I found Frankie Primo's +39 while staying in downtown Buffalo and I am so delighted! I started with a Limoncello Mule which was crisp snd tasty! I followed up with the Pomodero which is gnocchi filled with ricotta! Talk about heaven on a plate! It had enough of a zesty taste to the red sauce but still was so fresh. I apologize for the pictures, I dove right in and then realized I needed to snap a picture. There is a little gone from each not their doing. The service was very attentive and the server was very kind and made the recommendation of the drink. I was there as a late lunch, so the ambiance was classy bistro with rustic appointments. I loved the 50's songs playing overhead. I will definitely be back! read more

Frankie Primo's +39 - Pomodoro ricotta gnocchi - Italian Near Me - Buffalo, New York

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I got to say the steak meal was just a meh! I doubt that I will ever return. Service is very good though.

Started with calamari. They were good and had 2 sauces. Saw cacio e pepe on the menu and had recently seen that on a travel show so I got it. First time having it and thought it was great. Plenty of cheese and pepper but not overwhelming. read more

Frankie Primo's +39 - Cacio e pepe - Italian Near Me - Buffalo, New York

I come to Frankie Primo's every time I'm in Buffalo. It's a great spot for authentic Italian, fresh homemade pasta, and a cozy vibe. I always end up at the bar and enjoy the quick service and casual atmosphere! I travel full-time for work and am always on the hunt for good Italian food. Frankie Primo's fits the bill, and their downtown location is super convenient. Check it out! read more

Frankie Primo's +39 - Aglio e Olio - Italian Near Me - Buffalo, New York

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Great food and great service. Authentic down to the gratis limoncello at the end of our meal. I came here with 3 other people. My husband had the lasagne, the other two ordered pizzas. I had the Tuscan kale salad and pasta aglio. I'm vegan so I asked if they could make it vegan (leave off the cheese), and they did. I loved my meal! read more

Visited in April 2026. Bread was delicious as was the olive oil dip. Boyfriend's minestrone was excellent as was his pasta. I wanted to love my fig/prosciutto/balsamic pizza and their version of a Caesar salad, but I just didn't--too salty and the flavors were just off for me. (I don't think there was anything wrong with the dishes themselves--I just think they were too rich for me. I'm sure I would've been very happy if I would've eaten the same dishes as my boyfriend. I'm sure others will enjoy that pizza and salad). Chocolate-orange gelato was delicious. Huge portions of everything! You won't leave here hungry. Was sad we couldn't take anything home as we were traveling. I wish that they had had their cuccidati (Italian fig cookies) on hand in the restaurant--which they apparently sell at their bakery at another site--I wanted to see if they were as good as the ones I make! Unfortunately we didn't get a chance to visit their bakery as we left town the next day. Service was very attentive and pleasant (my Scottish boyfriend thought it was over-the-top, but he's used to minimal service standards, ha ha). (If you want to be completely left alone for your meal, this isn't the place for you). I found the service to be terrific. Definitely can tell this is a family business--and as someone who also is a part of a family Italian restaurant, I enjoyed this aspect. Would visit again if I was local--and I'd make sure I had the minestrone and a meaty pasta dish--or I'd even come just to have a cocktail and bread with the dip! read more

We do this place every year , this year was very disappointing. I ordered a gf free pizza , they said they can do any pizza but it was burnt , and i get that they cook different but it was charred all i can taste was burnt. They did take it off and apologize of course blamed the egg , then in my opinion that should be mentioned. ( not to be mention when i asked for gluten free options he chuckled) My husband enjoyed his meal he said chicken was a bit dry , we also ordered aranchini and they were way over cooked ! Always great service though otherwise read more

Frankie Primo's +39 - This is my cauliflower crust pizza - Italian Near Me - Buffalo, New York

This lovely establishment earns a solid four stars. The menu is diverse enough to be interesting and completely satisfying. The service is excellent, really excellent. No fewer than four separate people came over to check on us and make sure that we were OK. The food came out quickly. And hot. The components of our meal that involved bread were exceptional. Very fresh. There are two or three separate influences in the cuisine here. Certainly Italian, maybe I'm picking up both northern and southern Italian. But I think something else. There is a depth to the cuisine that deserves return visits. I want to sample everything. The ambience is youthful and exuberant, and although we were certainly not the only old folks at the restaurant, it was decidedly a hotspot for the 40 and under crowd. The fry oil was in need of a change as the calamari appetizer which was otherwise excellent smelled and tasted of old oil and dissonant flavors. As did the otherwise excellent squash blossoms that were stuffed with a marvelous cheese combination. Just a word about the bathroom, which is a delightful throwback to the 1930s which has a toilet with the pull chain, and was impeccably clean. The old fry oil aside, this restaurant is a destination spot. read more

