Ilio DiPaolo's Restaurant & Banquet Facility
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Hours
Sun
2:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Wed
3:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Thu
3:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Fri
12:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Sat
2:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
Learn More
PRICE RANGE
$15.00 – $35.00
CUISINES
Italian
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
meals, features
Location and contact
Does this restaurant offer free wifi?
Details
About
Are you looking to host a corporate event, wedding reception, birthday party or special event? We have more than 50 years of experience to provide you and your guests a pleasurable evening. Our banquet facility seats up to 275 people, so call us today to book your event! Now booking The Lodge at Woodlawn Beach! Get married on the beach right here in Buffalo! Call us today to speak with a banquet manager.
PRICE RANGE
$15.00 – $35.00
CUISINES
Italian
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
Meals
Dinner, Drinks
FEATURES
Takeout, Reservations, Private Dining, Seating, Parking Available, Street Parking, Free off-street parking, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover, Table Service, Gift Cards Available
Contribute
4.5
195 reviews
Excellent
143
Very good
33
Average
12
Poor
4
Terrible
3
vineyardchick
Hamburg106 contributions
Jan 2020 • business
Recently attended a banquet dinner. Haven’t been to Ilio’s in many years so I was looking forward to this. Overall, Ilio’s is very organized & obviously accustomed to serving large groups (ours was 70+). Nice bar choices & reasonably priced compared to other restaurants. I enjoyed a $5 glass of Montelpuciano wine (red) perfect with my filet mignon. 3 menu choices of filet 6, a scallops & shrimp and a chicken artichoke dinner were enjoyed by myself & companions. Green & yellow beans, roasted seasoned baby potatoes good although potatoes were over roasted. Salad fresh but vinaigrette dressing not the dressing Ilio’s is known for. Penne pasta with marinara hot & tasty. Rolls fresh & warm.
Wait staff impeccable! Pleasant, efficient, accurate & unobtrusive. Lead server/bartender circulated among guests inquiring about food quality, service, etc.. Other than the overdone potatoes, my only concern was a very compacted banquet room for the number of guests. I will say parking is good, most is off street. Handicap access ok.
I will return for a more personalized experience!
Written January 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dennisd511
Dear Vineyardchick,
Thank you for taking the time to leave us your review! We wouldn't be in business over 55 years if we didn't have great friends like you. Thank you for letting us know about the potatoes and we'll definitely look into that. We're glad you enjoyed everything else and we look forward to seeing you again the next time you stop in.
Sincerely,
Dennis DiPaolo
Written February 17, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Laurie K
West Seneca703 contributions
Oct 2021 • none
I had been wanting to try dinner here ever since my niece had her wedding reception in the banquet room on Halloween. I made reservations a few months ago and something came up and I unfortunately had to cancel. I found an evening we were free so I booked again on a Saturday evening. We arrived a few minutes early and we were going to sit and have a drink at the bar, however they sat us right away even though we were early. I opted to have a glass of wine and the filet dinner, my husband had the Sriracha Bourbon Pork chops. I asked for my filet with no red and it did have red when it came, I should have asked for it to be butterflied so it was the way I like it, I have learned not to send food back. My husband said his pork chops were nice and juicy but really had no sriracha bourbon flavor but more of a BBQ taste, so nothing special as he loves hot spicy foods so he was a bit disappointed. The other thing I kinda thought was weird was they brought dipping sauce for rolls but you were given one roll per person usually they leave a basket of rolls for the table unless with covid still around they are trying to lower their waste factor then I get it.
Dinners were ok not exceptional. Next time for sure I will order a pasta dish as that's what they are known for. I should have done that in the first place, I will definately try here again and order an Italian dish as I love pasta.
I will say the prices are very reasonable for the amount of food you get, and the atmosphere in the restaurant was very upbeat and cozy. Our server was Morgan she was very nice and friendly. I had hoped to have dessert but after my salad and dinner I was full..........next time.
Make reservations before you go they don't open till like 3 and I believe they are closed 1 night a week. It's worth a try if in the area, but order the pasta !!!!
Written October 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dennis D
Thank you for your feedback. You are correct about our rolls. Due to the covid concerns, we offer one roll at a time, but happy to give as many as you wish. We value ourselves on making everyones experience a great one, please next time ask for Dennis if anything needs to be modified or addressed. We look forward to having you back to try our other menu items. When you do return, feel free to ask for our Owner Dennis and he will personally make sure you have a great time. He also loves talking about the menu and can help you find something that you will love.
