Every once in a while, a chef comes around that breaks the mold. In Buffalo, right now, that’s Chef Darian Bryan. You see, Chef Darian is a lot more than a chef. He’s a figurehead in the culinary community, breaking down barriers, while inspiring people to step out of their comfort zones. It seems as if everything Chef Darian touches turns to gold. Around every corner, he’s up to something, whether it’s launching Jamaican-inspired events, appearing on the Food Network, starting up a new restaurant concept, teaching others how to cook delicious Caribbean-inspired meals, or simply dressing for success. There’s not one aspect of Chef Darian’s life that is not meticulously curated – a trait that is all encompassing, by blending his lifestyle and work ethics into one refined, delectable package.
Chef Darian’s latest venture is the pending opening of Reserve Steakhouse in Larkinville (debuting in June), with an ancillary concept, Back of House Burger, to follow in fall of 2026. Reserve Steakhouse will open in the former Eckl’s location at 703 Seneca Street. This will be Chef Darian’s third restaurant concept – one that he almost opened in Orchard Park, but decided that Larkinville was part of his calling card.
Chef Darian’s wife, Jessica Darian, will head up operations and business strategies across all concepts, including Reserve Steakhouse, Bratts Hill, and The Plating Society, according to Chef Darian. It is this partnership, in business, and in life, that will help to further fuel the passion and the fire that Chef Darian brings to the table.
As for the former Eckl’s location, it offers up everything that the Darian team needs to pull off another big culinary win for Buffalo.
“We’ve walked past this space for years, imagining what it could become,” said Chef Darian. “To now bring it to life as Reserve feels full circle. It’s everything we love about hospitality—elevated, welcoming, and rooted right here in Larkin.
“Larkin is home. It’s central—it connects the Northtowns and Southtowns—and it allows us to build something bigger than just one restaurant.”
What guests can expect from this classic steakhouse:
- Premium steaks, including Chef Darian’s signature steak au poivre, a standout from his private dining concept, The Plating Society.
- A dramatic seafood tower and raw bar selections.
- House-made pastas and refined, elevated sidesHigh-quality beef sourced in partnership with Sloan Market, ensuring the best cuts for both steakhouse offerings and the upcoming burger concept.
It was a single social media post that got the ball rolling on the steakhouse concept. The post ultimately garnered the support from partner investor Andy Worral. That led to the hiring of General Manager Jordan Schmidt, who will take hold of the day-to-day operations.
With complimentary valet parking, and a private dining room accommodating up to 75 guests, the elevated steakhouse experience will be an exciting new addition to Chef Darian’s other restaurant accomplishments, including fast-casual Jerk Hut (lunchtime) and upscale, full-service Bratts Hill (dinner) – both located under one roof at Larkin Square.
As if that was not enough, in the fall Chef Darian will introduce Back of House Burger a more casual dining experience, at the same location as Reserve Steakhouse. Similar to how Jerk Hut and Bratts Hill play off one another, so too will Back of House Burger and Reserve Steakhouse, by offering “layered dining experiences within a single destination.”
Among his other accomplishments, Chef Darian is currently private cheffing for professional athletes in Buffalo, including NFL players. He is also competing on Next Level Chef Season 5.
The next new episode of Next Level Chef Season 5 (with mentors Gordon Ramsay, Nyesha Arrington, and Richard Blais) is scheduled to air on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on FOX. The upcoming episode, titled “Use Your Noodle,” features the remaining contestants creating elevated noodle dishes.
Needless to say, Buffalo is extremely lucky to have such an accomplished, dynamic chef such as Chef Darian in its midst. He’s a culinary superstar that keeps everyone guessing what his next play will be. Now that we know, we are all cheering him on, while reaping the culinary rewards along the way.
Get connected: www.chefdarianbryan.com
Now Hiring & Opening Soon: Reserve Steakhouse is actively hiring across all positions ahead of its June 2026 opening.
Website: www.reservesteak.com
Instagram: @reservesteakhouse
Facebook: Reserve Steakhouse by Chef Darian
Inquiries & Resumes: info@reservesteak.com