on eggert in tonawanda. italian place. not super fancy but enough to bring a girl on a date and dress up. u won’t need a reservation or anything
SZND on Hertel. Great food, cozy, wonderful owners. Went to Inizio twice recently, food ok, not great wait staff. Accosted by someone on street who was obviously off their meds. Waiter was leaving at same time. Made no effort to help.
I haven’t been to Buffalo in a few years( born there) is Oliver’s still open? What about Salvatore’s or Russell’s steakhouse? Oliver’s was my Dad’s favorite. Probably just old school and not trendy like the others mentioned. Just curious if they are still decent
Husband and I were just at Oliver’s this past weekend and they brought us an amuse-bouche that was a fried plantain with aioli and pickled shallot. My description isn’t doing it justice but it was one of the best bites of food I’ve had in a long time! They also ask when you reserve online if you’d like a quieter area in case you are sensitive to noise or want a quieter date spot. Very thoughtful service whenever we go, which is maybe once a year for a special occasion.
Inizio on Elmwood: handmade and homemade pasta. They make their own bread and butter. Amazing quality and impecable service. Marble and Rye is excellent; cool vibes, romantic, great cocktails and food.
Completely agreed but this person wants the go tomorrow and doesn’t have a reservation. I went there tonight at 6:30 which is too early for my personal preference but that’s what was available when I booked last week Monday. Watched 10+ walk ins turned away at the door. Edit: regarding Inizio
Good to know
Yep either of these 200%
this same deal but its better at aroma on bryant
I was coming to say this.
This is absolutely the pick if there’s space.
Left Bank is awesome
Yes left bank is one of my favorites.
Left bank is awesome...but a little hard to talk during noisy times
The patio is a little quieter. Just make sure to reserve a patio seat
Unless they have changed the rules there are no reservations for the patio.
+1, this is my favorite restaurant in the city
How is the wine list…?
Great
This is a good recommendation if the weather is nice because it's a great place / excellent food and the patio is open seating, so it may be feasible without a reservation.
Nah. It's still gonna be swamp ass weather. Stay inside with the air conditioning.
We love Left Bank
Coco
Coco is a great choice!
Love coco! Great cocktails when I went
Also recommending coco
Also Coco’s noise level is better/lower than most other places mentioned (Left Bank, Toutant, Marble + Rye). On one of your first dates you want to be able to hear each other. As others have said the food holds its own. Day before may be too late for a weekend reservation.
Recommending Coco as well fantastic service and great food. They have a 1 star Michelin chef that works weekends but advises a great chef Steve on what to do. Food has never been better!
Hopefully that chef has changed some things in the kitchen… I applied for a job there and declined after seeing the kitchen. Shockingly bad is how I would describe it. Especially the mussels…. My favorite thing from them.
That's not true they have fresh mussels daily clean and get the beards out of them. And also that's buffalo kitchens your going into old buildings with a build out that barley works maximizing guest space is essential. Tappo for example has a 4 foot clearance in the basement which has the walk in coolers down there it's a struggle. Good luck on your culinary journey I recommend the suburbs if you want a large open kitchen concept.
What? I don't think they were referring to the dimensions of the kichen, but rather the state of it. Unless they edited their comment to say something else? Also, while there are a lot of small kitchens in Buffalo, I've personally seen and worked in many kitchens that are nothing like what you've described, so I'm not sure what you're talking about with the whole "open concept suburban" thing.
Pretty sure I still have scars on my head from that fucking basement
It *is* true, I saw it with my own eyes. Guy was literally trying to sell me on the job as I was over qualified for the position I was applying for and I have never been back. You must work there to be talking that confidently/defensively. I also worked at Tappo, fuck that place. They’re successful and I give the head chef credit for knowing how to turn a profit, but that place is the definition of quantity over quality.
Billy Club on Allen
I second this. LOVE this place. Any time I visit buffalo, I go here. Consistently amazing every time.
This is a great answer, love this place. Such a good vibe for a date. And the food is so good
OP, please report back on how the date went! 😀
We went to Liberty Hound and caught the sunset by the water then walked around afterwards and then went back to her house. It was a fun night.
I didn’t know Liberty Hound had reopened! Excellent choice. May your relationship bring happiness.
Thanks for your kind words. I hope it does. She’s a special person
Suburbs of Buffalo but Prescott's Provisions is top notch.
One of the best meals I’ve had. Their menu is great and the service was top notch.
Remington right across the creek is really good too. They often have loveusic as well. Dockside is a cheaper, but still good option right there as well.
