Rochester has been named one of the best cities in the country for food, and the local restaurant scene is brimming with innovative culinary attractions.
Dubbed “The Young Lion of the West,” Rochester attracted people from all over the world who brought their cuisine with them.
So it’s no wonder why the city is now a haven of traditional and contemporary cuisines, from upscale farm-to-table American eats and classic Italian fare to finger-licking barbecue and colorful Caribbean-inspired cuisine.
From gourmet to the famous Garbage Plate, we’re breaking down the best restaurants in Rochester for you to enjoy.
1. Swan Market
231 Parsells Ave.
Rochester, NY 14609
(585) 288-5320
Swan Market is a locally-owned and operated German eatery that has been in business for over 80 years.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
If you’re looking for local restaurants near you that are not only the only German eatery in town but a fantastic place to check out some cool German decor and trinkets, the Swan Market is the place to be.
Grab a seat at one of their communal tables, order your favorite imported German beer, and enjoy a range of authentic German cuisine.
What to Eat
We recommend their delicious smoked Polish sausage, handmade with fresh garlic, black pepper, and coriander.
2. Dinosaur Bar-B-Que
99 Court St.
Rochester, NY 14604
(585) 325-7090
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que is a restaurant, blues venue, and biker bar chain located primarily in upstate New York with branches in New Jersey, and formerly Illinois, Connecticut, and Maryland.
It was founded in 1988 by John Stage.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Messy is always welcome at Dino, so dig in and get dirty in one of the most popular restaurants to try.
Take a foodie with you and enjoy brunch in one of the coolest casual spots to eat with a dinosaur theme.
This is also one of the best birthday restaurants in Rochester, with their private space can accommodate 40-50 people.
What to Eat
The Rack of Ribs will convert vegetarians and entice meat eaters to return for more.
Served with cornbread and mac and cheese on the side, you just can’t leave without trying this out.
3. The Original Charbroil Restaurant & Catering
1395 Island Cottage Rd.
Rochester, NY 14612
(585) 663-3860
The Original Charbroil Restaurant & Catering is a family-owned catering business serving Rochester since 1962.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Grab a seat under a tent and enjoy the beautiful fresh air as you chow down on American classics.
If you’ve got a significant event like birthdays, weddings, corporate meetings, or any type of party, you can trust this gem to deliver above and beyond for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
From their homemade Italian sausage patty to their famous lobster bake with cajun sauce, it’s clear to see why this is one of the best rated restaurants in Rochester.
What to Eat
Order their famous Rochester ROCS winner, the Beer Battered Fresh 12 oz Fish Fry, served with delicious coleslaw and fries.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hampton Inn Rochester Greece
Also See:
Saratoga Springs RestaurantsBest Restaurants in Penn Yan
4. Pasta Villa
1313 E Ridge Rd.
Rochester, NY 14621
(585) 266-2676
The Pasta Villa is a family-owned Italian restaurant that’s been a local favorite for almost 30 years.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
If you’re looking for a piece of Italy in some Rochester eats, the Pasta Villa is a great place to start.
The inside is blanketed with soft lighting touching on Italian decor, with their own bar.
Enjoy the quaint, welcoming ambiance with simple Italian food that brings in buzzing locals on the weekends.
What to Eat
Choose your pasta cut, whether it be Penne, Capellini, Linguine, or Fettuccine, and have it with one of their delicious sauces on top.
We recommended their Alfredo sauce, a drizzle of rich, thick, creamy cheese sauce made from heavy cream, butter, and romano cheese.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Strathallan – a DoubleTree by Hilton
5. The Owl House
75 Marshall St.
Rochester, NY 14607
(585) 360-2920
The Owl House is a creative, vegan-friendly American plates & craft beer served in a snug house with a bohemian vibe.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Indulge in one of the top Rochester restaurants in Owl House, recognized for its innovative meals, artisan brews, and intimate, bohemian ambiance.
The Owl Cottage’s homey, inviting atmosphere, housed in a lovely wooden house, creates the ideal rustic scene for the best food in Rochester to try.
