Rochester is mainly known for the large arts community and thriving locally-owned businesses. What many people don’t know is some of the most successful locally-owned businesses are in fact, restaurants. Due to the overwhelming amount of restaurants in Rochester, it can be hard to get to the real hidden gems. For the sake of not taking any chances, pleasing your loved ones and taste buds, here is a list of the top 10 places to eat in Rochester according to Trip Advisor. Lamplighter Restaurant The worst reviews you can find about this restaurant are due to the prices, but other than that this place has some impressive credentials. The restaurant is located in Greece about 15 minutes away from the city center and offers a soft candlelit atmosphere, a wide variety of dishes such as seafood, stake, Italian specialties and more. Park Avenue Pub Three words; location, location, location. This restaurant is located city-center which is great for convenience purposes and offers classic seafood, steak, and pasta dishes with a fresh twist. Customers go crazy over this place’s attention to detail and consistency when coming back a second time. Taste of Ethiopia Looking for an ethnic meal to excite your taste buds? Look no further. This restaurant offers the best East-African food in town. First timers and experienced Ethiopian food lovers alike have nothing but good things to say about this place. Even people who have eaten at other Ethiopian restaurants would argue that this is by far the best. Dinosaur Bar-B-Que Ahhhhhhh the sweet and tangy taste of downtown Rochester. There really isn’t a better representation for a Rochester restaurant than Dinosaur Bar-B-Que. Although the Syracuse location is the original, Rochester’s location quickly became famous for the atmosphere, location, and of course awesome food at great prices. The restaurant has even expanded its locations and now has a spot in the Big Apple. Swan Market It’s no surprise that yet another ethnic restaurant makes the list. This locally-owned German restaurant is known for its hand-cut hand-made sausages made entirely by the owner. Perhaps the best thing next to the food is the German-imported beer which we all know is the best! On the last Thursday and Friday of each month you can even enjoy some live music. DiBella’s Old Fashioned Submarines Looking for a great place to go to lunch? DiBella’s has you covered. The small sub shop opened in 1918 in Rochester and has since expanded all over the East Coast, Mid-West, and more. DiBella’s offers a great casual dining experience with a 1940’s feel. Magnolia’s Deli & Café This restaurant was the only restaurant fit for POTUS upon his recent visit to Rochester, NY. It’s family owned and operated with a friendly staff and a casual dining atmosphere. Their soups are absolutely out of this world and the prices are even better. Ristorante Lucano Another great family-owned in the heart of Rochester with authentic Italian dishes almost anybody is sure to love. Another great aspect of this fine dining experience is their super-affordable prices and tasty wine selections. Panzari’s Italian Bistro This restaurant is hidden in the corner of the city on Exchange Blvd known for its quaint and charming ambiance. In the summer you can enjoy outdoor patio seating and everything is made to order even take-out and a full bar to enjoy if you would like a more laid-back dining experience. Tapas 177 Call me a little biased but this is one of my go-to spots on the weekends. Not only is their food exceptional with eclectic tastes but their drinks are AMAZING. Go there on a weekend to enjoy some awesome food, with some great Latin music, and drinks that will be sure to put you on your behind. Not to mention, the bartenders are the best and they do accept song requests.
