Best Restaurants in Rochester
Rochester, a city known for its rich history and vibrant culture, is also a haven for food lovers. The city's culinary scene is as diverse as its population, offering a wide array of dining options that cater to different tastes and preferences. From upscale dining establishments serving gourmet dishes, to cozy cafes offering comfort food, Rochester has it all. This article will guide you through some of the best restaurants in Rochester, each unique in its own way, promising an unforgettable gastronomic experience. Whether you're a local or a visitor, these restaurants are sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you coming back for more.
The cub room
4.6
(818)
Spacious, industrial-style tavern featuring upscale seasonal cuisine & elevated cocktails.
Reviews:
So happy we randomly decided to dine here tonight. In short, this is an excellent place all the way around. The service was exceptional. Our main server was Sean. He provided excellent menu and cocktail recommendations as well as the history of the restaurant. The staff clearly works as a team and our food arrived quickly, cocktails were on point, and our water was always topped off. They even brought us extra bread with our appetizer. The food…. Wow. Where to begin? Everything was perfectly prepared and the flavor pairing is unique and wonderfully balanced- yet nothing overshadowed the main ingredient. Perhaps some of the best scallops I have ever had (seriously). The chicken was so simple, yet so perfect. The Brussel sprouts are seriously amazing— I love how they took such a simple ingredient and elevated it. Try this place- it’s hands down one of the top restaurants in Rochester.
MD062010
Excellent flavors and service. We had halibut and a spaghetti special with razor clams/roe and the choice of ingredients and flavor profiles were well balanced and a delight for the palate. Wonderful desserts. Service was attentive, friendly, and professional. Only negatives were that it's a bit loud inside and the choice of background music is a bit incongruous with the rest of the experience. Regardless, a wonderful dining outing. We will return!
Kurt R
Such a nice time here. Very open atmosphere with a good variety of music from jazz to more modern tunes, but its not so loud you can't hear each other. Comfortable seating, wonderful wait staff who knows what's in the dishes and can answer questions. Our water glasses were always full and our dirty dishes were taken off the table almost as soon as we were finished. And the food itself was amazing. We had an appetizer of ahi tuna that was absolutely delicious and the gnudi, I could eat that everyday. They have a lot of vegetarian options that seem really inspired and the presentation is gorgeous and colorful.
Tianna Kerg
Cool atmosphere, great drinks, wait staff was very friendly and really cool people, could have been a tad bit more attentive but overall liked them. Food was all very good.
Keith Garfinkel
Upscale dining with a nice mix of music. Our server was named Benjamin (Benny) and he was wonderful he explained all the items and struck up great conversation. Our food was AMAZING!! WE started off with the appetizer devils on horseback. I recommend that if you have never tried it. Next was the Fois Grois. Never had it before and it melted like butter in the mouth. It's a thing where I wanted to try at least once but not something I would do alot since I know how it's made. Very great tasting though. I have had the Amish chicken before and had it again. It's very well seasoned and so tender. The bolognese was not as good as the Amish chicken. The drink were amazing and you can actually taste the alcohol which is great especially for how much they cost. The best way to top off the night was the store dessert. Hand down the best dessert om the menu. Overall the place is wonderful the and the food was wonderful. The food is pricey and not something I would do alot but good for a special occasion. Easily can spend $60-$80 without even noticing.
Dalbert Chambers
739 S Clinton Ave, Rochester, NY 14620, USA
Tournedos steakhouse
4.6
(576)
Elegant steakhouse serving dry-aged beef & over 500 wines plus a plush lounge with a mahogany bar.
Reviews:
Tournedos is the fine dining experience you wish you felt every time you went out for a meal. From the moment we pulled up to the valet we knew it was going to be a great evening. The staff is extremely kind and personable. The ambiance and atmosphere inside was incredible. The crab cake was the best we have ever had. We vacation in Maine every summer strictly for the seafood and this crab cake was better than anything we have experienced there. My scallops and her filet were both outstanding and cooked perfectly. The side of onion rings we shared were fantastic, especially with the Cajun dipping sauce. I wrote down in our reservation that we would be there celebrating my fiancés birthday and they brought us over a complimentary champagne toast towards the end of our meal. Overall there was not a single thing we could complain or fret about. We both agreed it was the best date night and dinner we have had in our five years together. This will absolutely be our new go-to spot for celebrations and any time I just want to eat good and feel good while I am doing it.
