INIZIO - (Near Buffalo, NY)

5 /5 ̇: One of the most authentic Italian meals you can get in Buffalo. $6 spritz’s were sooooo nice and the food was amazing. My only critique is that I wish the risotto was a little more firm.

2 /5 leostation Fact: What a disappointment. Party of five, first time checking it out. The appetizers were hanger steak bites (they were nice), strawberry salad (decent, pretty simple can be had anywhere) and bruschetta which were interesting and would recommend. The problem was in the cocktails, the main dishes, the desserts and the lack of decent service from our main waiter. He was inattentive to put it mildly. Two martinis (one dirty with olives, the other up with olives) and the second had no olives. The martinis themselves were poor. I dont know what happened but Ive ordered the drink many times other places and this was just bad. The olives? Look at the picture. Absolutely disgusting. They tasted like they were bought from Tops (Mt Olive??) and had been sitting around for far too long. The mains were cacio e pepe with crab and steak which was recommended by the waiter. I should have known better. The noodles were done well, no doubt. The dish was so bland, the crab almost non-existent. Another member got mushroom gorgonzola with shrimp. The shrimp were tiny and sparse. The sauce was watery. The desserts were cookies and peach cheesecake. Please see photo for cheesecake. It tasted artificial and a complete embarrassment of a dessert. Italian restaurant without anything Italian on the dessert menu?? No tiramisu?? At least do what you have right. And nope, the cookies tasted like stale gas station fare. Wont be going back.

5 /5 Roberta: I highly recommend Inizio. Our waiter greeted us with a glass of prosecco since we were celebrating our anniversary, which was such a thoughtful and welcoming gesture. The service was warm, friendly, and attentive throughout our visit. The food arrived quickly, which sometimes makes me cautious, but here it was clear they have everything well organized. My gnocchi wasn’t very traditional, but it was delicious with a modern twist that I really enjoyed. My husband’s steak was perfectly cooked, and his pesto was equally outstanding. The ambience was relaxed and inviting, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a special meal. We are already looking forward to coming back and trying more of their dishes.

5 /5 Rosenda Belmonte: Had dinner reservations with a friend on a Friday evening and everything was great! Shared the strawberry salad and bruschetta, which were very filling and delicious. Had the mushroom pasta with added chicken for my main dish, which again was delicious. I was already so stuffed from the shared apps that I had plenty of leftovers to take home. Friendly and accommodating service, ac vent was dripping and they moved us without a problem.

5 /5 Lysa CZ: Absolutely loved our meal here! The pasta was a standout—especially the cacio e pepe, sweet pea agnolotti, and bolognese, all perfectly executed. The espresso-rubbed hanger steak stole the show for me—I’d come back just for that. We also tried the peach bruschetta, which was a fresh and seasonal twist on a classic. Cocktails and mocktails were equally impressive. We’ll definitely be back!