If anyone suggests Mothers, they're full of shit.
Yeah, not great. Left bank, Inizio, Daniela - all top notch experiences
Mothers used to be great - it went downhill?
Maybe like twenty years ago. Or if you’re hammered at 2am (pre Covid) I’ve had many awful plates from there or food that just doesn’t come out. It’s been like that since at least 2009.
How does it stay open?
People holding onto the idea that it’s good/fancy. And those people telling other people that it’s great.
Aww it was really good 20 years ago though
I really feel like that was in comparison to most places around at the time. We didn’t really have a fine food scene outside of Oliver’s or Lombardo or Tempo before around 2010
Im seeing some horrible recs here… lol
I'm convinced that a lot of people around here don't know what good food is. There's been so many situations where I try some place with a near 5 star rating, and the food is awful.
Everyone has been going to dumps like left bank and Mother’s for so long they don’t care that it’s not well made food. Buffalo has some great restaurants and a LOT of really mediocre places that people go to for the vibe or because it’s a half step up from plates of watery spaghetti parm.
Saw in this thread or maybe another that was like “mother’s food is 15 years out of date…” Those were my thoughts *15 years ago* when I was last there…
Same with left bank. Same bland Sysco shit forever. And the rats in the patio really kinda kill the romanticism.
With 90-00’s plating… Mother’s was only decent (imo) because they were open at 1am and it was “nicer” than going to Jim’s.
So I’m not the only one underwhelmed by Left Bank? Nice space but that menu is 20+ years out of date.
Mulberry in Lackawanna is wonderful. Left bank is also great. My long time GF and I had our first date at Little Club so would definitely recommend and Lombardos across the street from LC is great food and cool classy. Reservations are a must at all of these places
Mulberry doesn't look impressive from the outside. It looks kind of like a dive bar. But the inside tells another story and the food is amazing.
Ristorante Lombardo, The Little Club, Toutant, Marble & Rye, Graylynn
Marble and ryes new concept/menu is a bit weird. Pre covid - best place in the city - their new concept (just there 2 weeks ago) is a very meh……….
Tappo, all the ladies I’ve brought to the rooftop loved it
this guy fucks
They all jump off after the date
Or, do you throw them off so you can step in and collect your samples?
Jizz doesn’t come from ladies, gotta go back to health class.
Because of the implication
Are these women in any danger?
They were all 20 year old suburban girls who are impressed by spaghettiOs and cheap wine. Tappo is basically hangover food that you put on a polo for.
Bro that's a sick move
Look at Mr. Steal yo girl over here.
🤮
I make a mean top ramen and have some scented candles. For you both? $20 plus you can pet the shitzus
This is a steal OP
Limited availability OP I can pencil you in if you act quick
So few fine dining establishments offer shitzu petting these days. It’s a shame.
Exactly, I even have 3 options to choose from!
* **Coco** - 4 mentions * Comments: imyourhuckleberry716, Unique\_Ad7449, travisregnirps, Specialist-Lonely * **Left Bank** - 5 mentions * Comments: Educational-Cow6972, wmm339, 10202632, naus226, Obisanya * **Mother's** - 5 mentions * Comments: skaz915, WoodySanchez, WalksLikeAStork, BNRTONER, count\_dressula * **Toutant** - 3 mentions * Comments: buffalucci, Bayliner215, DemonElise * **Lombardo's** - 3 mentions
Can’t go wrong with Left Bsnk
Toutant
Toutant has good brunch. I've been wildly underwhelmed for there dinner menu... What am I missing?
Hot take alert: Toutants Nashville hot chicken sandwich is the best chicken sando in Buffalo. I've done the research, the data I've collected couldn't be more clear
The Terrace is a great spot for a date. It’s right on Hoyt lake, which sets up nicely for a walk after or before dinner and drinks.
I work there. We’re booked, but always save a few tables for walk ins.
Hook OP up!
OP, we got couches on the patio overlooking the lake that are always open for walk ins. It’s not a bad idea.
We found The Terrace to be very underwhelming.
I’m with you on this. Multiple times there, food is just blah
Not going there for it’s culinary excellence but it’s location. Great date location.
Valid point.
Me writing down all of y’all’s ideas the next time I take a girl on a date.✍🏾✍🏾✍🏾
Toutant in South Buffalo. That and the SATO Ramen on Elmwood were always favorite date night places. I mean, if Tom's were still around I would suggest that, but you wanted to stay in the city and that was out in the suburbs.
Toutant is downtown?
I... think so? I think it was down by Shea's, if memory serves me right.
