Another great recommendation by a good friend. They have great pasta dishes. I'm not a big fan of red sauce food items as it upsets my stomach but o had to try the spaghetti at this place after seeing someone's plate. End result I was happy!! The sauce was not too tomatoey and has a little sweet taste to it which I didn't mind. The famous salad with rolled mozzarella was also a delish dish. The staff is very friendly and it's like having dinner at a friends house. Price is not bad either and the portions.... oh my... the portion is huge see the pics we ordered half orders and I had left-overs for the hotel. The only thing is that the food is soo great the place gets filled up and you go into food coma. read more

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It a shame it went downhill since the old man is not there no more been there twice in last year high price sauce burnt salad only lettuce what a shame don,t take pride in there food no more waiter had to snick to give us more bread really most food is frozen not home made that,s a shame menu has limted things on it not like 50 years ago i remember going getting fish fry and french frys and gravy was so good pizza was so good now its not its all about money the don,t take pride in there food or job its such a shame people go there because there,s hardly no place to go back in the 60s 70s and 80s this was the place to go not now I cant belive they are still in business read more

I frequent this place 3-4 times a month. I love the food. The red sauce is the best I've had hands down. I've just recently started to get different items from the menu. Usually get the Veal Parmesan dinner. Yum yum. If I want Italian, I want Michael's. Yum yum. read more

OMG--food was delicious! So flavorful! I mean, it's Italian food...idk about you but I expected it to be good from the reviews but not THAT good. I had the cheese stuffed ravioli w/ meatballs and it was a pretty large serving and I ate it all...in 1 sitting (yes, I'm not proud of that moment). And I'm actually ashamed to think I coulda had 1 more meatball added to the 2 they gave me. Garlic bread was on point too! I coulda done w/o the white, sandwich type bread they add on the side but maybe that's more to sop up the delicious sauce! Mmm--so good. read more

Fast, delicious Italian food. We had the Chicken Parm. Fork tender. Sauce had a slight sweetness which was perfect. Salad was fresh. Highly recommend read more

Very good local Italian restaurant that cares about their food and customers. I had the House salad that was outstanding. What set it apart was the rolled up fresh mozzarella that was generously dispersed on top of the dish and the dressing was dom good. I ordered the lasagna and it was very good. The meal was served with bread which came in handy when it came time to slop up the remaining sauce from the lasagna that I devoured. I typically don't comment on the ice tea, but it was very good. My server was very attentive. I finished strong with a slice of bananas foster cheese cake. No need for a to go box because it was all gone. The restaurant was quaint. It's located in "little Italy" (?) of Niagara. Street parking available. read more

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While on vacation, my husband and I were told if we wanted to eat good, authentic food to come to Michael's. We went on a Thursday night and it wasn't busy at all. Our waitress was very attentive, made great suggestions and answered our questions about the area. We enjoyed the food so much that we went back the next night. Friday night was a lot busier, as they have many fish dishes which we didn't order, but the food was just as good as the night before. It's not a restaurant on the list of ones many suggest, but I would make sure it's a place to visit on your trip! read more

This spot is OG. It is like stepping into a time capsule, and I like that. Super fast and friendly service. The portions are ridiculously huge. My friend and I split an entree and we still had leftovers - enough for a complete meal for me the next night. We had the chef salad (meh) and the cheese ravioli (better). The place was busy, full of locals, so they have it going on. read more

The best Italian in Niagara Falls. Others my argue for more famous Niagara Falls eateries but Michael's has been consistently a favorite of mine my whole life. When in doubt have the homemade macaroni and meatballs. Or the hot meatball sandwich. And always get the chef salad with the house Italian dressing and the mozzarella cheese curls! I'll stop now. read more

On vacation in NF. Took a Lyft to this restaurant because we didnt want to drive and lose our spot to watch the Fireworks.Had great reviews and didnt have to drive far. And it wasnt normal tourist food which we were soooo tired of. I got the Chicken Riggis. It was as special with chicken and spicy rigatoni and sauce. It was soo good. Hubby had the Gnocchi and Chicken parm. He devoured it. The gnocchi was hand made and it was so delicious. If i had known it was homemade, omg i would have taken it. dinners came with a salad, you could upgrade to Mozzarella salad for 1 more. It was worth it. Antipasto salad with rolls of mozzarella. We took it back to the hotel, and even took it back to MI and ate it there lol. I wish i could eat it again. If im ever in the neighborhood, Im going! read more

