Where to eat in Rochester

Where to eat in Rochester

1. Eat

   Abyssinia

   Probably the oldest Ethiopian restaurant in Rochester, Abyssinia remains a beloved favorite. The menu is simple but the quality is excellent. The injera flatbread is particularly well regarded.

   Tue-Thu 11AM-9PM, Fri-Sat 11AM-10PM, Sun 11AM-9PM·$20-25. University of Rochester students get a 15% discount

2. Eat

   Amore

   Wegmans replaced their old East Avenue store—the only one left in the city proper—with a brand new one, even carving out space along the crowded East Ave for this new restaurant. Amore serves up Italian classics—made mostly with Wegmans-brand ingredients—in a peaceful and casually elegant atmosphere. It's isolated from the rest of the store, so don't worry about dodging shopping carts or dealing with the noise of the grocery.

   Mon-Sat 5PM-9PM·$20-35

3. Eat

   Atlas Eats Kitchen and Bake Shop

   While the Bake Shop offers light sandwich fare and breakfast dishes, the real attraction here for foodies is their Edible Atlas dinner series. Every two weeks, the kitchen selects a whole new cuisine to present to intrepid diners, be it Mexican, Korean, Greek, or anything else the chefs can think of. The menu is set in advance; all you have to choose is your beverage. You'll want to get reservations, though, as the restaurant offers only 18 seats for each dinner (one on Friday and one on Saturday). If you can't get a seat, try the takeout version (though you'll need a reservations for that, too).

   Bake Shop: Fri Sat 10AM-8PM; Brunch: Fri Sat 10AM-2PM; Edible Atlas: Fri Sat 6:30PM·Brunch $10-16; Edible Atlas $68 (takeout $35)

4. Eat

   Avvino

   An understated facade on busy Monroe Avenue belies the lively and slightly quirky atmosphere inside. (Check out the 18,000 pennies lining the floor of the lobby.) The food and service are top-notch, and the menu changes seasonally to incorporate local ingredients as much as possible. Mostly American fare with some Italian influences, like house-made pasta.

   Tue-Thu 5PM-9PM, Fri Sat 5PM-10PM·$30-50

5. Eat

   Bill Gray's Port of Rochester

   Inside the Port of Rochester terminal building. No Abbott's since there's a separate Abbott's in the same building.

   Daily 11AM-9PM

6. Eat

   Bill Gray's at the Skyliner Diner

   This location is housed in the tiny 1950s-type Skyliner Diner, long and narrow like a train car. The diner is in turn located inside the Strong National Museum of Play. Museum admission is now required to get to the restaurant, which sits near the carousel in what was once the entrance lobby.

   Sat-Thu 11AM-4:30PM, Fri 11AM-7:30PM

7. Eat

   CRISP

   Texas-tinged upscale comfort food in an ultra-relaxed atmosphere.

   Thu-Sat 11:30AM-10PM, Sun Mon 11AM-9PM·$25-50

8. Eat

   California Rollin'

   If less traditional, more experimental/Western, sushi sounds interesting to you, pay a visit to this excellent sushi restaurant and bar. A special each day of the week; the best values for your buck are the Wednesday $27 all-you-can-eat maki rolls and the Sunday 3-for-$23 deals.

   Mon-Wed 5PM-9PM, Thu 4PM-10PM Fri Sat 1PM-10PM, Sun Noon-8PM·$10-30

9. Eat

   Campi's

   This tiny joint northeast of the airport was once featured on Adam Richman's Man vs. Food Nation, and they focused on Campi's signature dish, the massive Steak Bomber. Take a huge pile of sliced chuck, top it with caramelized onions and other veggies, add Rochester's meaty hot sauce, and put it all on a circular toasted roll twelve inches (30 cm) in diameter.

   Mon-Sat 11AM-8PM

10. Eat

    Char Steak and Lounge

    The Strathallan's signature restaurant is one of the finest dining options in Rochester. Upscale American entrees and steaks in a contemporary lounge setting. Breakfast is quite a bit more conventional to cater to overnight guests.

