Blue Cave Italian Restaurant

Name: Blue Cave Italian Restaurant
Address: 128 Genesee St, Buffalo, NY, United States, 14203-1508
Telephone: (716) 259-8145
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.7

4.7

109 Reviews

$30 and under

Contemporary Italian

Top tags:

Contemporary Italian Cuisine in a casual setting. Freshly prepared authentic food created by Chef Mario Bianca. Chef Mario is originally from southern Italy. His foods are a blend of authentic Sicilian flavors coupled with modern Italian recipes. We offer a variety of wines from small production vineyards that are sure to please. Our atmosphere is the perfect place for a date night, to bring the family, celebrate a birthday, anniversary, or have a world class meal before going to a baseball game or seeing a show at one of the many theaters just a block or two away. We are located in the heart of downtown Buffalo, NY just minutes away from Sahlen Field and Shea's Theater District.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Dec 10, 2023

7:00 p.m.

Booked 10 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Contemporary Italian, Sicilian, Dessert
Hours of Operation
Dinner Tue–Thu 5:00 pm–9:30 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(716) 259-8145
Website
http://www.bluecaverestaurant.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Dress Code
Casual Dress
Executive Chef
Mario Bianca
Private party facilities
We are able to accommodate small private events. Call or email the restaurant to speak with Chef/Owner Mario to discuss details.

Location
128 Genesee St, Buffalo, NY 14203-1508
Neighbourhood
Buffalo
Cross Street
On Genesee St between Oak St. and E. Chippewa
Parking Details
Street Parking
Public Transit
Public transit stop directly across the street on Genesee St. at Oak.
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, View, Wine

What 109 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.6Service
4.2Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Western New York
Best Food
Western New York
Good for business meals
Western New York
Innovative
Western New York
Healthy

