The next few weeks, plenty of Western New Yorkers will be walking across the graduation stage, moving the tassel from one side to another before tossing their caps in the air in celebration.

It’s a big deal to become a graduate, whether from high school or college, and if you are looking for the perfect place to go for a post-graduation dinner, these are the best restaurants to consider in Western New York. 

1. Toutant Compass - $$

 

  • Brand new, with cocktails served at this contemporary Southern eatery

 

      •  437 Ellicott St, Buffalo, NY 14203

2. Mulberry Inizio (amazing) - $$

 

  • “Amazing Italian restaurant”

 

      • 64 Jackson Ave, Lackawanna, NY 14218

3. Giancarlos - $$$

 

  • Italian fare, including oven pizzas, pastas, and steaks; close to UB and turns out some fine Italian cuisine. It is popular, crowded and noisy. 

 

      • 437 Ellicott St, Buffalo, NY 14203

4. Roost - $$$

 

  • Gourmet pizzas, salads, brunch, wines

 

      • 1502 Niagara St, Buffalo, NY 14213

5. San Marco - $$$

 

  • It is close to UB and it is an excellent, quiet and sedate; Northern Italian fare. 

 

      • 2082 Kensington Ave, Buffalo, NY 14226

6. Ristorante Lombardo - $$$

  • Excellent Northern Italian cuisine. 
      • 1198 Hertel Ave, Buffalo, NY 14216

7. Griffon Gastropub - $$

 

  • Not far from UB, and there is something for everyone; they have parking and take reservations. 

 

      • Three Locations:
        • 5445 Transit Rd, Williamsville, NY 14221
        • 2470 Military Rd, Niagara Falls, NY 14304
        • 634 Main St, East Aurora, NY 14052

8. Siena - $$$

 

  • Fine dining restaurant, may be expensive but definitely nice! Italian fare.

 

      • 4516 Main St, Snyder, NY 14226

9. Britesmith Brewing - $

 

  • Corn queso and the Korean pork sandwich are amazing, and beverages are good too. Ambiance is great and the patio is really nice. Never waited more than 20 mins.

 

    • 5611 Main St, Williamsville, NY 14221

10. Waxlight Bar a Vin

 

  • Small-medium vibe with a good atmosphere.

 

      • 27 Chandler St, Buffalo, NY 14207

11. Daniella's

 

  • Small-medium vibe

 

      •  387 Forest Ave, Buffalo, NY 14213

12. Marble & Rye - $$$

 

  • Urban hangout with seasonal, small & large New American plates.
    • 112 Genesee St, Buffalo, NY 14203

13. Left Bank - $$$

 

  • Depending on the time of day/traffic, it’ll likely be further than 25 minutes from UB north; Italian fare plus Sunday brunch.

 

    • 511 Rhode Island St, Buffalo, NY 14213

14. JT's Restaurant - $$$

 

  • Classy vibe with outdoor seating, serving Italian cuisine. 

 

      • 905 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo, NY 14222

15. The Roycroft Inn - $$

 

  • Elegant restaurant, about 30-45 minutes from downtown, and it’s further than 25 minutes from UB north

 

      • 40 S Grove St, East Aurora, NY 14052

16. The Grange - $$

 

  • Serving salads, pizzas, and steaks.

 

    • 22 Main St, Hamburg, NY 14075

17. Saigon Bangkok - $$

 

  • Great Vietnamese/Thai food; one of my top places to eat.

 

      • Two locations:
        • 512 Niagara Falls Blvd, Buffalo, NY 14223
        • 8080 Transit Rd, Buffalo, NY 14221

18. Tappo’s - $$

 

  • Tappo’s offers rooftop dining and weekend djs.

 

      • 338 Ellicott St, Buffalo, NY 14203

19. Mothers Restaurant - $$$

 

  • American restaurant.

 

      •  33 Virginia Pl, Buffalo, NY 14202

20. Frankie Primos - $$

  • Pizzas, meat, and pasta dishes.
      • 51 W Chippewa St, Buffalo, NY 14202

21. Adam’s Rib - $$

 

  • Extremely accommodating; the owner even brought a few college graduates a bottle of champagne on the house to celebrate! It’s very small, but their food and service is amazing.

 

      • 4517 Main St, Snyder, NY 14226

22. Pearl Street Brewery - $$

 

  • Offering house brews and pub food.

 

      • 76 Pearl St, Buffalo, NY 14202

23. Maizal - $

 

  • Cozy Mexican cafe.

 

      • 110 Ossington Ave, Toronto, ON M6J 2Z4, Canada

24. 800 Maple - $$$

 

  • Pizzas, Steaks, Cocktails, and Wines.

 

      • 800 Maple Rd, Williamsville, NY 14221

25. Trattoria Aromoma - $$

 

  • Really good if you want something fancier. 

 

      • Two locations:
        • 307 Bryant St, Buffalo, NY 14222
        • 5229 Main St, Buffalo, NY 14221

26. Betty's - $$

 

  •  Comfort food and weekend brunch. 

 

    • 370 Virginia St, Buffalo, NY 14201

27. Sophias - $

    • Good, casual restaurant with good food.
    • 749 Military Rd, Buffalo, NY 14216

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