Rochester, New York, is increasingly gaining national recognition as a fantastic destination for food enthusiasts. Often lauded as a top city for food in the country, the local culinary landscape is brimming with innovative and exciting restaurants. Its historical moniker, “The Young Lion of the West,” hints at Rochester’s past as a melting pot for settlers from around the globe, each bringing their unique culinary traditions. Today, over two centuries later, this heritage has blossomed into a rich tapestry of both classic and modern cuisines, showcasing a delightful array of international flavors.
From upscale dining experiences to the iconic and must-try Garbage Plate, this guide is designed for food lovers eager to discover the best restaurants Rochester, NY has to offer.
Consider this your culinary roadmap! Make sure to bookmark these restaurants and plan your gastronomic adventures for your next visit to Rochester.
Must-Try Rochester Originals
Abbott’s Frozen Custard A Rochester institution, Abbott’s Frozen Custard has been serving up sweet happiness for nearly a century. For the quintessential Rochester experience, visit the original stand located across from Ontario Beach Park on the shores of Lake Ontario. Indulge in their classic vanilla or chocolate custard in a cone, or try their famous Turtle – layers of creamy Abbott’s frozen custard, crunchy Spanish peanuts, and rich fudge, all frozen on a stick and enveloped in decadent dark chocolate.
Alt text: Abbott’s Frozen Custard original Rochester stand by Lake Ontario, a classic destination for Rochester Food lovers seeking sweet treats.
Donuts Delite Since 1958, Donuts Delite, situated at the corner of Empire Boulevard and Culver Road, has been a beloved Rochester landmark for donuts and delightful treats. Recently expanding with a new location on West Ridge Road, this iconic shop continues to use the original family recipes even under new ownership. Donuts Delite garnered national attention in 2020 for their creative pandemic comfort food – a donut featuring the likeness of Dr. Anthony Fauci, a prominent figure in infectious disease expertise.
Alt text: Iconic Donuts Delite storefront in Rochester, a must-visit for classic Rochester food and unique donut creations.
Genesee Brew House Housed in a transformed century-old packaging center, The Genesee Brew House is now a premier beer destination spanning 9,200 square feet. It offers interactive exhibits, multimedia displays, a gift shop, a pilot brewery, and a pub-style restaurant. The Brew House is dedicated to showcasing the extensive history of The Genesee Brewery, one of America’s oldest and continuously operating breweries, making it a significant part of Rochester food culture.
Enjoying a Genesee beer while taking in the view of High Falls, Rochester’s impressive 96-foot waterfall in the city center, is an experience that truly embodies Rochester.
Alt text: Scenic view from Genesee Brew House overlooking High Falls in Rochester, perfect for enjoying Rochester food and local beer.
The Mercantile on Main The Mercantile on Main, Rochester’s newest culinary hotspot, offers a diverse range of flavors to satisfy every craving. As Rochester’s first and one of upstate New York’s largest food halls, it presents a carefully selected collection of top-notch food and drink vendors, showcasing the best of Rochester’s culinary talent. Discover a variety of kitchen vendors offering everything from gourmet meals to quick bites.
Nick Tahou Hots – The Legendary Garbage Plate
The Garbage Plate is more than just a meal; it’s a Rochester legend and the city’s most famous culinary creation. The name “Garbage Plate” is trademarked by Nick Tahou Hots, the originator of this iconic dish. A traditional Garbage Plate features your choice of protein – options include cheeseburger, hamburger, Italian sausages, steak, chicken, or red or white hots – served atop a mix of home fries, french fries, baked beans, and/or macaroni salad. It’s typically crowned with “hot sauce,” a flavorful spicy meat sauce, and you have the option to add mustard and onions. This is a Rochester food experience you can’t miss.
To delve deeper into the story of Rochester’s original Garbage Plate, watch online or explore Visit Rochester’s comprehensive Guide to the Garbage Plate.
Alt text: Nick Tahou Hots Garbage Plate, Rochester’s iconic and original dish, a must-try for anyone exploring Rochester food.
Rochester Public Market
Operating since 1905 at its location on 280 North Union Street, Rochester’s City-run Public Market stands as one of the oldest public markets in the United States. Open year-round on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, the market is a vibrant hub of local commerce. Vendors offer a wide selection of local produce, meats, seafood, eggs, dairy, international delicacies, prepared foods, specialty items, and general merchandise within three covered outdoor sheds and an indoor facility. Exploring the Public Market is a deep dive into Rochester food culture.
Beyond the vendor sheds, the market area and its surroundings are home to numerous independent local businesses, including cafes, food stands, coffee shops, specialty food stores, breweries, and retail shops, further enriching the Rochester food scene.
Alt text: Outdoor vendor sheds at Rochester Public Market, a historic landmark offering diverse Rochester food and local produce.