Written October 21, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sue L
Buffalo2 contributions
Oct 2020 • none
We went to a wine dinner which is periodically offered at this restaurant. We tasted twelve very nice wines and had the privilege of talking to the wine expert, Michael, who was entertaining and knowledgeable. The small group in attendance (about 40) made this casual night a great deal of fun. The food stations offered a diverse selection of both hot and cold food, all of which was well prepared and appetizing. Diners were encouraged to make multiple trips to the food stations while enjoying the variety of wines. The owner, Dennis DiPaolo, frequently visited tables just to chat as well as to check on everyone's satisfaction.
This is the first wine dinner we have attended but it will most definitely not be our last. It was just fantastic!
Written October 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dennisd511
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We are so pleased that you enjoyed your Wine Tasting experience with us! Stay tuned for more Wine Tastings in the future!
Written October 22, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
craig f
Fredonia495 contributions
Feb 2022 • none
We get as often as possible as I enjoy it very much.
Usually great service and food is always excellent. Wide array of choices from authentic Italia to seafood.
The Masson Rose’ I highly recommend as we always get a carafe’.
Had a taste for lobster and didn’t disappoint as I’ve never had a bad meal here. Wife had the chicken parm and it was very tasty, too.
Only disappointment was being billed for upgrade. Both got baked version and wife was charged $1.99 which was understandably correct but I was charged $3.99 like ordering ala carte. Also didn’t like different people bringing entrees and asking who gets what? Guess Katie had more tables than she could handle.
Will return despite those few glitches and highly recommend. Although I didn’t get one, their cannolis are the best around. Owner is very expedient about asking guests personally how the experience is, nice touch!
Written February 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
William H
1 contribution
Nov 2020 • family
Because of the pandemic instead of cooking our dinner we ordered an entire dinner from Illio DiPaolo's. It came with all the fixings including a pumpkin pie for dessert. It was as good as any meal we could have made at home. Thank you to the staff and cooks at the restaurant, you did a wonderful job.
Written November 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ben M
Toronto760 contributions
Apr 2022 • couples
After many years of wanting to come to this restaurant, I finally made it there this past weekend.
From the moment I walked into the restaurant, seeing all the photos and memorabilia on every wall and partition, I was moved to tears of joy!!
As a child, my father, my uncle (both have since passed in the last decade) and my cousin went to Maple Leaf Gardens often (starting in the mid-1960s) to watch some of the greatest matches between the top wrestlers of that era.
The name Ilio DiPaolo has been in my memory for over 55 years. It’s been so long I don’t remember if I actually met him. But one thing is for sure, being Italian immigrants, my father and uncle were drawn to Ilio, their fellow countryman.
Suffice it to say, the entire experience immediately brought me back to my childhood. I was simply overcome by fond and irreplaceable memories.
Then I had the absolute pleasure of meeting Dennis, Ilio’s son. It was like I instantly became a family member. I was not just enjoying a dinner on the town, I was breaking bread with the DiPaolo family and the community. My wife and I felt very welcomed!
As for dinner, we enjoyed every dish from start to finish. Our waitress was very helpful in helping choose from many of the delicious choices. We especially loved the onion soup and the cold cut platter. By the time our main dishes arrived, we were almost full already. The lasagna, as well as, the tortellini, rigatoni and fillet dishes were absolutely delectable.
I have no hesitation saying that my dining at Ilio’s was like a religious pilgrimage. I wish I had come here with my father, uncle and cousin at a time when Ilio could have hosted us. Be that as it may, I look forward to returning to dine at Ilio’s soon, because the fond memories of my childhood are still vivid and deep.
Thanks to the DiPaolo family and my dining experience at Ilio DiPaolo’s restaurant, I can re-live my father’s, uncle’s and cousin’s love for wrestling during a time when the wrestlers were truly great athletes and such unforgettable icons!!!
Written April 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeff K
Mesa6 contributions
May 2021 • family
Daughters wedding reception at the Woodlawn lodge was fantastic from start to finish. The interior lodge clean huge wooded ceiling. Restrooms clean and water fountains. Bar area big clean all bar staff excellent great customer service. Wedding planning girls excellent Heather & Maryellen top notch. All staff excellent. Busboy filled water glasses. Huge dance floor. Appetizers excellent meat balls fresh moist excellent. Olives fruit fresh & tasty. All Buffet food served hot fresh and tasty. Top notch food cooked to perfection. Dennis DIPAOLO owner at serving station working with all staff. Talking to guests and family members. Owner takes time to watch over and fasten up outside huge tents with outside tables. Huge parking lot for parking. Outside ceremony area for pictures and ring ceremony. Walking boardwalk to beach huge beach clean . Outside lodge area was spotless and clean . Inside restrooms both clean huge and big. Water fountains available. Entire wedding was excellent to start to finish. Was a top notch wedding reception by the entire staff at Woodlawn beach Lodge . Would highly recommend to all friends & Family & WNY !!!
