Restaurants

20 Best Places To Eat In Rochester NY

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From intimate bistros and chic cafes to high-end restaurants and local food trucks serving beloved regional dishes, Rochester provides many choices for culinary aficionados.

It boasts a captivating food scene that caters to various tastes and preferences. Here, we highlight some of the city's most exceptional dining establishments in a place where culinary innovation knows no limits.

1. Dinosaur Bar-B-Que - Barbecue Restaurant

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This barbecue restaurant offers mouth-watering BBQ and warm hospitality in the heart of downtown Rochester. Their menu also features Gluten-free, Vegan, and Vegetarian options.

They feature ribs, brisket, pulled pork, chicken, homemade sides and desserts. They also have full bar with local, regional, and seasonal draft beers.

Address: 99 Court St, Downtown

2. Good Luck - New American Restaurant

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The best places to eat in Rochester NY include the Good Luck restaurant opened in 2008. This establishment offers a variety of dishes that change with the seasons, crafted cocktails, and an extensive wine selection.

Good Luck is renowned for its distinctive burger, prepared using house-ground, grass-fed beef on a brioche bun with Cuba cheddar, vegetable slaw, and French fries.

Address: 50 Anderson Ave

3. Tony D's - Italian Restaurant

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It is a rustic Italian gem loved by couples, friends, families, and singles, alike. It is a gathering place where you and your friends and family can enjoy a homemade meal and reconnect.

With three large dining rooms and a separate bar area playing live music on Friday and Saturday, there is something for everyone.

Address: 1290 University Ave, North Winton Village

4. Han Noodle Bar - Chinese Restaurant

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It is a local go-to restaurant for lunch and dinner, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere. Han Noodle offers a fresh take on the traditional Chinese noodle house.

The kitchen brings exciting twists to classic Chinese dishes with experience from some of the city's famous Asian restaurants.

Address: 600 Monroe Ave, Park Avenue

5. Cure - French Restaurant

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Cure is a French restaurant featuring seasonal, locally sourced interpretations of French farm cuisine. The food is cooked to order by their wonderful chef and also have a very fine French wine list.

It has also earned high praise for its attentive and friendly service. The cafe also offers a cozy atmosphere and exquisite flavors.

Address: 50 Rochester Public Market, North Marketview Heights

6. Bitter Honey - Mexican Restaurant

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Bitter Honey is a casual neighborhood restaurant serving elevated and authentic Mexican fare in a family-style setting.

They carried their Mexican philosophy of meals being a time for sharing good conversation to Rochester with a mezcal-based cocktail list.

Address: 127 Railroad St #110, South Marketview Heights

7. Stromboli's Restaurant - Pizza Restaurant

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This restaurant is a pizza and stromboli place. Stromboli is a baked turnover filled with Italian cheese, cold cuts, or vegetables. 

It is a Jazz-themed Italian eatery with an extensive menu including pizza, subs, sandwiches, salads, and lots of vegan options. 

Address: 130 East Ave, East End, Center City

8. Sinbad's - Mediterranean Restaurant

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Sinbad helps culinary excellence to meet the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean. The restaurant is a haven for food enthusiasts seeking a taste of the sun-kissed shores.

You can immerse yourself in a warm and inviting atmosphere as their menu boasts an array of savory grilled delights, from succulent kebabs to seasoned seafood.

Address: 719 Park Ave, Park Avenue

9. Texas de Brazil - Steak House

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Texas de Brazil combines the traditional steakhouse of Brazil perfectly with the service and class of Lone Star State.

They are a family-owned restaurant from Brazil expanding domestically and internationally to Rochester, Texas. The restaurant shares the unique way of dining where guests indulge in a parade of meats and extravagant salad area.

Address: 22 Celebration Dr, Upper Mount Hope

10. Pane Vino On The River - Italian Restaurant

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Pane Vino offers the finest traditional dishes infused with modern touches by the chefs. You can enjoy a variety of unrivaled Italian recipes and the finest steaks, chops, and seafood.

This restaurant offers intimate settings, expansive patios, elegant bars, and live music transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary.