    Breakfast: Mon-Fri 6AM-10AM, Sat Sun 7AM-11AM; Lunch: daily noon-2PM; Dinner: Mon-Sat 5PM-10PM, Sun 5PM-9PM·Lunch $20+, Dinner $35+

11. Eat

    DiBella's Italian Market

    The chain's flagship location is bigger than the others but (at least since the pandemic) serves essentially the same menu.

    Mon-Wed 10AM-8PM, Thu-Sat 10AM-9PM, Sun 11AM-7PM

12. Eat

    Dinosaur Bar-B-Que

    Dinosaur Bar-B-Que is where everyone you ask will send you for barbecue; it's a small Syracuse-based chain that Rochesterians have adopted as their own. Amazing ribs, chicken, and black beans and rice among many other things. Expect to wait though! Average wait for a table is easily an hour, they don't take reservations, and unless your whole group is there you can't get on the list. They're a tad vigilant about it, but the place pushes so much business through they can afford to do so. The Dino is a must when in Rochester, if only for some of the sauce.

    Sun-Thu 11AM-9PM, Fri Sat 11AM-10PM·$17-30

13. Eat

    Dogtown

    Dogtown Hots

    A dog-themed restaurant known for garbage plates and hot dogs with a huge variety of toppings. Tahou's will always be the original, but many locals hold up Dogtown's garbage plates as the best in town.

    Sun-Thu 11AM-11PM, Fri Sat 11AM-midnight

14. Eat

    Don's Original

    One of "Hot Dog Row" burger joints in the Seabreeze neighborhood. Motto: "Where Quality Predominates". They have another location in Penfield at Lloyd's Corners.

    $3-10

15. Eat

    Good Luck Restaurant

    Despite the name, this isn't some Chinese takeout joint. One of the most eclectic, see-and-be-seen restaurant/bars in Rochester. The menu is ever-changing, but a few staples are always there, including the full pound hamburger. Other options often involve rabbit, duck, and squid, to give you an idea. Even the more pedestrian options are made with high-end ingredients.

    Tue-Sat 4:30PM-close·$30-40

16. Eat

    Hedonist Artisan Ice Cream

    With an ever-changing eight-flavor lineup, Hedonist offers premium small-batch ice cream in the South Wedge. The goodies are made on-site with local ingredients, including cream from Pittsford Dairy. It's outstanding ice cream, but you'll pay for the indulgence.

    Sun-Thu 10AM-9PM, Fri Sat 10AM-11PM·$4/scoop

17. Eat

    Highland Park Diner

    Rochester's last classic diner. A 1948 Orleans diner restored in 1986 to an art deco style. Their motto is "real food, served real well at real prices". A neighborhood joint with very good food. Friendly, personal service (the owner himself often takes orders) and fantastic Sunday breakfast/brunch menu: berries & peaches stuffed French toast, tasty savory omelets and a glorious eggs Benedict. Be sure to ask for "sweet cheese" on your waffles, pancakes & French toast.

    Daily 8AM-3PM·$10-20

18. Eat

    Hose 22

    Housed in a former firehouse (and fully leaning into that theme in the decor), Hose 22 offers up great American grill fare and pizza, just a notch above your typical bar and grill.

    Sun Tue-Thu 11:30AM-9PM, Fri Sat 11:30AM-10PM; bar open later·$20-40

19. Eat

    Jay's Diner

    The pandemic affected even this popular college hangout, which used to be open 24 hours. It's still a popular place for a cheap but filling meal.

    Daily 6AM-10PM·$5-10. 10% discount with student ID

20. Eat

    Jines

    According to the jingle, "Sooner or later, everyone dines at Jines," which may only be a slight exaggeration. Jines is one of a cluster of restaurants at the corner of Park and Berkeley, each with very popular sidewalk tables (at least in nice weather), which makes this a particularly lively and inviting stretch of Park Avenue. Jines was part of the wave of Greek-American diners that opened in the 60s and 70s, though this is more "family restaurant" than "greasy spoon". The atmosphere and service are familial (the Gines family still runs the place), and the menu is extensive, hearty, and not without its creativity.

