Abous Us

Abous Us

Having delicious food on the menu is what every Italian restaurant claims, but we make sure to offer much more than that to our customers. In addition, you can enjoy our Italian food while joining us for:

· Wedding Receptions
· Private Banquets
· Family-oriented events like Anniversaries, Showers or Graduations

Established in 1965, Ilio DiPaolo's Restaurant & Banquet Facility is one of the finest restaurants in Buffalo, NY, serving authentic Italian food that's worth the trip. We're part of the New York State Restaurant Association, National Restaurant Association, and the F.I.R.S.T. Group (Friendly Independent Restaurants of the South Towns), showing our dedication to high quality food and restaurant operations.

Under the culinary expertise of Chef Carl Strack and others, Ilio's recently received Buffalo News Best of 716 "Best Italian Restaurant & Best Wait Staff". In addition to an extensive dinner as well as gluten free menus, our Chef and his staff prepare daily dinner specials.

Our Italian restaurant features many delicious entrees at reasonable prices, including, but not limited to: Veal Parmigiana, Chicken Parrinello, Fresh Seafood, Steaks, Prime Rib, Tripe, Calamari, and Home-style Pasta with our famous House Sauce.

Many vegetarian selections are also available, as well as a Gluten-Free Menu for those with special dietary requirements. We boast a full-service bar with an extensive and Award Winning Wine Menu, an excellent Dessert Menu to complement your meal, a Children's Menu, and an At-Home Catering Menu for dining at home or for office parties, and friendly, attentive service.

Why don't you join us for a memorable Italian meal today? Reservations recommended. Call now to make dining reservations or to reserve our Banquet Hall or Wedding Reception Venue. 716-825-3675

Awards & Recognitions

Awards & Recognitions

Awards

1998 Telly Award

The Telly Awards was founded in 1979 to honor excellence in local, regional and cable television commercials with non-broadcast video and television programming added soon after.

2001 Section VI Wrestling

To the DiPaolo Family in appreciation of support of Section VI High School Wrestling.

2002 Make A Wish Foundation

Community Star Award recognizes an individual or business that contributes to Make A Wish dreams coming true.

2016 Buffalo Niagara Film Commission

Appreciation of Contributions to the Film and Television Industry of WNY.

2016 Restaurant of the Year

2021 Buffalo Business First Family Business Award

2022 America's Best Restaurants

2022 America's Best Restaurants

Recognized in 2022 by "America's Best Restaurants" as one of the top restaurants to visit in America.

2022 & 2023 Buffalo News Best of 716

2022 & 2023 Buffalo News Best of 716

Voted by Buffalonians in 2022 & 2023 as Best of 716: Best Italian Restaurant & Best Wait Staff.

2022 & 2023 Meatball Street Brawl Winners

Best Freestyle Meatball

2023 Rise Awards

2023 Rise Awards

Best Front of House Team

Congratulations to Dennis for also being awarded the Hospitality Career Achievement Award for his dedication to the Hospitality Industry in Buffalo as well as his Western New York community!

2023 Dick Gallagher Legacy Award

The Ilio DiPaolo Scholarship Fund received the 2023 Dick Gallagher Award for continued support and improvement of the student high school sport experience, community service, and the willingness to go above and beyond for WNY.

Recognitions

American Legion of Blasdell, Recognition Award to DiPaolo Family
Lake Erie Italian Club, Special Tribute to Ilio DiPaolo
Knights of Columbus, Special Tribute to Ilio DiPaolo
Connolly Cup Committee, For 50 Years of Outstanding Service and Support to the Community
Queen of Angels Parish, In Grateful Appreciation for your Outstanding Support of our Communities and Society
Bigs Timer's Club, Certificate of Appreciation
GMR of WNY, For over 20 Years of Promoting Italian Products and Continued Support of High School Scholarship Programs
Sorrento Hardworking Heroes Hall of Fame
Special Forces Ranger Airborne, Certificate of Appreciation

Movies & Film

Hollywood at Ilio's

Movies Filmed at Ilio's Over the Years

Movies Filmed at Ilio's Over the Years

Hallmark and LifeTime Movies have made a home at Ilio DiPaolo's for filming Rom-Coms as well as other films! With the traditional Italian scene and beautiful murals, Ilio's is a go-to for filmmakers travelling to Buffalo!

Thrillers & Bios

Stage Fright

Stage Fright

2017

Directed by Fred Olen Ray, Stage Fright is a thriller about an opera singer who receives "too much" attention upon re-entering the world of opera after retirement. Portions of the movie were filmed at Ilio DiPaolo's, as well as other Western New York locations. You can find this film on the Lifetime Movie Network!

Mother Cabrini

Mother Cabrini

2021

Directed by Alejandro Monteverde, the film chronicles the life and work of Francesca Cabrini, an Italian immigrant nun who founded one of the largest charitable organizations in the world, the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The film features Dennis, Ilio and Pat Bonitatibus dressed in their best 1890's outfits!

Assault on VA-33

Assault on VA-33

2021

Directed by Chistopher Ray, this film follows a military veteran from Buffalo who is thrown into a hostage situation and must defend his hometown. In this film, Dennis stars as newscast reporter Dane Forester.

"Royal" Rom-Coms

A Royal Christmas Engagment

A Royal Christmas Engagment

2020

Portions of this movie are filmed right at Ilio's! Featured in the restaurant and bar scenes, you'll notice Ilio's trademark murals and artwork in the background. Pay close attention to the restaurant and bar scenes, and you'll see a glimpse of Dennis and Ilio! Dennis features as a waiter, taking the couples order at the restaurant. You'll see Ilio in the background in the bar scenes, wearing his signature Santa Hat.

A Royal Christmas on Ice

A Royal Christmas on Ice

2022

Another "Royal" Rom-Com that features Ilio's! This time, Dennis is featured as a grocery store clerk, Mr. DeNucci! You'll see him at the register in the store wearing the plaid shirt and jeans. In the restaurant scene, you'll find Ilio yet again in his signature Santa Hat!

A Royal Christmas Holiday

A Royal Christmas Holiday

2023

Another "Royal" Rom-Com that features Dennis & Ilio! An ambitious reporter looking for her big break and an impetuous prince sent to New York on assignment have their worlds collide during the holidays and discover love and what matters most at Christmas.