What to Eat
Enjoy imaginative small plates like roasted pork shoulder and ricotta meatballs and heartier dishes like seared sea scallops with braised lentils, maple chipotle vinaigrette, and a fennel-apple-cabbage slaw.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Staybridge Suites Rochester University, an IHG Hotel
6. Pane Vino
175 N Water St.
Rochester, NY 14604
(585) 232-6090
Pane Vino is located in downtown Rochester and is headed by executive Chef Anthony Paulino for an extensive Italian American cuisine menu.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
No one does Italian like the Pano Vino on the River, one of the best dinner places in Rochester.
This is one of the best restaurants downtown, ideal for dinner dates, family gatherings, graduations, and rehearsal dinners with unrivaled Italian dishes, a beautiful warm fireplace, tree-topped courtyard, and weekly live music.
What to Eat
Enjoy mouthwatering Giuseppe, scampi, clams in sauce, ribeye, fillet, pork chops, and shrimp, and more.
We recommend enjoying your protein with some ricotta mashed potatoes and sautéed spinach.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hilton Garden Inn Rochester University
7. DiBella’s Italian Market
620 Jefferson Rd.
Rochester, NY 14623
(585) 475-1831
DiBella’s Italian Market is inspired by classic Italian markets, paying homage to the very first DiBella’s from all the way back in 1918.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Have your food prepared right in front of you in classic Italian style as you gulp back your hunger.
The Italian Market uses that exact authenticity and classic Italian ingredients to serve you the best subs, paninis, salads, wraps, and soups for the best lunch in Rochester you’ll ever have.
What to Eat
Don’t walk out the door until you’ve tried their delicious Godfather Sandwich, with a base of Genoa salami, capicola, and spicy ham.
Build the rest from there and add in your favorites!
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Rochester – Marketplace, an IHG Hotel
Also See:
Places to Eat in PlattsburghRestaurants in SalamancaBest Restaurants in Utica, NY
8. Genesee Brew House
25 Cataract St.
Rochester, NY 14605
(585) 263-9200
The Brew House and the building itself were part of the original Genesee Brewery campus more than 100 years ago.
It has been brewing and serving beers to Rochester since 2012.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Enjoy your meal on an outdoor terrace or a rooftop patio that offers scenic views overlooking High Falls and the Genesee River Gorge, so what’s not to love if you get to enjoy that with a glass of beer?
They’ve got 16 taps of the freshest beer in Rochester with a menu of pub-style fare, including hamburgers, chicken wings, salads, sandwiches, and more.
What to Eat
We recommend trying their Buffalo Chicken Pierogies, five fried pierogies stuffed with buffalo-style chicken and served with a side of blue cheese to dip.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Fairfield Inn Rochester Airport
9. Black & Blue Steak and Crab
3349 Monroe Ave.
Rochester, NY 14618
(585) 421-8111
Black and Blue is a steak and crab upscale restaurant that opened in Pittsford in 2005.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
If you’re looking for good restaurants in Rochester, expect this gem to deliver and more.
Enter the sleek, bi-level chophouse with glassed-in wine racks, and a menu focused on aged beef & shellfish as you lounge in luxury and class.
What to Eat
If you’re dining with 4 or more people, we recommend getting the Grand Seafood Tower, where you’ll find deliciously fresh chilled blue crab, king crab, lobster, shrimp, and oysters.
If you’re going solo, go for their ribeye steak; a melt-in-your-mouth experience you won’t forget.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Rochester-Pittsford/Brighton, NY
10. Abbott’s Frozen Custard
4791 Lake Ave.
Rochester, NY 14612
(585) 865-7400
Abbott’s Frozen Custard has been the perfect place for a sweet treat in Rochester for nearly 100 years.
It’s a frozen custard franchise founded and based in Rochester with several branches throughout New York state.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Whether it’s a hot day or you’re craving something cold and sinfully delicious, you’ll find the best frozen custard in Abbott’s.
It’s New York state’s favorite for a reason!
What to Eat
We recommend you try out their signature Turtle (made with layers of Abbott’s frozen custard, Spanish peanuts, and fudge, frozen on a stick and dipped in dark chocolate).
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Homewood Suites by Hilton Rochester/Greece, NY
11. Donuts Delite
1700 Culver Rd.
Rochester, NY 14609
(585) 288-5555
On the crossroads of Empire Blvd and Culver Road, Doughnuts Delite has been a Rochester institution for donuts and pastries since 1958.
Although now owned by a new family, the same donut recipes are still being used.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
You don’t have to look far if you’re deciding on where to eat in Rochester.