Zweigle’s
For over 140 years, Zweigle’s has been a Rochester staple, famous for its distinct Pop Open red and white hot dogs packed with flavor. The “white hot,” a regional favorite and Zweigle’s most iconic hot dog, is a unique blend of pork, beef, and veal, uncured and unsmoked to achieve its signature white color. You can savor a Zweigle’s hot dog at many local eateries, including Genesee Brew House, Nick Tahou Hots, and Bill Gray’s, making it a cornerstone of Rochester food.
Alt text: Zweigle’s red and white hot dogs, iconic Rochester food items and local favorites for over a century.
African & Ethiopian Cuisine
“Made with love” is a common sentiment among visitors to Rochester’s African and Ethiopian restaurants. These establishments are also excellent choices for those seeking healthy, vegetarian, or vegan options within the Rochester food landscape.
Abyssinia Ethiopian Restaurant | Ethiopian
Kamara’s African Restaurant | West African
Philomina’s | Nigerian
Zemeta Ethiopian Restaurant | Ethiopian
Asian Flavors
Rochester’s Asian community, though relatively small, has seen significant growth due to refugee resettlement and the presence of major research institutions like the University of Rochester and Rochester Institute of Technology. This growth has enriched the Rochester food scene with a wider array of authentic Asian cuisines, including Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Thai restaurants.
Chen Garden | Chinese
Han Noodle Bar | Chinese
Roc City Ramen | Japanese
Sodam Korean Restaurant | Korean
Szechuan Opera | Chinese
The King & I | Thai
Barbecue & Cajun Delights
New York might not be the first place that comes to mind for barbecue or Cajun food, but Rochester’s BBQ and Cajun spots are “smokin'” and guaranteed to impress any BBQ aficionado. These restaurants contribute to the diverse Rochester food scene by offering smoky and spicy flavors.
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que | Barbecue
Sticky Lips Pit BBQ Juke Joint | Barbecue
Texas Bar-B-Que Joint | Barbecue
The French Quarter Cafe | Cajun
Uncle Moe’s Bar-B-Que | Barbecue
Burgers & Hots Heritage
Rochester’s culinary history is deeply rooted in ground rounds (burgers) and hots (hot dogs), dating back to the 1940s with lakeside restaurants along Lake Ontario. Honoring this gastro heritage, many contemporary restaurateurs have elevated the classic burger and hot dog with gourmet interpretations, making burgers and hots a vital part of the Rochester food narrative.
Bill Gray’s | Classic Burgers & Hots
Dogtown | Gourmet Hots
Don’s Original | Classic Burgers & Hots
Tom Wahl’s | Classic Burgers & Hots
The Good Luck Burger at Restaurant Good Luck | Gourmet Burger
Playhouse // Swillburger | Gourmet Burgers
Schaller’s | Classic Burgers & Hots
Caribbean Warmth
Experience the warmth of classic Caribbean cuisine in Rochester with dishes like pepperpot, jerk chicken, and plantains. These Caribbean restaurants add an exotic flair to the Rochester food scene.
Island Wraps | Jamaican
D’Mangu | Dominican
Livie’s Jamaican Restaurant | Jamaican
Three Little Birds Jamaican Food | Jamaican
Dining With A View
Enjoy breathtaking views of Rochester while dining at these scenic hotspots. From waterfront vistas to city skylines, these restaurants offer not just great Rochester food but also unforgettable settings.
Erie Grill | Erie Canal
Genesee Brew House | High Falls
Hattie’s | City Skyline
Horizons | Highest Elevation In Monroe County
Label 7 Napa Eatery & Bar | Erie Canal
Marge’s Lakeside Inn | Lake Ontario
Max of Eastman Place | Eastman Theatre
Pane Vino on the River | Genesee River
Fried Chicken & Wings Sensations
Indulge in crispy and juicy fried chicken or wings drenched in your favorite sauce, from fiery hot to sweetly tangy. Explore Rochester’s specialty chicken restaurants or enjoy wings as a staple at many local sports bars and pubs. Don’t miss the chance to taste the legendary Country Sweet Sauce, a Rochester original with over 40 years of history, adding a unique flavor to Rochester food.
BoBo’s Chicken Shack | Fried Chicken
Chick’N Out | Hot Fried Chicken
Country Sweet Chicken & Ribs | Fried Chicken
Jeremiah’s Tavern | Wings
Just Chik’n | Fried Chicken
MacGregor’s Grill & Tap | Wings
Murph’s Irondequoit Pub | Wings
Hispanic & Puerto Rican Heritage
Monroe County and the City of Rochester boast the second-largest Hispanic population outside of New York City. The Puerto Rican Festival of Rochester, the longest-running cultural festival in Monroe County, has celebrated Puerto Rican culture since 1969. Enjoy the vibrant flavors of Hispanic and Puerto Rican cuisine year-round at these Rochester restaurants, reflecting the rich cultural diversity of Rochester food.
