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Torches Reviews List
Torches
Committed to excellence in both service and cuisine, Torches restaurant is owned and operated by brothers, Chefs JJ and Kevin Richert. After attending the Culinary Institute of America and cooking in the kitchens of some of Buffalo’s finest restaurants, the Richerts– along with JJ’s wife Cindy, a talented pastry chef in her own right–opened Torches as a way to showcase their own eclectic take on contemporary cuisine.
Inspired by popular flavors from all over the world, challenged by modern techniques and applications, and grounded by an appreciation for traditional methods, Torches offers guests a fine dining experience unlike anything else in Western New York.
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62 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Rating Breakdown 62 reviews
5 stars
(33)
4 stars
(24)
3 stars
(3)
2 stars
(1)
1 star
(1)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- fit for foodies(33)
- romantic(33)
- neighborhood gem(32)
- special occasion(31)
- notable wine list(16)
- good for groups(10)
Torches Reviews List
Review 1 for Torches
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great food, great service. Overall an impressive display of business. Definitely a good recommendation."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 2 for Torches
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
dinner for two
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"fodd and service was excellent. Great appetizers. Friendly staff."
Dined on 5/09/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 3 for Torches
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Torches lights it up
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"On our recent evening at Torches we found that the Richert Brothers always find a way to keep reinventing the place. Torches has become our go to place when we want to really wind down.
The service is friendly and professional, wines are interesting without breaking the bank.
The food is center stage, and always arrives perfect in every way."
Dined on 5/02/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 4 for Torches
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Torches is a can't miss dining
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Torches is a can't miss dining experience. Every visit is consistently exceptional. The staff provides great service, and the chef always presents highly creative, delightful menu offerings. It's our favorite restaurant!"
Dined on 04/27/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, special occasion
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Review 5 for Torches
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food and service are very
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food and service are very good. No real complaints. A bit pricey. I don't give out 5. I believe there is no perfect..."
Dined on 04/17/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 6 for Torches
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Very nice staff food was great.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Very nice staff food was great. Good for a special occasion/fancy meal. Good specials and great salads and original ideas for the entrees"
Dined on 04/20/2013
2011
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 7 for Torches
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Diamond in the rough! This
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Diamond in the rough! This was not our first visit and definitely wil not be our last!"
Dined on 04/12/2013
2012
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 8 for Torches
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Torches is my favorite restaurant.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Torches is my favorite restaurant. Excellent food and service"
Dined on 04/16/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 9 for Torches
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Very Nice!!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Went there on a Tuesday night so it was somewhat quiet. Service and food great!"
Dined on 04/16/2013
2010
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Review 10 for Torches
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
TD
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I have been to Torches many time and it never disappoints. Subtle changes seasonally to the menu keep it interesting but also it's great that they keep some of the old favorites year round."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 11 for Torches
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
As usual, Torches never disappoints
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"As usual, Torches never disappoints and is always a culinary treat. I wish I had a better capacity,so I could eat more courses, because everthing is such a delight. Personal attention by the entire staff is so noteworthy in this day of turn the table dining. Thanks Torches, we'll be back soon!"
Dined on 04/13/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 12 for Torches
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
My favorite restaurant in
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"My favorite restaurant in Buffalo"
Dined on 04/13/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 13 for Torches
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We were getting tired of the
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We were getting tired of the same old kind of food. Not only it is delicious, the food was very attractive and the portion was very generous. Waiter shows the menu with pictures from the I-pod. Wonderful IDEA. Thank you Torches for a great experiences of services and the food was excellent! :)"
Dined on 03/21/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find, romantic
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Review 14 for Torches
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
From beginning to end, an
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"From beginning to end, an amazing experience!! Would highly recommend!!!"
Dined on 03/29/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 15 for Torches
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Outstanding food and presentation!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Outstanding food and presentation!"
Dined on 03/28/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 16 for Torches
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The food and the service was
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food and the service was wonderful. The ambiance left much to be desired. I would not go back just because of the atmosphere.
I appreciate Open Table very much. Thank you."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 17 for Torches
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A Wonderful Experience
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I took my family to celebrate my sons' birthday on March 2nd. Had a marvelous evening!! Service was very pleasant and efficient. Food was creative and outstanding. Tried the A&W short ribs, The Tim Horton coffee steak, grilled Ceasar salad with squash, The Trio...all impressive and enjoyable. Everyone shared in all five of the deserts... Torches is a wonderful restaurant find.....I will return as often as schedule permits."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2008
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Review 18 for Torches
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Went for the Ahi shown on
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Went for the Ahi shown on the website menu, but they didn't have it on the menu. Staff said seasonal item. Menu limited, but eclectic, selections. Salmon (2nd choice) was a little too "strong" tasting... Not the freshest cut. The Goat cheese, fruit & nut salad, bread with parsley-garlic oil, and the Tiaramisu tower were outstanding. Loved the art work and lighting."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2013
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Review 19 for Torches
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Waiter was impatient and not
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Waiter was impatient and not too friendly. Steak was very tough and bland."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2010
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Review 20 for Torches
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
service and food was great
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"service and food was great but we were sitting next to a very noisy table of 8 women and it was difficult to talk over them"
Dined on 02/23/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 21 for Torches
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The dining experience at Torches
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The dining experience at Torches is superior."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 22 for Torches
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
What an incredible dining
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"What an incredible dining experience!! The food was amazing! A great find."