Yours truly, Jeffrey King
Pres. MSS. INC
Written May 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
frank
Aliquippa12 contributions
Oct 2023 • friends
When you enter Di Paolos you can feel that it is going to be a experience. many dining rooms and a great bar area.
When we arrived the photos on the wall of the wrestling champ Ilio brought back my childhood memories of watching wrestling on TV.
I suggest you make a reservation because the place was packed on a Thursday night.
The menu has a variety of seafood, meat and pasta meals. The wine list is extensive and reasonably priced .
We ordered a anti pasto appetizer . It had peppers, olives, prosuitto , salami and cheeses. The meats were cut thick.
For meals we ordered Gnoochi with a meatball and a tomahawk steak with rice, mushrooms and onions. The wedding soup was out of this world. There was so much gnoochi i had to get a to go bag.
For dessert i had a cannoli and it was fantastic. The filling was authentic . Not only a great meal but the waitress Kaitlyn was tremendous. Engaging us in conversation about each part of the meal and checking to see if we were satisfied . Try to get her as your waitress , she will make the meal more enjoyable
Written October 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
arlie2015
Niagara Falls108 contributions
Jun 2023 • couples
Our go-to Italian restaurant was closed, so we found this great place on South Park. So friendly, accommodating, and great food. We shared a generous antipasto plate and thoroughly enjoyed slaads, and roasted red pepper & crab soup (1 person)shrimp scampi, veal parm, lobster ravioli and broiled halibut. All of us took home some. No room for desert!
Written June 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SnookyBabe
48 contributions
Jan 2022 • none
We celebrated New Year's Eve at the DiPaolo buffet, and it was amazing! Not only was the food excellent, but the service was first class, even on such a busy night with a national staffing shortage. The restaurant and banquet hall were filled to capacity, but organization made everything seamless. Buffet stations were well spaced and nobody was stuck in an endless line. It was a fantastic start to a new year and our resolution is to return...many times! Great place!
Written January 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dennis D
Thank you for your kind review. We love celebrating holidays with everyone, glad you chose us to spend NYE with.
Written January 6, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tina H
Buffalo2 contributions
Aug 2022 • family
Had my son’s graduation party on Friday night. I couldn’t be happier. The food was amazing, the staff did everything to make our night unforgettable. Illio, himself stopped over to make sure our night was everything we wanted. I highly recommend!!! Professional. Kind. Helpful. Amazing food. You can tell they treat the employees well. It shines through in everything. Thank you!!
Written August 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
chickqueene
314 contributions
Feb 2023 • none
LOVE was in the air this Valentine's Day as hubby & I headed to Ilio's for dinner
gotta say, the restaurant looked very romantic. lights were turned down, a flower and a lit candle on every table and LOVE songs were playing in the background.
we both had soup instead of a salad---and yes, the Italian Wedding Soup was excellent. we then had the spaghetti & meatsauce which was so tasty & plentiful. we even took some home and it was just as good the next day.
our server was LOVEly and most attentive.
I couldn't have asked for a better Valentine's day & dinner.
LOVE going to Ilio's!
Written February 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
alcarp
Hamburg108 contributions
Dec 2022 • none
No alcohol, charges for everything. Lunch for 2 - $67.34. Considered pricey for pasta
Server hazy on what we were going to be charged for.
Written December 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A. M.
96 contributions
Sep 2022 • none
Italian the best! A wide selection of dishes and daily specials. The food always good a few favorites of ours the manicotti, ravioli, and lasagna. Munga!
Written September 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peter J
Germany72 contributions
Sep 2021 • none
The Restaurant is our favorite Restaurant when we stay in Buffalo, It has far the best Italien food in Buffalo, The Staff is friendly and the Wine is exqusite. The only Restaurant I know where you still can get Tripe.
Written October 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dennis D
Thank you Peter for your review. We are glad you continue to enjoy our traditional Italian options. We hope to have you back again soon.
Written October 21, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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