7 Best waterfront restaurants in Buffalo
Experience the perfect fusion of culinary delight and natural beauty at Buffalo's waterfront restaurants. With a stunning view of the water, these dining gems offer a unique setting to savor delectable dishes, ranging from fresh seafood to international cuisine. Whether you're seeking a romantic escape or a family-friendly dining experience, waterfront restaurants in Buffalo promise memorable moments. Come, indulge in a feast for the senses.
1. Charlie's Boat Yard
Full-service boatyard with a wide range of capabilities

Charlie's Boat Yard is a great spot to enjoy a meal by the lake. With a beautiful view, nice breeze, and good music, it offers a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. The boat yard is known for its excellent service and top-notch atmosphere, making it an ideal location for a sunset dinner.
The food at Charlie's Boat Yard is also a highlight. Using fresh and high-quality ingredients, the menu features a range of delicious options to satisfy any palate. Whether you're in the mood for seafood, meat, or vegetarian dishes, you're sure to find something you'll love. The service is attentive and friendly, ensuring that every guest has a great dining experience.
TOPICS
- Waterfront
- Lunch
- Dinner
2. Panorama on Seven
Offers a unique 360-degree panoramic view of the city

The restaurant offers a stunning view, often described as phenomenal and breathtaking, that allows customers to enjoy panoramic sights of Buffalo, Lake Erie, and Canalside. The venue provides a perfect setting for patrons to unwind with a carefully curated selection of prohibition-style cocktails while taking in the picturesque scenery.
This appealing location offers a unique opportunity to admire the beauty of the surroundings while sipping on classic cocktails. The panorama includes the city's vibrant waterfront area, Lake Erie's expansive waters, and Buffalo's historic charm, making for an unforgettable experience. The combination of impressive views and exquisite drinks creates an atmosphere where customers can relax and enjoy the moment.
TOPICS
- Corporate Events
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
3. Buffalo RiverWorks
Transformed grain elevators into a unique entertainment complex

Buffalo RiverWorks is a popular concert venue that offers a wide selection of craft beers and a beautiful waterfront view. Visitors to the venue often comment on its lively and fun atmosphere, with many expressing a sense of wonder upon entering the space. The food at Buffalo RiverWorks is adequate, with fair prices, but lacks anything particularly noteworthy. Some visitors have reported inconsistent service, with hostesses who are friendly but distracted and waitstaff who may disappear after taking an order.
Despite the issues with service, Buffalo RiverWorks remains a highly regarded venue for concerts and other events. Its picturesque location and diverse beer options are major draws for many visitors. The food, while not a standout feature, is generally decent and affordable. In general, the venue is a popular choice for those looking for a fun and unique event space, with the occasional hiccup in service not enough to detract from its overall appeal.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Happy Hours
- Waterfront
4. River Grill
A scenic dining experience with a casual and friendly atmosphere

The location offers an excellent atmosphere for socializing, with the added bonus of music and food, all in a pleasant ambiance. The presence of a live menu and the option to sit by the water contribute to the setting's charm.
In terms of service, the staff is typically friendly and efficient. However, some guests have reported inconsistencies in service, which they attribute to the server's mood at the time. Overall, the atmosphere and food receive positive reviews, but the service can be hit or miss.
5. Templeton Landing Restaurant & Special Events
Offers a unique dining experience with stunning harbor views

Nested by a canal, this venue welcomes guests with a striking koi pond near the entrance. The premises boast a sophisticated dining room offering breathtaking waterfront views, an outdoor patio for al fresco dining when the weather permits, and a fashionable lounge.
As you step into this venue, a serene koi pond greets you, setting the tone for a refined experience. The establishment features a luxurious dining room, providing stunning vistas of the waterfront. Additionally, there's an outdoor patio for guests to dine in the fresh air, weather permitting, as well as a chic lounge to relax and enjoy.
TOPICS
- Waterfront
- Social Gatherings
- Italian Cuisine
6. Papi Grande's Waterfront and Beach Bar

An outdoor bar, situated along a river, provides an enjoyable view but lacks direct water access. The establishment, built from what appears to be a repurposed shipping container, offers a varied experience. Upon arrival, visitors must park a distance away and navigate a small bumpy hill covered in artificial grass to enter. The service is noted as being strange, while the queso and chips receive praise for their taste and generous portion size. Regrettably, the bar is not equipped with restrooms, only providing portable outdoor facilities.
Situated on the water, the bar provides a scenic view of the Riverworks across the water. Despite its potential, the bar falls short in certain areas. The lack of water access for boats or kayaks is a notable shortcoming, as the docks are reserved for the adjacent apartment building. The concept of quickly obtaining Mexican food and cold cocktails by the water is appealing, but the uneven artificial grass surface and broken plastic Adirondack chairs detract from the experience.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Waterfront
- Dinner
- Late Night
7. The Dish

TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Cheap Eats
- Social Gatherings