Inizio is a cozy, pasta-focused restaurant in beautiful Elmwood Village. Freshness comes first here-we make everything we can from scratch in our kitchen, and we haven't begun cooking your pasta until the moment you order it. Our motto, "tutto fatto a mano" translates to mean "everything made by hand, " and we believe that the personal connection to the preparation process can be tasted on the plate.
While scratch-made pasta is our primary focus, we also offer a selection of small plates inspired by the rich bounty of the Italian cucina. To complement our food, we serve a wide range of delicious wines and cocktails, carefully curated by our bar team, with the understanding that food and drinks are meant to be enjoyed together in good company.
While scratch-made pasta is our primary focus, we also offer a selection of small plates inspired by the rich bounty of the Italian cucina. To complement our food, we serve a wide range of delicious wines and cocktails, carefully curated by our bar team, with the understanding that food and drinks are meant to be enjoyed together in good company.
Reviews (23)
Ryli C.
Sep 30, 2021
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Jim Voto
Sep 11, 2021
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The service was excellent. We were warmly greeted and offered a complimentary glass of Prosecco! The Salumi plate was outstanding. The meats were prepared to perfection. The macaroni was house made and the… texture and vodka sauce was perfect. My wife’s risotto was cooked well, and the artichokes, Parmesan and the hint of lemon was refreshing.
Rebekah P.
Sep 06, 2021
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A fine dining experience at such a low cost- I highly recommend this restaurant to locals and visitors.
Every dish is well thought out and delicious, so you can't go wrong with your order!
I recommend trying to bruschetta as a starter. The pickles are a fun experience for first time guests. I've tried nearly every pasta here and they never miss. If the gnocchis ever come back, these are a must-try!
The service is unparalleled. It really feels like they value every guest, starting with a complementary taste of Prosecco and a warm welcome.
Already anticipating my next visit!
Every dish is well thought out and delicious, so you can't go wrong with your order!
I recommend trying to bruschetta as a starter. The pickles are a fun experience for first time guests. I've tried nearly every pasta here and they never miss. If the gnocchis ever come back, these are a must-try!
The service is unparalleled. It really feels like they value every guest, starting with a complementary taste of Prosecco and a warm welcome.
Already anticipating my next visit!
Katie G.
Sep 02, 2021
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Oh my gosh!! Best pasta spot in all of Buffalo, NY! If you're lucky enough to get a reservation, you will not be disappointed. I had the cacio e pepe and it was out of this world! You are greeted with a complimentary glass of Prosecco. The wait staff is very attentive and kind. I will definitely be going back.
Susan N.
Sep 01, 2021
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Do yourself a favor and come here!!! I had such a wonderful dining experience a few weeks ago. Our waitress was really sweet and gave us a few recommendations. We started off with the meatballs. They were good but a little mushy. I probably wouldn't get them again.
I tried the chicken & porcini risotto and am sooo glad I did. It was super rich and creamy and the flavor was on point. I also ordered a mojito which was delicious and really hit the spot.
I came on a Sunday and there was no wait but it was pretty busy. There is only street parking but it wasn't hard finding parking.
I tried the chicken & porcini risotto and am sooo glad I did. It was super rich and creamy and the flavor was on point. I also ordered a mojito which was delicious and really hit the spot.
I came on a Sunday and there was no wait but it was pretty busy. There is only street parking but it wasn't hard finding parking.
Jared P.
Jul 29, 2021
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Made reservations for this evening on a whim and had a really wonderful experience. The staff were all friendly and helpful. Top notch service, truly. Had the Hanger Steak as an appetizer and it was a cooked perfectly and was a great portion split between by partner and I. For mains he had the chicken risotto and I did the mushroom pasta dish, both were wonderful; rich and decadent but not overly so. We had to finish off an already great meal with a dessert and decided on a trio of ice cream, the pistachio was particularly good. Would absolutely recommend, I'm looking forward to our next meal
Jo D.
May 28, 2021
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Adalyn M.
May 22, 2021
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The food was amazing and the wait staff is professional and friendly.
All of the pasta is made in house and the chefs bring out the meals to you.
Went with my boyfriend, and opted out of getting a dessert to order another pasta because we were not disappointed with our first pastas.
Order the Roman salad, Cacio e pepe, Ragu Bolognese, and Vodka Pasta.
Be sure to make a reservation as there is limited seating due to COVID 19 restrictions.
All of the pasta is made in house and the chefs bring out the meals to you.
Went with my boyfriend, and opted out of getting a dessert to order another pasta because we were not disappointed with our first pastas.
