Not sure if our experience was influenced by the fact that we dined the day after Christmas, but we were not impressed by the quality of the food. Lasagna was off the menu and there was only one dessert. Server was friendly and very competent. For the cost of the dinner, I was expecting more. After so many positive reviews, we were just very disappointed. read more

We were excited to try Blue Cave for a birthday celebration. Arriving at our reserved time, we stood there at the Hostess stand waiting for an odd period of time as three workers were huddled at the computer "trying to find us a server". We were finally seated and the waitress did come right over. We started with two Arancini which were just OK but not very flavorful. Three of us ordered the Bass and one ordered the Lasagna. The center of the Lasagna was ice cold and was sent back to be reheated. The Bass could have been warmer as well. The Bass portions were a bit thin for the price. I ordered a coke ( which has a lot of ice.) when I asked for another with no ice, The waitress brought me a half a glass of coke....because I asked for no ice. That's tacky. the two small pieces of cake for dessert were Ok. The whole place felt like a tavern as opposed to what we were expecting for the price The overall food experience was a bit disappointing for a chef that was supposedly from Sicily. We will not plan to go back. read more

Was very much looking forward to going here with my dad Friday night. We walk up, it's looking grim from the outside. Go inside. Bar is also looking grim. We order, dad a Manhattan, me a cosmo. Bartender seems very unsure of herself, yet made delightful drinks!! We're taken upstairs, the decor, and acoustics are terrible. There were only 5 tables including us and the sound was deafening. Our server could barely hear us. Here's where it gets good. The octopus appetizer knocked it out of the park!! Best I've ever had. Dad loved it too. The truffled mashed potatoes were perfect with it! I got the grouper with the saffron risotto. I NEVER order fish. I mean NEVER. Phenomenal!!! Dad got the short rib which was also excellent. The food is truly incredible. I guess I was expecting something more upscale than crappy metal chairs and tables. Buy, you know whey they say about assumptions. They are brand new so I bet the interior will improve. 4 stars for how damn good the food was. read more

Had dinner reservations and asked for table on first floor. When we arrived the bar area was very bright and the garage door was partly opened on that cold and rainy night. (Should have been a clue in regard to my last paragraph). We asked the hostess if we could move to upstairs . It took just a drink at the bar before the hostess was able to put us upstairs. The service was excellent! I only wish I could give the server kudos because she was very attentive and knowledgeable about the menu and wine list. The food was not bad but it was just ok. The Antipasto Trinacria was the best dish of the night. The Salmone in Crosta and the red snapper over saffron risotto were both very bland. Disappointing especially at a $30 price! Now the worst part of the evening... poor ventilation from the kitchen!! Our clothes stunk when we left so much that our coats have to go to the dry cleaners because they have been airing out in the garage for three days and they still stink. I resent paying a dry cleaning bill after spending over $150 for a mediocre meal. We won't be returning! read more

Great service and the food was fabulous!! Don't be intimidated by the menu if you're not sure about Italian cuisine the staff is so helpful!! Plan on taking some food home for dinner the next night! read more

I wish i could give 3.5 stars because 3 seems too low but 4 seems too high. All the food we tried (pictured) was good, particularly the Pasta al brasato. Everything else about Blue Cave was particularly underwhelming. The decor/vibe of the restaurant is uninspiring. The service was average and borderline slow at times. Drinks were overpriced for the quality ($15 for an average quality old fashioned). I would return if invited to go with someone but this would never be my first choice. read more

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The food is exquisite! I love the octopus, risotto, short ribs and Tiramisu is to die for!!!! read more

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This was my second time eating in this restaurant.  It was excellent two times in a row.  We got the appetizer sampler which was presented well and tasted delicious.  It was a generous portion of food and four of us split it.  All excellent, but the caponata the best part!   The wine was reasonable priced.  The citrus old fashioned was excellent and the server highly recommended this from the drink menu.  Woodford Reserve is used as their well bourbon.   We each ordered a main course that we were very happy with.  I especially loved the gnocchi. Very large serving and I had to take it home--excellent as a left over.  Creme Brûlée was a nice sized serving and tasted deicious.  Coffee freshly prepared and a wonderful end to a great experience.   The restaurant was filled, but not too loud. It is a fairly casual atmosphere with lots of people seeming to enjoy themselves.  The service was timely and the courses were appropriately spaced out. I will return and highly recommend. read more

Outstanding newer restaurant in Buffalo. Food was fantastic and service was attentive and helpful. Really next level food quality - can't go wrong if you decide to visit. I particularly liked the eggplant caponata. read more

Blue Cave Restaurant - Rigatoni Norma - Sicilian Near Me - Lewiston, New York

The BEST Italian restaurant I've ever experienced!Authentic Italian Chef,food was amazing!Service was impeccable.It's a true hidden gem. read more

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Took my boyfriend here to celebrate his 30th birthday- after we had been wanting to try this place out for a while now. From start to finish- the service, atmosphere, and not to mention food was absolutely AMAZING! We haven't witnessed such great customer service in a long time. Our waitress was so kind and knowledgeable about the menu. We were greeted with confetti at our table- since upon making the reservation they asked if we were celebrating anything. The apps and pasta were phenomenal. I couldn't have asked for a better place to go for a special birthday. We will definitely be back! read more

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We went to this restaurant for the first time. The atmosphere was nice. The food was amazing. The owner made us feel welcome. The server were very nice as well. I will be coming back. read more

Service is a disaster. Food is edible, nothing more. Uncomfortable chairs and tables.

