A Foodies
Guide To
Rochester

I'm no stranger to people asking me for restaurant recommendations. I tend to stay in the loop for new restaurant openings, knowing the owners and others in the industry. Rochester has a lot of gems to offer. I'm here as your local guide to get you the true Rochesterian experience.

While every spot here is vetted by long time resident of Rochester, this is not a comprehensive list of every good place in Rochester. Think of this as a foundation that can be built upon. Asking local baristas or bartenders at popular joints is a great way to navigate a city and find other gems to dine or drink at.

How can you talk about breakfast, without talking about diners? Highland Park Diner is the quintessential 1940's boxcar diner experience. Breakfast and lunch served all day, large portions, giant milkshakes, and a classic diner-era atmosphere. It's a Rochester icon, so make sure to give it a try while you're here.

Balsam Bagels is the real deal. It's among the best of Rochester's classic bagel joints. Here you'll find both New York and Montreal style bagels along with a large selection of locally made cream cheese. Expect a wait in line if you're trying to grab bagels Saturday or Sunday morning.

Unlike brunch, you typically don't want to make an event around getting breakfast. If you're looking for a quick breakfast that uses better ingrediants than you might find at a fast food, Village Bakery is your answer. Its cafe style sitting allows you to grab a table or take it to go. If you're on the East side, there are four locations to ensure you are never far away from one.

I'm going to let you guys in on a little secret... Roux is a quant little French restaurant off of Park Ave and serves the best brunch in Rochester. They serve a European influenced breakfast menu. However, the Waffle Sammy is the real gem here. It's the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and savory. If you're looking for something boozy to wash it down, grab a Long John Suzy. One of my favorite cocktails in Rochester.

Brunch may be one of those meals where you want to enjoy it with a group of friends or family. Unfortunately most good brunch spots may be too busy to accomidate your group. The exception? TRATA. Their California inspired menu has a lot of clean and vibrant foods. If you're visiting during summer, they also have one of Rochester's best patios on the second floor.

If you're looking for a cheap, boozy, and high energy Sunday brunch, The Winfield Grill is your spot. The food is nothing to write home about, but you do get two free mimosas with your entrée. Located on Winton, there are a lot of young adults in their 20s and 30s swarming here for Rochester's best boozy brunch deal. It's also a great location to watch the Bills.

Magnolia's Cafe is a hotspot for lunch and for good reason. They've nailed down how to make great sandwiches, soups, and salads. Mr. President, their signature sandwich and soup combo, is named after Obama's lunch order. A tomato-artichoke soup and grilled cheese sandwich.

What do you get when you cross Chipotle and Indian Food? You get Naan-Tastic. Fast casual Indian fusion in a burrito or bowl form. Its approachable menu helps even the uninitiated to Indian cuisine find something that they can enjoy. I'd recommend grabbing Samosas as an appetizer.

This restaurant suggestion is completely under the radar. REOC B-STRO is a classroom setting located at Brockports downtown satellite campus. Students here learn the basics on cooking and serving, while putting it to practice in this restaurant. While the food isn't always consistent, you do get an entrée, two sides, a dessert, and a drink for $8. The poritions are big and the food comes out quickly, making this a great lunch spot if you're in the area.

The Pasta Villa offers an authentic Italian-American dining experience, boasting a diverse menu of homemade pastas among other Italian classics. The incredible sauces will having you diving in for "just one more bite". While you're here, check out the regional favorite - the artichoke french.

Bi-weekly rotating menu? Check. Pre-fix meal? Check. World cuisine? Check. If any and all of those things seem like something you'd enjoy, Atlas Eats is for you. They'll go from Thai street food, to French fine dining, to American summer classics. Just make sure to follow them on Instagram, so you can reseve a table when the cuisine looks like your cup of tea.

With a wide selection out of perfectly cooked Korean dishes, you can't really go wrong at Sodam. Whether you're ordering the savory bulgogi or bi bim bop, it's a must-visit for both Korean cuisine aficionados and newcomers.

Cedar's simple store front disguises the mouth watering flavors of this cheap eat. You'll see the love that's put into the Labenese food and be hooked after the first time.

Rochesterian's know the best Garbage Plate's does not come from Nick Tahoe's. Rather, from the likes of a different hots places like Dog Town. Even though they have one of Rochester's best garbage plates, they are known for their gourmet hot dogs first. Cheap and delicious - a combo you have to love.

A food truck so good that they had to go brick and morter. Petit Poutinerie is dishing up a wide variety of different poutines, sandwhiches, and desserts. The interior is super chic and worth dining-in at.

Downtown once existed for those who worked the 9-to-5 and populated power lunches and happy hours. Now, arguably the best restaurant in Rochester, Redd is enough to draw people back downtown in the evenings. The Michelin starred chef is serving up California wine country-inspired fare and wine to a sophisticated crowd.

Good Luck may be the first restaurant people recommend for where they recommend eating out on a nice occasion; and for good reason. The mood-lit industrial decor with elevated family style meals make occasions feel that much more special. Plus their cocktail program has been nationally recognized.

Hedges may come to a surprise to some of you reading this list. It offers a certain vibe that can't be found elsewhere though. This old school surf 'n' turf restaurant offers live piano, cheap drinks, and georgous unobstructed views of Lake Ontario. The crowd may be older, but the lively-hood of the place is still young at heart.