Order the Roman salad, Cacio e pepe, Ragu Bolognese, and Vodka Pasta.
Be sure to make a reservation as there is limited seating due to COVID 19 restrictions.
Allison B.
May 16, 2021
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We've only been once before shortly after restaurants reopened and it was awesome - a little pricy but delicious.
For brunch ... it didn't quite carry over the same. Loved the table side (STRONG) French press with Great assortment of drinks. Very hipster vibe (which I don't mind).
The shakshuka was good but ... missing just that extra wow factor. I'm not quite sure how the eggs were cooked but they were like poached and .. crispy? It mixed together fine but just a little strange. There wasn't enough toast, in my opinion, and I wish it wasn't already buttered. I
For brunch ... it didn't quite carry over the same. Loved the table side (STRONG) French press with Great assortment of drinks. Very hipster vibe (which I don't mind).
The shakshuka was good but ... missing just that extra wow factor. I'm not quite sure how the eggs were cooked but they were like poached and .. crispy? It mixed together fine but just a little strange. There wasn't enough toast, in my opinion, and I wish it wasn't already buttered. I
Charles S.
May 13, 2021
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My girlfriend made dinner reservations for my birthday yesterday with another couple. I've been wanting to go here for awhile, and the food was well-seasoned and worth the wait. However, I was disappointed at the fact that prior to being seated we noticed an empty table right by the front windows. However, the hostess denied our request, saying that when booking your reservation you need to request specific tables by the window. Which is unfortunate given the fact that this information isn't on the website, or provided to my girlfriend upon booking a birthday dinner and asked if we could
Jen E.
May 11, 2021
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Hana M.
Apr 16, 2021
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Such an amazing experience from the complimentary prosecco to the warm chocolate chip cookies. The atmosphere was great, the service was great, and the food was amazing!
1. Bruschetta - Honestly not my favorite, but probably my fault for assuming there would be tomatoes so I set myself up for disappointment. The fig jam was sweet and paired well with the prosciutto.
2. Romaine - Don't make the mistake of thinking this is just a salad. These were crispy romaine leafs with lots of delicious dressing, bread crumbs, and cheese. You will not regret ordering this, it is amazing!
3. Cacio e
1. Bruschetta - Honestly not my favorite, but probably my fault for assuming there would be tomatoes so I set myself up for disappointment. The fig jam was sweet and paired well with the prosciutto.
2. Romaine - Don't make the mistake of thinking this is just a salad. These were crispy romaine leafs with lots of delicious dressing, bread crumbs, and cheese. You will not regret ordering this, it is amazing!
3. Cacio e
Hannah L.
Apr 11, 2021
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Ever since Inizio opened and made Yelp's Top 100 list, I've been dying to try it, and I'm so excited I was finally able to see what the hype is all about.
I'm actually speechless and how great of an experience we had!
The restaurant is beautiful and the ambience is so nice. The service is excellent; all of the servers are kind and helpful.
We were a little bummed they didn't have bread service during our visit, but the pasta we ordered made up for it. I ordered the vodka and I was stunned! The pasta is so fresh and the sauce was delicious. I had never tried vodka sauce
I'm actually speechless and how great of an experience we had!
The restaurant is beautiful and the ambience is so nice. The service is excellent; all of the servers are kind and helpful.
We were a little bummed they didn't have bread service during our visit, but the pasta we ordered made up for it. I ordered the vodka and I was stunned! The pasta is so fresh and the sauce was delicious. I had never tried vodka sauce
Asif H.
Apr 08, 2021
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Alright buckle up, this will be a long one.
You walk into an older house on elmwood turned into a fine dinning experience. The vibe and the lighting will leave you curious to find out what sort of dishes are you getting yourself into.
The food: I have tried a few entrees out of their dinner menu, out of which, 100% of the items were so good, that I wish the plate had more food. The portion sizes are mid large, just like how an experience that wouldn't want you to fill up but perfected to the point of debating ordering a second serving.
Start your night off with an order of broccolini and
You walk into an older house on elmwood turned into a fine dinning experience. The vibe and the lighting will leave you curious to find out what sort of dishes are you getting yourself into.
The food: I have tried a few entrees out of their dinner menu, out of which, 100% of the items were so good, that I wish the plate had more food. The portion sizes are mid large, just like how an experience that wouldn't want you to fill up but perfected to the point of debating ordering a second serving.
Start your night off with an order of broccolini and
Brian S.
