Was very delicious and savory. staff is very friendly
Makayla Costello
Was here with a party of 26 people the other day, 3 got up from their sleep to vomit. Disgusting! Waitress kept calling my boyfriend babe, wtf?
Crystal Goins
Great place very romantic
Zack Schneider
Tappo Restaurant in downtown Buffalo is not just another Italian-American eatery; it’s an experience that blends atmosphere, history, and flavors in a way that makes it perfect for a memorable night out. I recently had the pleasure of dining there with a good friend of mine, who happens to be a true connoisseur of meatballs. Her love for the dish runs deep—not only does she have a refined palate for Italian cuisine, but she also starred in the classic movie Meatballs. When we get together, there’s a tradition we’ve developed over the years: we split a meatball at any restaurant we consider worthy of our critique. Tappo is one of those gems that made the cut, and for good reason.
Tappo’s location in the heart of downtown Buffalo sets the stage for a perfect evening. As we arrived, the modern yet rustic feel of the restaurant, with its exposed brick walls and dim lighting, instantly caught our attention. We chose to dine on the rooftop, where the view of Buffalo’s skyline added an extra touch of magic to the night. Whether you’re there to enjoy a full meal or just sip wine under the stars, Tappo’s rooftop creates an ambiance that’s ideal for a cozy evening with friends.
One of Tappo’s standout features is its incredibly affordable wine list. My friend and I decided to take full advantage of their signature offering—a bottle of wine for just $16, a deal that’s hard to beat. With an extensive selection of both red and white wines, it was the perfect pairing for what was to come: the meatball.
Now, on to the star of the evening—Tappo’s meatball. As meatball connoisseurs, we approach each one with the same careful consideration, and Tappo’s did not disappoint. The texture was perfectly tender, and what truly stood out was the spice—a subtle kick that lingers just long enough to awaken your taste buds without overpowering the flavors. It’s this spice that brought the dish to life, making it a true representation of authentic Italian cuisine. The tomato sauce was rich and well-balanced, complementing the meatball rather than overshadowing it.
The spice was key to our appreciation of Tappo’s meatball. It had just the right amount of heat to excite the palate, making each bite a small awakening of flavor. We often discuss how certain restaurants try too hard with spices, but Tappo struck the perfect balance, giving us a dish that both warmed our souls and reminded us of the simplicity of great Italian cooking.
While the meatball was a highlight, the rest of the menu held up its end of the bargain. We shared a few other small plates—arancini and calamari—that were also seasoned beautifully and well-executed. Tappo’s focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients shone through in every bite.
The beauty of Tappo isn’t just in its food, but in how it pairs perfectly with a casual yet upscale dining experience. The relaxed rooftop, the reasonable prices, and the excellent service made it a night to remember. Whether it’s sharing a dish with an old friend or savoring a moment in one of Buffalo’s finest dining spots, Tappo delivers both in food and atmosphere.
For anyone who, like my friend and me, seeks out the perfect meatball—Tappo is absolutely worthy of your time. With its hint of spice, authentic flavors, and soul-awakening taste, it earns its place on the list of must-try restaurants in Buffalo. But beyond that, it offers a full experience—an evening filled with good food, great wine, and the charm of downtown Buffalo.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Meatballs
Kayla Sample
I called and made a reservation, for a semi private table. My request was honored and the service was great - delicious food. The manager came over, introduced himself and referred to me by name. Made me feel like a VIP. Will definitely be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
K M
The band that was playing was The food was excellent but could’ve been hotter. The drinks were phenomenal ?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
Rene Davis
My husband and I met a friend here for dinner. We ordered the cheesy Italian bread, brussel sprouts, chicken milanese, meatballs, and the bread pudding. Each dish was good,but my favorite was the meatball dish and the bread pudding. ? We would definitely return when we come back to Buffalo. #
We recently dined at Tappo. Upon arriving we were seated near the open doors and asked if we could move because one of the people in our group tends to be cold. The whole restaurant was open and it seemed to be an issue to relocate us. We ended up sitting there anyways. They did turn on the heat lamps and offered to close the doors, if needed. All of our water glasses and half of the silverware on the table were dirty, and the table next to us had the same issue. Service was okay but not very attentive. We saw the wait staff infrequently. The food was good and we enjoyed our dishes.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Alla Vodka Pasta with Sausage, Panzanella Salad
Vivek Anand
The warm and inviting atmosphere at this restaurant instantly made me feel welcome. The staff was incredibly hospitable and attentive, ensuring a delightful dining experience. Each dish was beautifully presented and bursting with flavor, a testament to the chef's culinary skills. The service was prompt and efficient, further enhancing the overall enjoyment of the meal. I was particularly impressed by the Prosciutto Sandwich, which was cooked to perfection. The combination of exceptional food and outstanding service has definitely made this restaurant a new favorite. I highly recommend a visit and look forward to returning soon.
Atmosphere: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Meatballs
David Michael
Every aspect of this dining experience was excellent. Also, the pricing is reasonable. Thank you.
Just had an amazing lunch at Tappo! The lunch special is to die for! Will definitely be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Hanna Cimperman
Food was great. Atmosphere was tough. Idk anyone who wants to hear club music at 4pm on a Tuesday but they turned it down when we asked, haha
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 4
Service: 3
Michael S
Place used to be good. If it was a year ago, I would totally agree with the five star reviews. However, it’s gotten substantially worse. The food is dull and uninspired. The service is extremely poor. I expressed concerns to the manager, he was exceptionally rude and dismissive. Will not return.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Eric Milligan
Can't beat the lunch specials. Got an amazing chicken parm sandwich on freshly baked crusty bread.