    Sun-Tue 7AM-3PM, Wed-Sat 7AM-9PM·$15-25

21. Eat

    Lento

    With a name that means "slow", Lento prides itself on taking no shortcuts in the preparation of fine meals. Everything on the menu is made in-house, from primarily local ingredients whenever possible. (Check out the web site to see their list of local suppliers.) The care taken in preparation is reflected in the quality of the food.

    Tue Thu-Sat 5-9PM·$25-50

22. Eat

    Lovin' Cup

    This is a hip little cafe with lively staff; an inventive menu of salads, bowls, burgers, and sandwiches; an extensive bar menu; and regular live music events, including weekly open mics. Some evening concerts may have a cover charge or even require advance tickets, so check the schedule before you decide to roll in at 7 or 8 for dinner.

    Mon-Thu 11AM-10PM, Fri 11AM-11PM, Sat noon-11PM·$18-25

23. Eat

    Malek's Bakery

    Located in the Twelve Corners area of Brighton, this longstanding Jewish (and Kosher) bakery makes European-style breads and pastries. Challah, rye, and pumpernickel are their daily breads (but don't forget the bagels), while pastries include several flavors of babka, danishes, and kuchen. Under new management as of 2024, they're expanding their menu to include other common breakfast and lunch items.

    Sun 8AM-2PM, Tue-Fri 7AM-4PM, closed Mon Sat·$2-11

24. Eat

    Mark's Texas Hots

    This is where drunk college kids stumble off of Monroe Ave. to eat a garbage plate. The garbage plates from establishments that reside inside the city limits of Rochester have a decidedly more flavorful character than those in the suburbs. Mark's is the only diner you might ever visit that has a bouncer. Go if only for the spectacle.

    Daily 24 hours·$4-14

25. Eat

    Max Chophouse

    Not an ideal destination for vegetarians, this offshoot of the other Max restaurants focuses firmly on red meat, with a bit of seafood for flavor.

    Tue-Sat 5PM-10PM, Sun 4:30PM-9PM·$35+

26. Eat

    Max of Eastman Place

    Considered one of the top restaurants in Rochester, with an elegant atmosphere and a (French-inspired) menu to match. Popular as part of a night out at the Eastman Theatre.

    Lunch: Tue-Fri 11:30AM-2:30PM; Dinner: Tue-Sat 5PM-10PM·Lunch $20-40, dinner $20-50

27. Eat

    Mt. Hope Family Diner

    A cozy little diner on the edge of Collegetown and URMC, frequented by U of R students and hospital workers alike. Excellent chocolate mint cake. Be careful not to miss the turn if driving from the north.

    Mon-Wed 6AM-9PM, Thu-Sat 6AM-3PM, Sun 9AM-4PM

28. Eat

    Next Door Bar & Grill

    This restaurant is owned by Wegmans and showcases what Wegmans chefs can do. The menu focuses on sushi and seafood, with some land-based entrees as well, but it changes seasonally. The cocktails are something special and are made with the freshest ingredients possible since the flagship Wegmans store is located across the street.

    Tue-Thu 5PM-9PM, Fri Sat 5PM-9:30PM·$30-50

29. Eat

    Nick Tahou Hots

    Tahou's is the origin of Rochester's authentic cuisine, the garbage plate. For a few dollars, the plates come with your choice of meat, macaroni salad, home fries, onions and special sauce. The most common plate can be ordered by as quickly as possible saying "Cheeseburger plate, mac salad, home fries, everything!".

    Mon-Sat 8AM-8PM·$3-9

30. Eat

    Olives Greek Taverna

    Located in Rochester's snootiest suburb, you wouldn't expect the best deal in Rochester, but this charming restaurant will give you the most bang for your buck. Authentic and carefully prepared, don't miss the huge village platter (an appetizer that can be easily shared by two or more), gyros and well-spiced kebabs. Lots for vegetarians, and unbelievable sweet potato fries. Reservations only taken for 3 or more. On the weekends they're basically required, or you'll wait hours for a table.