Mar 28, 2021
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A great new reincarnation of this classic location on Elmwood. Fine Italian dining with a simple and delicious menu. Started with pickles and olive appetizers for only $3 each. Olives were briny and had a firm bite. Pickles were interesting, lots of vinegar and they also had watermelon and cauliflower marinated with them. Who knew you could add a fruit and vegetable to this concoction and make it even better? The fig bruschetta was a nice combination of sweet and tart with the creamy burrata tying it all together. The pastas are amazing, uniquely shaped noodles hold the sauce well, cooked
Emily G.
Nov 23, 2020
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I'm not a write a review kind of person normally, but I had no option not to for Inizio!
My boyfriend and I were trying to find a new spot for our anniversary dinner (back in October) and stumbled across Inizio on Yelp. We decided to go on a Friday night and I haven't stopped talking about it since.
I've never ever in my life had food so delicious that it brought a tear to my eye, it was just amazing. The marinated beef tips, broccolini & gnocchi were out of this world.
I hope you open back up post covid, everyone needs to try this place!!
My boyfriend and I were trying to find a new spot for our anniversary dinner (back in October) and stumbled across Inizio on Yelp. We decided to go on a Friday night and I haven't stopped talking about it since.
I've never ever in my life had food so delicious that it brought a tear to my eye, it was just amazing. The marinated beef tips, broccolini & gnocchi were out of this world.
I hope you open back up post covid, everyone needs to try this place!!
Mc Cory
Oct 03, 2020
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Hands down my new favorite spot in Buffalo. The first place my girlfriend and I have eaten out at in 6 months and I felt so comfortable and natural. Now the food, wow! I don't know how else to describe it! … but let me find some more adjectives... incredible, delicious, rich, all in all "I felt like the food was hugging my taste buds." thats a literal quote!
If you haven't tried this restaurant yet you are cheating yourself out of an amazing experience , from the serving team to the decor and of course the amazing dishes, this place exceeded all my expectations. 10/10 for me and my lady
If you haven't tried this restaurant yet you are cheating yourself out of an amazing experience , from the serving team to the decor and of course the amazing dishes, this place exceeded all my expectations. 10/10 for me and my lady
Amanda Amico
Sep 19, 2020
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Joelle R.
Sep 01, 2020
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Brava! Wow . I was transported to Italy with the delicious homase pasta varietals offered at Inizio. So appreciative I finally had the opportunity to experience. Easy to reserve a table online. Indoor and outdoor seating. Extremely hospitable staff. Complimentary sparkling or still water, and prosecco as you peruse the menu (virtual). We started with a bruchetta topped with burratta. Ordered the following pasta dishes; gaberi vongole, carbonara with jumbo lump crab, funghi and gnochhi. The four dishes were a perfect amount for two to split ( in addition to the appetizers). We could not decide
Malanka Anna
Aug 13, 2020
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I recently had dinner with a group here. Everything was spectacular - from the small plates, to pastas to dessert and to the drinks. Affordable and delicious!
I wish I took pictures of the food but it all… looked so good we couldn’t wait to try it. I highly recommend the bruschetta and hanger steak (melts in your mouth) from the small plates menu, and any of the pastas — they are made in house!
As for dessert — every single thing on the menu was quickly finished off our table AND the ice cream is made in house too.
The staff also did an amazing job with the all the COVID
I wish I took pictures of the food but it all… looked so good we couldn’t wait to try it. I highly recommend the bruschetta and hanger steak (melts in your mouth) from the small plates menu, and any of the pastas — they are made in house!
As for dessert — every single thing on the menu was quickly finished off our table AND the ice cream is made in house too.
The staff also did an amazing job with the all the COVID
Chrisann Militello
Mar 23, 2020
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Shoshana Lenzo
Jan 26, 2020
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We were treated with complimentary Prosecco with our menus when we were seated. We started with the olives and a sourdough with burrata. I had a seafood gnocchi and my wife had a truffled pasta. Everything was delicious and wait staff was extremely attentive throughout. Portions were perfect, though order some small plates if you want any sides, as the pasta dishes had none. Overall great experience and we will return!
Lynette S.
Jul 16, 2019
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I like to wait a few months after a restaurant opens before I have a meal at a new place but I was very excited to have a meal at this new restaurant. The building which formerly housed a sandwich shop is perfect for Inizio. All the pasta dishes were very good. We tried a few different items, but we wanted to try everything. We had mafalde, radiatore and gnudi. Three types of HOMEMADE! pasta and they were all cooked perfectly. The sauces were very good as well. I love caesar salad but was left a little disappointed with Inizio's because it lacked anchovy and garlic flavor - also the dressing
