Buffalo, New York, is known for its wings, beef on weck, and… surprisingly amazing desserts! Beyond the savory staples, the city boasts a vibrant dessert scene, offering everything from classic comfort food to innovative pastry creations. This guide highlights 22 of the best places to satisfy your sweet tooth in Buffalo. Whether you crave rich chocolate, creamy cheesecake, or something uniquely Buffalo, we've got you covered. This list caters to every dessert preference, ensuring your Buffalo culinary adventure includes a truly memorable sweet ending.
Classic Comfort: Pies, Cakes, and Cookies
1. Sophia's Restaurant: The Best Pie in Town?
Sophia's is a Buffalo institution, and their pies are legendary. Their apple pie, with its flaky crust and perfectly spiced filling, is a must-try. But don't overlook their cherry pie or the seasonal specials – they're all exceptional. The restaurant has a cozy atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed dessert experience.
2. Wegmans: A Grocery Store with Gourmet Desserts
Don't underestimate Wegmans' bakery section! They offer a wide array of high-quality cakes, cookies, and pies, many made fresh in-store daily. Their chocolate cream pie is a personal favorite, rich and decadent without being overly sweet. It's a convenient option for a quick sweet treat.
3. Leonard's Bakery: The Home of the Famous Cookie
Leonard's is known for its incredible Italian cookies, especially their fried dough, a light, airy, and subtly sweet treat coated in powdered sugar. It's a classic Buffalo experience, a must-try for any visitor. Be prepared for a line, but it moves quickly and is worth the wait!
4. Taffy's of Buffalo: Handmade Candy
Taffy's offers a classic array of hand-pulled taffy in an array of flavors. The chocolate caramel swirl is a popular choice, but be sure to sample a few flavors to experience the full range. This is a great place to pick up a gift or a sweet treat to enjoy on the go.
Upscale Indulgence: Patisseries and Cafes
5. Oliver's Restaurant: Elegant Desserts
Oliver's offers sophisticated desserts to complement their upscale dining experience. Their desserts often change with the season, but expect beautifully presented creations with high-quality ingredients. Check their website for their current offerings.
6. The Black Sheep Restaurant: Creative Dessert Menu
The Black Sheep's dessert menu is known for its creativity and innovative flavors. Their desserts often incorporate seasonal ingredients and unique flavor combinations that are both unexpected and delicious. Expect beautifully presented plates.
7. Toutant: Modern Southern Comfort
Toutant offers a refined take on Southern comfort food, and its desserts are no exception. Their desserts often showcase Southern classics with a modern twist, using high-quality ingredients and beautiful plating.
Ice Cream and Frozen Delights
8. Anderson's Frozen Custard: A Buffalo Staple
Anderson's Frozen Custard is a Buffalo institution, offering a wide variety of creamy, delicious custard flavors. Their chocolate custard is a classic, but their seasonal flavors are worth exploring.
9. Dairy Queen: A Classic Treat
A classic ice cream spot, Dairy Queen offers a straightforward, satisfying dessert experience. The Blizzard is a must-try, a creamy frozen treat with mix-ins.
10. Lake Effect Ice Cream: Locally Sourced Goodness
Lake Effect Ice Cream uses locally sourced ingredients to create unique and flavorful ice cream. Their flavors change seasonally, so there's always something new to try.
Unique Buffalo Treats
11. Chocolate Pizza: A Buffalo Original
While not technically a pizza, the chocolate pizza is a Buffalo dessert icon. Several spots around the city offer this chocolatey delight, a large, thin chocolate disc topped with various candies and sweets. A fun and visually impressive dessert!
12. Beef on Weck...Dessert Style?
While not strictly a dessert, some innovative bakeries have experimented with "beef on weck" inspired treats. Look for creative twists on this Buffalo classic in a sweet form! (This is a less common find, but worth searching for if you're adventurous).
International Flavors
13. Presidio Pizza: (Dessert Pizza Options)
Presidio Pizza offers some unique dessert pizza options. These offer interesting flavors that go beyond the traditional chocolate offerings. Check their menu for unique seasonal choices.
14. Other International Bakeries: Explore beyond the mainstream!
Buffalo's diverse population offers access to desserts from various cultures. Explore local bakeries in different neighborhoods to discover hidden gems and new flavor profiles.
Cafes and Coffee Shops
15. Espresso Yourself Cafe: Pastries and Coffee Pairings
Espresso Yourself offers a range of pastries alongside their coffee and other beverages, offering a great spot for an afternoon pick-me-up.
16. Foxtail Coffee Co.: Complement your Coffee
Foxtail Coffee Co. pairs their excellent coffee with a selection of pastries and baked goods, making it a perfect place to enjoy a coffee and dessert.
17. Aroma's Cafe: A Relaxing Dessert Spot
Aroma's Cafe offers a calm and relaxing atmosphere to enjoy a dessert and coffee.
Bakeries with a Wide Variety
18. Enjoy Bakery: Traditional Sweets
Enjoy Bakery is a classic bakery with a selection of traditional desserts.
19. Westside Bazaar: Diverse Dessert Options
Westside Bazaar offers a range of options from different cultures, representing the rich diversity of Buffalo's food scene.
Hidden Gems
20. Local Farmer's Markets: Seasonal Treats
Buffalo's farmer's markets offer seasonal delights, such as fresh fruit pies or cobblers, directly from local bakers.
21. Small, Independent Bakeries: Unique Finds
Explore smaller, independent bakeries outside the downtown area to discover unique and hidden gems. These often have a loyal local following and are worth discovering.
22. Your Own Baking!: The Ultimate Customizable Dessert
Don’t forget the ultimate customizable dessert: baking your own! Use local ingredients and recipes for a uniquely Buffalonian treat.
This list provides a starting point for your Buffalo dessert adventure. Remember to check websites and social media for menus, hours, and any special offerings. Enjoy the sweet side of Buffalo!