Not only does Donuts Delite sell donuts, but they’ve also got some of the best pizzas in town!
Enjoy the retro look of the place, perfect for hanging out with friends for that perfect bite of dough, whether it be sweet or savory.
What to Eat
The Apple Fitter is a customer favorite.
It’s a giant “lobster-sized” apple fritter that would go perfectly with a cup of coffee. Who says you can’t have a donut for breakfast?
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Holiday Inn Express Irondequoit, an IHG Hotel
12. The Mercantile on Main
260 E Main St.
Rochester, NY 14604
(585) 546-1711
The Mercantile on Main is Rochester’s first food hall and one of upstate New York’s largest.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
This food hall is enormous and a foodie’s heaven.
If you want to access several different types of cuisines in one spot, then head on over to The Mercantile.
Once inside the Mercantile, pack your appetite as visitors will be able to enjoy cocktails, coffee, and cuisine from seven different vendors, with five of the seven being minority or women-owned businesses.
What to Eat
Go for delicious Indian food at Nani’s Kitchen or have a nice, steaming bowl of Pho from Broth.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hyatt Regency Rochester
Related: Best Things to Do in Rochester
13. Lento
274 N Goodman
Rochester, NY 14607
(585) 271-3470
The Lento is a warm, softly lit space serving creative, upscale New American fare made from local meats & produce.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
Lento serves beautiful, new American farm-to-table dishes produced with local, seasonal vegetables in the heart of the city’s Neighborhood of the Arts; guests are guaranteed spectacular fine dining in Rochester.
What to Eat
Start with an appetizer of honey mustard-roasted quail with foie gras sausage and cranberry stuffing, wild rice, and butternut squash sauce.
Then go on to the main course of wild Alaskan sockeye salmon with an heirloom cranberry stew, paired with wine from the Finger Lakes Wine Country.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hilton Garden Inn Rochester Downtown
14. Rocco
165 Monroe Ave.
Rochester, NY 14607
(585) 454-3510
Rocco, a small restaurant run by local chef and restaurateur Marc Cupolo and his partner Dan Richards, is modeled after a traditional osteria.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
For simple, basic Italian fare, Rocco is one of the best places to eat in Rochester.
With only 13 tables, this small restaurant is always busy, serving delectable meals like linguine with white clam sauce and succulent sliced sirloin with Parmesan-creamed Swiss chard.
What to Eat
We recommend the calabrese with ricotta, oil-cured olives, Calabrian chili, or the console topped with clams, garlic, pancetta, parsley, and chili. Don’t forget to pair it with classic Italian wine!
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Holiday Inn Downtown Rochester, an IHG Hotel
Related: Things to Do in Rochester, NY with Kids
15. The Revelry
1290 University Ave.
Rochester, NY 14607
(585) 340-6454
Established in 2013, The Revelry is a restaurant and bar in the Neighborhood of the Arts in Rochester.
It serves honest American cuisine that honors owner Josh Miles’ upbringing in the mountains and Lowcountry of South Carolina.
Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat
The Revelry serves an American meal that combines classic and contemporary elements, drawing inspiration from the Lowcountry cuisine of South Carolina.
Spacious, lofty dining rooms with their creative dishes will leave you knowing exactly why this is one of the best restaurants in Rochester.
What to Eat
The blackened catfish with Frogmore stew, tomato chutney, puffed Carolina gold rice, or oysters on the half shell with cocktail sauce and truffle mignonette are popular favorites.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: School 31 Lofts
Related: Best Hotels in Rochester
Map of Restaurants in Rochester
Related Articles
Best Brunch in Tucson, AZ — 25 Top Places!
Best Brunch in Savannah, GA — 25 Top Places!
Best Brunch in Galveston, TX — 15 Top Places!
Best Brunch in Katy, TX — 15 Top Places!
Best Brunch in Richmond, VA — 25 Top Places!
Best Brunch in Seattle, WA — 25 Top Places!
