Mediterranean$$monroe-avenueMon-Sat 11:00-21:00, Sun 12:00-20:00
Aladdin's Natural Eatery on Monroe Ave in Rochester has served Mediterranean food with vegan options since 1979, winning Best Mediterranean 2025.
Signature: Falafel wrap, Hummus plate, Mediterranean salad
Order: The falafel wrap with tahini and the hummus plate with warm pita.
Tip: One of Rochester's most-visited lunch spots. Gets busy at midday on weekdays. No reservations needed.
New American$$notaTue-Thu 16:00-23:00, Fri-Sat 16:00-02:00, Sun 11:00-14:30
The Revelry on University Ave in Rochester runs a cocktail-forward New American kitchen with a Sunday brunch program and late-night bar hours on weekends.
Signature: Weekend cocktails, Seasonal dinner menu
Order: The seasonal cocktail and whatever protein is on the dinner specials board.
Tip: Friday and Saturday the bar stays open until 02:00. Sunday brunch runs 11:00-14:30. Reservations on Resy.
Italian$$public-marketWed-Sat 11:30-14:00 and 17:00-21:00
Restaurant Fiorella at Rochester Public Market serves casual Italian from surrounding market stalls, named Best Italian in Best of Rochester 2025.
Signature: House pasta, Market-sourced specials
Order: The pasta of the day, made with whatever the market had that morning.
Tip: Call for reservations and takeout. Located inside the market building itself; best experienced on Saturday when the full market is operating.
Indian$$brightonMon-Sun 11:30-14:30 and 16:30-20:30
Thali of India on South Winton Road in Rochester serves Indian cuisine with a daily lunch buffet, named Best Indian Restaurant in Best of Rochester 2025.
Signature: Lunch buffet, Chicken tikka masala, Lamb curry
Order: The lunch buffet, which rotates daily across North and South Indian preparations.
Tip: Buffet runs until 14:00 daily. Monday evening buffet is a good value. Takeout available.
Burgers$$south-wedgeWed-Thu 11:30-00:00, Fri-Sat 11:30-01:00, Sun 11:30-00:00
Swillburger at The Playhouse on S. Clinton Ave serves smash burgers and bar games in the South Wedge, named Best Burger in Best of Rochester 2025.
Signature: Smash burger, Pub fries, Milkshakes
Order: The double smash burger with American cheese and the house-cut fries.
Tip: Bar games open until 01:00 on Friday and Saturday. Kitchen closes before the bar; come early if you want food.
New American$$$downtownWed-Sat 16:30-23:00
Good Luck in Rochester opened 2008 in a converted industrial space on Anderson Ave and earned Best Restaurant in the 2025 Best of Rochester awards.
Signature: Seasonal cocktails, Chef's market menu
Order: Whatever is on the seasonal menu board that week. The kitchen writes around what's available at the Rochester Public Market.
Tip: Walk-ins at the bar are easier to secure than a table. The cocktail program is one of Rochester's best.