Whether you’re planning an intimate evening for two, a special night out with friends, or celebrating a milestone occasion, Rochester’s vibrant culinary scene has you covered!
I recently asked the Day Trips Around Rochester, New York community on Facebook and Instagram for recommendations on romantic dining spots. I was looking for places with soft lighting, gentle music, an intimate atmosphere, and amazing food. The restaurants mentioned in this guide are based on the responses I received, and they showcase Rochester’s romantic spirit and culinary excellence. This is an ever-evolving list, and I would be delighted to add your recommendations anytime! Feel free to leave a comment below.
City of Rochester
Apogee Wine Bar
Branca Midtown
Capri Wine Bar & Restaurant
Carnegie Wine Cellars
The Cub Room
Cure
Edibles
Fiorella
Flight Wine Bar
Grace & Disgrace
Leonore’s
Lento
Living Roots Wine & Co.
Mr. Dominic’s at the Lake
Native
The Old Toad
The Owl House
Pane Vino on The River
Park Avenue Pub *quiet
Polizzi’s
The Red Fern
Redd
The Revelry
Roam
Rocco
Rooney’s *quiet
Roux
Ristorante Lucano
Tapas 177
Tournedos Steakhouse
Velvet Belly
Vern’s
Vesper
Monroe County
BRIGHTON
Avvino
Max Chophouse
Phillips European
BROCKPORT
Piccolo Fazools Bistro
BUSHNELL’S BASIN
Branca Basin
Richardson’s Canal House
CHURCHVILLE
Naughton’s Johnson House
EAST ROCHESTER
Lemoncello
Perlo’s
FAIRPORT
Bocaccinis Italian Bistro & Bar
Compané Trattoria
The Porterhouse
GATES
Agatina’s
GREECE
Flight West
Lamplighter
HILTON
The Dakota
IRONDEQUOIT
Atlas Eats
The Pasta Villa *quiet
MENDON
Mendon 64
PENFIELD
Michael’s Valley Grill
PITTSFORD
Black & Blue
Monroe’s
Next Door
Pane Vino on The Avenue
SEA BREEZE
Nick’s Sea Breeze Inn
SPENCERPORT
Bad Apples Bistro
WEBSTER
Brimont Bistro
Cobblestone on Main
The Peppered Pig
Hedges
Proietti’s
Greater Rochester
BATAVIA
Alex’s Place
CALEDONIA
Village Inn
CANANDAIGUA
Bon Ami French Bistro
COHO Pizza & Wine Bar
Ferona
KiX ON MAIN
Rio Tomatlan
Rose Tavern at the Lake House
CASTILE
Glen Iris Inn
CLIFTON SPRINGS
Warfield’s
CUYLERVILLE
National Hotel
EAST AURORA
Roycroft Inn
FARMINGTON
Prosecco Italian Restaurant & Jazz Bar
GENEVA
Bellhurst Castle
Geneva on the Lake
Halsey’s
Kindred Fare
Ports Cafe
Torrey Park
HAMMONDSPORT
Park Inn
HIMROD
Sapalta
KEUKA PARK
The Mansion at Keuka Lake (Esperanza)
LAKEVILLE
Galene
LEROY
D & R Depot
Farmer’s Creekside Tavern & Inn
LIVONIA
Ember Wood Fire Grill
MEDINA
Harvest at Bent’s Opera House
Zambistro
NAPLES
Hollerhorn Distilling
The Social at The Naples Hotel
Roots Cafe
PIFFARD
Yard of Ale
ROMULUS
Field & Vine at Knapp Winery
STAFFORD
Red Osier
VICTOR
Otto Tomotto’s
WATERLOO
Bella’s Seneca Lake Steakhouse
Surrounding Counties
AUBURN
Elderberry Pond
BUFFALO
Hutch’s
Oliver’s
Patina 250
Waxlight Bar a Vin
CAZENOVIA
The Brae Loch Inn
LEONARDSVILLE
The Horned Dorset Inn
LOCKPORT
Shamus Restaurant
SKANEATELES
Bluewater Grill
The Krebs
Rosalie’s Cucina
Sherwood Inn
TRUMANSBURG
Hazelnut Kitchen
Inn at Taughannock Falls
WATERTOWN
Pete’s Trattoria
WILLIAMSVILLE
Giancarlo’s Sicilian Steakhouse
Russell’s
Salvatores Italian Garden
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Which are your favorite restaurants for a romantic meal?
This is an ever-evolving list, and I’m delighted to add your recommendations anytime!
Your insights and experiences are valuable. Please share them in the comments.
People often ask me if I get free access to places while exploring. The answer is no unless I’m invited to previews or granted behind-the-scenes access as part of my media role. Generally, I don’t mention my project, Day Trips Around Rochester, NY, because I want the same experience you would have. I create and share content simply because it brings me joy. I would appreciate your support—a cup of coffee or two to help fuel future field trips—if you have found valuable information here that has helped you explore the Rochester area.
