These WNY Restaurants Were Ranked Among the Best at Taste of Buffalo

One of Western New York’s most anticipated events has arrived and so far the 41st annual Taste of Buffalo, presented by Tops Friendly Markets, has not disappointed in the slightest.

With nearly 50 restaurants and wineries participating in this year’s food festival, having thousands of people in the heart of downtown Buffalo is a great way to remind people why this is the city of good neighbors.

Every year, the Taste of Buffalo Board of Directors hosts a friendly competition between all the restaurants participating in one of America’s top food festivals. Of course, 2024 is no exception.

Organizers gathered dozens of judges from across Western New York to serve as the festival’s food judges. The judges fanned out across Niagara Square and Delaware Avenue to try every dish available and rate them on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the best. Once the votes are cast and tallied, officials declare a winner in several categories.

What was my favorite restaurant?

For the second year in a row, I had the honor and privilege of serving as a food judge and, just like last year, the food did not disappoint at all. The only real challenge was making sure I didn’t overeat in order to enjoy everything the Taste of Buffalo had to offer.

Out of all the different places featured this year, my favorite items were:

• THE Butter Chicken Tikka Masala Since Gateway of India,
• THE Guisado Chicken Since The House of Flavors,
• THE Hoagie log Since SteakstersAnd
• THE Norman’s Assault Since Sidelines Sports Bar and Grill.

So which restaurants won the competition?

After all votes have been counted, the winners of the 2024 Taste of Buffalo Restaurant Competition are:

• President’s Choice – Chosen by Tom Mahoney, Taste of Buffalo 2024 Chairman:
  • DA Taste – Dom’s Taco
• Children’s Choice – Chosen by Claire and Esme Mahoney, Chairs of the Daughters of 2024 Taste Committee
  • Golden Hour Treats – Me Crazy Nutella Waffles
• Best article overall
  • Dirty Bird Chicken N’ Waffles LLC – Fried Cauliflower Tacos
• Eric Duvall “Best of Buffalo” Memorial Award
  • Resurgence Brewery
• Best Surf or Turf Article
  • BW’s Barbecue – Smoked Jerk Chicken Wings
• Louis J. Billittier Sr. “Rookie of the Year” Award
• Best dessert
  • Fat Lady’s Cakes and Pies – Award Winning Sweet Potato Pie Cupcake
• Veteran Restaurant Award
  • Sidelines Sports Bar and Grill
• Best red wine
  • A Gust of Sun Winery – Pinot Noir
• Best white wine
  • Victorianbourg Wine – Domaine Pechette
• Preferred fermentation
  • Three Brothers Estate and Cellar – Cabernet Franc Rosé

What restaurants are you looking forward to visiting at Taste of Buffalo?