8 Essential Restaurants in Rochester, New York

Look, I love an iconic meal as much as anyone else – bagels in NYC, pasta in Italy, tacos in Austin, stroopwafels in Amsterdam, far too much fish in Denmark, barbecue in Memphis… Those meals are popular for a reason and they wind up being a large part of the visitor experience.

I’m happy to indulge in those tourist moments – really, I am. But the one thing I really can’t wrap my head around is Rochester’s culinary claim to fame: the Garbage Plate.

Exterior of Nick Tahou Hots — Nick Tahou Hots is a Rochester institution, founded in 1918

I mean no shade to Nick Tahou Hots, the restaurant where the city’s signature dish was invented – but I’ll let the team at Visit Rochester share what exactly goes in the dish, and then maybe you’ll understand why it wasn’t quite at the top of my list to try during my limited time in the city:

A traditional Garbage Plate is your choice of cheeseburger, hamburger, white or red hots* (aka hot dogs, especially those made by local company Zweigle’s), Italian sausage, chicken, or grilled cheese, served on top of any combination of home fries, french fries, baked beans, and/or macaroni salad. The plate is usually topped with a Rochester-style meat “hot sauce.” Optional mustard, onions and ketchup may be added on top. A Garbage Plate is traditionally served with a side of buttered bread (in case you were still hungry!).

If you read that description and your mouth started watering, well, now you know where to go! But for the rest of us who might feel a little wary about that combination, I’ve compiled a list of what I consider to be eight essential restaurants in Rochester.

This trip was generously hosted by the team at Visit Rochester, but as always, all opinions are my own.

So, what makes a restaurant essential?

To me, an essential restaurant is beloved by locals, not for any gimmicks, but for serving good, honest food that is a representation of its community (be that local farm-to-table fare, and exceptional setting, or a cuisine that’s local to its chef). It might be steeped in history, serving hungry neighbors for decades – or it might be a newcomer that managed to make people fall head over heels in the shortest time.

Sounds good?

Good.

Here are eight great Rochester restaurants to add to your list (I hope you’re hungry!):

BREAKFAST + BRUNCH

Jine’s Restaurant

Jine's Restaurant | 658 Park Ave, Rochester, NY 14607

A chorizo benedict on a platter — A hearty order of Chorizo Benedict

A plate with eggs, French toast, and bacon — A Combo Platter with banana walnut bread French toast, eggs, bacon, and breakfast potatoes

Jine’s Restaurant is old-school in the very best way. This Greek diner has been Rocheter’s go-to spot for all-day fare since 1971, and judging by the crowd on a recent Monday morning, they show no signs of slowing down. Your favorite way to start the day is bound to be on the menu, whether that’s a jazzed-up French toast, a Benedict, or a hearty steak & eggs. This is good, honest food – but be warned: you might want to plan to take an afternoon nap afterward.

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Locals Only

Locals Only | 311 Alexander St, Rochester, NY 14604

A cappuccino and a cup of coffee — In a hurry? You can order their delicious coffee to-go

A collage of the interior of Locals Only and menu items — Fresh and delicious fare in light and airy digs | shown here: The Louis V (*left*) and the Bella (*right*)

For the person who likes to eat just two meals a day (or maybe even one…), Locals Only is the perfect place for a hearty brunch that’s sure to tide you over. If you time it right, the menu will be equal parts breakfast and lunch – and this is one of those rare places where the vegetarian options don’t feel like an afterthought. Dishes like the Purple Rain and Sweet Home Avocado are packed with veggies, grains, protein, and flavor – but there’s plenty for the carnivores and potato-vores too in dishes like a Stuffed Tot Flight and Biggie Fries. My favorite thing about dining here, though? Every item on their online menu includes a photo, so you can eat everything with your eyes first. Not sure what you’re in the mood for? Order the Chef’s Choice, and allow yourself to be surprised!

LUNCH

Cotoletta

Cotoletta | 440 Elmridge Center Dr, Rochester, NY 14626

A mural on the wall at Cotoletta; a pizza and pasta dish on the table — As suggested by the restaurant mural, a pizza order is imperative

Don’t let the strip mall exterior deter you – Cotoletta just might be the hottest new restaurant in Rochester. Billed as “A little slice of Nonna’s house,” this restaurant occupies what I consider to be somewhat of a rare happy place: great quality at a really reasonable price wrapped up in a fun experience. The menu is a wholly approachable selection of Italian-American favorites, from square pies to sandwiches (sorry, sangwiches) to pasta. The atmosphere is cheeky, from the mural on the wall to the chef’s kiss guarantee: “If You Don’t Like Your Meal… You Probably Should’ve Ordered Something Else.” Order at the counter and slide into a booth or hop on a barstool and get ready to dig in. Oh – and bring a friend or five for family-style dining, as portions are enormous.

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Genesee Brew House

Genesee Brew House | 25 Cataract St, Rochester, NY 14605

A collage of beer and food and the setting at Genesee Brew House — All your favorite pub grub is here – be sure to grab a seat on the patio or head to the roof to take in a view of High Falls

the Genesee Brew House shop — The Genesee Brew House shop is a favorite of many visitors

If you’re anything like me, you may have not had a Genesee beer since that one Northerner brought a pack of Cream Ale to a party in college (just me? Oh, okay). But the legacy brewer is a fantastic place to have lunch while in Rochester. Your classic pub grub is at Genesee Brew House, of course – burgers, pretzels, pizzas, hot dogs – but you’ll also find internationally-inspired dishes like bánh mì, arancini, and pierogi. Try to score a table on the outdoor patio to take in High Falls, but if it’s just too busy, head to the rooftop bar to catch the view (it might be even better!).

