A relic from the days when this part of Buffalo was Italian immigrant territory, this tavern, a few blocks from Dunn Tire Park and HSBC Arena, still offers homemade sauce and meatballs the way the original Mrs. DiTondo made back in 1904. Most of the week it's the lunch crowd that keeps the restaurant going, except for Friday nights when the dinner tables are set. Linoleum floors, formica and chrome tables (with gold tablecloths for dinner), and rubber plants make up the rudimentary yet pleasant decor.

Named after the old fast-food eateries that dotted the Buffalo landscape during the early and middle parts of the 20th century, this restaurant features a classically elegant look and regional contemporary cooking. Situated within the downtown Adam's Mark Hotel, the restaurant offers breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner, as well as an extensive wine list. Main menu courses include the chicken and lobster Americana, shrimp scampi, and pesto grilled swordfish. It's the perfect spot for a power luncheon or a memorable romantic rendezvous.

A 50-year tradition in the area, this ice cream parlor/restaurant is definitely on the diner side of things with delights such as beef on kimmelweck, and ham and turkey sandwiches. But the frozen custard and homemade hard ice cream is the reason most people pay this North Buffalo site a visit. Little wonder they sell more than 4,000 custard cones a week! One of nine locations in Buffalo and surrounding suburbs, the restaurant prides itself on quality food, cleanliness and fast and friendly service.

Located within the Asa Ransom Inn, this restaurant might be in the middle of the country but it sports the elegance and grandeur of a classic upscale dining spot. Jackets are de rigeur for men, while the atmosphere and dress is more relaxed in the Clarence Hollow room. Main course meals range in price from $10-$23 and feature such dishes as Printanier Chicken (baked boneless chicken breast on a julienne of vegetables), and raspberry mint rack of lamb. Nearby attractions include the Clarence Antique Markets and Lancaster Opera House.

Close to the University at Buffalo's South Campus, this restaurant caters to the student population and area business people. Reputed to have the best omelets in town, the restaurant also hits the spot with its traditional Lebanese dishes and various veggie burgers. Dishes include such Lebanese specialties as kibbeh (ground lamb, cracked wheat, and pine nuts), and swarma (beef marinated in wine). Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served daily by an efficient and friendly staff. The Sunday morning brunch is a food-lovers feast.

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 in Buffalo's West Side, this venerable restaurant has been serving homemade pasta and other Italian delicacies since 1921, when the area was home to numerous Italian families. Today, it caters to anyone looking for authentic Italian food at affordable prices in a relaxed environment. The dishes consist of your basic staples including pasta e fagiole, homemade pastas, veal parmigiana, gnocchi, and spaghetti & meatballs. West Side attractions include Kleinhans Music Hall, Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, and Buffalo State College. Cash only.

Not your usual stuffy steak joint, this University Heights restaurant not far from the University at Buffalo South Campus combines inexpensive steak and barbecue with nightly specials. The atmosphere is rousing and sometimes even raucous, the wait staff is friendly, and there's live music Wednesday nights. The menu includes classic pub fare such as roast beef on weck, Black Angus burger, and New York strip steak. The Montana Room, a second dining area, is available for parties, banquets and other bashes.

With its downtown location not far from Dunn Tire Park and HSBC Arena, this pub is a favorite spot for sports fans looking for a cold brew and solid pub food. The pub also has its regular customers who come in especially for the homemade micro-brews such as Lake Effect Pale Ale, Trainwreck and Lotus. There's a basement cellar bar area for live music, a 20-table pool area on the second floor, and a sit-down restaurant for the whole family.

If you have a hankering for seafood this is the place to go. Red Lobster has a wide variety of good eats for the whole family. Various appetizers, special entrees, drinks and desserts ensure a menu with something for just about anybody. Lunch and dinner menus include shrimp, soups and salads, seafood platters, chicken, steak, and pasta. For calorie-counters, choose from the LightHouse Menu, which highlights dishes that won't cause you to tip the scales. A Kid's Menu is available with fine fare for the little ones like chicken fingers and mac & cheese. Be sure to save room for a scrumptious dessert. Gift Cards are available as a great gift for the seafood lover.