Big fan of Michael's. Wifey and I eat here or get takeout a few times each year. Wife normally gets Chicken Parm with Rigatoni. She loves it. I always get a deep fried calzone. Their calzones are incredible. Make sure you ask for an extra sauce. They are very filling, so if you can eat like a champ...you'll be on the couch the rest of the day if you finish it. Havent tried too much else, but can comment that their regular house salads with the rolled mozz is +++ also. This Sicilian gives two thumbs up and says best calzones in Buffalo/NFalls area. One of the top spots for a regular house salad too. read more

Absolutely spectacular food and amazingly attentive service,definitely recommend.Great Calamari & Home made pasta read more

Michael's Restaurant - Absolutely spectacular food and amazingly attentive service,definitely recommend.Great Calamari & Home made pasta - Italian Near Me - Niagara Falls, New York

This is some of the best Italian food you can get in the falls. I have been coming to Michael's for years weather it be dine in or take out. The food is always the same and the quality never changes. The portions are huge and in most cases can be split into two full meals. The salad with mozzarella and house dressing is some of the best as well and should be ordered with every meal no matter how hungry you are. The service here is always the best as well. You never have to wait long to be sat and you never have to wait long for your food. You are always treated like family when you come here. If you have never stopped in before I would highly advise making you next meal out here as you will not be disappointed. read more

Ellen and I eat at Michael's as frequently as we can. She loves the dinner salad and the Gnocchi. My favorite is the Chicken Parm with vegetable. I've had the Lasagna, meatballs, beans and greens and probably half of what they have on the menu. I've never had a bad meal. I've never had a meal that was less than excellent. This is food that could be served anywhere, and the service is always outstanding. They are very fast but will go at the speed you ask them too and you won't want for anything. My history with Michael's goes back about twenty years, so I'm not unfamiliar. I've brought many friends and family and some have become semi-regulars. Some don't live close enough. I would go back just for the bread and butter they serve. Did I mention that it's very reasonable. I'd highly recommend that if you're in the area that you stop in. read more

If you've been to Niagara Falls as a tourist there's a good chance you've never been to Michael's restaurant. However, if you're grew up in Niagara Falls this place has likely been a staple your entire life. The restaurant is located in Old Niagara Falls in what some still referred to as Little Italy and it's a wonderful place to grab lunch or dinner. It's the kind of restaurant that your parents or grandma tell you about. You know that we're place where servers work here a long time, people actually know each other and you feel like you're eating in grandma's kitchen. It almost brings that feel to a restaurant that you saw on the movie Goodfellas. Places like this simply don't exist in many cities anymore which is why it's so much fun to eat here. Don't get too excited the Italian is an out-of-this-world good but it's way better than average. Everyone in Western New York has heard about Chef's Restaurant in downtown Buffalo. They are famous for their sweet Italian sauce and Michael's has a red sauce that rivals that. The sauce is so sweet and tasty that you can almost drink it. The only downfall is that there's too many options on the menu that you'll likely want. Finding something can be a chore only because it's hard to narrow your decision down. If you're not from the area try the traditional Beans & Greens soup. It's different and not my favorite, but it's like going to Philly and not ordering a cheese steak if you don't order that here. The same could be said for the Chef Salad with rolled mozzarella. Rolled mozzarella is one of their staples. The mozzarella tastes like it was shredded in the back not bought from a food distributor, which is awesome. Unfortunately, it's made with iceberg lettuce, but consider this is Western New York and that's common. When it comes to entrees you can't go wrong with their lasagna, homemade macaroni with sauce or something like chicken parmesan. We've tried them all and enjoyed all of them. The portions are more than adequate and everything is made on site rather than frozen and reheated like you would get it many chains. Do yourself a favor though order Italian food that's their specialty. There is no reason to come here and order American food. Their pizza isn't the best you've ever had, but there's nothing wrong with it either. When we come we stick to their entrees, soups and salads and if you do the same you'll want to return just like we do frequently when we're in town. read more

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Michael's...First off...GO HUNGRY! We were unfamiliar with the area, but, heard that this place was delicious...it did not disappoint! The staff was amazing! They were so fast, so courteous, so darn good at everything. The food was delicious. AND...these were not portions for the faint of heart. I can EAT, and, STILL had to bring some home:) If you want to eat at a good home town restaurant with great food/great service, this is the place to go! read more

It's been too long since we ate here, about ten years. They still serve water and Italian bread and butter when you sit down. Rare these days, especially in a tourist town. Excellent coffee and salad with the House Italian. We eat our big meal early. Dinner at noon. In and out in 45 minutes. Husband had the Lasagna and I had Beef Ravioli. I'm taking home more than half of my meal. read more

Omggggg.... The rolled mozzarella salad is so great!!!!! With extra mozzarella!!! and your eggplant parm is always wonderful!