Oh, yeah – the beer! You can order one of the brewery’s classic beers on draft, but I recommend choosing something experimental from their pilot brewery. Head here to see what’s on tap.

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Strangebird Brewing

Strangebird Brewing | 62 Marshall St, Rochester, NY 14607

A salad in a large container — Shaved Veg Salad

On the other end of the brewery spectrum is Strangebird Brewing. Though only open since 2021, this craft brewery snagged the prestigious title of 2022 New York State Craft Brewery of the Year. But in addition to their award-winning beers, you’re here for the food.

Pizza is the star of the menu, as evidenced by the large brick ovens in the open kitchen. The result is an irresistible Neapolitan-style crust that’s baked extra-hot (to get those super-yummy charred bits!), but there are a few sandwiches on the menu if that’s what you’re craving. Good food, good beer, what’s better than that?

DINNER

The Revelry

The Revelry | 1290 University Ave, Rochester, NY 14607

A collage of food and drink at The Revelry — *clockwise, top left*: Space Thyme | Lasagna | Pavlova | Smoked Mushrooms

For a taste of the South in Rochester (that’s a home-away-from-home for me!), The Revelry is an excellent choice. Owner Josh Miles has been bringing both the mountains and Lowcountry to the Finger Lakes region for a decade, but you’ll find classic dishes from all over the country here, too. I came very close to ordering the smoked fried chicken but decided to switch things up a bit with the smoked mushrooms instead. It just may be the heartiest meatless meal I’ve ever eaten.

And you know I love a good beer, but if you’re choosing to imbibe, cocktails are king here. Try the Space Thyme for a trip to the tropics!

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TRATA: The Restaurant At The Armory

TRATA: The Restaurant At The Armory | 145 Culver Rd, Rochester, NY 14620

Entrance to TRATA — With a name that is quite literal, TRATA is, well, The Restaurant At The Armory

Collage of the patio and beer wall at TRATA — *clockwise, top left*: TRATA’s rooftop is the perfect place to enjoy a meal | The TRATA Burger | TRATA’s Beer Wall | Blackened Fish Tacos

Originally built in 1916 under the orders of the Army National Guard, today the Culver Road Armory is now a restaurant and retail destination. This original spirit is alive in TRATA: The Restaurant At The Armory’s brick interior and evident in its expansive size (it’s the perfect place to dine with a large group!), but the menu is purely New American. There are a lot of decisions to be made when dining at TRATA: Inside or outside? Which dining area? Individual entrees? Small sharing plates? How many sides? Not to mention, there’s an entire wall of self-serve beer taps at the ready. But you’ve got this – I trust you’ll figure it out.

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Vern’s

Vern's | 696 Park Ave, Rochester, NY 14607

A collage of food and drink from Vern's — *clockwise, top left*: Goldilocks and Rotating Draft Beer | Tomato Pie | Cacio e Pepe Style Baked Polenta | Lost Meatball Ragu

I hear the interior of Vern’s is immensely charming – but the siren song of a Park Avenue patio table on a beautiful evening simply can’t be ignored. Both the service (Vern’s doesn’t take reservations) and food are unfussy but well-executed. Expect a menu inspired by Italy and dishes that let the ingredients shine. An order of tomato pie is a must; think, a hearty slab of focaccia topped with a smear of perfectly balanced tomatoes and a sprinkle of salt. Pair it with a cocktail, and you have the perfect summer evening meal.

WITH MORE TIME

Entrance to Roux in Rochester — Roux is one of many places on my list for my next visit to Rochester

Park Avenue is a treasure trove of dining opportunities – a few places on my list for next time are: Szechuan Opera, Dorado, Furoshiki, Roux, and Sinbad’s.

Elsewhere in Rochester, I’m eyeing restaurants at all price points and from all over the globe: Cure, Abyssinia, Master Falafel, John’s Tex-Mex, SEA Restaurant, The Cub Room, Fiorella, and Restaurant Good Luck.

FINAL THOUGHTS ON DINING IN ROCHESTER

Dining in Rochester offers a delightful journey through a diverse and vibrant culinary landscape. The city’s food scene showcases a fusion of flavors that reflects its multicultural community and commitment to culinary creativity. From farm-to-table restaurants that embrace local produce to international eateries that celebrate global cuisines, there’s something to satisfy every palate in Rochester.

And yes, maybe after crossing off those other restaurants, I just might give a Garbage Plate a try…

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Questions for you

Have you ever eaten a Garbage Plate? Do you prefer it with a burger or hot dog?

Which of these restaurants are you adding to your list?

Are you local to Rochester? Feel free to make a case for your favorite spot(s) in the comments!

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2 Comments on “8 Essential Restaurants in Rochester, New York”

Melody Jacob says:

July 28, 2023 at 12:40 pm

This post is informative and these are lovely restaurants.
https://www.melodyjacob.com/2023/07/pleated-midi-dress.html

1. Brian4516 says:
  
  January 3, 2024 at 5:45 pm
  
  You should branch out from the Swan family if restaurants and give up on Nick Tahous ,it’s a shit hole that’s not even open passed 5pm and it’s not a restaurant. You left off the 2 best restaurants: Polizzi’s ( village gate) and the amazing Tappas.