Including Diners, Cafés, Pubs, Bars, Bakeries, Tap Rooms, Ice Cream Parlors, and more!
Rochestarians frequent these establishments because the food and atmosphere are consistently outstanding. Locals visit these places several times a year and recommend them to friends and visitors. As Rochester’s culinary scene continues to expand, some food destinations remain popular, while others emerge as new favorites.
If you plan to visit these establishments, check the restaurant’s website or social media pages for the most up-to-date hours and special announcements. This list is subject to change. I periodically review it and welcome your suggestions. If you have a recommendation or information about a closure, please do not hesitate to let me know.
This list represents over 40 years of experience dining in the Greater Rochester region, as well as highly recommended restaurants from friends, colleagues, and the Day Trips Around Rochester community.
City of Rochester
- Abyssinia Ethiopian Restaurant
- Aladdin’s Natural Eatery
- The Alexander
- Amore Italian Restaurant & Lounge
- Angelinas
- Ardor Park Artisanal Pizza
- Aş Evi Turkish Cuisine
- Balsam Bagels
- Bar Bad Ending
- Bar Bantam
- BB.q Chicken
- Bitter Honey
- Boulder Cafe & Lounge
- Branca Midtown
- Brown Hound Bistro
- Butterjoy Bakery
- Cafe Sasso
- Capri Wine Bar & Restaurant
- Captain Jim’s
- Carnegie Cellars Wine Bar & Kitchen
- Casa Campo
- Cedar Mediterranean Restaurant
- Char Steak and Lounge
- Cheesy Eddie’s
- Chortke
- Chuy’s Taqueria
- Country Sweet
- Crisp
- Crumpets
- Cure
- The Daily Refresher
- Dinosaur Bar-B-Que
- The Distillery
- Dogtown Hots
- Donuts Delight
- Dorado
- Edibles Restaurant & Bar
- El Latino
- Fattey Beer Co.
- Fiamma Centro
- Fiorella
- Flavors of Asia
- Flight Wine Bar
- Flour City Bread Company
- Forno Tony
- Fox’s Bagels
- The French Quarter
- The Gate House
- Genesee Brew House
- Georgie’s Bakery
- Gio’s Prime 26
- Good Luck
- Goodman Bakes
- Han Noodle Bar
- Hattie’s Rooftop Cocktails
- Hedonist Artisan Ice Cream & Chocolates
- Heroes Brewing Company
- Highland Park Diner
- The Hideaway
- Hose 22 Firehouse Grill
- Hydra Coffeehouse
- Iron Tug Brewing
- JJ’s Pub
- Jack’s Extra Fancy
- Java’s Cafe
- Jeremiah’s Tavern
- Jim’s on Main
- Jines Restaurant
- Joe Bean Roasters
- La Casa
- Lento
- Leonore’s
- Liberty Family Restaurant
- Lila’s
- Living Roots Wine & Co.
- Locals Only
- Lucky’s
- Magnolias Deli & Cafe
- Mamasan’s
- Martine Kocktails
- Max’s Chop House
- Max Bar & Bistro at Eastman Place
- Melo Coffee & Kitchen
- Mercantile on Main
- Montgomery Court
- Moo’d Burger Bar
- Mr. Dominic’s at the Lake
- Mt. Hope Family Diner
- Mullers Cider House
- Murphy’s Law Irish Pub
- Native Eatery & Bar
- Neno’s Gourmet Mexican Street Food