We live in the neighborhood and have walked past this place many times and had been wanting to try it. My husband and I are both Sicilian so it was cool to see the chef was from Sicily. We ordered a bunch of things to try- the caponata, the chickpea fritters, salad and the pork chop (Costata do Maiale) - everything was delicious and tasted like something my nana would make. The pork chop and caponata in particular were crave-able. And it was a large enough portion to split with someone. This is not just another Italian-American spaghetti and meatball place. It's creative and checks out as authentic to us. Can't wait to go back and save room for dessert! read more

Great cocktails, great service, I really loved the Arancini appetizer. And the desserts were exquisite.

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!! read more

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We were warmly welcomed when we walked into Blue Cave. As we waited for our friends to join us, Chef Mario walked over and talked with us also (we were early evening, first guests of the night). Feeling pretty confident that the food would likely be well executed and amazing from Chef Mario whose culinary expertise because of his Sicilian roots lends itself perfectly to his sumptuous menu. We were not disappointed! From our gorgeous salad to the soft pillows of ricotta gnocchi with a rich & tasty bolognese sauce and fresh basil, we were humming in delight! The salad included delicious fried artichoke hearts and a wonderful light vinaigrette. Not your run of the mill Italian restaurant, it's a must try destination! You will not be disappointed. And don't forget to enjoy dessert! We will be back over and over and over..... read more

Some other guests were there as well but not busy by any means. The service was terrible. So, so slow, inaccurate order, wrong bill, etc etc. Server was very kind but unfortunately one of the worst we have ever had. The food was delicious! It is very strange that the front and back of the house are so detached feeling. The ambience is very "off". The decor/lighting/overall acoustics do not go with the finer dining Italian food being served. Our group enjoyed everything we had! The food was truly excellent. Such potential with the delicious food. read more

A little challenging to find parking but the food was well worth it. We had the Arancini appetizer at the suggestion of our waitress which was very good. Also highly recommend the squid ink risotto. The portion was more than I could finish and enjoyed the next day too. The service was excellent and they seemed to really care that we were pleased with the food. Highly recommend! read more

Ordered the appetizer trio and some extra arancini (pictured), main course was the brasato di manzo (not picture)....everything was delicious and the service was great read more

Blue Cave Restaurant - Appetizer trio - Sicilian Near Me - Lewiston, New York

This place was wonderful, service was great and the food was delicious. I had the short ribs and the meat just fell off the bone. Would highly recommend read more

The food was less than ideal. The braciole came with a sour sauce. The mashed potatoes with the short rib were gummy and under seasoned. The creme brulee was grainy on topped and the custard was overcooked and chunky. Waste of $200 read more

Went there for dinner- and wasn't disappointed. The food was delicious, the service was great and so was the atmosphere. Would definitely recommend if you were looking for a nice casual night out. read more

We decided to have an adventure and go to a restaurant we knew nothing about. Internet search led us to Blue Cave. We didn't realize until after we were seated that they did not yet have their liquor license...I would have chose somewhere else had I known but, oh well. Enjoyed the appetizer trio - it was a lot to eat for the two of us. I really enjoyed my Short Rib entree. My wife was less enthusiastic about her Brasciole. It's a small place with all seating up a long flight of stairs, so if someone in your party is not too mobile this could be a problem. read more

The food was great, the service was spot on. Everyone was so friendly. I really enjoyed this restaurant. We will be back!

Delicious food, great service and nice ambiance. We will be back soon to try more of the menu.

Great dinner spot. Wife and I had tickets to sheas and we wanted a nice dinner before the show. Food and service were outstanding. From appetizers to main coarse, we loved everything. Highly recommend. read more