List of image sources
15 Best Rochester Restaurants for 2022
- Swan Market
- Dinosaur Bar-B-Que
- The Original Charbroil Restaurant & Catering
- Pasta Villa
- The Owl House
- Pane Vino
- DiBella’s Italian Market
- Genesee Brew House
- Black & Blue Steak and Crab
- Abbott’s Frozen Custard
- Donuts Delite
- The Mercantile on Main
- Lento
- Rocco
- The Revelry
FAQs
What are the 3 most popular restaurants? ›
| Rank | Chain |
|---|---|
| 1 | McDonald's |
| 2 | Starbucks |
| 3 | Chick-fil-A |
| 4 | Taco Bell |
Noma, the acclaimed tasting menu restaurant helmed by chef René Redzepi in Copenhagen, landed at No. 1 on the 2021 World's 50 Best Restaurants list. In 2019, the World's 50 Best Restaurants list declared previous No.
What is the #1 rated restaurant in America? ›But the highest ranking restaurant in America is Cosme, a modern Mexican restaurant in the Flatiron District in Manhattan.
What is the most popular restaurant in the World 2021? ›The No. 1 spot this year goes to what is perhaps the best known name in gastronomy: Noma. Danish chef René Redzepi's three-Michelin star restaurant first opened in Copenhagen's Christianshavn neighborhood in 2003 and first took the top slot in the World's 50 Best Restaurants awards back in 2010.
What is America's favorite restaurant? ›Not only did Chick-fil-A lead the fast food industry, it also led the group of all chain restaurants.
Who is considered the best chef of all time? ›Introducing Joël Robuchon - the chef with the highest number of Michelin stars. He holds number one spot among the world's top 10 chefs, making him the world's best chef according to the Michelin star rating. Though he died with "just" 28 stars, Robuchon was at one point the proud owner of 31.
Which chef makes the most money? ›The highest paid chef, Gordon Ramsay, earned $63 million in 2019, according to Forbes.
What is the number 2 restaurant in the world? ›| Year | 1st | 2nd |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Osteria Francescana | El Celler de Can Roca |
| 2017 | Eleven Madison Park | Osteria Francescana |
| 2018 | Osteria Francescana | El Celler de Can Roca |
| 2019 | Mirazur | Noma |
The American Customer Satisfaction Index released its list of best fast-food restaurants, and Chick-fil-A took the top title for the seventh straight year. Of the fast-food places, also known as limited-service restaurants, Chick-fil-A came in first place with a score of 83 out of 100.
What is the most popular fast food chain in the US? ›McDonald's is still the most popular fast food brand in America today—with $46 billion in systemwide sales last year.
What is the number one fast food restaurant in the world? ›
With a market cap of USD 122.9 billion, McDonald's is the largest and most valued fast food chain in the world.
Who is the best chef in the world 2022? ›Introducing Joël Robuchon – the chef with the most Michelin stars. He holds the number one spot among the top 10 chefs in the world, which makes him the best chef in the world according to the Michelin star rating.
Which country has the best food in the world 2022? ›- Rome, Italy.
- London, UK.
- Paris, France.
- Dubai, UAE.
- Barcelona, Spain.
- Madrid, Spain.
- Sao Paulo, Brazil.
- New York, US.
Being awarded three Michelin stars is the highest accolade a restaurant can receive. The Michelin Guide is famously secretive about how it decides which restaurants deserve stars and how many.
How many Michelin stars are there? ›The rating system was first introduced in 1926 as a single star, with the second and third stars introduced in 1933. According to the Guide, one star signifies "a very good restaurant", two stars are "excellent cooking that is worth a detour", and three stars mean "exceptional cuisine that is worth a special journey".
What is the most popular fast food restaurant in 2022? ›| 2022 | 2021 | Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Starbucks |
| 2 | 2 | McDonald's |
| 3 | 3 | KFC |
| 4 | 5 | Domino's Pizza |
...
The World's Largest Fast Food Restaurant Chains.
| Rank | Name | Number of Locations |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Subway | 42,998 |
| 2 | McDonald's | 37,200 |
| 3 | Starbucks | 30,000 |
| 4 | KFC | 20,404 |
- McDonald's ($36.4 billion)
- Starbucks Coffee ($17.9 billion)
- Subway ($11.3 billion)
- Taco Bell ($9.4 billion)
- Burger King ($9.3 billion)
- Wendy's ($9.1 billion)
- Dunkin' Donuts ($8.2 billion)
- Chick-fil-A ($7.9 billion)
On Tuesday, Colombia's Leonor Espinosa was named world's number one female chef by the prestigious list. The 59-year old owns the premium dining space Leo in Bogotá, Colombia.