Ryan
Love, Love, Love this place... been coming here for years and I can truly say it's one of the most consistent places with friendly staff! The food is always outstanding! GREAT STEAKS! They are under new ownership and I've been there twice since, they seem to be doing a very good job. They've made some revamps... all good... I'm actually heading up there this Friday (my Meat day!) And I can't wait! Perfect place for a night out w/ that special someone or even w/ Friends/Family for a good time! This photo was actually my last meal there... incredible!
Pats Pizzeria
My husband and I went for our anniversary and this was our first time here. The service, from the minute we walked in, was excellent! Our waitress was great and stopped by to check in with us to make sure we didn’t need anything. Our food was great. I got the domestic wagyu strip steak and oh my god it was the best steak I’ve had! I also got a side of mashed potatoes, which was enough for both of us! My husband got the salmon and he said his was great as well! We will definitely come back here again!
Bethy
Absolutely Love this restaurant 😋!!! THE Best Steakhouse in Rochester!! If you're in Rochester NY and you want some fine dining or even a succulent steak to-go, please check out Tournedos. You will NOT be disappointed.
nisha garcia
The restaurant was good. Pricing as you should expect. The Steak and Salmon we ordered was excellent. The desserts were really good. The mashed potatoes and calamari were excellent.
Luis G Perez
26 Broadway, Rochester, NY 14607, USA
Tapas 177
4.6
(1219)
Global small plates from egg rolls to empanadas in a dimly lit space with courtyard & salsa dancing.
Reviews:
Had my wedding reception here in 2019 and the food was incredible. Came back for my anniversary and the food is still incredible. The menu evolves but is always tasty. They have so many options and the service is incredible. The ambience is inviting and intimate. Love this place.
Kelly Bissinger
I had a lovely evening sitting at the bar. Tim was one of the bartenders that was very attentive and friendly. I wish I’d caught the name of the other bartender because he was also super kind. Great atmosphere. Definitely high class quality with a price to match. (It’s pricey) Sounds like they have fun dancing nights too. Interested in checking that out.
Christa Lily
never getting any of their cocktails again. The fresh avocado roll also doesn’t taste like legit Asian roll, but it’s palatable. We liked everything else on the pics.
xie ra
Recommended by a local friend and it's an eclectic joint with decent food. The ladies got cocktails and we split the fried brussel sprouts plus chips/salsa/guac apps. For entrees I got the ribeye, my wife got the tofu poke bowl and our friend got the Jamaican jerk chicken curry. I'm partial to red meat, so my ribeye was clearly the best... but the other two dishes looked good too. Service was good but I think I would have enjoyed it more on another night. They were having salsa dancing lessons in the downstairs bar and it was pretty loud. We knew that before going to their downstairs, but the brick walls really echoed the salsa music. It was a fun joint and I'd definitely go back and try other menu items.
Casey Cannady
me and my cousin ordered fresh avacado spring rolls and tortilla chips with salsa. Both tasted so frecb and delicious. Spring rolls come wirh peanut sauc
Alicia
177 St Paul St, Rochester, NY 14604, USA
Redd
4.6
(554)
Haute restaurant serving California wine country-inspired fare & wine in a sleek, roomy environment.
Reviews:
We made a reservation for an anniversary dinner. The host at the door greeted and congratulated us on the occasion. Both the indoor and outdoor spaces were spacious and beautiful, and you can see the kitchen from the dining area. All of the dishes were a delight. Well balanced ingredients and perfectly executed. An extensive wine list to accompany a widely creative menu. I appreciate that every detail in design and furnishing is well thought out. The wait staff were attentive and gave good recommendations on menu items as well. Will definitely return on our next special occasion.
유밥
The whole meal was amazing front to back. Our apps that we ordered: Pork Belly and Redd Wings were amazing and flavorful. The pork belly was complex and delicious. The cocktails were fantastic, easily one of the best bourbon cocktails I have ever had (How to disappear completely was it’s name) and had very cool presentation with it. Waitress was extremely knowledgeable on the wines and recommendations were perfect. The main course was amazing with the Ciopinni and the bee sting pizza. The tomato broth was perfect and had a great seafood taste for the ciopinni. Pizza was fantastic New York style pizza that was a bit of elevated. Finishing dinner with the “Cookies and Cream” trifle and a cappuccino was the perfect ending. The dessert was great with both texture and flavor. They even brought it out with a candle for my Girlfriend’s birthday which we were celebrating. Finally the staff were great, everyone was very polite and attentive. Our waitress was very knowledgeable and checked on us frequently. Would strongly recommend Redd’s to anyone looking to have an elevated and upscale meal. Make sure to get a reservation.
