Contemporary Italian Cuisine in a casual setting. Freshly prepared authentic food created by Chef Mario Bianca, former executive chef of Sun Cliff on the Lake and Niagara Frontier Golf Club. We are located in the heart of downtown Buffalo, NY just minutes away from Sahlen Field and Shea’s Theater District. Chef Mario is originally from southern Italy. His foods are a blend of authentic Sicilian flavors coupled with modern Italian recipes. Our atmosphere is the perfect place to bring the family, to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, or have a world class meal before going to a baseball game or seeing a show at Shea’s. Currently serving alcoholic beverages, wines, and beer. Reservations are preferred. Walk-ins are welcome!
Based on 101 reviews, the restaurant has received a rating of 4.6 stars. Price
✔️ Dine-in ✔️ Curbside pickup ✔️ Delivery
Address:
128 Genesee St, Buffalo, NY 14203
Phone: (716) 259-8145
Social Profile: 
Hours
| Tuesday | 5–9:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 5–9:30 PM |
| Thursday | 5–9:30 PM |
| Friday | 5–10 PM |
| Saturday | 5–10 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | Closed |
Menu
… View more
Photo Gallery
Order and Reservations
Reservations: opentable.com
Reviews
Abby Edgington
I had a surprise graduation dinner here and the experience was fantastic. The food was amazing, staff was so attentive and personable and the environment was elegant and relaxing. Each dish was delicious and you can tell the chef is passionate about his work. Thank you!
… more
Amanda Masset
The only negative I can share is the parking. The staff was really nice and attentive. Our portions were huge. I think my eyes were bigger than my stomach. The Arancini and Tiramisu are a must try! We can’t wait to go back.
… more
Katie Churakos
Delicious, upscale Italian food that is different from many of the local places. It was refreshing to see unique pairings on this menu. Everything is homemade and the service is attentive and friendly! I HIGHLY recommend this restaurant.
… more
Nadia Shahram
Everything was top quality including the service. But the best part was the presentation of each meal with unique aroma, colors and flavors. My company and I were intrigued especially with the variety of herbs and spices used on each of our dishes. Although my dish was a little fishy, everything else about it was perfect from details given to the presentation to the sauce and decoration. Afterwards, the chef owner came over and told us about the area in Sicily he came from. We are going back.
… more
How it is Liz
A great night at Blue Cave, one of downtown Buffalo’s new restaurants! We felt extremely welcome from the moment we walked in the door. The staff is very attentive and seemed to be enjoying their jobs! We were seated promptly upstairs. This is an Italian restaurant. However, we did feel more of a Greek, Santorini type vibe from the decor and overall atmosphere. It really didn’t matter because everything we ordered was very enjoyable. Our drinks were good, especially their specialty apple cider mule. For appetizers, we ordered the Panelle chickpea fritters and the Caponata fried eggplant. The two complimented each other well. Next came our second course, the salads. We ordered the Mediterranea and Misticanza. The fried artichokes were a fantastic topping on the mixed greens! Finally, for our main entree, we both chose the seabass listed on the menu with a side of truffle mashed potatoes and asparagus. The seabass was Italian branzino that was cooked and steamed in a parchment bag . Large flavorful portions. They have lots of healthy options and gluten-free pasta available, too. The chef, who I think may also be the owner, is very talented and really knows how to cook!!
… more
Jessica Ryerse
The only thing I’m mad about is that we didn’t come here sooner! We loved every single thing we tried. The saffron risotto was the highlight. Service was good. This place is highly underrated! We can’t wait to return to try more menu items. Prices were very reasonable. They were out of shrimp so I couldn’t try the risotto nero but I definitely will next time.
… more
TV Account Ottowheat
Outstanding new Italian restaurant in Buffalo. Food was incredible and service was attentive. Really enjoyed it and highly recommend as a top new restaurant to definitely add to your list. They also did a good job accommodating our vegan friend
… more
Zachary Lopez
Chef Mario sat us at our table. That’s service for you. We were a bit bummed they don’t have their liquor license yet but the food speaks for itself. The salad was phenomenal and the sauce was out of this world for the arancini and pasta. I would totally recommend this place. Our servers Susan was very kind and was Knowledgeable about the menu. Please, please, please go check this place out! Well worth it!
… more
Alex Tzanetos
We came here to celebrate our anniversary. we split the octopus appetizer, i got the squid ink risotto, and my boyfriend got the braised short ribs. I got the house mojito and he got the house martini and both were delicious. I had high expectations but they far exceeded them!! Truly one of the best meals I’ve ever had in Buffalo. Everything was authentic and on par with food i’ve had in Astoria. The staff is also so friendly!! Blue Cave is such a much needed, unique and authentic gem and addition to Buffalo. I’ll be dreaming about the risotto until the next time I come back!!
… more
Raul Luciano
One of the best in Buffalo, we arrived there without a reservation and had to seat in a small table by the bar because the place was packed, but not even that changed our great experience. The server, who was also the bartender, was so nice and funny, and recommended the octopus and the arancini as appetizers, and I couldn’t be happier with the suggestion. The octopus is delicious, cooked perfectly (not that rubbery texture you get in many restaurants) and the arancini are filled with cheese. Their shape actually resembles more a coxinha (Brazilian snack) than arancini but it was delicious regardless of that.
… more
… View more