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Let's start with the food: the food is excellent- five stars. The service: we have a girl that doesn't give a damn about this table or her section. She has only came to the table once. We had to ask her for bread that she left for someone else automatically. The ambience is very nice -Frank Sinatra great Italian look to the place itself. But as I said, the food is great, but I would hate to be here again under this particular server's domain -because I certainly won't be as nice as I am right now. I just got the check and it's incorrect. She mischarged -us so that's how incompetent this waitress is. I would love to name her, but I don't want her to lose her job. Who knows she may have 10 illegitimate kids out there. read more

Had a reservation here before a performance at Shea's. We were seated immediately and our server was Kelsey S. We started with drinks, I had the Sicilian Manhattan that Kelsey assured me was a great choice and she was spot on. My granddaughter had the Strawberry Basil Mojito that she enjoyed. For our shared appetizer we had the Shrimp Scampi, it was in a creamier sauce not a pool of butter and probably one of the best scampi's I've had. I had the gnocchi pomodoro and my granddaughter had the tortellini bistecca. Both were really good and we did share our food. The steak literally melted in your mouth. We both ended up taking food home, had to save room for dessert! We shared the cassata cake, I don't think there was a crumb left on the plate so yummy. The place is small but cute , now that it's cooler the patio is closed so I suggest you have a reservation. It's all on street parking with a nearby ramp. read more

Cozy atmosphere and friendly staff. Happy hour specials were nice. Ordered the cacio e pepe. Portions were generous. Was very tasty. Bread was good. Would go back read more

After coming a few times recently, this isn't our top choice for a restaurant downtown but it's such a solid location for before shows or concerts that we keep giving it a try. The service is hit or miss, cocktails are delicious, food choices are good. Quality of the food hasn't blown us away lately. The half size portions are good for sharing. We had to ask for more than 1 small piece of bread last time. Pizzas are good and it's a great location still. read more

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We went here as the photos looked great. The food was not good at all. The service was AMAZING they tried hard to make it right but in the end that was to charge us more. I was told the photos on line for the shrimp scampi was a special they no longer offer. Mine was dry no sauce just horrible. My husband order led the gnocchi with pomodoro sauce that was SOOO SPICY you couldn't eat. When we complained they offered to make it right but the food was so bad we just wanted to leave they pushed and pushed trying to be nice then recharged us for the food after remaking. Just sad 125$ spent on horrible food! Make sure to review the 1 stars as it was defiantly a waste of a night for us. read more

The risotto was thick and gummy. 2 of our party of 6 ordered it and were disappointed. Also the Cacio ePepe was very bland. The service was very good. read more

Hard pressed to find good food in downtown Buffalo later on a Sunday night, we accidentally found Frankie's and it was awesome! Bartender Megan was superb, not rushing us even though the kitchen was closing soon. Lucked out on availability of a gf pizza crust as well as gf pasta, which are notoriously hard to find. Mushroom truffle pasta with a chicken cutlet was excellent as was the gf pizza. We had some yummy sorbetto for dessert along with complimentary Limoncello shots for dessert. This venue is quite large, with old school charm, outdoor courtyard and a large menu of delicious Italian inspired dishes. Loved chatting with our bartender, whose personality made our night. Walked in discouraged and hungry, walked out happy and satisfied. read more

Service was fast and friendly, food was phenomenal and seated right away. Will be a returning customer!

The restaurant looks small, but they can fit a lot of people inside and on their patio. The staff knew a lot about the menu when we had questions. They had one of the best charcuterie board I've ever had. The presentation and the options were great. We also had the arancini which was cooked perfectly. The menu had lots of pasta entrees to choose from. The Tortellini was very flavorful and the arrabbiata had just the right amount of spice. We were too full for dessert, but they sounded good. read more

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Amazing pasta and will definitely make you full!! The service was good. Dessert was amazing!!!

Solid Eyetalian Jersey worthy red saucy joint. Came here before a show and it fit the bill... half a pub really. The meatballs are excellent (I usually don't think about them often..). read more

Food was amazing! Server was excellent. Try their prizewinning meatball, you will not regret it

Came here with a group of 14 and had a wonderful experience! Service was fantastic, our waitress was friendly and came by frequently to ensure we had everything we needed. Drinks: they have wine by the glass or bottle, cocktails, and more. I enjoyed the Pinot Grigio and a glass of the Super Tuscan. They serve wine in small glasses unless you request a wine glass with a stem. For appetizers our table enjoyed the calamari which came with tartar and cocktail sauces. I ordered the Pizza De Prosciutto Y Higo, which had jam, arugula, prosciutto, Gorgonzola, and balsamic. The combination of flavors were awesome! It came with 8 pieces which would make it a great appetizer for a large group, or to be shared between two people if you plan to get an appetizer with it. The restaurant had a relaxed atmosphere with 2 person, 4 person, and some larger tables, as well as a bar. Overall everything was great and I'd love to come here again one day. read more