- Neutral Grounds Coffeehouse
- Nerdvana
- Nine Maidens Brewing
- Nosh
- Old Pueblo Grill
- Orange Glory Café
- Owl House
- Pane Vino on the River
- Park Ave Paninoteca
- Patron Saint Steakhouse
- Peach Blossom
- Peels On Wheels Pizza Garage
- The Peppermill
- Pizza Wizard
- Playhouse // Swillburger
- Polizzi’s
- Poke Sushi
- Public Provisions
- Que Chévere
- Rabbit Hole Tavern
- Radio Social
- Red Fern
- Red, White, and Brew
- REDD Rochester
- Redd Wood
- Rella
- The Revelry
- The Richmond by Mortalis Brewing
- Ridge Donut Café
- Roam
- Roc City Ramen
- Rocco
- Rocky’s
- Rohrbach’s Beer Hall
- Rooney’s
- Roux
- Rubino’s
- Sager Beer Works
- Salena’s Mexican Restaurant
- SEA Restaurant
- Seasoning Thai Bistro
- Shema Sushi
- Shiki
- Silver Iguana
- Squatcho’s
- Strangebird Brewery
- Studio Lounge
- Swan Dive
- Swiftwater Brewing Company
- Tapas 177
- Sinbad’s Mediterranean Cuisine
- Sol Burrito
- Stromboli’s
- TacoDero
- Tavos Antojitos y Tequila
- Texas de Brazil
- Three Heads Brewing
- TRATA
- Tryon City Tavern
- Unwine’d
- Vault Cafe & Cabaret
- Velvet Belly
- Vern’s
- Vesper
- Village Bakery
- Vine & Tap Wine Bar
- Voula’s Greek Sweets
- Whiskey River Pub & Grill
- White Swans
- Wildflour
- Windjammers
- Winfield Grill
- Ziggy’s
Multiple Locations
- Abbott’s Frozen Custard
- Bill Gray’s
- Byrne Dairy Ice Cream
- Core Life Eatery
- DiBella’s
- Taichi Bubble Tea
Monroe County
Brighton
- Amaya Indian Cuisine
- Avvino
- Basha Mediterranean Eatery
- Carmen’s Cooking
- Cerame’s Italian Villa
- Char Broil
- Chen Garden
- Delmonico’s
- Fox’s Deli
- Juicy Seafood
- Khong Thai Cuisine
- The Old Farm Cafe
- Phillips European
- Ristorante Lucano
- Rita’s Italian Ice
- Seoul Drop
- The Sheffield Tavern
- Thali of India
- The King and I
- Tom Wahl’s
Brockport
- 58 Main BBQ & Brew
- Barber’s Grille & Tap Room
- Brockport Diner
- Coleen’s Kitchen
- Custom House Bar & Grill
- Grinds Café & Sweet Shoppe
- Java Junction
- Piccolo Fazools Bistro
Bushnell’s Basin
Chili
- Asia Nation
- Coronas III Authentic Mexican Restaurant
- Ferrari Pizza Bar
- Leaf & Bean Coffee Co
- The Original Steve’s Diner
- REV IT UP Bar and Grill
- Russell’s Ice Cream
- Sprinkles Ice Cream
- Town & Country Family Restaurant
Churchville
East Rochester
- Ferrari Pizza Bar
- Landmark Family Restaurant
- Lemoncello Italian Restaurant & Bar
- Leo’s Bakery & Deli
- Spritz 146
Fairport
- Bocaccini’s Italian Bistro
- Bonnie & Clyde
- Chakara Sushi & Bar
- Compané Trattoria
- Donnelly’s Public House
- Durf’s Family Restaurant
- Faircraft Brauhaus
- Fairport Brewing Company
- Fairpour Coffee Roasters
- Great American Diner
- Ice Cream Factory
- Iron Smoke Distillery
- LULU Taqueria + Mezcal
- McArdle’s Restaurant
- Mulconry’s Irish Pub and Restaurant
- Moonlight Creamery
