These WNY Restaurants Were Rated The Best At The Taste of Buffalo

One of the most anticipated events in Western New York has arrived, and so far, the 41st Annual Taste of Buffalo, presented by Tops Friendly Markets, has not disappointed one bit.

With nearly 50 restaurants and wineries participating in this year's food festival, having thousands of people in the heart of downtown Buffalo is a great way to remind folk why this is the City of Good Neighbors.

Every year, the Board of Directors of the Taste of Buffalo holds a friendly competition between all the restaurants participating in one of America's best food festivals. Of course, 2024 is no different.

Organizers gathered Dozens of judges from around Western New York to serve as Food Judges for the festival. Those judges fanned out into Niagara Square and Delaware Avenue to try all available fares and rate them on a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being the best. After the votes are cast and tallied, officials declare a winner in several categories.

What Was My Favorite Restaurant?

For the second year in a row, I had the honor and privilege of serving as a food judge, and just like last year, the food did not disappoint at all. The only true struggle was ensuring I didn't overeat to enjoy everything the Taste of Buffalo offered.

Of all of the different places that are featured this year, my favorite items were:

The Chicken Butter Tikka Masala from India Gate,
The Pollo Guisado from La Casa De Sabores,
The Hoagie Log from Steaksters, and
The Stormin' Norman from Sidelines Sports Bar & Grill.

So What Restaurants Won The Competition?

After all of the votes were tabulated, the winners of the 2024 Taste of Buffalo Restaurant Competition were:

Chair's Choice - Chosen by Tom Mahoney, 2024 Taste of Buffalo Chair:
- D.A. Taste – Dom’s Taco
Children's Choice - Chosen by Claire and Esme Mahoney, Daughters of 2024 Taste Chair
- Golden Hour Treats – Nutella Me Crazy Waffle
Best Overall Item
- Dirty Bird Chicken N’ Waffles LLC – Fried Cauliflower Taco
Eric Duvall Memorial "Best of Buffalo" Award
- Resurgence Brewing Company
Best Surf or Turf Item
- BW’s Barbecue – Smoked Jerk Chicken Wings
"Louis J. Billittier Sr. “Rookie of the Year” Award
- Carrubba’s Chicken Pit
Best Dessert
- Fat Lady’s Cakes & Pies - Award-Winning Sweet Potato Pie Cupcake
Veteran Restaurant Award
- Sidelines Sports Bar & Grill
Best Red Wine
- A Gust of Sun Winery – Pinot Noir
Best White Wine
- Victorianbourg Wine – Estate Pechette
Favorite Fermentation
- Three Brothers Winery & Estate – Cabernet Franc Rose