The absolute BEST ITALIAN FOOD in Niagara Falls. I live in California now but when we go home it's Michael's first thing.

If you are looking for a local place, off the beaten path, with great food, this is the place. Unlike the chain restaurants that pop up everywhere, Michael's is a small place. The decor is cute, and the ambience is more dive than decor, but man, oh man, is the food fantastic. I have eaten here dozens of times, and have never had a bad thing to eat. The staff is attentive, but not pushy, prices are great. One problem I have with the place is that the food I know is so awesome, like the beans n greens, that it is a must. I get a cup every single time. The salads are great too, as the wife gets the house salad every time we go. The salads have curled mozzarella on them, and the dressing is good. I tried a special, which they always have, and it was great too. It was pasta with prosciutto and apples, and I was doubtful, but it was to die for! I cannot say enough about this hidden gem. Go there to eat, and I guarantee you will be satisfied. read more

I was just there this weekend,,and none of the 3 cooks were wearing a MASK or the owner. when asked about it said they got there shot.. said they dont have to now,,I call Niagara County health dept,,it is faults,,they still have to wear them... read more

This place had great service and great food!! Probably one of the best pastas I've ever had. Definitely recommend!! read more

Michael's Restaurant - Spaghetti and meat ravioli with mozzarella - Italian Near Me - Niagara Falls, New York

Michael's has got sort of a "Your Host" feel to it, all booths and plastic-covered menus. However, that being said - their sauce is delicious. I wish whoever writes the daily specials on the whiteboard could spell a little better, but I'm a bitch about that kind of thing. read more

The worst Italian restaurant I've ever had. Mozzarella sticks are made from frozen and taste that way. Pasta was harder than al dente and not pleasant. Sauce tasted like tomato puree... Very acidic. Don't waste your time or money read more

Okay so its kind of a long running joke in WNY that locals go to Niagara Falls for the Italian food not the actual falls. I would have to say this is somewhat true. However, problem is that Niagara Falls, NY really only has like four Italian restaurants total to choose from. You have Como, Fortuna's, La Hacienda (yes La Hacienda is actually Italian not Mexican), and Michael's rounding out the four. These four places are all nestled right along Pine Avenue on a stretch known as Little Italy Niagara Falls. I would have to say that of the four Michael's is easily the best. Where the others falter Michael's excels. What are you ordering when you come here? You have to get the lasagna. Michael's lasagna is legendary. The portion size of the full order of lasagna is huge. Also, the fried ravioli appetizer is amazingly good. Finally, the chef salad with rolled mozzarella is pretty good. Its funny how much those little rolled up strands of mozzarella cheese add to a simple salad. Michael's has a pretty good homemade sauce they use but not my favorite of all time. Nonetheless their sauce holds its own. I still have yet to try their chicken parmesan but it will be the first thing I order next time I visit. Service is always friendly, timely, and efficient here. Be prepared for a wait for a table though if you go during dinner time. Prices are pretty reasonable considering the large portion sizes. I love the atmosphere here. Its totally got that old school mom and pop Italian feel to it though they are lacking the red and white checkered table cloths haha. read more

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Found this place through Yelp and came here for dinner on a Friday night. Although the restaurant was a bit crowded, we were seated within a few minutes after we arrived. Service was friendly and fast. We were served complimentary bread/butter and salted crackers. My husband and I shared a plate of Gnocchi and I am so glad we didn't order anything else because the food was horrendous. The gnocchi and marinara sauce combo didn't go well, sauce wasn't mixed uniformly with the gnocchi and the gnocchi itself looked weird and bland. Yucks, never returning here. read more

Michael's Restaurant - Italian Near Me - Niagara Falls, New York

Awesome restaurant in Niagara Falls! There weren't a ton of Italian options in the city, but I was very happy with my selection of Michael's! The service was great and the food was good. The inside of the restaurant is small but authentic. The portions were very large, and they also bring bread to the table. I would definitely eat here again! read more

Michael's Restaurant - Ziti marinara with broccoli - Italian Near Me - Niagara Falls, New York

We were staying at the big casino and wanted an alternative place to eat. Plus wanted an authentic New York Italian meal and Michael's delivered! Wonderful food, large portions and friendly quick service. I highly recommend! read more

Amazing service, excellent menu and HUGE portions! Victoria was our server and she gave exceptional service!

