Rochester’s restaurant scene has surged in creativity and confidence, with new spots embracing everything from refined tasting menus to funky neighborhood bars with serious kitchens.
While the city still loves its garbage plates and old‑school favorites, these five relatively new or newly in‑demand restaurants show off a very different side of Rochester dining.
1. Redd
Redd, from a Rochester‑born chef who returned after time in major food cities, brings a sleek, modern energy to the East End.
The space is chic but not stiff, with an open kitchen, big windows, and a bar that’s always in motion. The menu is globally inspired New American, with influences from Asia, the Mediterranean, and California.
Expect beautifully plated small plates, wood‑fired dishes, and mains that highlight seafood, meats, and seasonal vegetables with equal care.
Sharing is encouraged, and the menu changes often enough to keep regulars engaged. The wine list and cocktail program are both strong, with plenty of options that pair well with the kitchen’s bold, layered flavors.
It’s one of Rochester’s clearest examples of “big‑city dining” done in a local context.
2. Good Luck
Good Luck, in the Neighborhood of the Arts, feels like the prototype for the modern Rochester restaurant—communal, stylish, and focused on shared plates.
The room is large and lively, with high ceilings, low lighting, and an open view of the bar and kitchen.
The menu is built around large and small plates designed for passing around the table.
Think big salads, seasonal vegetable dishes, burgers, steaks, and hearty mains meant for two or more.
Ingredients are thoughtfully sourced, and the kitchen isn’t afraid of bold seasoning.
The bar is just as important, with a deep cocktail list, interesting wines by the glass, and local beers. Good Luck is a place where dinner can easily turn into an entire evening out.
3. Lento
Lento, located in the Village Gate complex, champions farm‑to‑table dining with a calm, unhurried atmosphere.
It’s the sort of place where menus list producers, seasons are taken seriously, and the cooking feels grounded and precise.
The menu shifts with what’s available, but you can expect regional meats and fish, carefully handled vegetables, and starters that spotlight local cheeses, breads, and preserved items.
There’s a definite comfort element—roasts, braises, pastas—but always with a refined touch.
The wine list tends to favor food‑friendly bottles from both classic and less‑obvious regions, and service often includes helpful guidance on pairings. It’s a great choice for a slower, more intentional meal.
4. Fiorella
Fiorella, in the Rochester Public Market area, is a cozy Italian restaurant that takes its cues from the trattorias of Italy.
Wood, warm lighting, and an open kitchen make the compact space feel inviting and lived‑in.
The focus is on house‑made pasta, simple but beautifully executed mains, and market‑driven vegetables.
Menus shift with the seasons and with what’s on offer at the market outside the door.
Expect things like fresh pappardelle, braised meats, seasonal risottos, and rustic, flavor‑first presentations.
A tight but thoughtful wine list and classic Italian‑leaning cocktails round things out. It’s a spot where the food speaks softly but very clearly.
5. Swan Dive
Swan Dive combines a laid‑back bar vibe with a menu that’s much more thoughtful than you might expect at first glance.
Located near downtown, it has a casual, slightly retro feel, with plenty of bar seating and an atmosphere that invites you to stay awhile.
Pizza is a big draw, often featuring inventive topping combinations on well‑crafted dough. Beyond that, you’ll find snacks, salads, and a rotating cast of dishes that lean into seasonal produce and comforting flavors.
It’s the kind of place where you can make a meal out of a few plates and drinks without feeling like you’re at a formal “dinner.”
The bar offers local and regional beers, classic and modern cocktails, and a relaxed, friendly energy. It’s particularly popular with people who care about good food but want a more casual setting.
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