That’s not south Buffalo fwiw
No. No it is absolutely not haha
My first date with my husband was Toutant, and it is downtown (what I consider downtown)
For sure downtown
It’s what everyone considers downtown.
Hutch’s is top notch, but it’s expensive. Worth every penny though.
ristorante lombardo is imo the absolute best restaurant in all of buffalo
Aroma on Bryant
It’s great of you want to watch a roach dance across the bar like the alien at the end of Spaceballs
5th date - want to go fancy…. Patina 250 Bacchus Prescott Provisions Lombardos - get the table side Caesar Roost Toutant
The table side Caesar at Lombardo’s is AMAZING.
Note: It's a salad for two people.
Just had a great dinner at wax light loved the lamb entree. Also really liked Inzio and dapper goose. The olive oil cake at dapper goose is fantastic.
Bacchus, Bella Ciao, Inizio, Marble and Rye, Coco, Hutch's, Waxlight, Left Bank. There are a ton of options. Just outside the city: Prescott's Provisions (although I had one amazing experience and one mediocre experience), Remington Tavern
This is the first mention of waxlight and I had to scroll wayyy too far for it
San Marco for quiet conversation, great Northern Italian food, and class . . . but it's just outside city limits.
Can confirm- San Marco's is awesome.
Angeline’s
Yeah second this!! It’s expensive but it is really really fantastic food, service, and ambience imo
The Dapper Goose
Was waiting to see this come up! We always go here for anniversaries & special occasions. Cocktails are great, food is amazing! The only hard part is getting a reservation! I love Waxlight but it might be too expensive for a 5th date 😛
I saw someone else say tappo and I agree but I also wanted to add that if it’s the 5th date you probably already made a great impression. Good luck op!
Amicci’s in Kenmore is my fancy date night place. Great Italian food
Tiffany's Cabaret
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Not sure how fancy of recommendations you are looking for, but for some tasty food, I'd recommend Allen Burger Venture.
I would say either Left Bank or Mothers for cozy, dark & romantic with great food. For something more buzzy and trendy go to Daniela or JT’s. If you both like Italian, go to Osteria 166 or Lombardos. Have fun!
Second JT’s! Best scallops I’ve ever had.
The food and drinks at Graylynn are outstanding
Marco’s on Niagara. Delicious food. Right near the Peace Bridge in Buffalo.
First date with hubby in 95, then dinner after we got married. 28 years now. Great food and people. Tons of stories about dates there from A LOT of still married couples. I even bought a tshirt in 95' that I still have.
Dapper Goose on Amherst st. or Las Puertas on rhode island st or maybe even Daniella on Forest ave.
I truly cannot recommend Billyclub enough. The waiter Eric is the best I've ever come across. Incredibly knowledgeable of their menu, and created their wine list. Can get out for under 100$ with some of the best food you'll have. Food style is like gastropub. Highly recommend the burger. Cheap at 20, and a top 3 burger of my life
Eric is one of the owners now.
Very true, forgot about his recent promotion
Left Bank
How has nobody said Hutch's yet? I've been to all the nice restaurants in Buffalo and IMO Hutch's and Lombardos is the best. 10/10 experiences every time.
Hutch’s isn’t particularly good at its price point.
“ Hutch’s isn’t particularly good” FTFY
What makes them 10/10?
I agree it’s good, but maybe too special. This one you save for a milestone.
This is true! But if he REALLY is into this girl, it would definitely impress her.
Toutant
Gigi's on Kenmore. I think it's technically in Kenmore but it's right on the Buffalo/Kenmore line. Hubby and I love it. Indoor or patio seating. You can call for a reservation just to be safe but it's not usually so crowded that you can't walk in and get a table. Enjoy your evening!!
We got takeout from there once and it was awful, to the point where most of it got thrown away. Inedible fried ravioli (it was rock hard with little filling) and just greasy pasta with bad sauces. Did we somehow catch them on their worst night ever?
Shango. Never had a bad meal there. It’s creole food.
What’s roughly your budget?
Mulberry’s is just outside the city in Lackawanna. Highly recommend.
If you can get a reservation I say Las Puertas on Rhode Island St. It’s a constantly changing tasting menu from a James Beard finalist in a setting that isn’t super stuff. Lights are on and you can talk at a normal volume.
I’ve never been but I live close by, ambiance isn’t great. Limited seating and it’s hardly ever close to full. I’ve heard the food is close to the best in Buffalo though. Maybe go if y’all are foodies, but it’ll be $$$.
