As a Buffalo-native who has had the opportunity of visiting the “neighboring” metropolitan cities on multiple different occasions— I feel I hold some amount of credibility to make the claim: Buffalo, NY has the best food in all of New York.
Here are 5 local eateries I’ve been to that I personally feel showcase some of the best dishes of Buffalo, NY:
#1. Jay’s Artisan Pizzeria, Ranked #8 in U.S.A.
Besides Buffalo Wings, one thing Buffalo’s notorious for is the multitude of pizzerias that exists within and all around the city. So much so, it’s made it near-impossible for chain restaurants such as Pizza Hut and Papa John’s to succeed here.
Using fresh products flown out from the motherland of all Pizzas: Italy, Jay’s offers artisanal Neapolitan and Detroit-style dishes that you won’t find anywhere else. I mean c’mon, if Jay’s being ranked #8 in the USA and #23 in the worldddd doesn’t convince you of pulling up to 2872 Delaware Ave, then I don’t know what will.
Wood fire Pesto Pizza with Pepperoni
#2. Daniela
The food was so good here I decided to start picking up shifts at Daniela just because of how often I’d find myself at the restaurant. This hidden gem that exist in the heart of Buffalo (the Elmwood Village), is by far the BEST Italian I’ve had despite being to a well known spot in NYC who’s very own chef received a Michelin star.
Whether it comes to the pinsas, the pastas, down to the soup— you will not be disappointed. And don’t fear the quality because just like Jay’s, Daniela sources out their products from Italy— I’m talking down to their water!
[top left to right] Pasta dish: “Aglio, Olio e Peperoncino”, Pasta dish: “Penne Melanzane e Burrata”.
[bottom left to right] Chocolates & cookies shipped directly from Italy, 3 scoops of Gelato (made in-house)
#3. Almandi Restaurant
It’s not every day Yemeni restaurants get so much attention here in Buffalo. But this year has been quite the year for my Yemeni people as not just 1 but 2 Yemeni-inspired cafes opened up over in the Black Rock area and Hertel Ave: Raha Coffehouse and Sana’a.
With that in mind… let me introduce one of my favorite spots in Buffalo: Almandi! Almandi is the type of place that when you first walk in you can’t help, but be brought into the cultural essence of the room and honestly that feeling lingers all throughout the experience of ordering and eating in. And, most importantly—the food! It is…divine and screams of home-made and not oversaturated with chemicals and grease that is so commonly found in American diners.
Fassolia with Veggie Samosas
#4. Ristorante Lombardo
What can I say, I love my Italian— near-authentic as possible as a simple Fettuccine Alfredo just doesn’t do it for me anymore. Though the parmesan fries photo’d below doesn’t exactly scream authenticity, the pizza shared before our pastas made way to the table made for the BEST appetizer I’ve ever had. The ingredients came together to remind me of a seasoning native to Ethiopia and made me consider maybe while Italy occupied Ethiopia, they got ahold of the country’s speciality seasoning: Berbere.
Whatever it was, between the pizza and pasta— the only place in all of Buffalo I’d rank above Ristorante Lombardo when it comes down to best Italian dishes would be Daniela.
If this photo doesn’t take your mind to The Godfather or Goodfellas, you’re not about the culture.
#5. Abyssinia Restaurant [located in the Downtown Bazaar]
This might just be biased of me as my childhood best friend’s parents are behind Abyssinia— but no truly, if you’re looking to widen your horizon and allow your tastebuds to experience a taste not usually found in small cities like Buffalo— head on down to the Downtown Bazaar!
How many times have you watched trash television and suddenly “Ethiopian food” being ordered is mentioned by the main characters? Well, now you can try the hype for yourself.
Looking for suggestions?
Well, as an Ethiopian-American myself I’ll give you my top 3 orders!
- Beef Tibs with Miser (red lentil base) & Side Salad
- Chicken with Rice!
- Beef Sambusas (basically samosas, but called S A M B U S A) but ask for a side of their green chili sauce that goes well with it!
Veggie Sampler from Taste of Diversity 2023
https://www.nhl.com/sabres/video/lunch-at-the-downtown-bazaar-6347851834112
[Watch the Buffalo Sabres visit the Downtown Bazaar and get to try some Ethiopian food!]