Was very delicious and savory. staff is very friendly
Was here with a party of 26 people the other day, 3 got up from their sleep to vomit. Disgusting! Waitress kept calling my boyfriend babe, wtf?
Great place very romantic
Tappo Restaurant in downtown Buffalo is not just another Italian-American eatery; it’s an experience that blends atmosphere, history, and flavors in a way that makes it perfect for a memorable night out. I recently had the pleasure of dining there with a good friend of mine, who happens to be a true connoisseur of meatballs. Her love for the dish runs deep—not only does she have a refined palate for Italian cuisine, but she also starred in the classic movie Meatballs. When we get together, there’s a tradition we’ve developed over the years: we split a meatball at any restaurant we consider worthy of our critique. Tappo is one of those gems that made the cut, and for good reason.
Tappo’s location in the heart of downtown Buffalo sets the stage for a perfect evening. As we arrived, the modern yet rustic feel of the restaurant, with its exposed brick walls and dim lighting, instantly caught our attention. We chose to dine on the rooftop, where the view of Buffalo’s skyline added an extra touch of magic to the night. Whether you’re there to enjoy a full meal or just sip wine under the stars, Tappo’s rooftop creates an ambiance that’s ideal for a cozy evening with friends.
One of Tappo’s standout features is its incredibly affordable wine list. My friend and I decided to take full advantage of their signature offering—a bottle of wine for just $16, a deal that’s hard to beat. With an extensive selection of both red and white wines, it was the perfect pairing for what was to come: the meatball.
Now, on to the star of the evening—Tappo’s meatball. As meatball connoisseurs, we approach each one with the same careful consideration, and Tappo’s did not disappoint. The texture was perfectly tender, and what truly stood out was the spice—a subtle kick that lingers just long enough to awaken your taste buds without overpowering the flavors. It’s this spice that brought the dish to life, making it a true representation of authentic Italian cuisine. The tomato sauce was rich and well-balanced, complementing the meatball rather than overshadowing it.
The spice was key to our appreciation of Tappo’s meatball. It had just the right amount of heat to excite the palate, making each bite a small awakening of flavor. We often discuss how certain restaurants try too hard with spices, but Tappo struck the perfect balance, giving us a dish that both warmed our souls and reminded us of the simplicity of great Italian cooking.
While the meatball was a highlight, the rest of the menu held up its end of the bargain. We shared a few other small plates—arancini and calamari—that were also seasoned beautifully and well-executed. Tappo’s focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients shone through in every bite.
The beauty of Tappo isn’t just in its food, but in how it pairs perfectly with a casual yet upscale dining experience. The relaxed rooftop, the reasonable prices, and the excellent service made it a night to remember. Whether it’s sharing a dish with an old friend or savoring a moment in one of Buffalo’s finest dining spots, Tappo delivers both in food and atmosphere.
For anyone who, like my friend and me, seeks out the perfect meatball—Tappo is absolutely worthy of your time. With its hint of spice, authentic flavors, and soul-awakening taste, it earns its place on the list of must-try restaurants in Buffalo. But beyond that, it offers a full experience—an evening filled with good food, great wine, and the charm of downtown Buffalo.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Meatballs
I called and made a reservation, for a semi private table. My request was honored and the service was great - delicious food. The manager came over, introduced himself and referred to me by name. Made me feel like a VIP. Will definitely be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The band that was playing was
The food was excellent but could’ve been hotter. The drinks were phenomenal ?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
My husband and I met a friend here for dinner. We ordered the cheesy Italian bread, brussel sprouts, chicken milanese, meatballs, and the bread pudding. Each dish was good,but my favorite was the meatball dish and the bread pudding. ? We would definitely return when we come back to Buffalo. #
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken Milanese, Salad, Meatballs
We recently dined at Tappo. Upon arriving we were seated near the open doors and asked if we could move because one of the people in our group tends to be cold. The whole restaurant was open and it seemed to be an issue to relocate us. We ended up sitting there anyways. They did turn on the heat lamps and offered to close the doors, if needed. All of our water glasses and half of the silverware on the table were dirty, and the table next to us had the same issue. Service was okay but not very attentive. We saw the wait staff infrequently. The food was good and we enjoyed our dishes.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Alla Vodka Pasta with Sausage, Panzanella Salad
The warm and inviting atmosphere at this restaurant instantly made me feel welcome. The staff was incredibly hospitable and attentive, ensuring a delightful dining experience. Each dish was beautifully presented and bursting with flavor, a testament to the chef's culinary skills. The service was prompt and efficient, further enhancing the overall enjoyment of the meal. I was particularly impressed by the Prosciutto Sandwich, which was cooked to perfection. The combination of exceptional food and outstanding service has definitely made this restaurant a new favorite. I highly recommend a visit and look forward to returning soon.
Atmosphere: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Meatballs
Every aspect of this dining experience was excellent. Also, the pricing is reasonable. Thank you.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Just had an amazing lunch at Tappo! The lunch special is to die for! Will definitely be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Food was great. Atmosphere was tough. Idk anyone who wants to hear club music at 4pm on a Tuesday but they turned it down when we asked, haha
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 4
Service: 3
Place used to be good. If it was a year ago, I would totally agree with the five star reviews. However, it’s gotten substantially worse. The food is dull and uninspired. The service is extremely poor. I expressed concerns to the manager, he was exceptionally rude and dismissive. Will not return.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Can't beat the lunch specials. Got an amazing chicken parm sandwich on freshly baked crusty bread.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Good food. ?
Very kind staff.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
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