Blue Cave is ready for Buffalo. Is Buffalo ready for Blue Cave? I am first generation Italian and rarely eat at Italian places, because I have been spoiled by the food in Italy, and my family and I cook (Northern) Italian food all the time. But for some reason, I had a serious craving for Italian food on my most recent birthday. I considered both this place and DiTondo, and Blue Cave won that bid for this occasion. I fear I cannot adequately describe the beauty and delicacy of these dishes. Even now, I fail, because you may think based on those descriptors that the food was sophisticated and painstakingly created, but not hearty. No, this is real, authentic food with a backbone to it, perfectly done. The grilled octopus on I believe parsnip puree may be the best octopus I have ever had, or ties for first place with an octopus dish I had in Naples (Not-Florida) ten years ago. The appetizer course is where this restaurant shines the brightest, imo. Everything was outstanding, from the arancini (fried rice balls with a oozing mozzarella core) to the chickpea-based pannelle. You know a restaurant is good when the fried items have a light as air quality. But even the cold, stewed eggplant and olive dish capponata surprised me with how perfectly cooked it was, with none of the components losing their shape in the least despite their softness. Finally, a small serving of burrata was included in the platter, for yes, all of the above mentioned items, except the octopus, are part of the same appetizer sampler platter. Next time I will order each individually. Main courses: the bracciole is a good option if you want pasta (what appeared to be home made orecchiette) but also want to try one of their meat offerings. Their red sauce, mostly tomato but slow cooked with meat, is ideal. It's not a ragu, not so thick, but it has a wonderful consistency, not too heavy or too thin, and what a wonderful taste. The bracciole themselves were extremely tender and flavorful. A friend ordered the squid ink risotto with shrimp, and that was perhaps the most physically stunning item of the night. Blackness of squid ink, scattered green of crushed pistachio, pink curls of shrimp, again, perfectly cooked! Finally, the dessert course. I was brought a complimentary almond semifreddo that was just the thing, and just the right size given we had appetizers and a main courses with the meal, though some may find it petite. Me, I like little desserts. My friend ordered the cannolo (known as cannoli in the states, though that's actually the plural form of the word ) and it was perfect: not too sweet and studded with pistachio bits. It was a little larger. I would like to see more classic Sicilian and southern Italian desserts, like rhum baba, but I don't know if they would be popular. I hope this restaurant thrives. There may be room for growth in some areas (more creative custom cocktails.....and gigantic aperitivo selection, perhaps? Oh, and maybe regular early afternoon to 6 PM appetizer-and- wine/spritz happy hour specials in the summertime?! Some thoughts). But it's so nice to experience an adventurous yet traditional, and thrillingly competent, Italian restaurant in Buffalo: one that doesn't bash you over the head with excess garlic or use parmesan cheese when it should be pecorino romano. Furthermore, while also I love Italian American food, we have enough good places like that in Buffalo, and plenty of bad ones. Let Blue Cave be great, on its own terms: don't force it to assimilate, enjoy its unusualness, which is mostly Chef Mario (who is in fact Sicilian) cooking the foods that have been made in Southern Italy for centuries in the same way....with a skill level that is leaps and bounds above average! But don't take my word for it. Just order the appetizer sampler and you'll get a sense of what I'm going on and on and on about... read more

The staff were very friendly and provided great service. The Gnocchi Bolognese was amazing. We had a wonderful time. I would highly recommend this restaurant. read more

Amazing food and great service!! We really enjoyed our meal here, split the squid ink risotto and grouper meals with both being equally delicious. Already looking forward to coming back to try more! read more

I cannot say enough about this restaurant. The food, Chef Mario and his staff are fantastic! You will not be disappointed. We purchased a gift certificate for my parents for Christmas so we decided to go with them. We ordered three appetizers: arancini, caponata, and the insalata misticanza. They were all delicious and the arancini and caponata was the best I have ever had. For our mains, we ordered the ricotta gnocchi, brasato di manzo, salmone in crosta, and the filetto di cernio. Every entree was beautifully presented and amazingly tasty. You could tell everything was made fresh. Chef Mario hit it out of the park with the ricotta gnocchi! One word, WOW! For dessert we tried the cannoli, creme brule and tiramisu which all tasted incredible as well. My family is from Sicily and I am usually disappointed with many of the "Italian" restaurants I visit, however, Blue Cave is definitely authentic Italian and every thing we tried was honestly delicious. Make sure you check it out! read more

The food came out so fast which was a huge red flag. Sure enough it tasted like old food that had just been microwaved. The one star is for the nice waitress we had. Food was terrible. read more

Food is delicious! Chef Mario is amazing. Don't leave without having dessert. Some home made desserts that are beyond words!! Sooo good! Everything is fantastic. We had the sampler appetizer and ate every morsel plus we each got a pasta dish and shared. Enjoy! The place was packed and people were waiting in the street so make a reservation! read more

The chef was charming, the waitress attentive and the food was wonderful. The arancini appetizer and braciole were delicious but do not forget the misticanza salad! Can't wait to return. read more

Went to enjoy some delicious HOME MADE Italian food and was extremely impressed with everything about the Blue Cave. The staff is outstanding, and willing to go the extra mile to make sure you feel like you are part of the family. The owner Mario and his wife Pamela sat at the bar with us, as we had a pre dinner cocktail with the courteous/professional bartender, to find out our likes and dislikes to accommodate us . I had the Arancini appetizer and Gnocchi Bolognese and my girl had the Grouper/Cernia and octopus/polpo-grigliato as an appetizer, which was perfectly prepared. Our server offered us a complementary desert, however, we were too full from the large portions of food. The ambience is very modern and the large door upstairs being opened added to the experience with a beautiful breeze. The Blue Cave is a MUST TRY restaurant, You will NOT be disappointed. Bona Petite !!!!!! We will be back soon . read more