Mira / Photo x Brett Llenos Smith for Step Out Buffalo
Whether it’s inside West Rose in Ellicottville or at Wayland Brewing Company in Orchard Park, the restaurants of The Grange Group look like something out of Architectural Digest. At Mira, the group’s newest spot in the old Pano’s on Elmwood, that sleek minimalism look combines with Mediterranean flavors to create something special.
It might be cold and raining outside. There might be an old Toyota Camry parked out front. But being in Mira feels like the Greek Islands are close by, maybe just behind the building or something…
Mira / Photo x Brett Llenos Smith for Step Out Buffalo
To make Mira, Grange owners Brad Rowell and Caryn Dujanovich partnered with Manny Ocasio and Gina Nalbone, who were a chef and a pastry chef, respectively, at The Grange. Manny says he and Gina have had a Mediterranean concept in their back pocket for years when the chance to open Mira came along. He adds that the restaurant is a natural extension of The Grange, from the food to the look.
“At The Grange, we’re always trying to work as much as possible with local farms and use the best ingredients possible, while keeping things understated,” he says. “That approach is what we’re trying to continue here.”
“We wanted the design to reflect the food,” adds Gina, “and not just be a beautiful restaurant, but also embody the Mediterranean spirit that we’re trying to present.”
Mira / Photo x Brett Llenos Smith for Step Out Buffalo
Pictures of the décor speak for themselves. The food is just as elevated, and, dare we say, approaching fine dining.
The twin kitchen centerpieces at Mira are an open-fire Basque grill and a coal oven. The first is used for things like a chicken thigh with roasted garlic tahini ($22) and a hangar steak with Roman spices ($26). Elevating things further, the coal oven is used for lamb ribs with garlic yogurt ($42) and sea bream with harissa butter ($44). There are also pasta dishes and a selection of small plates.
Mira / Photo x Brett Llenos Smith for Step Out Buffalo
At the bar, cocktails ($14) lean into Mediterranean spices and flavors. The Usual Suspects is a tequila drink with pungent ras al hanout, a Moroccan spice blend. The Molto Bene! is a gin drink made with a tropical pistachio-cardamom syrup.
The dessert menu lets Gina bring her pastry talents to bear. Standout dishes there include an olive oil cake with fig leaf gelato ($12) and a honey panna cotta with Sicilian pistachios ($12). There’s also a Saturday brunch menu that includes a breakfast sandwich ($12), sausage quiche ($15), and rigatoni carbonara ($22).
Mira / Photo x Brett Llenos Smith for Step Out Buffalo
Each dish, drink, and bit of design is all meant to conjure a psychic escape. Even if you’ve never been to the Mediterranean, Mira might make you feel like you’re just about there.
“We’re just hoping to create a really cohesive atmosphere,” Manny says. “It’s a little different, and a fresh-feeling restaurant that will be really exciting for the whole community.”
Hours at the time of publishing (subject to change): Tuesday to Thursday 5 p.m. – 9:30 p.m., Friday 5 p.m. – 10:30 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. – 2:30 a.m., 5 p.m. – 10:30 p.m., Sunday and Monday CLOSED
Full Service
Mira
1081 Elmwood Ave Buffalo, New York 14222 • $$$$$
Buffalo
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