Dined on 02/18/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 23 for Torches
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Torches is consistently fantastic.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Torches is consistently fantastic. The chef welcomes you with a special treat every visit, making you feel taken care of and appreciated for your business. The food quality is of the highest, and desserts are amazing! A must try! The menu options, however are not for the extremely picky or boring eaters in our city!"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 24 for Torches
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
ALWAYS LOVE THE FOOD HERE
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"ALWAYS LOVE THE FOOD HERE AND ESPECIALLY THE CHEF SPECIAL APPETIZER WHICH IS ALWAYS FABULOUS ... LOVED THE VALENTINE APP ..FROM SMOKE ON THE WATER WHICH IS VERY NEAR TO MY HOUSE ! LOVE IT THERE TOO !"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 25 for Torches
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A very nice restaurant for
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"A very nice restaurant for adults ...."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 26 for Torches
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Great Food!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I've been to Torches twice and both times the food has been outstanding. The rest however is average. Average location, average service, average wine list, average prices. They also need to pay more attention to details; electrical outlets need covers, a space heater was next to our table since the area where we were seated didn't have sufficient heat (kinda lacks ambiance) small things, but they make a difference."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2009
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Review 27 for Torches
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Love this restaurant. Food
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Love this restaurant. Food just seems to get better all the time. Attentive, friendly service as well. Definitely at the top of our list. Brought a friend visiting from NYC and he was pleasantly surprised!"
Dined on 02/16/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 28 for Torches
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Wear your jacket.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Overall, I was happy, except for the fact that we were tucked away in a small corner of the restaurant that was absolutely FREEZING. There were two inadequate space heaters within a few feet of the table, with a sign that said not to touch them....but by the time they finally somewhat warmed up our area, we were done eating. I wore my jacket the entire time...didn't exactly make for a romantic dinner. Thankfully there was a candle on the table for some additional heat.
Everything else was great though. Food was good, and they even gave us flowers on the way out for valentine's day.
$75 for dinner for two, and the heat was at 63 initially, according to the thermostat on the portable heater."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 29 for Torches
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Friendly staff and great atmosphere
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Friendly staff and great atmosphere made for an enjoyable night out"
Dined on 02/12/2013
2009
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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Review 30 for Torches
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Wasn't sure what to expect
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Wasn't sure what to expect and was pleasantly surprised. Starting with the electronic menu, you get to see what the dishes look like on a tablet, left at the table for perusing. The food quality and presentation was impeccable. Have paid more elsewhere for less. Interesting combinations of flavors. I bet the tasting menu is a foodie dream come true. And my compliments to the dishwasher! The bread is awesome."
Dined on 02/05/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 31 for Torches
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
My friend and I had such a
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"My friend and I had such a great time with the creative menu!! Wonderful flavors, and the service was impeccable, and every staff member I encountered was smiling and friendly, despite the "classy" atmosphere. I often find the staff stuffy at "high class" restaurants, but that is not the case at Torches. Prices are high, but worth it for a splurge."
Dined on 02/05/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 32 for Torches
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
A delightful evening with
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"A delightful evening with friendly servcie. Innovative dishes as well."
Dined on 02/01/2013
2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, hot spot
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Review 33 for Torches
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The appetizers are very creative
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The appetizers are very creative and well put together. My wife and sone loved the Duck confit and they are still raving about it. I had scallops that were carmelized in duck fat. They were cooked to perfection. The main dishes were ok, but a little disappointing following those appetizers. They were certainly large, but seemed a bit on the salty side.
It's a fun kind of restaurant, but make sure you book early enough to be seated in the main dining area rather than near the bar. There is too much disruption by the front door and bar."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 34 for Torches
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The service was fabulous and
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The service was fabulous and the food was delicious."
Dined on 01/18/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 35 for Torches
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Never again!!
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Torches.. Where do I start. I had a reservation for 6:30 and we didn't leave until 9pm.The service was slow 2.5 hours of waiting, the waitress was horrible. It took 20 minutes to get a glass of wine, bottle of beer and a martini. My appitzer was pretty much the only good thing about the meal experience. Two out of the four people ordered ther Filet Mignon Trio $38 the quality of meat was poor, the scallops where over cooked and gritty! I would not recommend Torches save your money!!"
Dined on 01/26/2013
2012
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Review 36 for Torches
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
This was my third time at
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This was my third time at Torches and it did not disappoint. We brought 4 friends with us who had never been and everyone had a great time. Everyone's food was delicious. The only issue was that it seemed overly quiet in the restaurant. At times it seemed like we were the only people talking and laughing - which made us feel a bit disruptive. That said, we all had a great time and will definitely be back."
Dined on 01/19/2013
2006
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Torches
Based on the average of (26) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate