Bistros, trattorias and the everyday places where Rochester actually eats.
Bistros, trattorias, taverns and neighbourhood rooms: the mid-tier places where Rochester actually eats.
Nick Tahou Hots on W. Main St in Rochester has served the original Garbage Plate since 1918, the dish that defines the city's food identity.
OrderThe Garbage Plate with white hots, home fries, mac salad, and meat sauce. Order it at the counter; no substitutions needed.
TipCash is preferred. The restaurant is a no-frills diner; the dish is the destination. Closed Mondays.
The Owl House on Marshall St in Rochester serves American food with a large vegetarian and vegan selection, named Best Gluten-Free in Best of Rochester 2025.
OrderThe seasonal vegetarian entree and the weekend brunch menu.
TipFree parking at the end of Marshall Street. Reservations on Tock. Brunch Saturday and Sunday 10:30-14:30.
Jines Restaurant on Park Ave in Rochester has served a Greek-American menu since 1971, running breakfast and brunch daily with Mediterranean options midweek.
OrderThe Greek diner breakfast with eggs and pastries, or the pumpkin pancakes when in season.
TipNo reservations; lines form on weekend mornings. Early arrival avoids the wait. Strong coffee program.
Dogtown on Monroe Ave in Rochester serves 18 varieties of gourmet hot dog with German-style franks in locally-baked rolls, each named after a dog breed.
OrderThe Saint Bernard with sauerkraut and spicy mustard, or the German-style frank with mustard and onions.
TipClosed Sundays. Counter service; no reservations. The bread is made locally and cut daily.
Locals Only on Alexander St in Rochester serves daily breakfast and lunch with a full cocktail program, named for its commitment to Rochester identity.
OrderThe Purple Rain brunch plate, a Rochester-themed egg dish with local accompaniments.
TipOpen daily 08:00-15:00. No reservations needed. Full cocktail and coffee program available all morning.
Voula's Greek Sweets on Merchants Rd in Rochester serves Greek-influenced brunch dishes and pastries, named Best Brunch in Best of Rochester 2025.
OrderThe Sparta Frittata for brunch or the house-made Greek pastries with coffee.
TipWeekend hours end at 14:30. Closed Tuesdays. No reservations; arrive early on weekends.
Aladdin's Natural Eatery on Monroe Ave is one of Rochester's most-visited lunch spots, with a Mediterranean menu including vegetarian and vegan options.
OrderThe falafel wrap and the hummus plate, both reliable daily staples.
TipGets crowded at noon on weekdays. Takeout a popular option. No reservations needed.
Han Noodle Bar on Monroe Ave in Rochester specializes in Chinese broth noodles and stir-fry dishes, running a no-gimmicks kitchen with loyal local regulars.
OrderThe spicy broth noodle bowl with hand-pulled texture and house chili oil.
TipClosed Wednesdays. Credit cards accepted. Quick service at lunch.
Swillburger at The Playhouse on S. Clinton Ave combines smash burgers, bar games, and a cocktail program in a South Wedge space popular with locals.
OrderThe double smash burger with American cheese and house fries.
TipBar games available all evening. Kitchen closes before bar. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
The Revelry on University Ave in Rochester runs a cocktail-driven New American kitchen in the Neighborhood of the Arts with late-night bar hours on weekends.
OrderThe seasonal specials with a cocktail from the bar.
TipSunday brunch with reservations is a quieter option than weekend dinner. Friday and Saturday bar open until 02:00.
Mark's Texas Hots on Monroe Ave in Rochester is a no-frills diner open until 04:00 on weekends, the go-to late-night stop on the Monroe Avenue corridor.
OrderThe Texas hots with meat sauce, or the diner breakfast plate at any hour.
TipFriday and Saturday open 24 hours. Cash preferred. Extremely busy after bar close at 02:00.
Natural Oasis on Monroe Ave in Rochester serves all-vegan Ethiopian food with a weekday lunch buffet and dinner service, plus a wellness market on-site.
OrderThe lunch buffet featuring rotating injera-based Ethiopian stews and lentil dishes.
TipBuffet runs weekdays until 14:00. No meat ever served. Most dishes are also gluten-free. The attached market sells Ethiopian food items.
Guided tour · 10 hours
We offer unique private tours. Using a luxury vehicle. We can collect you from London conduct a tour and drop you at your cruise ship or Airport.
Private tour · 3 hours
Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of London in the comfort of a modern black cab. Visit the city’s most iconic landmarks. Enjoy up to 50 of Londons top sights
Private tour · 2 hours
Discover gorgeous fascinating Rochester on this in-depth 2hr walking tour with a qualified local Blue Badge guide. Learn about its long & surprising importance in Engl...