Frankie Primo's +39 - Pizza De Prosciutto Y Higo - Italian Near Me - Buffalo, New York

It's pretty funny. I tried to have brunch here today. I'm the only one at the entire restaurant outside and my only request was just a shit sit in the shade, which they were about 10 empty tables where I could have and the hostess didn't want me to... So I chose to leave. Couldn't tell if it was any good or not, just walked out since she kept insisting I sit in the sun. read more

Our waitress was friendly and recommended what to order after witnessing us struggle to pick one thing from the absolutely stacked menu. I would come back just for that awesome service. Our food was AMAZING. My haddock and orzo dish was on special for the week. Our waitress explained that they have a different fish special each week of lent. My dish was savory, tangy, and packed full of flavor. The olive tapenade mingled with the buttery fish and it was all completed with a smoky grilled squash. So many amazing flavors on one plate! Our meal was followed by a complimentary limoncello shot and sesame cookie. The ambiance of the restaurant was hip, yet somehow classic Italian. This was probably because of the old school deli counter and classic Italian music. Overall, everyone had a delicious dish, and we left feeling like we were best friends with our waitress. What a great lunch! read more

Frankie Primo's +39 - Broiled haddock and orzo - Italian Near Me - Buffalo, New York

Have been here a few times and service is consistently great. There is both indoor and outdoor seating which is nice to be able to choose. The food is excellent and homemade fresh. The only issue I have is the request to not ask for alterations to the menu. There are some dishes I would love to try but cannot tolerate cayenne pepper flakes. Unfortunately that only allows me to try a small portion of the menu. I can respect the chefs for wanting to serve what they think is best, but I wish they could be more accommodating. read more

Visiting Buffalo for a few days with my son for the Eagles vs Bills game. Came in after being cold and wet and we had a fantastic meal! The staff was wonderful and the food was outstanding. The pasta is home made, fresh, and out of this world! It's very cozy and quaint inside the restaurant as well. Would highly recommend! read more

excellent food, bobby is a gem and fantastic bartender. loyal customer for life! the pasta is authentic and home made, reminds me of the pasta I got in Spain/Italy! read more

If it was possible to give more than five stars I most certainly would!!! I saw a program about Octomore,a Scotch made on a tiny island off the coast of Scotland that you can only get to by boat. I searched everywhere and there was non to be had here in Buffalo. Till I saw it on the menu at Frankie Primo's downtown location and it was a must go. But the experience was oh so much more than I ever expected. Every single bite of food was absolutely delicious. Every single staff member was an absolute joy. From the fresh warm bread with Parmesan cheese and seasoned dipping oil, to the strawberry and pecan salad. Every single berry was sweet! Yes every one. The balsamic dressing was perfect with the sweet and bitter greens. The veggie, goat cheese with balsamic glaze pizza was divine. I will dream about it this I know. The spinach portobello and fontina pizza was simply lovely. All the desserts are made in house and the chocolate hazelnut gelato was impossible to stop digging into. Lemon mascarpone cake with fresh raspberries was refreshing but satisfying and the raspberries were perfect. The chocolate peanut butter terrine was rich and melted slowly in your mouth if you were patient. I wish I could eloquently tell you how charming the staff were. Attentive and kind. Helpful but in no way overbearing. They all went above and beyond but a special shout out to our transplanted Scottish now Buffalonian bartender. The evening was one of the absolute best restaurant experiences ever. Thanks so much to all the chefs and the staff at Frankie Primo you are all in a class all your own. read more

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I came here for brunch with a friend today and we had a great time! The patio is gorgeous! The chairs were super cool, which just added to to the vibe. I got the stuffed French toast and the cannoli filling was so creamy and delicious. I wish they had brunch drinks, but the food itself was worth it. Our server and the host were both very friendly. We enjoyed it! read more

Frankie Primo's +39 - Cannoli Stuffed French Toast - Italian Near Me - Buffalo, New York

Delish. First time. I am basing this review on service alone. However, I will say the chicken cutlet was hard and overcooked. Otherwise everything was quite tasty. Our server was entirely too enthusiastic and rushed us through our meal. She was already asking if we needed boxes before I finished four or five bites, and asking about dessert. She was very nice but her timing was way off. Please teach your servers etiquette. I felt rushed the whole time and no one was in there because of the Bills game. Service is a three star. read more

Food was decently good. We came in with a group of 6 and got seated quickly. Service was really good and friendly. The environment was packed. Pricing was fair for the place. The food was alright. I think the gnocchi was really good aside from that everything else was okay. Overall 3.9 star experience read more

