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    Santasiero's Restaurant

    3.3 (231 reviews)
    InexpensiveItalian

    Santasiero's Restaurant Photos

    Business Info

    SANTASIERO'S RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - Santasiero's Restaurant

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    Empty dining room, yet reservation required
    Dot K.

    We hadn't been here in many years and decided to check it out on a Saturday in the late afternoon. We walked in and waited for someone to speak with, since the restaurant appeared closed to us. We were told that we had to call for a reservation, which we went outside and did. We were told to come in and we were seated and given menus. We were told that the kitchen staff has to wait on tables, and our "server" expressed her unhappiness about this situation. We ordered a beer and a glass of wine, and the glasses were extremely small. We ordered Chicken Parmigian and Spaghetti with a Meatball. We were brought a basket with 2 rolls wrapped in plastic bags. Our meals were decent. Patrons pay at the register and they do accept credit cards. The ambiance here is like taking a step back in time.

    This is the free bread basket. They are cold costanzo rolls.
    Lauren S.

    I genuinely hate giving low review ratings to old mom&pop places as I know how much hard work and passion goes into making a restaurant succeed but I must give this an honest review and they are lucky to get two stars. Let me start off with saying they have some of the best red sauce I've ever had and I love the ridiculous amount of cheese that they put on anything parmesan! Now here comes the list of everything that went wrong: They have no menus. You can only look at the board posted on the wall, and they don't have half the items listed on there, including appetizers. They offer NO appetizers except for garlic bread. Which is ridiculous considering they give you individually wrapped costanzo rolls as your free dinner bread. Oh, and they don't have any soup. Though their wall menu advertises 4 different soups, don't bother trying to order any, they don't have any. They say they have a full bar... But do they? When we asked what they have on tap, they said they don't have drafts, only bottles. When you ask what they have that's a local (craft) beer, we were told "blue light", when we asked for a flavored vodka and water, they only have cheap flavorless vodka... Oh, and if you want wine, they give you a plastic individual bottle of wine, but they don't have wine glasses. Now let me get to the food... The chicken Parm and eggplant Parm were good. I have to give them credit there. But I don't understand why the chicken Parm comes on a bed of spaghetti but the eggplant Parm does not? Weird. The house salad is just a few leaves of iceberg lettuce, 4 grape tomatoes and a massive amount of garbanzo beans smothered in Italian dressing. Don't try to order a different dressing, they won't have it. My father ordered the claim linguini and it was the most unappetizing looking thing I've ever seen. The clam sauce was pure water. It was like they put linguini noodles in soup. The clams were clearly canned and there was a weird spice to the dish that was unexpected. None of their noodles are hand made, they are all barilla boxed pasta. The waitress refused to give us a check. She said we can go up to the front of the house by the register and she will tell us her total then before we pay... What? We had a party of 7 and was looking to figure out what everyone owed before getting to the register. You don't get an itemized receipt until after you pay. Overall, I was extremely embarrassed that we took my parents here for their birthday dinner. The prices were relatively cheap so I would consider getting take out for their eggplant Parm, but I have no idea how this place has stayed open for 100 years. Gordon Ramsay would have a field day.

    Celebrating another tradition for New Years Eve....going with moms fav eggplant parm  in memory of her
    Darlene B.

    This review is based on my experience yesterday evening, of something that sadly is common nowadays during this pandemic. My eggplant parmasen sauce and everything tasted great. The presentation was a little different, then takeout, but none the less flavorful. As I left to go up front, and pay for my meal, I noticed a classic, well known stable was literally ran by 4 people. My waitor was also one of the cooks, who not only cooked, waited on few tables and was doing takeout as well. It's sad that all over, especially the family ran or generational restaurants people just don't want to work. RIP, I believe her name was Phyllis, third generation owner, who passed in September. I haven't been there since Spring, and again went in honor and memory of my mom. We also would go out to eat on New Years Eve, then a movie...still keeping tradition. To all YELPERS out there, and everyone that reads others reviews: At the start of this new year 2022, Let's all show a little patience, kindness toward staff at restaurants and maybe thank them for taking the time to share their love for food, or recipes in whatever their restaurant speciality may be. So with that being said, thank you Nick, my waitor from yesterday New Years Eve 2021, Brian and the two other guys in the kitchen for your hardwork and dedication to the restaurant.

    Bar area
    Russ K.

    Right up front I will say that this is not a fancy place. It has been around for generations (my 80 yr old Dad went as a kid), and the reason why: Good food & nice portions at value prices. Service is wonderfully friendly and the atmosphere is down to earth (see pics). Santasieros is a bit off the beaten path, and we were here off hours on a Tuesday, so place was nearly empty, ...but the food was hot, tasty, and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

    Working hard
    Colleen O.

    This restaurant has been around for over 100 years , yet this past Saturday was my first visit, but won't be my last . I ordered small Spaghetti Parmesan (I opted for a fresh mushroom sauce ) and it arrived as a decent portion and piping hot . I opted for a birch beer as my beverage . Entrees came with a soft Costanzo roll with butter . What I liked about the pasta was that it wasn't super greasy and they used fresh mushrooms. It would be nice to see another one of my Italian favorites on the menu (fettuccine Alfredo ) . The owner came over a couple of times to check on us and we settled our bill with him. This is a no frills old school pasta house that has stood the test of time . Hopefully in these rough times, it continues to do so .

    Santasiero's Menu
    Diane H.

    With speedy service and a smile I placed my order.I got the spaghetti it was tasty and the sauce was delicious. There's lots to choose from on the menu including ravioli, lasagna and chicken parmesan. There's plenty of free parking in their lot too.

    Eggplant Parmigian
    Shauna R.

    Wow! If you want to take a step back in time and have delicious Italian food at the same time, definitely stop here! Currently they are taking reservations only which you can make by phone or email. Health wise during this crazy time we were happy to see all chefs and staff had masks and gloves on while seating was very well spaced out. Their menu is on the wall & straight to the point! Our food came out quickly for a busy Monday night and was hot and delicious. I ordered the eggplant parm and it was SO BIG! I like my eggplant thick but cooked all the way through of course and this definitely delivered! We had a great night out at this historical buffalo establishment.

    Santasoeto's

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    30 days ago

    Went last night, excellent service, food was great like before reopening. Nicely remodeled updated bathrooms.

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    15 days ago

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    11 months ago

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    3 months ago

    Place looks great inside and food was just like it's used to be,Delicious and good value.So glad they are back and will be back very soon

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    4 months ago

    Maybe it will be better at some point but today's not that day. Miss the way the old place used to be, kind of lost the charm

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    7 months ago

    Love this restaurant and hope it reopens soon ! The pasta and beans was out of this world.

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    5 years ago

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    Page 1 of 6

    Ask the Community - Santasiero's Restaurant

    Is the red sauce vegan? No animal products? What about the mushroom sauce?

    Do they have any gluten free items?

    Yes, gluten free penne or spaghetti.

    Can large parties be hosted?

    Yes! We walked in with a party of 10 yesterday and it was no problem. They don't take reservations but you can call and see how busy they are.

    View All 4 Questions

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    Bella Ciao

    4.4(143 reviews)
    2.4 mi•Columbus Park, Downtown

    Came here last night for my birthday dinner and it was 10/10! From service to the food, everything…read morewas prompt and professional. We had Anina as our server and she was attentive and very friendly! The cocktails were delicious and the food was flavorful and tasty! The ambiance is very clean and bright, as it is located within the first floor of a hotel. The menu has gluten free options (pasta and pizza)! Highly recommend!

