best places to eat in rochester

When I was in Rochester for a convention, I didn’t want to spend a lot of money on food, yet I wanted to try the best places that the city had to offer. I asked around and evaluated some blogs, but there was never an answer to my question: “where’s the best place for food?” Well, this blog attempts to answer that question by listing several restaurants and describing them. There are endless amounts of places to grab a bite in Rochester NY. You’ll find no shortage of restaurants, cafes, bars and all manner of eateries within the Greater Rochester area. The question is where are the best places to eat? Let’s take a look at a few of the best places to eat in Rochester!

If you’re looking for a place to eat in Rochester, there are plenty of options. In fact, Rochester has been named one of the best places to eat in America by Travel + Leisure magazine, so you know there’s something for everyone.

Here are some suggestions for where to go:

[restaurant name] is a great restaurant near the [region] area where you can enjoy delicious New American cuisine from chef [chef’s name]. The restaurant is known for its eclectic interior design and modern take on classic dishes. It also has an excellent selection of wines and craft beers.

[restaurant name], located in downtown Rochester, offers a menu featuring American classics like burgers and steaks as well as more contemporary options like shrimp scampi and crab cakes. If you’re looking for something really special, try their famous lobster bisque or their famous filet mignon!

[restaurant name] serves up traditional Italian food with a modern twist. Their cuisine is inspired by the Tuscan region of Italy but they also have specialties from other regions including Sicily, Sardinia and Puglia (the heel!). You’ll find everything from pasta dishes like spaghetti carbonara

When you’re in Rochester, you’ve got to try the best places to eat.

Here are our top picks:

1) [restaurant name]

This restaurant is known for its delicious food and excellent service. The menu is always changing, but it’s consistently delicious. You can find it at [location].

2) [restaurant name]

This restaurant is popular for its delicious food and great prices. The staff are friendly and welcoming, too! You can find it at [location].

3) [restaurant name]

This restaurant has been around for years and has been voted Best Restaurant in Rochester six times! They have a wide variety of options, from burgers to steak, so there’s something on the menu for everyone! You can find them at [location].

top restaurants in rochester

Five West

Five West Kitchen + Bar takes eaters out of downtown Rochester and into the less congested northwestern corridor of the city. With an inviting interior and large menu, this New American restaurant appeals to a wide array of customers. The breakfast/brunch offerings are especially delightful. 

Forager Brewery

A solid kid’s menu makes this brewery and restaurant a surprisingly family-friendly dining option. Adults will also be satisfied by the wood-fired pizza selections, fun brunch choices, and classic pub grub. Plus, in a shocking twist, Forager’s beer offerings are varied, with both traditional draughts and experimental pours available. 

Cheap Charlie’s

This old-timey, family-owned spot conjures up classic diner ambiance. Enjoy the bare bones neighborhood feel of Cheap Charlie’s, with an approachable price range, solid breakfast offerings, and traditional comfort food-focused menu. This restaurant should be especially easy to spot, with its signature pig greeter. 

The Redwood Room

A longtime favorite for romantic date nights, this cozy eatery with retro vibes is sure to impress. Settle in with a martini and enjoy the ambiance of live music every night of the week. And consider trying the apple cider pork and mashed potatoes. 

Victoria’s Ristorante & Wine Bar

Known for its outstanding service, Victoria’s is a longtime Rochester tradition. This establishment takes advantage of its proximity to dairy capital Wisconsin, as all parmesan cheese is sourced from Eau Galle Cheese Factory in Durand, WI. Be sure to embrace the leftovers, as Victoria’s restaurant is especially known for its heaping portion sizes.  

unique eats in rochester

Pescara

This elegant seafood-focused eatery brings Mediterranean coastal flair to the prairies of southeastern Minnesota. With a from-scratch kitchen, excellent wine list, and large menu, Pescara is not your average hotel restaurant. Be sure to sample some of the divine side dishes available during dinner service, like the smoked gouda hash browns, wild mushroom risotto, and brussels sprouts with pancetta. 

Tonic Juice Bar

Health-conscious eaters should head to Tonic, a local kitchen and juice bar right across from Mayo’s famous St. Mary’s Hospital. This business is a bright and cheery gathering space, somehow complete with classic, hearty Eastern European family recipes and superfood smoothies featuring cold pressed juices. There are also tons of vegetarian and vegan choices as well as an excellent breakfast spread. 

Newt’s

Rochester’s best burger is available at Newt’s, a low key dining establishment with three convenient area locations. The Works Burger is the most ordered, but thirteen other meat-tastic burger options mean all diners will be left satisfied. Those new to the Minnesota restaurant scene should be sure to try the famous Juicy Lucy, a double patty with a rich and gooey cheese center. 

Terza

Even without its signature rooftop igloos, this Italian juggernaut still delights with hand-crafted pasta, a robust wine list and bar program, and a full gluten free menu. A focus on sustainably sourced, organic ingredients like Norwegian salmon help set Terza Ristorante apart. Pro tip: warm weather visitors should request to sit outside to enjoy the large and verdant patio setting.