Last updated: 2025-05-06
Best Upscale Restaurants in Amherst
Amherst’s culinary scene blends sophisticated flavors with Western New York’s warm hospitality. From intimate Williamsville bistros to Buffalo’s elegant dining rooms, the region offers exceptional gastronomic experiences that elevate every meal beyond simple sustenance.
Local restaurants like Giancarlo’s Sicilian Steakhouse and Grezi showcase the area’s commitment to fresh ingredients, innovative techniques, and dining experiences that celebrate both traditional and contemporary culinary artistry.
Discover Amherst’s most delectable dining destinations now!
Featured Fine Dining Spots in Amherst
- Giancarlo's Sicilian Steakhouse
- San Marco Restaurant
- Siena Restaurant (Buffalo)
- 800 Maple (Williamsville)
- Ristorante Lombardo
- Grezi
- A'mano
- Vault 237
800 Maple (Williamsville)
What to Expect
Wood-fired pizzas and weekly Sunday brunch
Description
800 Maple offers a sophisticated New American dining experience in Williamsville, featuring a modern dining room with wood-fired pizzas, seasonal specialties, and an extensive bar program. Guests can enjoy wood-roasted half chicken, grilled salmon, and handcrafted cocktails in an inviting contemporary setting that balances casual elegance with culinary creativity.
Restaurant Details
More Info: 800 Maple ↗
A'mano
What to Expect
Build-your-own fresh pasta bowl with daily handmade pasta
Description
A modern Italian pasta kitchen in Williamsville offering fresh, handcrafted pasta with a build-your-own bowl concept. Diners can select from semolina or gluten-free pasta, custom sauces, and creative toppings, with signature dishes like Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese and Slow Braised Lamb Ragu prepared quickly in a welcoming, cozy atmosphere.
Restaurant Details
More Info: A'mano ↗
Giancarlo's Sicilian Steakhouse
What to Expect
Sicilian-immigrant culinary concept with historical fusion cuisine
Description
A sophisticated Sicilian-inspired steakhouse nestled in Amherst, blending traditional Italian culinary heritage with premium American steakhouse techniques. The restaurant offers an immersive dining experience featuring carefully curated dishes that showcase the complex flavors of Sicily, complemented by an extensive wine and cocktail selection in an elegant business casual setting.
Restaurant Details
More Info: Giancarlo's Sicilian Steakhouse ↗
Grezi
What to Expect
Seasonally rotating menu with local Buffalo-inspired cuisine
Description
Nestled in Snyder, Grezi on Main offers a sophisticated neighborhood bar experience with seasonally changing menus crafted from fresh, local ingredients. The kitchen, overseen by chefs Brendan Wakeham and Jonathan Freer, delivers carefully curated dishes that reflect Buffalo's culinary landscape through innovative, locally-sourced preparations.
Restaurant Details
More Info: Grezi ↗
Ristorante Lombardo
What to Expect
Seasonally changing regional Italian menu with slow food philosophy
Description
A sophisticated Italian restaurant nestled in Amherst, Ristorante Lombardo offers seasonally changing menus featuring regional Italian cuisine crafted with high-quality ingredients. Their spacious dining rooms showcase understated elegance, with carefully prepared dishes emphasizing a slow food approach and authentic culinary traditions.
Restaurant Details
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San Marco Restaurant
What to Expect
Buffalo's premier Northern Italian fine dining destination
Description
San Marco Ristorante offers an authentic Northern Italian dining experience in Buffalo, featuring meticulously crafted cuisine by owners/chefs Frank and Nancy Grimaldi. The restaurant showcases sophisticated Northern Italian dishes in an elegant setting, with Nancy's culinary expertise recognized through multiple 4-star reviews from notable critics.
Restaurant Details
More Info: San Marco Restaurant ↗
Siena Restaurant (Buffalo)
What to Expect
Wood-fired pizza oven with Italian-trained pizzaiolo
Description
Siena Restaurant offers an authentic Italian fine dining experience in Buffalo, featuring a wood-burning pizza oven, elegant atmosphere, and cuisine crafted by a master pizzaiolo trained in Italy. The restaurant provides an intimate dining setting with carefully prepared antipasti, pizzas, and traditional Italian dishes in a sophisticated environment.
Restaurant Details
More Info: Siena Restaurant ↗
Vault 237
What to Expect
Fine dining restaurant inside a historic bank vault
Description
Vault 237 offers an intimate fine dining experience within a stylishly converted bank vault, featuring craft cocktails and contemporary American cuisine. The restaurant's unique architectural setting blends industrial chic design with sophisticated culinary artistry, creating an immersive dining environment with dramatic architectural elements.
Restaurant Details
More Info: Vault 237 ↗
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