Address: 175 N Water St, St. Paul Quarter, Center City

11. Tapas 177 - Tapas Restaurant

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This restaurant offers a mix of urban and rustic European elegance, a mashup of cuisines, and top-notch apps in a relaxed Soho-style setting with a vibrant bar scene.

Their menu consists of a diverse selection of scratch-made dishes, a fusion of familiar and exotic flavors, specially prepared for sharing. Enjoy their appetizer, entree, and separate vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-friendly menus.

Address: 177 St Paul St, St. Paul Quarter, Center City

12. Peppa Pot Restaurant - Jamaican Restaurant

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This restaurant specializes in Caribbean cuisine and features a selection of hearty and flavorful dishes. The menu includes diverse platters, including Brow Stew Chicken, Curry Goat, and Jerk Chicken, paired with traditional sides like Plantains and mac and cheese.

You can also enjoy smaller portions or add-ons, options include Jerk Wings and Beef Patty. Some popular items include Curry Chicken Platter and Jerk Chicken.

Address: 522 E Main St, Grove Place, Center City

13. The Owl House

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The Owl House is a fine dining experience and serves high-quality comfort food to omnivores, vegetarians, and vegans alike.

With a focus on flavor and imagination, this restaurant specializes in delicious homemade food and inventive craft cocktails for every palate. They use made from scratch New American food and inventive craft cocktails for dinner, lunch, and weakened brunch.

Address: 75 Marshall St, Rochester

14. Native Rochester - American Restaurant

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Native offers a casual upscale dining experience featuring locally sourced, New-Age American cuisine, handcrafted cocktails, local microbrews, and a vast array of wines.

It also provides a welcoming atmosphere for patrons for enjoying their delicious offerings, and is the perfect place to unwind with friends.

Address: 180 S Clinton Ave, Washington Square, Center City

15. The Red Fern - Vegan Restaurant

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The Red Fern is an entirely vegan restaurant featuring gluten-free and many other allergy-friendly options. Their menu is American-style sandwiches, salads, appetizers, entrees, fresh juices, smoothies, and beer and wine. 

They serve plant-based versions of classical dishes such as nachos, mac and cheese, quesadillas, Caesar salad, steak bomb sandwiches, etc.

Address: 283 Oxford St, East Avenue

16. Chick’n Out - Chicken Restaurant

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Chick'n Out is a vibrant, fast-casual restaurant known for serving irresistible fried chicken and homemade Southern sides.

They are dedicated to delivering the top-notch flavors with warm hospitality in an inviting seating. It is among the go-to-spot for the best fried chicken, every single time.

Address: 37 Charlotte St, East End, Center City

17. Roc City Ramen - Authentic Japanese Restaurant

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This restaurant is dedicated to bringing the Greater Rochester Area top-quality ramen, kare, and gyoza to all.

Popular choices include Spicy Miso Tonkotsu Ramen and Tonkotsu Ramen, indicating a focus on rich and flavorful broth options. The menu features hearty curry options such as Beef Curry and Chicken Curry, providing a good selection for different tastes.

Address: 215 Alexander St, Park Avenue

18. The Original Charbroil House

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It is Rochester's most well-established family restaurant with a proud family tradition for three generations. Everything here is homemade.

They feature 8 homemade soups every day that match well with our huge salads. They also make awesome onion rings daily which pair perfectly with the famous ribeye steaks or signature sandwiches.

Address: 1395 Island Cottage Rd, Rochester

19. Master Falafel - Middle Eastern Restaurant

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Nestled in the heart of Rochester, they pride themselves on serving a delectable array of Mediterranean cuisine that satisfies the soul.

Their menu boasts a delightful fusion of flavors, featuring mouthwatering dishes such as Shish Tawook Pita, Chicken Kabob, Yalanci, Baklava, and more.

Address: 519 Monroe Ave, Pearl-Meigs-Monroe

20. Chortke - Persian Restaurant

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Chortke is a quick-service food establishment specializing in various fast-casual dishes where you can get quality food.

This is the place where the vibrant flavors of Persia meet the comfort of American cuisine. They strive to elevate American dishes by incorporating influences from various cultures and embracing natural ingredients sourced locally.

Address: 352 N Goodman St, Neighborhood of the Arts