25 Essential Rochester Institutions
From neighborhood classics to high-wire tasting rooms, these are the places shaping the modern dining identity of Rochester.
Lipuma's Coney Island
Michigan
No-frills roadside spot specializing in hot dogs with an assortment of toppings combinations.
Rochester Corner Bar
Michigan
an everyday essential table known for disciplined bar & grill cooking, strong local gravity, and Beam Score momentum at 84.0.
Louie’s Pizza
Michigan
an everyday essential favorite for readers tracking Rochester's most persuasive pizza restaurant rooms, anchored by a Beam Score of 83.0.
Kruse's Paint Creek Tavern
Rochester, Michigan
Service options: Outdoor seating, Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Great beer selection, Great cocktails, Great dessert.
Silver Spoon Ristorante
Rochester, Michigan
Casual Italian restaurant furnishing traditional dishes & wine in a charming setting.
Georgios Pizza & Pasta (Artisan NY-Style Pizza)
Rochester, Michigan
Hand-tossed pies & Italian fare made from family recipes earn buzz for this comfortable parlor.
Rochester Bistro
Rochester, Michigan
American eats, small plates & cocktails are served at this comfy venue with a warm ambiance.
Sumo Sushi & Seafood
Rochester, Michigan
Minimalist Japanese eatery with dark-wood tables also features Korean dishes & gluten-free fare.
Grant's Pizza House
Rochester, Michigan
Service options: No-contact delivery, Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout. Highlights: Fast service. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner, Solo dining. Accessibility.
The Meeting House
Rochester, Michigan
Compact restaurant featuring New American dishes & unique cocktails, set against warmly chic decor.
Rochester Chop House & Bar
Rochester, Michigan
Intimate spot with raw bar & elegant dining space for steak & seafood accompanied by live piano.
Bologna Via Cucina
Rochester, Michigan
Hip, family-owned, neighborhood nook since 1985 with seasonal Italian dishes & regional craft beers.
Social 24 bar & grill
Rochester, Michigan
Service options: Outdoor seating, Delivery, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Great cocktails, Great wine list, Live music. Popular for: Lunch.
Rochester Brunch House
Rochester, Michigan
Sophisticated eatery featuring new twists on American brunch items such as red velvet pancakes.
Too • Ra • Loo
Rochester, Michigan
Thin-crust pizza & 80 beers on tap offered in a casual, modern bar & grill with flat-screen TVs.
Chicken Shack Rochester
Rochester, Michigan
Family-run Michigan chain dishing out out roasted chicken, BBQ ribs & fried seafood since 1956.
Bangkok Cuisine Thai Restaurant
Rochester, Michigan
Local chain restaurant serving traditional Thai noodles & rice dishes.
Penn Station East Coast Subs
Rochester, Michigan
Grilled sub sandwiches, fries & fresh-squeezed lemonade star at this counter-serve chain.
Paul's On Main Street
Rochester, Michigan
Time-tested restaurant providing standard American comfort meals & cocktails in a down-home setting.
Hungry Howie's Pizza
Rochester, Michigan
Basic, counter-serve pizzeria chain popular for its flavored crusts, such as sesame & garlic herb.
Orient Express
Rochester, Michigan
Service options: Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner, Solo dining. Accessibility.
Jet's Pizza
Rochester, Michigan
Counter-serve chain offering Detroit-style pizza with flavored crusts, plus wings & subs.
Kruse and Muer on Main
Rochester, Michigan
Branch of a local chain dishing seafood, American fare & signature hot bread in a striking space.
Chula Maria Mexican Grill & Bar
Rochester, Michigan
Lively Mexican joint serves classic eats in a colorful, festive setting with a weekly mariachi band.
Original Buscemi's
Rochester, Michigan
Casual Detroit-based chain serving up square pizzas & Italian subs since the 1950s.