Cody Pionessa
Warm, cozy and relaxing atmosphere. The food was and always is top notch as well as affordable! The scallops were life changing !! Our server was quite busy with 4 other tables so we did have to wait quite a bit of time (15 mins) before being able to order drinks and a lot of time ordering in between courses, but as a fellow server, I understand that’s the nature of the business. I will definitely be back :)
Jasmine M
We have a new favorite restaurant in Rochester! Our entire experience was outstanding from a prompt friendly greeting on arrival to a couple of well crafted cocktails at the bar. The look is contemporary with a hint of industrial and some milk glass art deco. The light was cozy and warm on a cold winter night. Seating was comfortable and the service was 5-stars the entire evening. We tried a couple appetizers of the gnocchi and also the smoked trout. Outstanding! For dinner we had the caramelized scallops and the halibut. Wow! By far one of the best meals we’ve had in a while and you definitely get what you pay for. Save your pennies and try Redd’s. We both highly recommend it.
Rodd Riesenberger
Redd is our go-to restaurant for special occasions. It's spacious yet not noisy, and the service is impeccable. We've never had a bad dish here, and we've had some truly spectacular ones (butternut squash soup and butterscotch pot de creme, looking at you!). The cocktails and wine selection are excellent. We look forward to many more visits in the future!
Elizabeth Gigliotti
24 Winthrop St, Rochester, NY 14607, USA
Rooney's restaurant
4.7
(446)
Nestled in a residential area, this intimate spot offers an upscale American menu & long wooden bar.
Reviews:
What a gem of a place!!!! Food was delicious!!!!! We had a beautiful dinner and looking forward to go back! Teres major, rack of lamb, shrimps, escargot, and the crème brulee ooohhhh lala AMAZING!!!!!!!!!
Ashley Casillas
We are in Rochester for the PGA Championship. I scoped out restaurant options to seek a venue enjoyable, elegant ambiance and good service. Rooney's came highly recommended by locals. In fact the manager at Tournedos Steakhouse said Rooney's was a favorite. Rooney's was a bright star. With excellent service provided by Alec, cocktails created superbly and a diversified menu with selections where anyone could be pleased, Rooney's was a gem. A hidden gem. The building is of old style history and we could hear each other talk! At our table was a former Rochester resident who had never dined who said that Rooney's is now on his must list.
Jim Deaton
We absolutely love Rooney’s! It is so classy and the atmosphere is perfect for a romantic dinner. The wait staff is amazing and we especially enjoy when Alex is our waiter. He is always so entertaining and welcoming. The food has always been fantastic!! We’ve never been disappointed or bored with the menu. Highly recommend the crème brûlée. And we will be continuing to dine here and recommend to friends.
Alyson Holcomb
We went to Rooney's because a french chef was there for a week or so. We were so disappointed. We ordered sweetbreads--- a dish we had had years ago. They were tough!!! Sweetbreads should be fork tender and succulent. Wish we had stayed home
Steve Kittelberger
This place is probably the last classy gem in Rochester! We arrived in Rochester on a Monday evening and Rooney's was one of only a few nice restaurants open. We got to the restaurant at 8:40pm. We essentially had the whole place to ourselves. The staff was excellent and treated us with the best service. We enjoyed the crab cake, salmon and duck entrees. Everything was fresh, seasonal and well-seasoned, which speaks volumes because I'm quite the well-traveled foodie. I appreciated the old school, traditional charm and atmosphere. Nice ambience. I wish more places in Rochester actually cared enough to execute the level of class, service and kindness as Rooney's.
Revée Barbour
90 Henrietta St, Rochester, NY 14620, USA
The gate house
4.5
(1890)
Creative burgers & wood-fired pizzas served in a casual, kid-friendly American cafe.
