Location: Rochester
Top Restaurants in Rochester
Countries
Rochester Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Rochester
From family-friendly activities to professional sports teams, museums and galleries, Rochester has something for everyone. Enjoy the scenic Erie Canal, Genesee River and Lake Ontario. Don't miss the Strong National Museum of Play (America's second-largest children's museum) or the International Museum of Photography. Be sure to sample one of Rochester's famous "white hots," Rochester's version of the hotdog! And don't miss the nearby Finger Lakes region with its wine trails and gorges.
Things to do in Rochester
1. Swan Market
Overall Ratings
5 based on 241 reviews
All meat at Swan Market is hand-cut, all sausage hand-made by owner Barry Fischer, who apprenticed with German master butchers to bring you a taste of Germany that's authentic down to the last detail. Swan's renowned German lunches are served Wednesday through Saturday from 11 to 2. Grab a seat at one of the communal tables and hoist a glass of imported German beer. It's impossible to go away hungry! There's also live German music on the last Thursday and Friday of each month. Wan can also cater events of any size, with anything from cold-cut trays to a full pig roast.
Reviewed By daniellemeiko202 - Rochester, New York
Fairly Small space with typical german beer hall seating (elbow to elbow with strangers which is always an interesting experience :) ) deli counter and various german 'market' items available for purchase. The lunch prices are great and the food is fantastic. They also offer beer which was a pleasant surprise I enjoyed the schnitzel and a liter Weihenstephan priced around $9 for each. We ventured in the Saturday before Christmas so it was quite the mad house but we were seated in a short amount of time and received friendly, prompt service despite how busy it was. Overall wonderful experience, would suggest to everyone, and will be back as soon as possible!
2. DiBella's Old Fashioned Submarines
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 258 reviews
Reviewed By Nitehawk03 - New York
I had wanted to try a Dibella’s sandwich for quite some time now and it was fantastic. The sandwich chef made my order as I waited. It was fast and perfectly made. I only wish there was one closer to me.
3. Dinosaur Bar-B-Que
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By johnnyhotcakes - Wheaton, IL
I brought the family here for some grub after spending a rainy day in the Rochester Museums. The ribs were prepared to perfection, seasoned with a dry rub snd not sopping wet with sauce, just like they should be. Our waiter was personable and effecient. I am glad he talked us onto having the Bannas Foster cheesecake. This was the way a family dinner should be, great food served by great staff in a great stmosphere.
4. Dogtown Incorporated
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 148 reviews
Reviewed By sprkdude - Rochester, New York
Probably one of the smallest restaurants in the city but a hidden gem of gastronomical proportion. A vast array of creative creations of hot dog fantasy. Freshly prepared to order. Great meat sauce. All served in a possibly proprietary bun that makes the delicious dog victuals taste just right. If you're in the Monroe Ave. area around lunch time...find this eatery!
5. Rooney's Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 262 reviews
Reviewed By Eastender472 - Rochester, New York
Rooney's is tucked away in a fairly nondescript corner of the South Wedge, not far from the Highland Dinner. However, don't be fooled by the address or location. Rooney's offers some of the best and classiest fine dining in Rochester. The dishes are sophisticated and varied, as is the wine menu, and the service is top-notch. I usually have steak, but there are many excellent dishes on the menu. The chef and kitchen staff are at the top of their game and the steaks are cooked to perfection, just exactly how you order them! The food prices tend to be on the high side, but not out of line with other top restaurants of this caliber. I would highly recommend Rooney's for an exquisite dining experience, especially for special occasions.
6. Ristorante Lucano
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 207 reviews
Reviewed By Ray S - Rochester, New York
This eighteen year classic restaurant stands out in a town with great Italian ristorantes! The extensive menu is rich in Sicilian favorites, and house made pastas. Specials included a variety of creative salads and less common fish (corvina and barramundi) prepared with savory sauces.
The wine list, includes Italian ratings, and is comprehensive.
Service was outstanding.
This place has a big fan base.
7. Guido's Pasta Villa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 235 reviews
Pasta Villa is a family owned Italian-American restaurant with the emphasis on family. We celebrated our 20th anniversary in 2012 & are looking forward to 20 more! From homemade pastas to handcut steaks, we offer something for everyone. We pride ourselves on outstanding food, drink, service & our biggest source of pride, our outstanding customers!Things of note:Reservations are accepted for parties of 5 or more, only. All others are first come first serve.Take out Delivery is available to The Hampton Inn located next door to Pasta Villa.
Reviewed By Whimsee - Webster NY
Echoing others, if you are looking for Italian food done traditionally and generously, this is the place. Note - all the pasta is not home made. Specify that you want the home made to your server. If you go non-Italian (like steak) they still dazzle. The restaurant is cozy and busy so if you need a lot of room between you and the next table you might choose another destination.
8. The Owl House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 239 reviews
Reviewed By Timothy D
6 of us had dinner this weekend. Service was splendid. Just enough attention and knowledgeable. Drinks were very good. I had a sazerac. We also enjoyed some local flights of drafts. Apps of amazing cauliflower buffalo "wings" and some meatballs. Entrees were all top notch. The only critique was the food took a while to appear and the garlic fries disappointed. Cool vibe, unusual venue. Overall 4.75 but thats not a choice.
9. Genesee Brew House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 647 reviews
Reviewed By johnberndt - New York City, New York
This is a must see and experience Rochester restaurant brewhouse destination. The beer is wonderful and the entire complex is fun, interesting and very well done. History, gift shop, logo wear, brewing and nostalgia. We enjoyed a 2 different beer flights at the bar while we shared platters of sausages, meatloaf, pretzel, burger and fries.
10. Pane Vino
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 240 reviews
Reviewed By SunshineV88 - Batavia
We used to visit years ago when it was the Water Street Grill but the metamorphosis is spectacular!! The wait staff is very friendly while maintaining professionalism, the decor warm and the food SUPURB!! Swordfish and rissoto to die for! Husband loved the Chicken Anthony. Bread, salad soup All great! Can’t recommend highly enough !!