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the service was great cant complain about that. the ambiance was good too but the food was terrible. i ordered the aglio e olio pasta and it was terrible. so bland it tasted like nothing. i understand its a simple pasta with not much to it but its like they took out the overcooked noodles from the fridge heated them up in a microwave and just poured olive oil over them. probably the worst pasta dish ive ever had. dont think ill ever be back. read more

Ended up here after trying to find a place that was open with available tables (for 4 people) on a Sat night. They were accommodating, food was good, service was a bit mixed up but overall friendly and helpful. You may have guessed it, primarily Italian food with some sandwiches and pizza. We were grateful the actual menu they served was the same one we viewed on the website. I would return again if in the mood for Italian or it seems like a decent lunch spot! Upon arrival there were 2 different hostesses that didn't seem like they were communicating very well. A man that seemed like the owner also checked in on us to see if we were being helped. (He also checked in on us during our meal.) Once we were seated someone did come over to ask us about waters and start taking our orders for drinks but we were not given menus so I had to ask for menus. Another person came over and asked us about water as well but we told them that somebody already did that. Our server was very pleasant and I feel bad I didn't catch her name :( Ordered the meatball appetizer... It was very good! Definitely good enough for 2 people to split. More can, split, it's just smaller then lol The sauce has a bit of spice to it which I really enjoy. We also ordered salads and the server mixed it up a little bit but was able to go back into the kitchen and correct the wrong one she initially brought out. I had the caesar appetizer and it was very good... I love that they use more of an oil based caesar dressing and it's not too creamy. For entree I had the Bistecca e Peperoni - prime rib sandwich with peppers and cheese. It was delicious! The meat was a little too thin. They asked me how I wanted it cooked, and I said rare, and it was cooked as good as they could get it with the slice of meat being that thin. Would be superb if it was just a little bit thicker. (that's what she said ). Came with a small aide of marinated veggies - green beans and kalamata olives. Almost ordered dessert but opted out. The options did sound very good and I would definitely be willing to return to try some! When they bring the bill they also bring you shots of limoncello (extremely sugary hand sweet) and little sesame shortbread cookies. It's a nice touch! Recommend a visit if you are in the mood for Italian or just a sandwich! read more

Frankie Primo's +39 - Bistecca e Peperoni panini sandwich - Italian Near Me - Buffalo, New York

4/5 overall. The only thing I would change is the atmosphere. It was a bit loud in the restaurant. For a pasta meal I was hoping for something a bit more chill and mellow. Food was 5/5 for sure! Mushroom pasta was absolutely amazing! The 4 cheese pizza was also tasty and I would give that 5/5 as well. We also ate a Caesar salad which was fantastic, and also given a complimentary lemonchello shot with a sesame cookie after dinner. Our waitress was awesome and very kind when helping us with the menu and making decisions about our meal. Very good service. I would come back here and the food is 100% worth it! read more

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A short walk from my hotel, we arrived to a nearly full restaurant. There was a variety of high and low seating and the ambiance family friendly and laid back. We received attentive and quick service. Their menu had a great selection of Italian favorites. The food was delicious, coming out exactly as the server described. I had the Cacio e Pepe and my daughter had the gastronimus panini. Both satisfied us well. If we lived here, it would be a favorite for sure read more

Amazing, real home style Italian food with generous portions. Great service too, a real gem in the downtown core.

Favorite spot in downtown Buffalo. Have had many meals sitting at the bar. Service has always been friendly and food was excellent. They make a mean old fashion to boot. read more

Such a great restaurant. We didn't have reservations but for 4pm on a Monday we were sat indoor at the window. I did notice an interesting smell once we entered. Our server was very polite and nice. The drink was delicious and not overly filled with ice. The bread and calamari were delicious as well. The Arrabbiata pasta that I had was a bit spicy but I like spice. Everything tasted amazing. The restrooms were small single rooms and had the chain where you pull to flush. Very cool. I really liked the vibe. I would return! read more

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Highly recommend for a really good Italian meal. I ordered the arancini appetizer. This was the best arancini I've ever had! I also ordered the cacio e pepe. I got the half sized meal, and it was still a huge portion. My plate was full. Super delicious. read more

Frankie Primo's +39 - Arancini - Italian Near Me - Buffalo, New York

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We came here for a date night and were extremely disappointed in the service from this location. We came here before and service was blah so gave it another chance. The 1 star is solely for the fact that the food is good but our experience was terrible. We made a reservation for 8:30 but arrived early at 8:15 and was told we could be seated. We didn't see a drink until 8:50 and our server Stephanie J didn't come back to take our food order for another 15 mins. We saw people who arrived after us, order and get food while we just waited. The server brought my date's the incorrect entree but we waited so long we chose not to even mention it. read more

The meals include fresh bread, seasoned olive oil and limoncello shots. That should be reason enough!!! read more

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