Buffalo Rising Online

For over 30 years, Ristorante Lombardo has been satisfying Buffalonians in search of refined Italian cuisine. The business has seen the many phases of development along Hertel Avenue, and owner Tom Lombardo believes the current renaissance taking place on the street is the best yet.

“I think it's great,” Lombardo said of the wave of establishments which have opened their doors along Hertel over the past few years, “when we started there were more coffee shops than anything else.” Now that there is a diverse mixture of retail shops, cafes, and fine dining, Lombardo is beginning to see more foot traffic along the strip. “People walk from their homes in the neighborhood, but we also get people from Clarence and Williamsville that come down to walk around, shop, and eat.”

His business is upscale but varied, and caters to many types of clientèle. The food is fresh and innovative, the wine selection extensive and carefully monitored, and the (recently reconstructed) bar is…