    Mon-Thu 11AM-8PM, Fri Sat 11AM-9PM·$12-$20

31. Eat

    Phillips European

    The food is only ok, heavy, traditional European—good for a business lunch or unadventurous out of town guests—but the desserts are spectacular, with emphasis on pies, tortes, tarts, cakes and specialty cheesecakes. Examples include their Baileys and Creme Torte and Caramel Pecan Cheesecake. The mere mention of a trip here for coffee and dessert will get Rochesterians salivating. A full dessert menu is available in the restaurant, but the cakes can also be ordered whole and picked up.

    Tue-Sat 11AM-10PM·Lunch $15-20, dinner $25-35. Desserts $6-9 or $66 for whole cakes

32. Eat

    Plum House

    This popular Japanese restaurant specializes in sushi, particularly their sushi rolls, each of which has a rather unique moniker. The Yummy Yummy Roll is highly recommended, but you can also try the Red Dragon Roll, BFF Roll, or of course a Rochester Roll. Other typical Japanese-American dishes are available as well.

    Tue-Sun 11:30AM-9:30PM

33. Eat

    ROAM Cafe

    A casual and cozy spot on Park Avenue for intimate Italian-American dinners.

    Mon-Sat 11:30AM-11PM, Sun 10:30AM-10PM·$25-35

34. Eat

    Redd

    Rochester native Richard Reddington is a world-renowned chef, working in some of the best kitchens in San Francisco before opening his own restaurants in the Napa Valley. His original Redd earned a Michelin star for seven years in a row. But he closed that place in 2018 and returned home to open up a reimagined Redd here in Rochester. He's aimed for elevated cuisine in an "unpretentious" but energetic atmosphere—and largely succeeded, judging by the crowds. The menu is international in flavor but also includes his upscale versions of pizza and wings.

    Lunch: Fri 11:30AM-2:30PM; Dinner: Mon-Thu 5PM-10PM, Fri Sat 5PM-11PM·$30-60

35. Eat

    Rooney's

    Nestled in Rochester's Swillburg neighborhood, near the Highland Park Diner, Rooney's doesn't look like much on the outside. Inside, though, is one of the city's best-kept secrets. Upscale dining in a rustic-romantic atmosphere makes this an excellent choice for anyone wanting to impress a guest. The menu is upscale American—veal, duck, lamb, swordfish, etc.

    Mon Wed-Fri 5:30-10PM, Sat 5-10PM·$35-55

36. Eat

    SEA Restaurant

    Vietnamese cuisine (the SEA stands for "South-East Asia"), specializing in pho. Very large portions. Second location at 1675 Mt Hope Ave that's open Sunday and Monday.

    Tue-Thu 11AM-9PM, Fri Sat 11AM-10PM·$12-18

37. Eat

    Schallers

    Another Rochester burger joint that grew up along the beach, though this one was in Greece not Seabreeze. Excellent ice cream here. A second location is on East Ridge Road in Irondequoit.

38. Eat

    Seoul House

    Features extensive Korean menu -- Korean BBQ, scallion pancakes, spicy stews, etc. All meals come with lots of tasty extras, like fermented black beans and kimchee.

    Sun 11:30AM-9:30PM, Mon & Wed-Thu 11:30AM-10PM, Fri Sat 11:30AM-10:30PM·$20-30

39. Eat

    Shiki

    Looks like nothing from the outside, an easily miss-able hole-in-the-wall place on South Clinton. But inside the tiny space is a little haven, authentically Japanese, with rice-paper screens and the most perfectly prepared sushi in Rochester. The only staff are the friendly Japanese owners who will offer lots of guidance if you ask.

    Mon-Wed & Fri-Sat 5-9PM·$10-20

40. Eat

    Steve T. Hots and Potatoes

    Just as authentic as Nick Tahou's (the "T" stands for Tahou), but in a safer part of the city and open later.

    Sun-Wed 10AM-1AM, Thu 10AM-2AM, Fri Sat 10AM-4AM·$2-8

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Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Rochester (CC BY-SA 4.0).