In the 10 years since La Divina opened, it has transformed from a Mexican grocery store with a limited food menu into the Buffalo’s premiere taco destination. The reason? Authentic street tacos at an unbeatable price and an array of house-made salsas that add a flavor bomb to each bite (trust us, get the avocado sauce). The tacos run small, so we recommend ordering three to four depending on your hunger level. The barbacoa, al pastor, lengua (tongue), and cecina (air-dried, salted steak) are our favorites, and there are four outstanding veggie options for non-meat eaters. Tortas arrive on fresh telera bread grilled to perfection with avocado, mayo, lettuce, tomato, onion, cheese, crema, and jalapeños.
226 Lexington Ave
Led by chef and owner Kuni Sato, this warm and inviting restaurant has been celebrating the art of sushi for nearly 30 years. If it’s your first time dining at Kuni’s, start with the ebi-su, which offers delicately sliced shrimp atop cucumbers and wakame, finished with a vinegary soy sauce, or the whole grilled squid served with sweet and spicy chili sauce. For your entrée, you can’t go wrong with the chef’s choice sushi or sashimi combos, which are available in small and large sizes. You can expect traditional salmon, tuna, and red snapper sashimi, but chef always has a seasonal specialty or two to help make the meal memorable. Kuni’s also has an extensive Japanese whiskey library and over 20 premium sakes. We suggest talking to the staff who can recommend a sake flight pairing based on your order.
710 Elmwood Ave
Tucked away on a quiet cobblestone alley, you might miss High Violet if you weren’t looking for it. Once you step inside, you’ll be transported out of Buffalo and into a chic cocktail lounge fit for Manhattan, Tokyo, or Paris. Thanks to impeccable interior design featuring velvet upholstery, mid-century modern furniture, and gorgeous lighting fixtures, co-owners Jon Eisenberg and Joseph Stocker, along with their other partners, have created one of the most intimate spaces in the city. High Violet is the perfect place to start or end your night. We recommend ordering oysters for the table and indulging in either the Flora and Fauna or the Queen of Thorns, with the Meat is Murder (an old-fashioned with wagyu-washed bourbon) a worthy splurge at $50. High Violet shares a patio with No Fun Lo-Fi Bar, a listening bar inspired by Japanese kissaten, which Stocker also co-owns. Pop in to enjoy vinyl DJs spinning techno, house, hip-hop, and more.
1198 Hertel Ave