    **** We visited…read moreBella Ciao at the Embassy Suites in Buffalo around 7:00 p.m. as a party of five, including two children with special needs. We were in town attending a large national conference for families affected by their condition, and many conference attendees were also staying at the hotel. When we arrived, the restaurant appeared to be about 80% empty. Our children mentioned to the waitress that they were hungry and tired, and the first response we received was, "Do you have a reservation?" She explained that they couldn't seat us because they were expecting a large party. Instead of being seated at a regular table, we were directed to the bar area, where the bartender kindly took care of us despite the fact that our group included two minors. We stayed for over an hour, and during that time, the large party never arrived. Meanwhile, we watched other guests without reservations get seated at tables without any apparent issue. The experience left us feeling singled out and, ultimately, discriminated against. Whether that was the intention or not, it reflected a disappointing lack of empathy and inclusion--especially considering that so many families with children with disabilities were staying at the hotel for the conference. I'm giving Bella Ciao three stars because the food was decent, the portions were generous, and the bartender provided good service. Unfortunately, the way we were treated upon arrival overshadowed what could have been an enjoyable dining experience.

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    Bella Ciao - Spinach & Artichoke Dip

    Spinach & Artichoke Dip

    Bella Ciao - Three Cord Sweetie and a glass of Prosecco

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    Three Cord Sweetie and a glass of Prosecco

    Forno Napoli

    Forno Napoli

    4.6(283 reviews)
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    What a place! Felix, Simon and everyone (I hope I got spelling right) are such wonderful people…read more They make you feel like home, an Italian home. Great pizzas, baked in an oven from Naples. Must visit place - for food but absolutely for people there. (If Adam is reading this, Pizza de Adamo was really really good )

    First timer here! Decided to give Forno Napoli a try based on the overall high ratings, and it…read moreturned out to be a fantastic choice! From the outside, the restaurant was inviting, with a clean and nicely kept outdoor seating area. The inside was equally pleasing, with a full view of the pizzas being prepared! The greeting upon entering? It felt like a longtime customer coming back for another visit! Enthusiasm, laughter, and genuinely good energy right from the start. Love that! On the menu for this visit: Panzanella Salad, a half-pepperoni/half-sausage pizza, and Affogato. The Panzanella was beautiful in presentation and tasted just as good. Firm, fresh tomatoes, lettuce, cucumbers, red onions, crostini, and dressing that all complemented each other perfectly. Refreshing and delish! The Affogato...AffoMazing!! Such a simple combination: espresso and vanilla gelato/ice cream, but goodness!! Sometimes simple is all you need. Now, the : At first, I was getting ready to be unimpressed. But NOPE! I haven't been to Italy in a little while, but this pizza was freaking close, if not spot-on, when it comes to authenticity! Brick-oven baked with a light crust, chunky real tomato sauce (forgot to ask if it was home-made), just the right amount of cheese, and REAL pepperoni and sausage. And did I mention...very little grease?! The taste was light, fresh, and not overly filling, just right! Overall, Forno Napoli was a fantastic choice! Great atmosphere, warm service, fresh food, and pizza that brought back a little taste of Italy. Definitely worth a visit! Ciao

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    Forno Napoli - Norno Napoli

    Norno Napoli

    Forno Napoli - Bisteeca alla pizzaiola panini

    Bisteeca alla pizzaiola panini

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    Rizzos House of Parm - Rigatoni Carbonara with egg yolk, pancetta, Parm was good.

    Rizzos House of Parm

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    Just so much flavor in every dish. The bread is incredible, the mozzarella sticks are what all…read moremozzarella sticks should be, and the mains taste of home cooking in the best possible ways. Staff is polite, attentive, accommodating, and knowledgeable. The space feels a lot like one big living room with a bar in it. Very homey. After our first visit, we immediately booked two future reservations before we walked out. If I had the expendable funds, I would stop here weekly; monthly at the very least. The chicken parm has basically ruined the dish from anywhere else, and the tiramisu is an elevated experience. If you've been sleeping on this place for one reason or another, wake up! Colder temps are ahead and your body could use a nice warm plate of food. Trust me, you wont regret it.