- The Porterhouse Steak, Scotch, and Seafood
- Riki’s Family Restaurant
- Royal Cafe Gelato
- Rustic Taco
- Salt
- Tin Cup Social
- TK’s Pizzeria
- Tom Wahl’s
- Triphammer Bierwerks
Gates
- Agatina’s
- Ciaccia’s Delicatessen
- Cristo’s Wood Fired Pizza & Pasta
- Edoya
- JBC Rice Noodles and Ramen
- Levantine’s Syrian Cafe & Cuisine
- Mesquite Grill
- Monte Alban Mexican Grill
- Mr. Beenz Diner
- Papa Joe’s Italian Eatery
- Pura Vida Ville
- Pure Imagination Cafe
- Rohrbach’s Brewpub
Greece
- Asian Street Café
- Bella Pasta
- Bill’s Long Pond Diner
- Blue Ridge Grill
- Bozza Pasta
- BTB Wood-fired Pizza Bar & Grill
- Carbone’s Pizzeria
- Char Broil House
- Cinelli’s Pizza and Italian Kitchen
- Cocina Latina
- Cotoletta
- Davies Sea Food
- DaVinci’s
- Dell’s Market & Deli
- Dell’s Sweats & Treats
- Drip Ice Cream Shop
- Esquina Tropical
- Etna Italian Pastry Shop
- Ezzy’s at Latta
- Flight West Wine, Whiskey & Kitchen
- The Front Porch Ice Cream
- Go Frost Yourself
- Great American Diner
- The Grove House
- Honshu Hibachi
- Jackson’s Bakery
- Kobe Sushi Bar & Steak House
- La Famiglia Pizzeria
- Lamplighter Restaurant
- Los Gallos Mexican Grille
- Masters Seafood
- Mel’s Diner
- Mi Rancho Alegre
- New Roots Coffeehouse
- Olympia Family Restaurant
- Orien’s Café
- Parkway Family Restaurant
- Patti’s Place inside The Shops on West Ridge
- Perri’s Pizza
- Philly Steakout
- Pino’s Deli & Cafe
- The Pizza Stop
- Railway Station Diner
- Red Fedele’s Brook House
- The Retreat
- Ricci’s Family Restaurant
- Ricci’s Italian Imports
- Romig’s Tavern
- Salty Bread Pizza Cafe
- Schaller’s Drive-In
- Silo Brunch Bar
- Soho Bagels and Cafe
- Soulistic Sweets: Vegan Bakery
- Special T Cakes & Desserts
- The Sweet Retreat Bakery
- Tom Wahl’s
- TC Hooligans
- Triano’s Meat Market
Hamlin
Henrietta
- 110 Grill
- Berlin’s Halal Doner Kebab & East of Chicago Pizza
- Blue Toad Hard Cider
- Bob’s Diner (no web presence)
- Coco Garden Malaysian Restaurant
- Dave’s Hot Chicken
- The Distillery
- Fireside Grill & Sports Bar
- Golden Harvest Bakery & Cafe
- Haveli Indian Cuisine
- Hyderabad Biryani House
- Island Wraps
- Jay’s Diner
- JBC Rice Noodles and Ramen
- Just Chik’n
- Lovin’ Cup
- Mamma G’s
- Mecate Mexican Restaurant & Bar
- Mediterranean Kebab House
- Mission BBQ
- Naan-Tastic
- Nathan’s Soup & Salad
- OG Dumpling House
- The Original Steve’s Diner
- Osaka Sushi
- Peppermints
- Pi Craft
- Royal of India
- Seafood Harbor
- Seoul House
- Shake Shack
- Sodam
- Swan Market
- Tandoor of India
- Taisho Bistro
- Tsingtao House
- Youkoso Sushi
- Youngs Korean Restaurant (no web presence)
Hilton
Honeoye Falls
Irondequoit
- Atlas Eats
- Blue Palm Grill
- Don’s Original
- Eastridge Family Restaurant
- Fish Face
- i-Scream for Ice Cream at I-Square
- Irondequoit Beer Company