Carmen’s Cooking | Puerto Rican
El Pilon Criollo | Hispanic
Juan and Maria’s Empanada Stop | Spanish
Sobrino’s Restaurant | Spanish
Indian Aromas
Rochester’s numerous Indian restaurants make fresh, authentic Indian cuisine accessible and enjoyable for everyone. These restaurants contribute significantly to the global palette of Rochester food.
India House | Indian
Naan-Tastic | Counter-Serve Indian
Tandoor of India | Indian
Thali of India | Indian
Italian | Pizza & Pasta Traditions
Rochester is home to one of the largest Italian American populations in the U.S., second only to major cities like New York, Philadelphia, and Boston, and the local food scene proudly showcases this heritage. Italian restaurants range from classic Italian-American eateries serving “Red Sunday Sauce” from family recipes, complete with red and white checkered tablecloths and fresh bread baskets, to upscale dining venues like Fiorella, Fiamma Centro, and Rocco’s. Italian cuisine is a cornerstone of Rochester food.
Agatina’s Restaurant | Italian
Branca Midtown | Italian
Fiamma Centro | Neapolitan
Fiorella | Farm-To-Table Italian
Proietti’s Italian Restaurant | Italian
Red Fedele’s Brook House | Italian
Ristorante Lucano | Italian
Rocco | Italian
The Northside Inn | Italian
Veneto Wood Fired Pizza & Pasta | Italian
Mexican Fiesta
From traditional family-style Mexican restaurants to refined authentic Mexican cuisine, Rochester offers a taste of Mexico through its diverse food and drink options. Mexican restaurants add spice and zest to the Rochester food scene.
Bitter Honey | Mexican
La Casa | Mexican
Maria’s Mexican Restaurant | Mexican
Neno’s Gourmet Mexican Street Food | Mexican
Salena’s Mexican Restaurant | Mexican
The Silver Iguana | Mexican
Middle Eastern & Mediterranean Flavors
Freshly baked pita bread, homemade hummus, and flavorful shawarma are just a few of the delights awaiting you in Rochester’s Middle Eastern and Mediterranean restaurants. These cuisines bring exotic aromas and tastes to the Rochester food scene.
Aladdin’s Natural Eatery | Greek
Cedar Mediterranean | Lebanese
Chortke House of Kabob | Persian
Jine’s Restaurant | Greek
Radio Social | Middle Eastern
Sandwich Selections
From “The Obama” special at Magnolia’s to classic deli submarines, Rochester has a sandwich for every palate. Sandwich shops are a casual yet essential part of Rochester food culture.
Dibella’s Old Fashioned Submarines | Sandwiches
Lovin’ Cup | Sandwiches
Magnolia’s Deli & Cafe | Sandwiches
Palermo’s | Sandwiches
Rubino’s Italian Food | Sandwiches
Steak & Seafood Sophistication
Rochester’s fine dining scene is on the rise, with many restaurants offering top-tier steak dishes and fresh seafood flown in daily. The recent return of Richard Reddington, a Michelin-starred chef and Rochester native, with his new restaurant REDD Rochester, further elevates the city’s culinary offerings in steak and seafood. These upscale restaurants represent the sophisticated side of Rochester food.
Black & Blue Steak & Crab | Steak & Shellfish
Char Steakhouse & Lounge | Steakhouse
Max Rochester | Steakhouse
REDD Rochester | New American
Rella | Seafood
Tournedos Steakhouse | Steakhouse
Velvet Belly | Coastal Cuisine
Trending Local Hotspots
Discover the trendy restaurants that have quickly become local favorites in Rochester! These popular spots are at the forefront of the Rochester food scene, offering innovative and exciting dining experiences.
Avvino | Contemporary American
Bar Bantam | Clever Bistro Fare
Lento | Farm-To-Table
Native Eatery & Bar | New American
Nosh | New American
Park Avenue Pub | American
Restaurant Good Luck | New American
Rohrbach Railroad Street Beer Hall | Brewpub
Strangebird | Brewery
The Cub Room | Seasonal American Fare
The Revelry | American
Vern’s | Italian
Vegetarian, Vegan & Allergy-Friendly Options
Rochester’s culinary scene warmly welcomes omnivores, vegetarians, and vegans alike, with numerous restaurants catering to diverse dietary needs and allergies. These establishments ensure that everyone can enjoy Rochester food regardless of dietary restrictions.
Allah’s Kitchen | Gluten-Free, Soy-Free, Vegan
Natural Oasis | Ethiopian, Vegan
New Ethic | Pizza, Vegan
Owl House | Gluten-Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
Philomina’s | Vegan
Red Fern | Gluten-Free, Vegan
Rochester’s food scene is a vibrant and diverse tapestry, woven from its rich history and global influences. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor, exploring the Rochester food scene promises a delightful culinary journey filled with unique flavors and unforgettable dining experiences. From iconic local creations to international cuisines, Rochester truly offers something to satisfy every palate.