    I really wanted to love this spot but unfortunately it didn't hit the mark for us…read more We got the fried calamari, tagliatelle Bolognese and chicken parm. The calamari was our favourite and we enjoyed mixing the arrabbiata and Parm dip but wish the calamari was cut thicker so that the seafood flavour wouldn't be overwhelmed by the punchy sauce. The tagliatelle and chicken parm were both hot and fresh, cooked well, but the flavour was just very salty and my tongue started feeling tingly from the salt content. I tried the components like the sauce and meat on its own and I think there the dish was imbalanced and oversalted because of the combined layers of salt in the dishes' components. We had a show to get to so didn't have time to send it back, but the meal was quite disappointing, especially considering the price. I did enjoy the homemade chili flakes which had fruity peppery flavours and a nice kick. Service is friendly and attentive. Parking can be difficult to find.

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    Rizzos House of Parm - Inside walkway

    Inside walkway

    Rizzos House of Parm - Caesar salad

    Caesar salad

    Rizzos House of Parm - Rizzos House of Parm Bar

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    Rizzos House of Parm Bar

    Giancarlo’s Sicilian Steakhouse

    Giancarlo’s Sicilian Steakhouse

    4.2(525 reviews)
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    Fine dining
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    05/16/2026 We went…read moreto Giancarlo's for a combined graduation celebration for my Son, his girlfriend, and both families. While we were waiting for everyone to arrive, I had a very nice "Old Fashioned". We started with two dozen oysters. We received a couple of bad ones and they were promptly replaced with four new ones. I had the NY Strip and asked for "medium rare". The steak arrived and was perfectly cooked and had a very nice char on it. The steak was very flavorful and juicy. Service was impeccable. The restaurant was laid out nicely and there was plenty of space for our large group. Overall, I would say Giancarlo's will be a must visit, for when I'm in Buffalo.

    The ambience is beautiful, the bar is impressive, and the service was excellent. Unfortunately, the…read morefood experience is why I'm giving two stars. My wife and I arrived around 7:00 p.m., and I tried to order the rigatoni alla vodka, but I was told they had already run out of pasta--during dinner hours, which was surprising. I ordered a pizza instead, but it arrived cold and tasted stale. It's disappointing because the atmosphere and service were genuinely great, but the food fell far below expectations. Buffalo has amazing wings, but finding consistently good food and service beyond that continues to be frustrating.

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    Giancarlo’s Sicilian Steakhouse - The Florence Dining Room is an elegant setting that is perfect for business meetings and intimate reservations.

    The Florence Dining Room is an elegant setting that is perfect for business meetings and intimate reservations.

    Giancarlo’s Sicilian Steakhouse
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    4.1(246 reviews)
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    Over the years whenever I ordered Italian stuffed banana peppers in other restaurants I compared…read morethe dish with the sumptuous peppers I had eaten at Amici's years ago. So when, after many years away, I had the opportunity to dine at Amici's, the peppers were the first thing I ordered. They did not disappoint; they were spicy and overflowing with three kinds of melted cheese on a base of warm olive oil and spices. Absolutely delicious eaten atop their warm Italian thick sliced bread. My entree was one of their specials, mussels over tagliatelle. The spicy sauce not only had a generous number of fresh mussels in their shells but it also included more shelled mussels. The serving of beautifully cooked tagliatelle was ample with a perfect amount of spicy sauce. The service was impeccable and the ambiance casual, just exactly the way I like it.

    I have been a customer of Amici's restaurant for many years. Admittedly I have not been there for…read moreprobably three years. Sadly, I must say that I found last night visit and dinner to be a disappointment. I had cheese ravioli, which in years past has always been one of my favorite there. This recent visit, I found the dish to be void of any flavor. The sauce was thick and tasted like it was tomato paste right out of the can. The cheese in the ravioli was tasteless. The dish totally lacked layers of flavor. Sometimes it's true that the most simple of dishes are the most difficult to make because it depends on fine balance of seasoning and main ingredients. This dish was nothing but boring and could have come from a can. :(. As for the service, many in my party felt rushed and unappreciated. Amici's can do better than this and I hope they will.

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    Amici Ristorante - Bar

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    Amici Ristorante - Cacio e Pepe Halibut * Halibut on top of a bed of pasta tossed in a black pepper and parmesan cream sauce, finished with fried leeks

    Cacio e Pepe Halibut * Halibut on top of a bed of pasta tossed in a black pepper and parmesan cream sauce, finished with fried leeks

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