By Kate Schultz
Dina’s, located at 15 Washington Street in Ellicottville, is the perfect upscale restaurant for a night out, whether celebrating a special occasion or just enjoying a meal with family or friends. Owned by Dina DiPasquale and her husband Jim Carls, Dina’s has been an Ellicottville staple since 1991.
Dina’s serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and the menu is an eclectic mix of American food that will satisfy a variety of tastes. Breakfast includes staples like omelets, French toast, and pancakes, and lunch fare ranges from salads to sandwiches and pizza. Their new Sunday brunch menu offers an expanded list of options including salads, pizzas and sandwiches along with their popular breakfast menu. Dinner patrons may have trouble deciding what to order! There’s pasta – the classic spaghetti and meatballs, or the extravagant lobster ravioli; pizza makes another appearance on the dinner menu, and just reading about the entrees – like Peking duck with a honey glaze, filet mignon with a gorgonzola and potato mixture, halibut with citrus butter and pineapple salsa, and more – will make the diner’s mouth water. There are also nightly specials not listed on the menu.
Dina’s full-service bar is located in the main dining area by the restaurant’s entrance. Dina’s prides itself on its extensive wine list, which changes on a regular basis and includes domestic, new-world, and old-world wines. Order by the glass or bottle. Guests can also enjoy a beer or a cocktail, and if in the mood for something sweet, try the snickerdoodle latte or a lush assortment of desserts made by scratch.
Dina’s is outfitted in distinctive Western-style décor, including white cow skulls that hang on the black rustic wood-paneled wall above the tables in the dining area that’s visible upon entering the restaurant. Further back, behind this dining area, is a narrower dining space with small two-person tables; the exposed brick walls and dim lighting make the area feel relaxed and intimate. The other side of Dina’s contains spacious booths, with dark brown tufted cushions and high backs that create privacy. There is also half-booth seating in this room, and the cushions in the half booths have the appearance of white cowhide, with gold foil accents. Upstairs there is another dining space: The Loft is open on weekends and has a popular bar with grand windows overlooking Ellicottville bustling Washington Street. There are a few high tops in this font portion of The Loft with more table seating in the back.
In 2019 Dina further expanded opening The BANQ Cocktails & Lounge right next door in the former M&T bank building. She worked with the bank concept and turned her vision into a beautifully decorated
lounge for customers to enjoy embracing the details of the established building. At The BANQ, you will find craft cocktails with a unique vibe and inviting atmosphere! The décor and ambience alone are worth
experiencing. The BANQ is the perfect space for your private events. Small weddings, rehearsal dinners and parties are booked throughout the year.
Dina also owns Dina’s at The Mont, serving HoliMont and its guests since 1996. Weddings in the summer, gourmet cafeteria during ski season and catering. In 2017 she and business partner Kim Reading opened The Tee Bar with a Twist serving up ice cream and Ellicottville themed tee-shirts and souvenirs also located on Washington Street in Ellicottville.