Savor — Restaurant in City of Niagara Falls

When I had the opportunity to dine at Savor Restaurant, located within the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute (NFCI), I knew I was in for more than just a meal—I was about to experience the future of culinary excellence. Savor is not your typical fine dining establishment; it’s a living classroom where the chefs and servers are actually students honing their craft under the guidance of seasoned professionals. As part of SUNY Niagara, Savor provides a unique blend of educational rigor and culinary artistry, making it a standout destination.

From the moment I stepped inside, it was clear that Savor’s mission extends beyond merely serving food; it’s about preparing the next generation of culinary leaders. The students here don’t just cook and serve—they’re immersed in every aspect of running a restaurant. The kitchen, the front of the house, and even the wine pairings are all handled by students as part of their hands-on education. Their dedication and commitment to their craft is truly inspiring. It’s a full-circle learning experience that allows them to apply classroom knowledge in a real-world setting, making every visit a support to their education.

The menu at Savor is a testament to the creativity and skill being cultivated at NFCI. With a focus on seasonal ingredients and locally sourced produce, the dishes reflect the region's freshness and the innovative techniques being taught. During my visit, I was impressed by the variety of the menu, which spans contemporary American cuisine to international flavors. Each dish is a culinary delight and reflects the student’s hard work and dedication.

The wine pairings deserve a special mention. Carefully curated to complement the menu, the selections enhance the dining experience and showcase the students’ growing expertise in wine education. The restaurant is dedicated to providing a holistic culinary education that extends beyond just cooking.

The ambiance at Savor is sophisticated yet inviting, making it the perfect setting for an upscale meal. The decor is tastefully done, creating a warm and elegant atmosphere. But what truly sets Savor apart is the service. Knowing that the individuals preparing and serving your meal are students adds a unique dimension to the experience. You're not just a diner; you're part of their journey. They’re not just performing a job; they’re actively learning and perfecting their craft, which makes the dining experience feel more personal and meaningful.

What I found particularly commendable about Savor is its strong connection to the community. The restaurant is open to the public, allowing everyone to enjoy a high-quality meal while directly supporting the education of local students. It’s a win-win situation—diners enjoy top-notch cuisine, and students gain invaluable real-world experience. Savor's commitment to the local community is something to be proud of. It also hosts special events and themed dinners, which are a fantastic way to see the full range of creativity and skill that the students are developing.

I also learned that if you tip, all the tips go into a scholarship fund for students, which I found to be a really unique aspect of the business model.

Conveniently located in downtown Niagara Falls within the NFCI, Savor is easily accessible and perfectly situated for those looking to combine a fine dining experience with a day of sightseeing. The restaurant offers ample parking and is within walking distance of many local attractions, making it a great choice for locals and tourists.

Dining at Savor is more than just enjoying a meal; it’s participating in the education and growth of future culinary professionals. The quality of the food, the attentiveness of the service, and the overall dining experience are all enhanced by the knowledge that you are witnessing the culmination of students’ hard work and dedication. Savor offers an educational dining experience that is as enriching for the diner as it is for the students, making it a must-visit for anyone who appreciates fine food and supports...

Very good dining experience! We were visiting the Niagra Falls NY area for the first time ever, and this place was recommended to us by two different family members. Well, it did not disappoint. We knew it was a culinary arts school, where nearly everyone in the restaurant is learning the culinary arts as well as how to essentially run a higher end restaurant. We also knew that most of the menu changes regularly, so you really don't know what to expect. In summary, we were delighted. We visited on a weekday but made a reservation the day before, just in case. The moment we arrived, we were very cordially greeted and them taken to our seat. The restaurant was at about half capacity. Very nicely decorated. You can see right into the kitchens, too. Our waiter greeted us very quickly after we were seated, explained the menu, and took our drink order. The drinks came out pretty quickly. He explained the menu more, answered some questions, and then took our food order. We kept it simple, I got the pan seared chicken, my wife got the veal chop, and both my teen sons got pizza (no surprise there). The food was out in 10-15 minutes. It was GREAT! Perfectly seasoned, expertly cooked, and beautifully plated. My younger son tried my wife's veal and absolutely loved it! His first time trying veal and he's hooked, said he will order it when he sees it on a menu. Thank you, Savor, for broadening his culinary horizons! Desserts were equally as wonderful as well. The manager / maitre D checked on us midway, which was a nice touch as well. Our waiter was very courteous, prompt, and knew the menu and food items quite well. He was also very personable and easy to talk to. The one and only knock was that we ran out of water and had to ask for refills. That's it. Everything else exceeded expectations, especially considering this is a learning restaurant. The prices were not cheap, but for the quality and amount of food as well as overall dining experience, we felt it was a great value, probably much better than other high-end restaurants. We will definitely return if we're in the area again, and will not hesitate to recommend it to others....

I'd like for you to go and read the negative reviews, and then come back to mine if you will... I'd like a bit of a rebuttal of theirs. Go ahead. I'll wait..... .... ....... Now, if you'll notice, the negative reviews fall into two categories, those that feel like the restaurant wouldn't eat them despite being somewhat empty/they don't have to have reservations, and most it feel like they don't understand what a pre fixe menu is... so let's address those notions. Foremost, this is part of a culinary school, so it's not necessarily that they are looking to maximize profits here at this restaurant, more or less they are learning and training next generation of good restaurant workers. Ergo- they are not going to overseat and oversell. They would rather the students learn in a restricted environment that pads a true dinner rush. No, it is not racist to not seat a family of 6 even though there are open tables, because almost always for dinner, reservations are required. It's to keep the balance for the kitchen and servers. Furthermore- the young blonde that seems to be mentioned in some of the reviews is in fact, one of the instructors, with a degree in hospitality. (We asked). Now- pre fixe. Ya get what ya get. That's it. They have 6 or so rotating appetizers to pick from, then a main, (again, 5 choices) then a dessert. For like 35 bucks? Not even the delicious food trucks outside can beat that. The charcuterie board was well done, the salads fresh, the steaks were amazing, and the sides impeccable. Creme brulee on point and french entrement outstanding. I stand fast and challenge anyone to downplay this establishment. Student- learning, in a good and fun environment is not one to waste on people that wouldn't know finer dining if it sprayed them in the face a la Maid of the Mist. My regret is living far away I wouldn't have a chance to...