The number of best restaurants in Rochester NY’s fantastic culinary scene is staggering! In Rochester you’ll find historic locations adapted to modern tastes full of local dishes, craft breweries and cozy cafes.

Here’s where I found the best breakfast, pizza, drinks, and local favorites when I visited Rochester NY.

Many thanks to Visit Rochester New York for sponsoring my trip so I could experience the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse. All opinions are my own.

Personal Recommendations

It’s worth noting that this guide barely scratches the surface of Rochester’s rich culinary landscape. The city is home to hundreds of exceptional restaurants, cafes, and food trucks that deserve recognition. From family-owned ethnic eateries to innovative farm-to-table establishments, there’s always something new to discover in Rochester’s food scene.

I ate at every restaurant featured in this guide with the exception of Genesee Brewery, and can personally vouch for their quality, service, and delicious food.

Best Breakfast Spots in Rochester

Highland Park Diner

Set in a beautifully restored 1948 Orleans diner car, this local favorite serves generous portions of American classics. Must-try dishes include their crispy home fries with onions, fluffy chocolate chip pancakes, and the renowned homemade corned beef hash. Their Belgian waffles with fresh strawberries and whipped cream draw weekend crowds. Weekend brunch requires reservations.

Gate House

A standout brunch destination in Rochester’s trendy Park Avenue neighborhood. Don’t miss their signature breakfast pizza topped with eggs, bacon, and hollandaise sauce. Other favorites include the crab cake benedict and the stuffed french toast with maple bourbon butter. Their weekend brunch menu showcases local ingredients and unique combinations. Visit during their Tuesday-Friday happy hour for special deals.

Neutral Ground Coffee House

Neutral Ground Coffee House in serves as a community hub in historic Corn Hill with locally roasted beans and house-made pastries in an art-filled space. Their maple oat latte and house-made chocolate chip scones have a cult following. They also have delicious breakfast pizza! Don’t miss their seasonal drink specials.

Flour City Bread Co. (Public Market)

Located in the historic Rochester Public Market, this artisanal bakery offers exceptional breakfast and brunch options alongside their famous fresh-baked breads. Their croissants are consistently rated among the city’s best, and the breakfast sandwich on house-made ciabatta is a market-day favorite. Don’t miss their seasonal fruit Danish and sourdough loaves.

Best visited during Public Market days (Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday) for the full experience.

Melo Coffee & Kitchen

Combining third-wave coffee expertise with excellent breakfast and lunch options in a bright Park Avenue space. I actually ate at Melo Coffee & Kitchen for an early lundh, but their breakfast options sound devine as well!

Try their signature breakfast sandwich with house-made sausage and aioli, or the loaded avocado toast topped with everything bagel seasoning and pickled onions. Their oat milk lattes and seasonal coffee drinks are local favorites. Note that the morning rush peaks between 8-9:30am.

Rochester’s Pizza & Beer Scene

No list of the best restaurants in Rochester, NY is complete without mentioning pizza. With over 200 pizzerias in the greater Rochester area, pizza culture runs deep here. Rochester’s pizza density per capita ranks among the highest in the nation, making it possible to enjoy excellent pizza for any meal of the day. Since I hade pizza for breakfast, lunch, and dinner while I was in Rochester, I was able to sample quite a few different takes on pizza in Rochester!

Swan Dive

Delicious pizzas with crispy edges and creative toppings in a retro-cool setting + fun happy hour offereings! Their “Wu Tang” with pepperoni and Mike’s Hot Peppers & Honey has a dedicated following. The Pink Panther with vodka sauce pie and weezy white are also standouts! Everything we had here was good, including cocktails!

Rohrbach Brewing Company

Rochester’s first craft brewery (est. 1991) offers traditional and innovative brews at their Railroad Street Beer Hall. Their Highland Lager and Scotch Ale are Rochester classics, while the seasonal Space Kitty Double IPA has a devoted following. Try their wood-fired pizzas and famous beer pretzels. Thursday evening tours include tastings.

Strangebird Brewery

This South Wedge brewery features experimental beers and a modern taproom with a full restaurant menu. Must-try beers include their hazy “Cosmic Dreams” IPA and the “Dark Matter” porter. Their smash burger and duck fat fries are menu standouts. Recently voted one of the top 30 breweries in the U.S in 2024, this is one restaurant you don’t want to miss!

Genesee Brew House

Located in a renovated century-old building, Genesee Brew House combines classic Genesee beers with craft innovations and brewpub-style pizzas. Try the Cream Ale (a Rochester staple) and seasonal Ruby Red Kolsch. Their Bavarian pretzels and beer cheese are perfect for sharing. The rooftop terrace provides stunning views of High Falls, especially during summer sunsets.

Local Favorites in Rochester

And finally, if you’re looking for the best restaurants in Rochester, NY, you have to try these local favorites.

Nick Tahou’s Famous “Garbage Plate”

Created in 1918, this iconic downtown institution’s signature dish features your choice of meats (hamburger, chicken strips, hot dogs, or sausage) served over home fries or macaroni salad, and topped with mustard, onions, and a secret hot sauce. I tried the Garbage Plate at Rohrbach Brewing Company and it was the only thing that I probably would not eat again. LOL.

The cheeseburger plate with everything and extra sauce is the local go-to order. Best visited in late afternoon to avoid crowds.

Abbott’s Frozen Custard (Multiple Locations, Original in Charlotte)

A Rochester tradition since 1926, Abbott’s serves creamy frozen custard made fresh daily. The original Charlotte location near the pier is a summer destination. Their chocolate almond custard is the signature flavor, while the turtle sundae and custard sandwich (vanilla custard between two chocolate wafers) are local favorites. The seasonal peach custard in late summer draws crowds. Best visited after dinner for dessert.

Share Your Favorites!

What are your favorite Rochester restaurants? Have you discovered a hidden gem that deserves more attention? Whether it’s a cozy neighborhood spot, a family-run institution, or an up-and-coming eatery, we’d love to hear about your top picks.

Share your recommendations and help fellow food enthusiasts explore the best of Rochester’s diverse dining options! And let me know what I can’t miss when I head back to Rochester!

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