Savor - Niagara Falls, New York

Colleen S.

Went for a friend's 50th birthday, and everything from the staff to the food was excellent! The food was delicious and looked so appetizing when served. Their menu changes often, but no matter what is offered, it is absolutely tasty! They even put Happy Birthday on my friend's dessert plate! Great experience, and I'd definitely go back!

Brenna T.

Absolutely incredible experience! The restaurant connected to the culinary institute, so everything is cooked and served by students. Incredible, high end food at reasonable prices ($35). Fun to have the meal at a set price and then choose items from each category. It let me pick what I wanted without worrying about price. Everything was exceptional and delicious! Would definitely come back and highly recommend.

Hanna M.

Updating my review because I saw all the negative comments claiming they weren’t seated due to the staff being racist or whatever. So this place is a classroom for the Culinary Institute where you have to book ahead of time. They literally cannot seat just anyone that walks in!! They are not a real restaurant that can just have people walking in! They plan ahead to create an environment for students to learn and not have a rush like at a typical restaurant. It’s in the description that reservations are encouraged and you might not get seated. There is a link that leads you to make reservations. It makes me so upset that people don’t read and bash on this place! I can’t wait to come again and try this season’s menu and encourage everyone to give them a chance.

I came here for my birthday. It was our second time here and everything was fantastic! Service was great and food was delicious.

Eric R.

Very good dining experience! We were visiting the Niagra Falls NY area for the first time ever, and this place was recommended to us by two different family members. Well, it did not disappoint. We knew it was a culinary arts school, where nearly everyone in the restaurant is learning the culinary arts as well as how to essentially run a higher end restaurant. We also knew that most of the menu changes regularly, so you really don't know what to expect. In summary, we were delighted. We visited on a weekday but made a reservation the day before, just in case. The moment we arrived, we were very cordially greeted and them taken to our seat. The restaurant was at about half capacity. Very nicely decorated. You can see right into the kitchens, too. Our waiter greeted us very quickly after we were seated, explained the menu, and took our drink order. The drinks came out pretty quickly. He explained the menu more, answered some questions, and then took our food order. We kept it simple, I got the pan seared chicken, my wife got the veal chop, and both my teen sons got pizza (no surprise there). The food was out in 10-15 minutes. It was GREAT! Perfectly seasoned, expertly cooked, and beautifully plated. My younger son tried my wife's veal and absolutely loved it! His first time trying veal and he's hooked, said he will order it when he sees it on a menu. Thank you, Savor, for broadening his culinary horizons! Desserts were equally as wonderful as well. The manager / maitre D checked on us midway, which was a nice touch as well. Our waiter was very courteous, prompt, and knew the menu and food items quite well. He was also very personable and easy to talk to. The one and only knock was that we ran out of water and had to ask for refills. That's it. Everything else exceeded expectations, especially considering this is a learning restaurant. The prices were not cheap, but for the quality and amount of food as well as overall dining experience, we felt it was a great value, probably much better than other high-end restaurants. We will definitely return if we're in the area again, and will not hesitate to recommend it to others. Kudos Savor! 👏

Peter N.

This place is attached to the local culinary school. It is tremendous value and the food is great. As your servers and chefs are students I guess there is a chance you have a different experience but our night was great.

abdulhamid K.

Great gastronomical experience for what you pay for.
Excellent bread service
(They can improve the hummus )
Young and enthusiastic people around
Crusted walleye was exceptional as main
Desserts make you want to come again and try others

Walking distance to falls . We just walked in but in general you might need to make a reservation
Will come again

Elisabeth B.

I chose Savor for a birthday dinner for my husband. Niagara Falls on both the Canadian side and US side is very much a tourist trap with all the usual fast food places, so I was delighted to find Savor, which is run by the students of the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute. The dishes are all very original, well thought out, and beautifully presented. The delicious assault on your taste buds will delight and amaze. Vegetarians, meat, and seafood lovers will not be disappointed with this gem of a restaurant. And if you crave desserts like me, this is THE PLACE! From the gracious dining room to the excellent service, Savor has achieved the highest standards and quality. We will definitely be back and happy to support the students! The Bonds, Ohio.

Zack S.

When I had the opportunity to dine at Savor Restaurant, located within the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute (NFCI), I knew I was in for more than just a meal—I was about to experience the future of culinary excellence. Savor is not your typical fine dining establishment; it’s a living classroom where the chefs and servers are actually students honing their craft under the guidance of seasoned professionals. As part of SUNY Niagara, Savor provides a unique blend of educational rigor and culinary artistry, making it a standout destination.

From the moment I stepped inside, it was clear that Savor’s mission extends beyond merely serving food; it’s about preparing the next generation of culinary leaders. The students here don’t just cook and serve—they’re immersed in every aspect of running a restaurant. The kitchen, the front of the house, and even the wine pairings are all handled by students as part of their hands-on education. Their dedication and commitment to their craft is truly inspiring. It’s a full-circle learning experience that allows them to apply classroom knowledge in a real-world setting, making every visit a support to their education.

The menu at Savor is a testament to the creativity and skill being cultivated at NFCI. With a focus on seasonal ingredients and locally sourced produce, the dishes reflect the region's freshness and the innovative techniques being taught. During my visit, I was impressed by the variety of the menu, which spans contemporary American cuisine to international flavors. Each dish is a culinary delight and reflects the student’s hard work and dedication.

The wine pairings deserve a special mention. Carefully curated to complement the menu, the selections enhance the dining experience and showcase the students’ growing expertise in wine education. The restaurant is dedicated to providing a holistic culinary education that extends beyond just cooking.

The ambiance at Savor is sophisticated yet inviting, making it the perfect setting for an upscale meal. The decor is tastefully done, creating a warm and elegant atmosphere. But what truly sets Savor apart is the service. Knowing that the individuals preparing and serving your meal are students adds a unique dimension to the experience. You're not just a diner; you're part of their journey. They’re not just performing a job; they’re actively learning and perfecting their craft, which makes the dining experience feel more personal and meaningful.

What I found particularly commendable about Savor is its strong connection to the community. The restaurant is open to the public, allowing everyone to enjoy a high-quality meal while directly supporting the education of local students. It’s a win-win situation—diners enjoy top-notch cuisine, and students gain invaluable real-world experience. Savor's commitment to the local community is something to be proud of. It also hosts special events and themed dinners, which are a fantastic way to see the full range of creativity and skill that the students are developing.

I also learned that if you tip, all the tips go into a scholarship fund for students, which I found to be a really unique aspect of the business model.

Conveniently located in downtown Niagara Falls within the NFCI, Savor is easily accessible and perfectly situated for those looking to combine a fine dining experience with a day of sightseeing. The restaurant offers ample parking and is within walking distance of many local attractions, making it a great choice for locals and tourists.

Dining at Savor is more than just enjoying a meal; it’s participating in the education and growth of future culinary professionals. The quality of the food, the attentiveness of the service, and the overall dining experience are all enhanced by the knowledge that you are witnessing the culmination of students’ hard work and dedication. Savor offers an educational dining experience that is as enriching for the diner as it is for the students, making it a must-visit for anyone who appreciates fine food and supports culinary education.