Some of the best in contemporary American cuisine is served here by chef Christopher Daigler, including Olive Oil Poached Long Island Duck Breast, and Porcini Dusted Sea Bass. One of the oldest fine dining spots in Buffalo, this restaurant located north of Delaware Park is still a favorite for those looking for elegance and excellent food. There's a formal air to the place, perhaps due to the dress code. But the atmosphere is warm and comfortable. A good place for a special anniversary or to close that important deal.

Located south of Delaware Park, close to the Buffalo Zoological Gardens and the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, this upscale restaurant recently received a four-star rating from a Buffalo News food critic. Run by Chef Mark Hutchinson, formerly of Oliver's, the restaurant prides itself on both its contemporary cuisine and its wine selection, which includes 16 by the glass. House specialty entrees include seafood, steak, Jambalaya pasta, and Thai High calamari.

This restaurant, which overlooks the Niagara River, was featured on Man vs. Food on the Travel Channel. Known for their legendary "Bone-in-the-Stone" rib eye, the menu also features filet mignon, New York strip, salmon, smoked baby back ribs, pulled pork platter and lobster and portabella stuffed ravioli. Another one of their signature dishes is chef Chaz Bulera's special mac and cheese, made with chopped bacon and roasted red peppers, and topped with chicken. The lunch menu has specialty sandwiches and wraps, served with homemade chips and a side of fruit. Some of the wraps include the Riverstone, featuring an eight ounce New York strip with roasted red pepper, onions, provolone, with roasted red pepper mayo on cibatta. A buffalo chicken wrap features chicken topped with hot sauce, blue cheese, provolone. lettuce and tomato. - Christine A. Smyczynski

Since 1952, John and Mary's has been the place to go for subs, pizza, wings and more. When the late John Guida first opened the eatery, he served just three different sub sandwiches. People would line up to have their sandwiches on Friday nights. Today, the local chain of casual, family-friendly restaurants has nine locations in the Buffalo area. The menu includes many more items including pizza, chicken wings and fingers, hot and cold subs, salads, sandwiches, wraps, and even a fish fry on Fridays. Most of the restaurants now serve beer and wine to enjoy with you meal. Lunch specials are served daily from 11a to 3p. - Christine A. Smyczynski

This family-owned restaurant is tucked away in a residential neighborhood. The Rizzo family has been operating restaurants in the Buffalo area for decades; this particular location opened in 1997. Start out with an appetizer like bruschetta, fried calamari or stuffed peppers. The soup and salad selections include pasta e fagiole and Italian wedding soup, along with salads like antipasto and cobb salad. For dinner choose from homemade pastas like cheese ravioli, manicotti and their special platter, which includes lasagna, chicken parm and spaghetti. they also have eggplant parmigiana, brasciole, veal parmigiana, chicken cacciatore and a Friday fish fry. Rizzo's also serves pizza, wings, chicken fingers, and calzones, along with several different subs. The Rizzo's also operate their original location at 2763 Eggert Road, as well as Banchetti's banquet facility and Cafe Banchetti on North French Road -Christine A. Smyczynski

This regional sub chain, which began as a corner store in Rochester in 1918, prides itself on their freshly baked rolls, which are baked in-house several times a day. They currently have over 15 locations, with about half in Rochester and three in the Buffalo area. Other locations are in Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Ohio. The decor is reminiscent of an old-fashioned diner, complete with pressed tin ceiling and walls. Choose from three sizes of subs, which can be ordered hot or cold. Try some of their favorites, like the Dagwood, made with turkey, ham and corned beef, or the Godfather, made with Genoa salami, capicola, and spicy ham. Folks in Buffalo and Rochester can also order a Red Osier hot roast beef sandwich. Sides include macaroni salad, potato salad, deli style pickles, and chips. For dessert, try one of Grandma DiBella's old-fashioned chocolate chip cookies, which are baked fresh daily in-house. They also do catering; order a sub tray or boxed lunch for your next party or meeting. -Christine A. Smyczynski

The Crow's Nest has operated as a tavern since the 1940's and has always been known for its fish fry. In 2010, the restaurant was renovated, but still keeps its 1940's charm and retro décor. New additions include a fresh coat of green paint (popular in the 1940's), a new bar, and five flat paneled televisions. The menu includes, besides their famous fish fry, burgers, beef on weck, wings, fried chicken, homemade soup, and other western New York favorites. They also serve prime rib dinners on Saturday and have other daily specials. Desserts include homemade pies and cakes. Outside, ten horseshoe pits are used by leagues during the warmer months. -Christine A. Smyczynski

The Protocol restaurant has had the reputation for being a fine dining restaurant and banquet facility since it was opened by the Pelczynski family in 1971. Their lunch menu includes a variety of salads, including a Wasabi chicken and strawberry salad, crab cake salad and a chopped salad. They also have pasta dishes, burgers and entrées like chicken piccata, panko-crusted scallops and their signature baby back ribs. Dinner features a large number of seafood dishes, like horseradish crusted salmon filet, stuffed haddock and a fresh catch of the day. Other menu choices include filet mignon, strip steak, and ribs. A banquet room, which seats up to 300, is available. -Christine A. Smyczynski

: Since 1996, Pizza Works, etc. has been serving pizza, subs, and more to hungry customers. Located in the corner of a suburban strip plaza, the restaurant has a family-friendly sports atmosphere. You can dine-in, get take out, or have food delivered. Choose from a variety of hot or cold subs, traditional pizzas, chicken wings and chicken fingers. If you want something different, specialty sandwiches include fried bologna with onions and hot pot roast. They also have a variety of specialty pizzas, including Mexican, Greek, and Hawaiian. If you want lighter fare, enjoy a freshly made salad. Other menu selections include a fish fry, served Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, pasta dinners and tacos, and lunch specials served daily. They even serve breakfast. -Christine A. Smyczynski

This Italian eatery, tucked into the corner of a suburban strip mall, serves reasonably priced and delicious southern Italian and Sicilian dishes. The menu also offers standard and gourmet pizzas, submarine sandwiches, tacos, burritos, chicken wings and chicken fingers. You can dine in the large, family-friendly dining room, or opt for take-out. Some of Campobello's pasta selections include homemade ravioli, manicotti, meat and cheese lasagna, and fettucini alfredo. Some of the gourmet pizzas include veggie pizza, popeye pizza (with spinach, of course) and eggplant parmigiana pizza. Campobello's offers traditional sub sandwiches, along with some specialty ones like, chicken and dandelions. -Christine A. Smyczynski