My son and I enjoyed a dinner here while passing through Niagara Falls, NY earlier this evening. Service was outstanding. Portions were huge so we went with the half orders. The real highlight was Michael's signature salad smothered in mozzarella cheese balls. I also had the wedding soup, which was good but not great. The lasagna was very good but my half order was handicapped by being served just a bit not hot enough. My son had the beef ravioli with meatballs. It was a classic and very well done although if my son had it to do over again he would have paired his meatballs with the cheese ravioli. Niagara Falls' Little Italy is a real hidden gem and we enjoyed Michaels very much. read more

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Great original family Italian restaurant. Small but worth waiting in line. The menu can change but you are never disappointed. There are definitely the regular specials. The salads are fresh & the rolled Mozzarella is plentiful. The portions are very generous and doggie bags leave with 90% of the patrons. The Lasagna is yummy and the assorted pasta dishes are served with a choice of sauces. There are plenty of choices if you are not in the mood for Italian whether it be traditional or crafted. Pricing is very reasonable. read more

Loved Michael's so much I came back with friends. The floorplan reminds me of a 50's diner with booths and no counter. You walk in the door and find yourself landlocked while a table is being chosen for you. Each time we went there was only a table or two available. The place is buzzing with servers that are beautiful Italian (presumed) mostly young ladies with those amazing WNY conversational skills. The service was also very quick. We got a wine and a beer and then a great salad with blue cheese. My mouth waters as I write this, then came out one of the best lasagnas I have ever eaten. It was huge and had lots of sauce. The prices are so reasonable too. Will definitely be back here the next time in the area. read more

Michaels is definitely a turn back in time Italian restaurant for sure. The place isn't the biggest in the world and is very reminiscent of a diner style atmosphere. The service here is very quick, as is the food! For dinner I had chicken parm with shells and a side salad with their rolled grated cheese. Let me just say the rolled cheese and the salad is a great twist for sure! The chicken parm was cooked perfect, although I wish the chicken was a little bigger in portion but the amount of shells you get with your meal, more than made up the difference! There was alot really! The sauce tasted great as well (just a little subtle sweetness to it) In all I like Michaels and plan on visiting here in the future. read more

Michael's Restaurant - Large salad with mozzarella - Italian Near Me - Niagara Falls, New York

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All we ever hear is, how fantastic and wonderful this place is. That is not the case at all. We got take out. 36.00 dollars for one piece of liver, onions, vegetables some lettuce thrown in a burger size box. The liver was the toughest and worst I have ever had, hardly edible! The other meal was better, eggplant parmesan, bread, a larger salad with cheese and a coffee cup of soup. The sauce on the parmesan was lousy, we dumped some Wegmans sauce on it. read more

Initially I liked this restaurant that family recommended. As a bachelor I eat out nightly plus run a BnB. The food has become irregular in quality& flavor. When I mentioned it politely to the owner he became defensive & rude so I left for good & will not return or recommend to my guests. This is why people spend so much in CANADA where they are welcomed. The decor is missing too. Wait staff is EXCELLENT read more

We are first time visitors to Niagra Falls and have been surprised at how few decent restaurants are on the American side. We always try to eat local when we travel and forego chains whenever possible. We were very happy to find Michael's in what is called the Little Italy area of Niagra Falls. There were only a few restaurants in this area at all and it seems this was the only Italian one so I'm sure Little Italy has seen its better days. However, the food was excellent and came out fast. The menu had lots of choices with items to satisfy children and adults. Portions were reasonable and our server couldn't have been nicer or more helpful. We would definitely come back. read more

I wish it wasn't so far too come here (2 hour drive). This should be our favorite restaurant. The only problem that I found was that the waitress did not explain the cheese on the salad. Since we never went there before, I thought she was asking if we wanted some shredded cheese. We all liked the cheese so it was not a problem, just didn't understand the extra charge. A+++ read more

Always a great meal with friendly staff. The chef salad with mozzarella curls a must. Sauce is good and well seasoned. They offer half size portions if not too hungry or counting calories. Nice selection on the menu. read more

Neat little place. We were running around town trying to find somewhere to eat, and were not disappointed. Nice staff, cozy atmosphere, and really big portions. I've got an average appetite, but even I opted for the half size plate, and it was plenty, What with the bread and soups and such. Food was really good! If we ever visit the falls again, we'd probably stop by. read more

The best calzone I've ever had. It was enough for 2 people. I can't find anything close to matching this in Rochester, I'll have to start taking more trips to NF. **Shortly, less than 20 minutes, after leaving here, my credit card was getting hit with charges for virtual money. I can't say for certain it was from someone here but this is the only place that has ever had physical possession of my card. Thankfully the bank reversed the charges.** read more