- Monte Alban Mexican Grill (two locations)
- Netsins Ice Cream
- New Ethic Pizzaria & Cafe
- Pasta Villa
- Polska Chata
- Salty Bread Pizza Cafe
- Savoia Pastry Shoppe
- Shamrock Jack’s Irish Pub
- Thai Mii Up
- Uncle Danny’s Family Restaurant
- Union Tavern
- Wild Elephant
Mendon
North Chili
North Greece
Penfield
- Bar-Bill Tavern
- Elvio’s Coffee
- Five Mile Café
- George’s Family Restaurant
- Guacamole Authentic Mexican Taqueria
- Hong Wah Restaurant
- Joey’s Pasta House
- Michael’s Valley Grill
- Monte Alban Mexican Grill
- The Original Steve’s Diner
- South Bay Bar & Grill
Pittsford
- Aladdin’s Natural Eatery
- Black & Blue Steak and Crab
- Burger Bar by Wegmans
- Colliers Cafe
- Erie Grille
- Fattoush
- Favo Pizza and Draft House
- JBC Rice Noodles and Ramen
- JoJo Bistro & Wine Bar
- Label
- Lock 32 Brewing Company
- Monroe’s Restaurant
- Next Door by Wegmans
- Neutral Grounds Coffeehouse
- Olive’s Greek Taverna
- Pane Vino on the Avenue
- Pittsford Farms Dairy & Bakery
- Pittsford Pub
- Plum Garden
- Rosie
- Simply Crepes
- Umai Sushi
- Village Bakery
- Village Coal Tower Restaurant
Rush
Scottsville
Spencerport
- Bad Apples Bistro
- Clutch on the Canal
- Galicia
- Griffs Brewery
- LuGia’s Ice Cream
- Sullivan’s Charbroil
- Union Street Eatery
- Union Street Coffee House
- Village Ice Cream Shop
Webster
- BC’s Chicken Coop
- Bruster’s Real Ice Cream
- Castaways on the Lake
- Charlie’s Restaurant
- Empire Pizza
- Flaherty’s Three Flags Inn
- Garlic Pit
- Golden Boys Family Restaurant
- JoJo Bistro & Wine Bar
- K2 Brothers Brewing
- Knucklehead Craft Brewing
- La Bella Vita
- Maa’s Diner
- Mama Lor’s Café
- Maria’s Mexican Restaurant
- Mario’s Homemade Pasta Kitchen
- Mecate Mexican Restaurant & Bar
- Monte Alban Mexican Grill
- Nucci’s Italian Steak and Seafood
- Nutcracker Family Restaurant
- The Peppered Pig
- Proietti’s Italian Restaurant
- Seasoning Thai Bistro
- T’s Family Restaurant
- Village Bakery
- The Waffle Factory
- WhichCraft Brews
Greater Rochester
Genesee County
Batavia
- Alex’s Place
- Blondie’s Sip-n-Dip
- Bourbon & Burger Co
- Eden Cafe & Bakeshop
- Eli Fish Brewing Co.
- Main Street Pizza Company
- Miss Batavia Diner
- Pok-A-Dot
- Rancho Viejo Authentic Mex
- Settler’s Family Restaurant
- Sport Of Kings Family Restaurant
- T F Brown’s Restaurant
- Town & Country Restaurant
Darien Center
LeRoy
Pembroke
Stafford
Livingston County
Avon
- Avon Inn
- Avon Village Restaurant
- Avondale Pub
- Duffy’s Tavern
- Fratelli’s
- Peppermints
- Tom Wahl’s
- Sprinkles Ice Cream Parlor
Caledonia
Dansville
- Angie’s Ice Cream Shoppe
- Battle Street Brewery
- Caffe Tazza
- The Coffee Cup
- Ice Cream Island
- Jack’s Place Gaslight Grill
- Java Jungle Cafe
- Middleton’s Frozen Custard
- Macfadden Coffee Co.
