


Hip Italian restaurant in downtown Buffalo, offering dinner 7 days a week (lunch Tues-Fri). Free parking during dinner at the Ferguson Electric lot. Perfect for date nights or large groups, with a vibrant bar serving craft cocktails, local brews, and $7/glass house wines. Now booking Igloo Reservation on the rooftop patio.
This Italian spot in a restored industrial space offers diverse wines, rooftop dining & weekend DJs.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 338 Ellicott St, Buffalo, NY 14203
Phone: (716) 259-8130
Website: http://tappoitalian.com/
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Reservations: tappoitalian.com
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Tappo Italian – Italian Restaurant located in Downtown Buffalo
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Reviews
Let’s start at the beginning. I walked into Tappo with the confidence of a Notre Dame quarterback on game day — chest out, stomach ready, maybe slightly overdressed. The vibe inside? Warm lighting, great music, and a faint whisper of garlic that could make even the most committed keto dieter throw down their cauliflower rice and weep. I felt good. This was going to be a touchdown meal.
Then… the wait.
Friends, when I say I waited an hour and 30 minutes for my food, I mean I waited an hour and 30 minutes the way Notre Dame fans wait for another national championship: with optimism, pain, and a lot of internal negotiations with a higher power. I had time to reflect on my life choices, re-live all four quarters of the 2012 BCS Championship in my mind, and check the wine menu 47 times.
But then something magical happened — the manager, clearly a hero recruited straight from South Bend, came over and comped me a drink. Just like that, the mood shifted. It wasn’t a flag on the play — it was a perfect fourth-quarter interception that turned the game around. The wine was smooth, a little bold, and frankly made me forget that my stomach had started to question whether food was real.
And then… the pasta arrived.
The Alfredo pasta came out like Rudy sprinting onto the field. Creamy, rich, unapologetically decadent. I twirled it on my fork, and I swear I heard the faint sound of the Notre Dame Victory March playing softly in the distance. It didn’t just coat the pasta — it hugged it. Every bite was a warm embrace from an Italian grandmother who somehow also tailgates in South Bend every Saturday.
But hold on — the mushroom sausage pasta? My God. If the Alfredo pasta was the quarterback, this dish was the offensive line, running backs, and entire defensive unit combined. Earthy mushrooms, perfectly seasoned sausage, pasta cooked just al dente enough to remind you that life is good and carbs are a gift. It was like watching Notre Dame pull off an overtime win in a snowstorm: unexpectedly glorious and slightly emotional.
The service, despite the Great Wait of 2025, was genuinely kind. My server checked in, refilled water like they were running a no-huddle offense, and managed to keep my wine glass from ever being empty. Respect.
Now, was the night perfect? No. Waiting an hour and 30 minutes for pasta is a commitment — like sticking by Notre Dame through those “rebuilding years.” But honestly, when the food landed, when that creamy Alfredo and that mushroom sausage symphony hit the table, it was all worth it.
Would I go back? Absolutely. Like a true Notre Dame fan, I’ll keep showing up, yelling at nobody in particular, and believing this time it’ll be our year. And if the pasta takes another hour and a half? I’ll order more wine, hum the fight song, and prepare my taste buds for greatness.
Final score:
Tappo: 38
My Patience: 14
Alfredo Pasta: MVP
Mushroom Sausage Pasta: Heisman Winner
Manager Comping My Drink: National Treasure
The service is always fantastic, they are consistent with their food, the place is clean, it’s always lively but very comfortable to talk with your table.
I saw a few large tables (8-10 guests) in the main dining room and I think next time we will bring a group.
The warm bread and stuffed peppers were fantastic. The lasagna and meatball bomber sandwiches were both big hits. The pork ragu and pasta was reported tasty as well. The restaurant had a good selection of wines, with options ranging from reasonably priced house botttles at $18 (we had the California cab) to more premium options.
We were seated at a high-top table, which was perfect for our group. I also noticed the rooftop area, but I wasn’t sure if it was open. I’ve seen it busy during the winter, though (igloos).
We always enjoy going to Tapo because it offers a great mix of quality food and a wonderful atmosphere.
Meatballs, bread, etc. Our waitress was alright, !but you could tell she was busy. Nice selection of mocktails and drinks for the kids—good Shirley temples. Kathy the singer was very very good and friendly. They forgot our cannolis but oh well. Nice place. I will return.
We got the brussel sprouts to start and they were great! My boyfriend got the meatballs and said they were the perfect texture and flavor.
Our waitress was so sweet and the vibe is very open and nice.
We will probably be back but will opt for their regular menu.