Who is the most respected chef in the world? ›Joël Robuchon: 31 stars
Joël Robuchin holds the number one spot amongst the world's top 10 chefs, making him the best chef in the world according to Michelin star ratings. Although he passed away with only 28 stars to his name, at one point Robuchon was the proud owner of 31 Michelin stars.
Why did Gordon Ramsay lost his Michelin stars? ›
In October 2013, the Gordon Ramsay at The London restaurant in New York lost its two Michelin stars owing to issues encountered by the Michelin reviewers. The guide's director Michael Ellis stated that he was served "some very erratic meals" and also experienced "issues with consistency."
How much do Gordon Ramsay's waiters make? ›| Job Title | Salary |
|---|---|
| Server salaries - 2 salaries reported | $34,029/yr |
| Line Cook salaries - 1 salaries reported | $37,468/yr |
| Lawyer salaries - 1 salaries reported | $114,577/yr |
| Food Server salaries - 1 salaries reported | $34,684/yr |
Rachael Ray
In addition to her popular food show, she has also written numerous cookbooks and hosts a successful line of cookware, making her one of the highest-paid chefs with a net worth of around $100 million.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | |
|---|---|---|
| Top Earners | $71,000 | $5,916 |
| 75th Percentile | $54,000 | $4,500 |
| Average | $43,341 | $3,611 |
| 25th Percentile | $29,000 | $2,416 |
New York City is home to a total of 65 Michelin stars, including five three-star selections — the most out of any U.S. city.
What is the most popular type of restaurant? ›Fast food is the most widely recognized type of restaurant thanks to franchise chains like Taco Bell, Burger King, and KFC. Fast food restaurants attract diners because of their price, convenience, and speed.
What is the UK's most famous restaurant? ›Moor Hall, a two-Michelin stars restaurant in the scenic northern county of Lancashire, has been named the U.K.'s best restaurant, beating out London's finest dining options for a second time.
What's the most popular kind of restaurant in London? ›- Number 1: Good, old-fashioned English pub grub. ...
- Number 2: English. ...
- Number 3: Chinese. ...
- Number 4: Indian. ...
- Number 5: Italian. ...
- Number 6: Pizzeria.
Fish and Chips is probably the most popular British food known across the globe. Fish (cod) and chips (deep-fried) is one of the typical English meals that is typically served wrapped in a paper with salt and malt vinegar.
What do you call a restaurant that serves everything? ›Some are referred to as "All You Can Eat" restaurants, and most feature a theme, such as buffets that specialize in Chinese or Indian food. Below are common characteristics of a buffet: A selection of food at a fixed price. Food on buffet bars from which guests serve themselves.
What is the famous restaurant in England? ›
| # | Restaurant Name | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Core by Clare Smyth | London |
| 2 | L'Enclume | Cartmel |
| 3 | The Fat Duck | Bray |
| 4 | Helene Darroze at The Connaught | London |
1. The Ledbury: Royal, classy and blissful. If you are enjoying a royal vacation in London, make it all the more elegant and classier by dining at The Ledbury. One of the most renowned fine dining restaurants in United Kingdom, this place specialises in British and French cuisine.
Where in the UK has the best restaurants? ›...
- Erst. Manchester. ...
- BiBi. London. ...
- Sonny Stores. Bristol. ...
- Ynyshir. Eglwys Fach, Ceredigion. ...
- Hare & Hounds. Aberthin, South Glamorgan. ...
- Inver. ...
- Where The Light Gets In. ...
- Singburi.
Typically, people tip around 10-15% in London, except for when using taxis or public transport, where a smaller tip is frequently accepted. Tour guides do not need to be tipped, but this is up to the customer to decide. Some restaurants add an automatic tip to your bill.
What does the queen eat? ›And, according to McGrady, while the Queen eats the same breakfast pretty much every day (Earl Grey tea and a bowl of Special K cereal) and opts for simple dishes like grilled chicken or grilled fish (alongside a gin cocktail or the occasional chocolate) for the rest of the day, it's the “jam penny” sandwich that she's ...
What is the most eaten food in the world? ›Rice is a food staple for more than 3.5 billion people around the world, particularly in Asia, Latin America, and parts of Africa. Rice has been cultivated in Asia for thousands of years.