Looking for a can’t-miss spot for your next big dinner out? Wine Spectator, one of the most trusted names in the food and drink world, just released its 2026 list of award-winning restaurants, and five Buffalo-area favorites made the cut. That’s up from four last year. Step Out Buffalo is the leading destination for the best food, drinks, and things to do in Buffalo and WNY, so we’re breaking down who made the list and why it matters, even if you’ve never thought twice about a wine list before.
Basically, these awards are a badge of honor for restaurants that put real thought and money into their drink menus, on top of great food and service. So if a place made this list, you can bet on a solid night out no matter what you order. Here are the five Buffalo spots that made the cut this year…