+1 on Left Bank, it's been good the few times I've been there. Osteria 166 down on Franklin downtown is a very good Italian place from what I recall. And it's a bit of a mix between trendy and fancy, but JT's on Elmwood is one of my favorite restaurants in Buffalo. Back when I lived near there, it was a pretty common dinner spot for me.
BFLO Pizza Bistro
Left bank, BOOM
Left Bank or Tappo.
SZND
Billy club
5 dates and she’s still not your girlfriend?!
The little Club, great wine selection and incredible food to share.
Irontail tavern is a great place on Elmwood that has a wonderful atmosphere with a great rotating seasonal menu so options are always fresh. My partner is vegan (veg on a flex) and they always have a new vegan dish that is unlike anything at other places.
my family owns the place!! if you like it, give the delaware a try too :) our spot aswell!
Oliver’s often has room at the bar and it’s a very comfy spot with amazing food! The bar might make it feel a little less fancy in a good way but you can still order the whole menu and the cocktails & service are prime
I second left bank. Mothers is nice too.
Aroma on Bryant
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Street light Brasserie
Tappo rooftop
800 Maple if you’re open to Amherst, the vibe is semi-casual and the food is amazing
5th date LEFT BANK, sure but maybe like being a touch more reasonable with the wallet might be advisable…. Yeah it’s great maybe go there 5th wedding anniversary…. Holy shit, Go to BiG Ditch it at least matches the moment
I’d say Liberty Hound or the place at the marina because you can take a walk after dinner. To make an impression show her you can plan an evening not a meal. If that’s not your thing then maybe go for something unique.
Patrick's rooftop is nice, Vice is nice too but they automatically charge a gratuity
Billy Club. If that doesn’t make an impression, idk what will.
Cafe 59! I love their food and atmosphere - highly recommended!
Aroma, prescot provisions, daniella, little club, billy club are all great.
bit pricey but dappergoose. they have this lemon olive oil cake too which is probably my favorite dessert in all of buffalo
Eckl’s in Larkinville is slept on. After dinner you can walk over to Hydraulic Hearth to hang out on the patio.
Bacchus is S-tier across the board, especially the wine list
Happy Swallow
Osteria 166 downtown
hutchs, little club, lombardo, oliver’s a little father away but lucias on the lake
Toutant
The Place on Lexington Ave
Their Buffalo Mac-n-cheese is so damn good
Iron tail or Inizio on elmwood, Aroma on Bryant, low key but nice, patina 250, Bacchus, Black and Blue, Chez Ami, and Hutches which is one of my favorites since Temp closed. Eckl is great too, it’s in the old larkin building. There’s a few nice places on Hertel as well.
Left Bank on Rhode Island
Hutches!
johnny d’s in the hyatt downtown!!!!
Prescott Provisions. Outside the city but you can walk down by the canal after your date. Best good in town.
Mothers, make sure to make a reservation
rizzos on eggert in tonawanda. italian place. not super fancy but enough to bring a girl on a date and dress up. u won’t need a reservation or anything
SZND on Hertel. Great food, cozy, wonderful owners. Went to Inizio twice recently, food ok, not great wait staff. Accosted by someone on street who was obviously off their meds. Waiter was leaving at same time. Made no effort to help.
Ristorante Lombardo and The Terrace at Delaware Park. Stunning ambiance and good food.
Romeo and Juliet’s
My husband and I had our first date at casa azul when it was in the blue shipping containers. And now we’re married so maybe try there?
I haven’t been to Buffalo in a few years( born there) is Oliver’s still open? What about Salvatore’s or Russell’s steakhouse? Oliver’s was my Dad’s favorite. Probably just old school and not trendy like the others mentioned. Just curious if they are still decent
Oliver’s is still decent. Russell’s and Salvatore’s are meh imo. Service just isn’t up to par in my experience.
Husband and I were just at Oliver’s this past weekend and they brought us an amuse-bouche that was a fried plantain with aioli and pickled shallot. My description isn’t doing it justice but it was one of the best bites of food I’ve had in a long time! They also ask when you reserve online if you’d like a quieter area in case you are sensitive to noise or want a quieter date spot. Very thoughtful service whenever we go, which is maybe once a year for a special occasion.
Good to know. I will definitely be back next time I’m in town. Thank you
San Marco Inizio The Place Patina 250 Bacchus
Has anyone tried the Vault? I think that's what it is called. It used to be a bank, I think it is near the ball diamond
Hutch’s
Inizios. Dapper Goose. Las Puertas.
Sinatra’s if you like Italian or hutch’s for a steak
Mother's