Reviews:
The Gate House restaurant in Rochester, NY, is a delightful dining experience. As a Canadian, I was pleasantly surprised by the generous portion sizes – they truly don't hold back on the servings! The food is not only plentiful but also incredibly tasty. I had the pleasure of savoring their menu, and each dish exceeded my expectations. From the delectable appetizers to the mouthwatering entrees, everything was a culinary delight. The cozy atmosphere and friendly staff made the experience even more enjoyable. Whether you're a local or visiting from abroad, The Gate House is a must-visit for anyone seeking a hearty meal with top-notch flavors. You won't leave hungry, and you won't leave disappointed!
Sarthak Tripathi
Such a great place for brunch or a date night! We came for lunch and ordered The Wease burger with a side of garlic rosemary fries and The Strong Margherita pizza. Everything was absolutely delicious and had so much flavor. The waitress was very attentive and even split our meal for us, so that we could share! Cannot wait to come back again soon!
Savannah
This is a great brunch spot to meet with a group. The food Choices is super healthy. The only part I had a problem with is one person was late and I couldn’t control that but they made us wait until they arrived. The atmosphere is amazing too.
Karly H (Exploring the lakes!)
The place is situated at gate village. Normal waiting is 10-15 minutes. The hosts are super kind and genuinely help to make changes in dish. The nachos are super awesome. The gate plate was up to the mark except the fries. Overall it’s a fine dine experience and must try!
Abhishek Singh
Absolutely phenomenal experience. The food is pricey but worth every cent. Drinks were amazing. And the staff are so friendly!
Danielle
274 N Goodman St, Rochester, NY 14607, USA
Trata: the restaurant at the armory
4.3
(1744)
Upscale, contemporary American fare & libations amid a blend of rustic brickwork & modern elements.
Reviews:
SO CLOSE to a 5* but couldn’t get there. Staff and facility are spectacular. Beer wall is so much fun and a great way to try and test out lots of beers. I love a simple menu and the nachos were amazing and the chips stayed perfectly crisply the entire time we ate. I found the dinner options lacking in creativity although they were cooked very well and tasted great. Will definitely return!
Nathan Bantle
I'll start by saying that this used to be my all time favorite restaurant years ago. It was a great spot for date night. Great place for a girls outing or birthday celebration. When I moved back to this area, it was the place I was most excited for. Friends in the area had said it went downhill. I didn't want to believe them. We came on a weeknight for dinner and sat on the rooftop patio. There was about a 40 minute wait. Our server was very sweet and friendly. The food took a long time to arrive. My favorite dish has always been the brussel sprout salad. It used to be very crisp and refreshing with pancetta and cherry tomatoes, the dressing used to be light. This time it was soggy and sloppy. There was no freshness to it. We also ordered nachos which came cold, with minimal toppings. We asked for chicken on the nachos instead of chorizo. The chicken was very sparse, about 5 chunks, and very dry. It is advertised as having corn and pico on it. We asked for more of this to top it with. Not at all worth $17. The beer wall was something new to me here. The list online did not reflect what was available on tap. So after looking and deciding, we were disappointed to have to choose something else. Overall I was very saddened by my meal. Our cocktails were pretty good. The outdoor atmosphere was nice. I might come back for a drink. But don't think I'll ever come back for dinner. Very disappointed in how it had changed.
Laura Potter
Okay so the fish taco appetizer was very good and the cocktails were okay but the the Nashville chicken sandwich was a mess to eat and needed more acid. The bańh mi was not well executed and was served on overly toasted baguette. The tomato red pepper soup was thick because the ratios were off and it needed less cheese and more broth. The atmosphere was lovely but will only be going back for apps and drinks.
AJ Martinez
-Great food and plenty of beer selections. -Younger crowds on weekends. - A station where you select your beer, pay with a credit card, and go( see photo). - dining on several floors along with a bar on the top floor connected to the rooftop balcony. - Indoor and outdoor seating.
Kimberly Jarrett
TRATA is a Rochester restaurant staple. It's been one of the few that has lasted - because they're doing it right. The atmosphere is comfortable, but elevated. I'm not a drinker but the bar area and the beer taps look amazing and popular. You have to try the duck quesadillas. They are AMAZING. Amanda was one of the best waitresses we've had, although I don't think I can remember one negative experience with any servers at this restaurant in the several years we've been going. The rooftop atmosphere is so unique and creates an awesome experience. I typically get their French onion grilled cheese that comes with homemade tomato soup, and the duck quesadillas, and they always hit the spot. Can't go wrong with any choice!
Christina D.
145 Culver Rd, Rochester, NY 14620, USA