Welcome to INIZIO
INIZIO is a charming culinary destination located at 534 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo, NY, known for its warm ambiance and exceptional service. The brand excels in Italian cuisine, where every dish is thoughtfully crafted and bursting with flavor. Diners rave about highlights such as the cacio e pepe, sweet pea agnolotti, and the standout espresso-rubbed hanger steak. The inviting bar atmosphere encourages leisurely dining and delightful conversations, complemented by an impressive selection of cocktails and mocktails. Whether indulging in delightful bruschetta or the beloved beet ravioli, each visit promises a memorable and satisfying experience that keeps guests coming back for more.
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534 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo, NY 14222, United States534 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo, NY 14222, United States Hotline: +1 716-424-1008
Welcome to INIZIO, a culinary gem nestled in the heart of Buffalo, New York, at 534 Elmwood Ave. This vibrant eatery blends Italian traditions with local flavors, offering a dining experience that feels both comforting and exciting. With an inviting atmosphere, it’s a place where patrons can savor delicious food and thoughtfully curated drinks while enjoying a cozy ambiance.
The menu at INIZIO is a celebration of flavor, showcasing standout dishes like the cacio e pepe and sweet pea agnolotti, which have garnered enthusiastic praise from guests. One visitor, Robin L, describes the cacio e pepe as one of the best meals of her life, exemplifying the kitchen’s remarkable ability to craft dishes that resonate deeply with diners. Meanwhile, Lysa CZ raves about the espresso-rubbed hanger steak, indicating that the precision in preparation is consistently impressive throughout the menu.
Not to be overlooked is the delightful array of starters and sides, with the peach bruschetta standing out as a fresh twist on a classic, while the bread arrives hot and crusty, earning enthusiastic approvals from many patrons. As Raelynn Moskal enthusiastically notes, INIZIO has redefined her pasta experience, particularly highlighting the divine beet ravioli, which she believes deserves a permanent spot on the menu.
The bar at INIZIO features a thoughtfully selected range of beverages, including intriguing options like Tenuta Tamburnin Herbal Vermouth and Allen's Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur. Each drink complements the meal, creating a holistic dining experience that keeps guests coming back for more. Julia Helfman mentioned the vibrant atmosphere and friendly service, praising the bar experience for its relaxed vibe, allowing for lingering conversation and enjoyment. This balance of food and drink, music and ambience, elevates any visit into a special occasion.
With every dish made with care and attention, INIZIO manages to turn a simple meal into a memorable experience. As Adrianna Zullich expresses, the food is not only delicious but comforting, reminiscent of cherished family recipes. The attentive service adds a personal touch, making each guest feel at home. INIZIO is not just a restaurant; it is an experience to be cherished, one that transforms dining into a joyful ritual. Come explore the tantalizing flavors and warm vibes of INIZIO—you won’t be disappointed!
We sat at the bar which was nice for the first time dinning. We got to chat with the bar tender ask for drink and food recs. We could listen to the music from the speakers, and it was Great vibes. The drinks were amazing and the food was so wonderful. Cant wait to go back. I liked not feeling rushed and was able to take my time eating and drinking. I really loved the bruschetta!!
Update! Been here 3 times now & it’s just amazing every single time. Got the cacio e Pepe this time & it was one of the best meals I’ve ever had anywhere. Can’t wait to eat here again in 2 months! Been here twice the last couple of months & both times we had incredible food. We’d be here all the time if we lived in Buffalo. They seriously have the best bread ever. Every dish is amazing, so flavorful & seasoned perfectly. Friendly service & delicious drinks. Perfect for date night & special occasions!
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!
Inizio is the only time I'm ever thrilled to order pasta. It's cooked to perfection every time and every variety I've had, I've loved. The beet ravioli needs to stay on the menu FOREVER.
Warm ambience. Great service. Delicious food. The bread came out hot and crusty. The polenta especially was excellent, closest I’ve had to my Nonna’s. Everyone enjoyed their dishes. All the food was perfectly seasoned and felt good in my mouth (not exactly sure what I mean by this but the way I’d describe it). We were so comfortable we sat and chatted way past dessert. Eat at Inizio!!
INIZIO is my favorite Italian Restaurant in Buffalo right now! They have outstanding homemade pasta. The best I'm aware of in Buffalo. The atmosphere is great and super contemporary Buffalo! The service is attentive and focused. Last easter, I had the Crispy Meaty Easter Lasagna and it was quite literally the best lasagna I've had in more than a decade! I love this place!!!!
My girlfriend and I came here for our anniversary and the atmosphere was amazing! It felt very romantic and cozy. Their bread and butter was phenomenal (I would go to get drinks and just that). I ordered the Carbonara and she got the Bolognese. The food was good but lacked seasoning and presentation. 33 for a plate I expected more but I might just be nitpicking. Servers were absolutely amazing and I will go here again, I just might ask for some salt and pepper
Great pasta. This restaurant is perfect for a quiet night out. Not too loud and the service was exceptional. Great wine as well. Very pleased with my experience. They have a lovely bar as well.