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Rochester, NY restaurant recs for all occasions and tastes
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items My kid is at RIT so we’ve had a chance to explore Rochester, NY. Here are some of our new favorite places. I will update as we visit over the next few years.
Sections
8
People Pleaser
Breakfast/Brunch
Asian
Family Dinner
Coffee and Tea Drinks
Unique
People Pleaser
Sometimes you just need a simple spot with a menu of reliable favorites. These will fill the need.
The shrimp salad and the artichokes French are my two faves here. Save room for the Viennese merengue torte. Or order one of their impressive desserts for your next special occasion.
Phillips European Restaurant
I love a good restaurant near the water. The crabcake sandwich and the strawberry salad are my go tos!
PELICAN'S NEST RESTAURANT, Rochester
Gluten-free friendly, fresh food, great staff. A slam dunk for everyone’s taste and palate.
110 Grill - Modern American Cuisine & Top 10 Allergy Friendly Restaurant ...
This one's for the people in your life with allergies or restrictions. Their menu is separated to ensure that certain ingredients are avoided when needed.
The Red Fern | Vegan & Gluten-Free Restaurant & Catering | Rochester, NY
These people know burgers. And their pizzas and salads are pretty great too.
The Gate House - Rochester, NY
Family dinner with something for everyone. Easy peasy.
Family Restaurant and Sports Bar - Tully's Good Times
This is a great place for wings and other typical pub fare. One of our new favorites.
The Old Stone Tavern
This one won't win any gourmet awards but when you want some good diner food, Jay's it is. Great value and fun vibe.
Jay's Diner - The Northeastern Diner Experience in Rochester, NY
The food is great and service is quick. Great option for families.
Bob's Diner
Really great Mediterranean food for the health conscious.
Aladdin's Natural Eatery
Breakfast/Brunch
Rochester has some great diners for a traditional bacon and eggs morning but they’ve also got some creative spaces for something special. Here are some of our faves when we go out for breakfast.
This place has some great eggs Benedict options. My fave is the avocado and tomato. My college kiddo loves the country option.
Sunny’s
Family favorite for pancakes and eggs. It gets busy on the weekends but worth the wait.
Steve’s Family Diner
We love this one for the varied menu options and the amazing French toast.
Peppermints Restaurant
Who knew crepes were so versatile? Sweet, savory, with so many options. Obviously crepes are their specialty, but don't overlook the buttermilk biscuits with honey butter. The oatmeal creme brulee was a new one for me; I would definitely get it again...
Simply Crepes Craft Kitchen
Very affordable place for a good breakfast plate. No nonsense, delicious, and quick.
MT HOPE DINER, Rochester
Yum. Yum. Yum. Great value for a delicious omelette or pancake stack.
The Frog Pond on Park
I love a good Challah French toast. Mad Hatter has it in spades. I want to try their high tea next time we go!
The Mad Hatter Restaurant & Bakery
Asian
Asian restaurants need their own category. When you need some reliable favorites for Friday take-out, or some unique flavors when you’re feeling adventurous, or a special spot for your go-to date night, we’ve got some of the top recommended right her...
Absolutely everyone at RIT recommends this place, so much so that we couldn’t get in for dinner Sunday night during move-in weekend. But we went for lunch Monday and they did not disappoint. The pork bao buns and vegetarian dumplings were delicious t...
OG Dumpling House
Great sushi spot for a quick bite. Delicious high quality rolls to please your palate.
Home - E Suki
Delicious food in a low key corner neighborhood crepery that doubles as an Asian shop. My kids loved their savory and sweet crepes. And I loved my Thai green curry. Can't wait to go back. I love supporting a family restaurant and this one deserves al...
Crepe and Go Rochester | NY
My daughter wanted to try omurice, and this place came highly recommended. She loved the omelette with rice and chicken (omurice), I enjoyed my shrimp and vegetable lunch special, and my college kid had some delicious tofu fried rice. We will definit...
Taisho Bistro Japanese Izakaya Rochester | Henrietta NY
Another great spot that is recommended time after time by parents and students at RIT. We concur. Love the fusion menu; the Shrimp Xacuti was something I've never tried and loved.
Royal Of India
Family Dinner
Budget friendly options with a menu sure to please everyone in the family.
Great variety of food to please everyone in the family.
The Owl House
A very popular BBQ place in downtown ROC. People can’t stop raving about it. Even a server at a restaurant in Niagara Falls told us it was a must. Incredible.
Rochester BBQ | Restaurant & Catering NY | Dinosaur Bar-B-Que
Known for their signature steak, but I really love the Chicken Sinatra with the garlic mashed potatoes. The salmon with risotto is wonderful too.
Delmonico's Italian Steakhouse - Italian Cuisine in the US
Coffee and Tea Drinks
Your morning beverage of choice will taste great from these - our favorite Rochester coffee shops.
A family favorite stop for a bubble tea and a snack!
Taichi Bubble Tea – Your Bubble Tea & Bites Destination
We loved this cute place for a quick morning drink before heading over to RIT. Friendly, tasty, and great variety of drinks.
Coffee Roaster Rochester NY
Cute spot near RIT campus with a great cup of coffee and a menu filled with puns and song references for fun.
Lovin' Cup Bistro & Brews | Rochester NY
This cute spot is near RIT's campus and some of our other favorites, so it's easy to pop in for a boba drink and a quick pick me up.
Boba Mi
We love browsing bookstores, and this is a fun one with a great selection of coffee and other caffeinated beverages.
The Siren and the Sea
Unique
These places are unique and local with great views and menus to please.
One of the best views in the city! Get yourself a table on the rooftop patio and order yourself one of their craft brews. The food is delicious and the vibe is trendy and hot.
Genesee Brewery
Play games and have dinner? Fun night!
Nerdvana Rochester
Unique for sure - try the garbage plate; some may imitate but none will duplicate.
GarbagePlate.com - Nick Tahou's Hots
High End
Need a special place for a celebration dinner? I’ve got you covered.
Our first dinner in Rochester was at this beautiful eatery with the classy blue booths and cozy atmosphere. My teen tried the frog legs and was enthralled by this new delicacy. We also had the coconut shrimp, which I loved with the slight spicy vinda...
avvino - Rochester, NY
Upscale dinner place with a great brunch. Try both; the food is not to be missed.
Roux
Treats
A little sweet treat is good for the soul. Rochester has some great places to hit up
Ice cream straight from the source
Pittsford Farms Dairy & Bakery
When you're used to Dairy Queen, Abbott's is a good comparable spot with custard treats with candy bits, similar to the Blizzard. So many choices; so rich and delicious.
Abbott's Frozen Custard