Lombardo — Restaurant in Buffalo

I was immediately captivated by the ambiance that this venerable establishment exudes. Having served the Buffalo community since 1975, Ristorante Lombardo has a rich history that is palpable the moment you step through its doors. The warm welcome by the staff set the tone for an unforgettable dining experience.

The menu, inspired by regional Italian preparations, is a testament to the high-quality ingredients and the slow food approach the restaurant prides itself on. Each dish seemed to tell a story of Italian culinary tradition, refined through the lens of the Lombardo family's experiences and innovations. I was particularly impressed by the thoughtfulness of the menu, which changes seasonally, showcasing the restaurant's commitment to freshness and creativity.

What stood out to me most, however, was the exceptional service and the atmosphere of understated elegance. It's a place that clearly values the experience of its guests, aiming to make every occasion memorable. Whether it was the attentiveness of our server or the exquisite presentation of each dish, every detail was meticulously crafted to enhance our dining experience.

Ristorante Lombardo's dedication to its craft is also evident in the beautifully landscaped, partially enclosed patio, which adds a charming option for dining under the stars during the warmer months. It's a perfect reflection of the restaurant's ability to evolve while maintaining a deep respect for tradition.

In my review, I would be remiss not to mention the restaurant's historical significance and the Lombardo family's journey. From its beginnings in a former frozen pizza factory to becoming one of New York state's premier dining destinations, the story of Ristorante Lombardo is one of passion, resilience, and continuous innovation. The Lombardo family, particularly Thomas J. Lombardo Sr. and Jr., alongside the current generation, have created a legacy that deeply enriches Buffalo's culinary landscape.

Overall, my experience at Ristorante Lombardo was nothing short of spectacular. The combination of authentic, delicious cuisine, the elegant setting, and unparalleled service makes it a jewel in Buffalo's dining scene. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply in search of a fine dining experience, Ristorante Lombardo exceeds expectations, making every meal a memorable one.

For anyone looking to immerse themselves in the flavors of Italy while enjoying the hospitality that only a family-run establishment can offer, Ristorante Lombardo is a must-visit...

My girlfriend and I were in Buffalo for a concert and long weekend away and were staying at a local bed and breakfast. We always like to have a nice night out when we travel and our innkeepers recommended Lombardo. Reservations were easy to make online and we received a text notice one hour before our reservation confirming our time. From the minute you walk in the staff is clearly a cut above what you find at many restaurants with everyone warmly greeting you and seeing to your every need. Valet parking is available and the wait time was very short. Our waiter was a true professional. In going over the menu he made the recommendation to go with the pasta as it is made fresh daily. This was my choice (cavatelli semolina) and my girlfriend went with filet mignon. The menu had a good selection of dishes and several specials were also available. The wine selection was excellent and I had a very good chianti and my girlfriend had a mixed drink that was done to perfection. We shared a fig appetizer that was to die for. When we mentioned we were going to share the appetizer our waiter even asked if we wanted an extra fig so we had an even number to divide; definitely a first for both of us. The main course did not disappoint with both dishes done to perfection. The portions are ample but not overwhelming. The dessert menu is excellent and I had the tiramisu along with an after dinner coffee mixed with anisette. We ate here in early April and when we made our reservations the only space available was the patio. The day was rather dreary with rain so we had concerns. Our innkeepers had never dined on the patio but assured us Lombardo would do things right. Needless to say Lombardo did as they had heaters going and the temperature was fine with staff adjusting it as needed. The patio area has large windows that open and a glass roof. No doubt it is a great location to dine when the weather is warmer. We were both extremely pleased with our experience and would highly recommend Lombardo if you want to experience fine dining but where the staff are warm and friendly. My girlfriend wore a dress but all I had brought was a pair of jeans and a button down shirt but I did not feel out of place one bit. Dinner for both of us was just over $200 (without tip) but well worth...

UPDATE - We were able to return December 9th. Complimentary valet was a nice service. We were seated promptly. The restaurant was full, which seemed like a good sign of their popularity and quality.

We started out with the Wood Roasted Figs, which were very good. For our main we had Tagliatelle Bolognese and Fazzoletti e Prosciutto di Anatra, and a side of Fried Cauliflower. All were very good, with large portions. We were able to take home leftovers for the next day.

Dessert was great - we watched the Banoffee Pie go past our table several times, so we had to try it. Really good, and a huge portion! We also had a chocolate cake with a side of mint ice cream. You could tell they used real mint in the ice cream, it was a very interesting and refreshing flavor.

Service was excellent. You can tell by the movements and attitudes of the staff that they take pride in their work. There was a slight delay on our mains, which we didn't mind too much as we were just enjoying the atmosphere and people watching, but they did comp a dessert to make up for it, which was nice.

We really enjoyed our dinner and will likely return again for a nice date night dinner.

EDIT - Received a prompt email and profuse apology from the restaurant owner offering to make it right. That alone is more than a lot of establishments seem to do anymore, and I appreciate that. Hopefully we'll be able to get in for dinner and the future to try it for ourselves.

I made reservations months ago to celebrate my 10 year anniversary with my husband. After receiving email confirmation of the reservation, as well as a confirmation text the day before and an hour before, we were extremely disappointed to arrive to a dark, closed building. It was only when we called that we got the automated voice message that they are closed for renovations. A follow up phone call, email or text would have been nice, as we're not from the area and obviously didn't know about the renovations.

Thankfully we were able to get in at Hutch's to salvage our evening and we had a wonderful...