2 Best Restaurants in Niagara Falls and Western New York, New York

Eat indoors or outside on the multilevel covered deck overlooking Chautauqua Lake. (Heat torches warm deck diners up on cool days.) The eatery is known for seafood and Italian dishes—cioppino, large sautéed shrimp with spicy tomato sauce over pasta, grilled catch of the day. The drinks list is extensive, and the place often hosts live music and other entertainment.

Locals admit that only the fish fry is stellar at this casual local joint, but the view of sparkling Lake Erie from the outdoor patio, just 100 feet from the rocky waterfront, is what keeps them coming back, particularly around sunset. Plus, it's the only place in town open on Monday. The menu is largely seafood, and portions are huge. The concrete patio with metal tables, and the dark, carpeted dining room are nothing to gawk at; keep your gaze fixed lakeward. Dinner is only served until 8 pm Sunday. Reserve for a sunset-hour table.