- Scovill’s Grill at Brae Burn Golf Course
- The Sugar Bowl
- Sunrise Family Restaurant
- Tony’s Pizzeria
Geneseo
- Aunt Cookie’s Sub Shop
- Bar-Eat-O
- Big Tree Inn
- Cricket’s Coffee Company
- Deer Run Winery
- Finger Lakes Cookie Company
- Intermissions Bar & Grill
- Kelly’s Saloon
- Mama Mia’s
- Village Tavern
- Sunset Scoops
Lakeville
Lima
Livonia
Mount Morris
- Brian’s USA Diner
- High Banks Tavern
- Country Mouse Tea House
- Letchworth Waffles
- Questa Lasagna
- Suzea’s Gluten Free Cafe
- Zeppo’s Ice Cream Parlor
Nunda
Piffard
Ontario County
Bloomfield
Canandaigua
- A’s Diner & Desserts
- Bon Ami French Bistro
- Casa Italiana
- Charlie Riedel’s
- Cheshire Farms Creamery
- Eric’s Office Restaurant
- Flavors of India
- Green Front
- Il Posto Bistro
- KiX on Main
- Macri’s Deli & Café
- New York Kitchen
- Nolan’s
- Patty’s Place
- Ray’s Restaurant
- Rheinblick German Restaurant
- Rio Tomatlan
- Rose Tavern
- Sand Bar
- Simply Crepes Cafe
- Tom Wahl’s
Clifton Springs
Farmington
Geneva
- Anorah
- Bagels & Cakes
- Captain’s Cafe
- Char Burrito Bar
- Cosentino’s Ristorante
- Deluxe
- El Morro Restaurant
- The Elephant
- F.L.X. Table
- Geneva on the Lake
- Ichiro Japanese Restaurant
- Kindred Fare
- Linden Social Club
- Long Pier Ice Cream & Rentals
- Microclimate Wine Bar
- Monaco’s Coffee
- Ports Cafe
- Stonecutter’s Tavern
- Three Brothers Wineries & Estates
- Torrey Park Grill
- Water Street Café
Honeoye
Naples
- Brew & Brats at Arbor Hill
- Caruso’s Cafe
- Lynnie Lou’s Homemade Ice Cream
- Naples Hotel Restaurant and Bar
- Naples Valley BBQ
- Neapolitan Pizzeria
- Old School Cafe
- Plenty the Bakery
- Redwood Restaurant
- Roots Café
- Sawmill Restaurant
Victor
- The Distillery
- East Izakaya
- Lucca Wood Fire Bistro
- New York Beer Project
- The Original Steve’s Diner
- Otto Tomotto’s
- Papa Jack’s Ice Cream
- Route 96 BBQ
- Seasoning Thai Bistro
- Sweet Basil Cafe
- Umai Sushi
- Village Bakery
Orleans County
Albion
Holley
Lyndonnville
Medina
- Avanti Pizza & Wood-Fired Kitchen
- Country Club Family Restaurant
- Harvest Restaurant at Bent’s Opera House Hotel
- Mariachi De Oro
- Rudy’s Soda Bar & Cafe
- Shirt Factory
- Zambistro Restaurant
Middleport
Seneca County
Interlaken
Seneca Falls
- Cafe 19
- Downtown Deli
- El Bajio Mexican Restaurant
- Flint and Stave
- Gould Hotel
- Little Italy
- Parker’s on Fall
- Red Brick Pub
- Sauders Store
Waterloo
Wayne County
Lyons
Macedon
- Flaherty’s Grille & Tap Room
- Log Cabin Family Restaurant
- Macedon Hills Family Restaurant
- Mecate Mexican Restaurant & Bar
Newark
- Bee Tee’s Drive-In
- Canal View Family Restaurant
- Craft120
- CrossPark Family Restaurant
- Mr. Coolee’s Ice Cream Shop
- Parker’s Grille & Tap House
- Tom Wahl’s
Ontario
Palmyra
Phelps
Sodus Point
Williamson
Wolcott
Wyoming County
Castile
Perry
Warsaw
Yates County
Penn Yan
- Amity Coffee Company
- Andy’s BBQ Shack
- Blue Heron Bakery
- Casa Mezcal Reserva
- Keuka Restaurant
- Oak Leaf Cafe
- The Olney Place
- Parker’s Grille
- Sans Dumplings
- Seneca Farms
- Spotted Duck Creamery
- Tavern Restaurant
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Debi
Braddock Bay Tavern & Grill has new owner and excellent food. we have had steak/salmon/fish fry…the french onion soup is outstanding also.
Nestico’s in Syracuse is very good Italian food. Their house specialty is pasta pie — an angel hair base with a mushroom topping. Getting it with marinara instead of the red sauce is the best. We go out of our way for Nestico’s.
Tapas 177 is amazing! You should definitely check it out.
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First thought was that this is a desperate list, with donut shops & coffee shops on it. But I understand the reasons. CHURCHVILLE: Stone’s Countryside burned recently. You can add Naughton’s Johnson’s House with about 10 $$ after it. The prices are ridiculous (maybe not as bad as they were?). HILTON: Add The Arlington, a very nice restaurant on Main Street with wonderful food.
Thank you for the recommendations, Sue! This is a list of places I would go or have gone myself and I’m happy to add your favorites to the list as well.
Pixley’s restaurant