
Kuni's
A snug retreat for authentic Japanese cuisine, Kuni's delights with the freshest sushi and unique specialties in a cozy Elmwood Village setting.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

Kuni's

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A snug retreat for authentic Japanese cuisine, Kuni's delights with the freshest sushi and unique specialties in a cozy Elmwood Village setting.
No Reservations, No Waiting Area
Consider takeout or visit during off-peak hours to avoid long waits, as reservations are not accepted.
Sake Recommendations
Ask the knowledgeable staff for personalized recommendations from their diverse sake selection.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Japanese
Price
$$-$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Best Sushi in Western New York
Experience incredibly fresh fish and authentic sushi that rivals top city establishments. A true gem for sushi aficionados.

Cozy Atmosphere
Charming brick and concrete walls create an intimate and inviting space, perfect for date nights or gatherings.

Unique Japanese Specialties
Beyond sushi, explore unique dishes like Kuni's Fried Chicken, marinated in ginger and soy sauce for a flavorful twist.
Plans like a pro.
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
No Reservations, No Waiting Area
Consider takeout or visit during off-peak hours to avoid long waits, as reservations are not accepted.
Sake Recommendations
Ask the knowledgeable staff for personalized recommendations from their diverse sake selection.
Beat the Crowds
To ensure a smoother dining experience, try visiting Kuni's during less busy times.
Tips
from all over the internet
No Reservations, No Waiting Area
Consider takeout or visit during off-peak hours to avoid long waits, as reservations are not accepted.
Sake Recommendations
Ask the knowledgeable staff for personalized recommendations from their diverse sake selection.
Beat the Crowds
To ensure a smoother dining experience, try visiting Kuni's during less busy times.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Diners consistently praise Kuni's for serving some of the freshest and most authentic sushi in Western New York, complemented by a cozy and inviting atmosphere. While the food often receives high marks, some patrons have noted that service can be overwhelmed during peak times, and occasional inconsistencies in drink quality have been mentioned. Despite minor drawbacks, the exceptional quality of the fish and the intimate dining experience make it a highly recommended spot.
"I drove all the way from Toronto to check out this hidden gem! Had a few friends tell me about this cute restaurant tucked away in downtown Buffalo. The freshness of the fish and seafood here outshines some of the best places I’ve eaten at in Toronto! The cozy atmosphere is perfect for a date night or girls night out. The attention to detail from service to the variety in drinks is top notch! Definitely looking forward to stopping here again!"
Chintana Sivoravong
"We had a simply OK meal, nothing special. The service seems overwhelmed. Overrated, expect a wait and try not to sit outside with the sun grilling you
BTW the drink in the picture was their version of an old fashioned - seemed like a canned drink over vending machine ice."
Steve Brown
"I recently went on a girls’ trip across the border. The first thing we did was check out Kuni’s since we were starving and wanted something filling. Kuni’s is a small and cozy Japanese restaurant that serves authentic sushi dishes. The service was okay, but it could’ve been better. The portion sizes were perfect for the three of us.
We ordered their miso soup & salad to start. For our appetizers we got their sashimi 21. We also got a couple of rolls to try, we got their tuna, salmon, scallop & avocado rolls. We also got their surf clam and Inari. Overall, we enjoyed everything we ordered. The miso soup and salad were light and refreshing. We particularly loved the dressing they used on their house salad. The sashimi and sushi rolls were incredibly fresh, and it’s evident their chef uses the finest ingredients. I highly recommend this place if you’re ever in Buffalo!"
Jenny Ly
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
No, Kuni's does not accept reservations. There is also no waiting area, so be prepared for a potential wait during busy times.
Diners rave about the incredibly fresh sushi and sashimi. Unique dishes like Kuni's Fried Chicken and Wasabi Gyoza have also been highlighted as must-tries.
Yes, the cozy and intimate atmosphere makes Kuni's an ideal spot for a date night.
Yes, many patrons opt for takeout to enjoy Kuni's delicious sushi at home, especially given the lack of a waiting area.
Kuni's has a cozy, intimate, and traditional Japanese atmosphere, often described as a charming retreat.
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Or enjoy traditional Japanese food like a Tuna Sushi Roll, Agedashi Tofu, and Tonkatsu in a chic environment at Kuni’s. Check Out Local Buffalo Breweries A post shared by @instagram Buffalo’s breweries are among of the city’s most popular attractions!. Head to Downtown Buffalo to sample brews like the Hayburner American IPA or book a private party in the tap room at one of Buffalo’s best breweries—Big Ditch Brewing Company.
EAT THIS | Best Of
Those unwilling to settle for subpar mass market sushi make this place their go-to. In addition to serving the best sushi in WNY, Kuni’s is known for its classic Japanese dishes and house specials that quietly demand attention. The restaurant doesn’t accept reservations and there is no waiting area, so many overcome these obstacles by ordering takeout.
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- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (96 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.0/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)- Type of cuisine: Japanese, Sushi- Price: $$ - $$$- Address: 226 Lexington Ave, Buffalo, NY 14222-1718- Read more on Tripadvisor. You may also like: Best places for 8 popular indoor activities in Buffalo
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Kuni's is paradise for those seeking the best sushi in Western New York. The menu features a variety of traditional sashimi, sushi, combination platters and fusion creations such as Cajun Tuna and Sashimi. There are delightful non-sushi items including Tonkatsu, New York Strip Steak Salad and Kuni's Fried Chicken.
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If you’re looking for delicious sushi and sashimi in Buffalo, then Kuni's has to be on your list. They serve authentic Japanese sushi in their intimate dining space and sushi bar in Elmwood Village. Their menu features traditional sashimi, sushi, combo platters, and fusion dishes like Cajun Tuna.
Best of 19 Japanese restaurants in Buffalo
It was definitely worth the wait.We have been waiting to try this place for months.Make a reservation or you may forget it.We went on a Thursday night.The sushi was so authentic and traditional.Delicious!
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