Food

Buffalo: A Foodie's Paradise

Buffalo is well-known as a delicious food city. "Buffalo is so much more than chicken wings and Rick James, isn't it?," said the late Anthony Bourdain on his show No Reservations. Farm-to-table and upscale restaurants, eclectic food trucks and hometown favorites, unique sweet treats and trendy coffee shops each happily coexist in Buffalo Niagara. Once you’ve found your favorite wing spot, it’s time to adventure out and try everything else Buffalo has to offer.

Buffalo’s recent population growth can mainly be attributed to the number of incoming immigrants and refugees from around the world, bringing along vibrant global cuisines to our communities. You’ll find outstanding restaurants with global influences, from Burma and Ethiopia to Korea and Poland, and so much more. The West Side Bazaar – and Downtown Bazaar expansion – is a small business incubator for New Americans that houses several restaurants and has graduated others to their own locations throughout the region.

Buffalo has food of every flavor and for every budget. From mom-and-pop pizza shops to upscale dining, you’ll find whatever meal you have a craving for.

Greatest food city in the world
-National Geographic

James Beard Award nominees

Grocery savings compared to
New York City

We Didn't Just Invent Wings - We Perfected Them

It’s hard to find a bad wing in Buffalo, but these 12 staples along the Buffalo Wing Trail ensure that you’ll be on the tastiest drive in America. Argue your favorites, debate drumsticks or flats, ask for extra bleu cheese, and enjoy!

A Drink To Pair

Buffalo has so much to offer in its beverage scene – from craft breweries and distilleries to tasty mocktails and cozy coffee shops, as well as gorgeous and nationally-recognized wine trails.

Need Restaurant Ideas?

There’s no shortage of amazing restaurants in Buffalo so it can be tough to decide where to go out to dinner each night. Check out Step Out Buffalo’s website, a local blog telling Buffalo’s story!

Chef Darian Bryan, The Plating Society

“I love Buffalo. The city is so supportive in everything I do. From pop-up fine dining restaurants or take out lunches, to cooking classes and catered events, I am always booked or sold out! I may have traded my Jamaican hometown for the snow, but the food and people are sure worth it!”

Tasty Local Treats

Chicken wings dominate our reputation (and for good reason – they’re delicious), but Buffalo is home to many local delicacies invented and perfected here.
Wings -​ Chicken wings, originally served at Frank and Teressa’s Anchor Bar in 1964. Often served with carrots, celery sticks, and blue cheese dip. Say it like a local: just “wings”– and NEVER “Buffalo wings.”
Beef on Weck –​ A thinly sliced roast beef sandwich on kimmelweck rolls – caraway seed-and-kosher salt-topped hard rolls – with horseradish, considered a local delicacy.
Sponge Candy –​ A chocolate candy with an airy, crunchy, sugar center.
Chiavetta’s –​ Barbecued chicken, popular at just about any outdoor gathering, named for the company that provides the signature vinegar-based marinade.
Fish Fry –​ A breaded or beer-battered fish, traditionally served in WNY restaurants on Friday, as an alternative to meats and a reflection of the area’s strong Catholic heritage.
Pierogi –​ A Polish dumpling, fried or boiled, traditionally filled with sauerkraut, potato, cheese, onions, or meat.
Texas Hots –​ A style of hot dog known for its hot, spicy sauce. Texas hots originated in the kitchens of Buffalo’s many Greek restaurants, not in Texas. Make sure it’s a Sahlen’s.
Blue –​ Labatt Blue: Buffalo is the beer company’s U.S. headquarters.
Loganberry –​ A sweet, deep purple and non-carbonated fruit drink made from loganberry juice.
Timmy-Ho’s –​ Shortened name for the regional coffee and donut chain, Tim Horton’s. Possibly one of Canada’s greatest gifts to America, along with hockey.
Pop –​ You may call it soda, but in Western New York this is the word for any flavored carbonated beverage or soft drink.