109 Reviews

w
willr
Raleigh
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 2
2. Food 1
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
Our waitress was nice. Unfortunately The food was 100% not worth the price. The mashed potatoes under the short rib were super gummy. The red sauce with the braciole was sour. The creme brulee was not smooth at all. The sugar was grainy and the custard was over cooked. First and last time for me. Not worth the $200 at all.
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EM
ElaineM
New York Area
8 reviews
4.0
8 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
Nice table overlooking the city streets Very good service by staff Generous portions of food entrees and salad Little disappointed in wine list, no sparkling wines by bottle And no bread service
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Denver
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 2, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Our dinner and service was great. We had three different pasta dishes that were awesome, especially loved the Gemelli con Salsiccia e Funghi couldn't stop eating it. The only thing we were disappointed in was the Braciole, not enough breadcrumbs in it and very very dry, have had and made much better. I would recommend this restaurant, great food in a casual atmosphere. Enjoy!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on November 16, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
Our server was outstanding and the food was amazing
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TB
TracieB
New York Area
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on November 11, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great restaurant! The service was great, the food was upscale Italian at a great price. Will definitely return!
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LB
LaraB
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 11, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
What a wonderful find! I and all of my friends were delighted by our meals, the attentive and helpful wait staff, and the lovely industrial modern style of the restaurant itself. We will definitely be going back, and we STRONGLY recommend Blue Cave as a pre-theatre restaurant for the quality, speed, and ease of the place - excellent!
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C
Carol
New York Area
16 reviews
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on November 2, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Our meal was outstanding !!’ Loved our server Olivia, she was vey accommodating
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AB
AlexB
New York Area
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on October 28, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food was amazing, service was great and atmosphere at the place is great as well. Will be coming back for sure
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L
Luv2chew
New York Area
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on October 21, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Everything that we ordered was delicious! There were plenty of gluten free choices and they were all excellent.
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EB
ErinB
New York Area
24 reviews
vip
5.0
24 reviews
Dined on October 4, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Our first time here and we LOVED IT! The best octopus appetizer I’ve had!
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SK
SandraK
Des Moines
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 30, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
The food was excellent! 🥰 Very authentic Italian food.
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ST
SusanT
New York Area
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 30, 2023
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Really enjoy food. Great waitresses. Simple entrees reminds me of Italy
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M
Meagan
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on September 29, 2023
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 1
Made a reservation, still had to wait 45 minutes to get seated
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M
Madison
New York Area
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 29, 2023
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Everything that we tried was amazing, the options were great, pork-free friendly menu, and the service was really good. Our server was very knowledgeable on the menu and very accommodating for my party.
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c
chris
New York Area
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on September 26, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I went here for dinner, the food was excellent. Definitely get a cannoli if you go
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JA
JimA
New York Area
33 reviews
vip
5.0
33 reviews
Dined on September 23, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Our third visit was Much like the first two..simply superb! Bravo Blue Cave! Quite frankly, you are a treasure with great food and excellent service. We recommend you to anyone who will listen.
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PM
PaulaMac
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on September 21, 2023
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
Great Italian/Sicilian restaurant in downtown Buffalo. Food was excellent, staff very accommodating. Parking can be challenging.
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JC
JeffC
New York Area
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on September 16, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Great service, extremely tasty food!! A little pricey but worth it!!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 16, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Everything was delicious and cooked to perfection. The server was very attentive and the front house staff were all inviting and friendly.
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MR
MarilynR
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 15, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Authentic Italian cooking at its best. They never disappoint.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 15, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent appetizers and dinners. Our waitress was very helpful with the menu and super efficient snd pleasant. We will definitely recommend to our friends. and family.
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ST
SusanT
New York Area
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 9, 2023
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 2
Great food and service. Too loud due to metal walls and ceilings. Second time there both were positive
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
4 reviews
3.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 8, 2023
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 3
Was not as good this time as it was the first time about 2-3 month ago. Service was non existent. Will still def give it another go.
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PR
PamelaR
New York Area
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on September 8, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
The food was delicious. Fresh ingredients served hot which I love! The selection is varied but not overwhelming and the portions are large. The waitstaff were friendly and attentive but not overly so. The coffee was nice and strong and the tiramisu was light, fluffy and delicious. Be aware most of the seating is up a flight of stairs so not great for those with mobility issues who will need to sit at the bar downstairs or at outdoor seating area when weather permits. We will definitely make this one of our regular dining out options.
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BA
BuffaloATC
New York Area
7 reviews
4.0
7 reviews
Dined on September 2, 2023
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Food was excellent. Service was great, but we could tell our waitress was taking care of more tables than normal. She was apologetic in the delays. Would definitely come back. Everyone loved their meal and drinks.
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AD
AndrewD
Chicago
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 2, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food was outstanding Octopus was very good Had the bracioli and gnocchi bolognese. Delicious Table side service was great as well Only minor complaint. We arrived early for a cocktail before dinner Sat at the bar (only ones there) and the bartender ignored us for 5 minutes before she asked if wanted something
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on September 2, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
The staff was so accommodating. We sat in the bar area as the stairs were a problem for my husband. Food terrific, bartender and wait staff wonderful!
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CG
ColeG
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 2, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing food. I had the Pollo alla Milanese and it was very tasty and a sizeable portion. We ordered arancini for our appetizer and it was also excellent. Also can't recommend the cannoli enough - delicious as well. Overall, great food, service, and restaurant. Will be for sure dining here again.
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DG
DavidG
Naples
33 reviews
vip
4.0
33 reviews
Dined on September 1, 2023
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
Food was good but just a little lacking in punch at times. Aranchini was impressive looking but needs something added (beef? peas?). Very pleasant and nice servers. Noise level is high so be prepared to walk out with a bit of Ear Ringing. We will be back and maybe stick more to their Pasta dishes versus what we ordered
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G
Gordo
New York Area
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 30, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Everything was excellent from the moment we were greeted outside upon arrival to the very end. High end very delicious food at a reasonable price. We'll be back for sure.
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KG
KGun
Nashville
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on August 30, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Never heard of the place, found on a random Google search for Italian restaurants in Buffalo. Based on reviews decided to try it. The caponata and octopus apps were beyond description and for entrees the braciole and branzino were outstanding. Highly recommended.
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MG
MelissaG
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 26, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I love this place, amazing salads, entrees and the best cannoli's
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EB
EileenB
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 25, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We completely enjoyed our dinner last evening with you. I notified you of a late flight pick up for my husband -and you were nothing but kind. Everyone was very welcoming and Ashley was a great server! We had the Tricliata to start (OMG -yummy arancini) and my husband enjoyed his squid ink risotto - the shrimp were tender and portion quite generous! My salad was delish! We’ll definitely return AND tell our friends
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EH
EllenH
Philadelphia
81 reviews
vip
5.0
81 reviews
Dined on August 24, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
It is a very eclectic place. The staff was great the food amazing octopus yummy pasta with sausage and mushrooms. Delicious pistachio gelato finish the meal. The cocktails were spot on
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RB
RosalieB
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 24, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food was good. Service great! We enjoyed ourselves and will definitely go again!
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JV
JackieV
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 23, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Tried Blue Cave after seeing the chef demonstrating his food on tv. So glad I did. I had a lovely salad, delicious grouper with saffron risotto, grilled asparagus and topped it off with chef’s crème brûlée and coffee. Excellent food. I’ll be going back.
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s
stevec
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 20, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
loved it, food was delicious and staff was great. will be back for sure, thanks
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SM
StevenM
New York Area
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on August 19, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food is authentic southern Italian prepared perfectly. Service was outstanding.
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BL
BigLi
New York Area
107 reviews
vip
5.0
107 reviews
Dined on August 16, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing food. Olivia our server was terrific and spot on with her suggestions including the wine! Definitely recommend. Very cute rustic feel. The only drawback is the location, wish it was in a more vibrant area. Will come back for sure !
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JS
JayS
New York Area
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on August 12, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
First time here… service and food were amazing. Our server was very friendly and patient with us. She helped us with the menu and made many recommendations. The food was excellent. I’ll definitely return in the future.
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Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitising
- Surfaces sanitised between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitised menu provided
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily

FAQs

Blue Cave Italian Restaurant offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (716) 259-8145.

Blue Cave Italian Restaurant is rated 4.7 stars by 109 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Dec 10, 2023

7:00 p.m.

Booked 10 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Blue Cave Italian Restaurant

128 Genesee St, Buffalo, NY 14203-1508

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross Street
On Genesee St between Oak St. and E. Chippewa
Neighbourhood
Buffalo
Hours of Operation
Dinner Tue–Thu 5:00 pm–9:30 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Contemporary Italian, Sicilian, Dessert
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress Code
Casual Dress
Parking Details
Street Parking
Public Transit
Public transit stop directly across the street on Genesee St. at Oak.
Payment Options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Executive Chef
Mario Bianca
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, View, Wine

Website
http://www.bluecaverestaurant.com/
Phone number
(716) 259-8145
Private party facilities
We are able to accommodate small private events. Call or email the restaurant to speak with Chef/Owner Mario to discuss details.

Blue Cave Italian Restaurant

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Menu

What 109 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitising

FAQs

Does Blue Cave Italian Restaurant offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Blue Cave Italian Restaurant restaurant rated?

Is Blue Cave Italian Restaurant currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information