I’m so happy that I got to spend some time in my hometown of Rochester, NY eating my way through some old favorites and getting to explore some of the new foodie spots in the Flower City. I am a big fan of the diner culture of the city. When I visit my family, I am all about the chicken wings and texas hots! From a sleek new food hall on Main St to the old classics like Nick Tahou’s and Country Sweet, here are some suggestions on where to eat in Rochester, NY. 

Obviously, my favorite place to eat in Rochester, NY, is my mother’s house, as she’s a fantastic cook. However, every time I return home, I try to check out new places and go back to the ones I love so much. From the classics to more refined spots, here’s a list of places to eat in Rochester, NY. 

Markets

Rochester Public Market

Whenever I’m asked about where to eat in Rochester, NY I always say the Rochester Public Market. Beyond the food, it has a vibe that truly captures the diversity of the city. I always make it a point to work food/farmer’s markets into my travel schedule, and this one continues to be one of my favorites. One of the places I always return to is the Rochester Public Market. It’s where my family shops, especially my cousin Tony, who always gifts me some fantastic regional produce. The market is eclectic and diverse–a mirror of Rochester’s diverse population. From Polish cuisine to Finger Lakes Wine to Puerto Rican empanadas, there’s something for everyone. I enjoy going on Saturday mornings and grabbing some pierogies at Cherry’s European. 

Mercantile on Main 

Located at the former Sibley’s Building, Mercantile on Main is Rochester’s first food hall. If you’re traveling with a group with varying tastes, this is the place for you! You can get hearty Italian-style sandwiches at Palermo’s, a comforting Pho at Broth, or pasta at Flour Kitchen. Also, keep your eye out for the pop-ups in the space. 

Diners 

Jines

Rochester has a great diner culture. There are plenty around the city, and Jines is one of my favorites. Located in picturesque Park Avenue, Jines is a fixture in the neighborhood. Their classic diner menu has an extensive breakfast menu with every omelet variation you can imagine. I can’t help ordering the banana bread french toast. Nutty and sweet, it’s an item you’ll keep coming back to! It’s the perfect combination of two things that I love: banana bread and french toast. 

Highland Park Diner

Another favorite diner is Highland Park Diner. You can’t miss the retro-styled trailer is considered one of Rochester’s Landmark Society architectural gems. Serving fluffy pancakes (order the banana Nutella, you’ll thank me later) and bottomless coffee, this local favorite should be on your places to eat in Rochester, NY list. 

Hots & Burgers & Wings

Country Sweet

One of the things I miss the most about Rochester food is chicken wings. I don’t want to be biased, but Rochester has some of the best chicken wings in the country. I said what I said! We love ordering takeout from Country Sweet. Their sweet and spicy sauce coats the perfectly fried chicken wings. Bonus: you can purchase the sauce at Country Sweet and supermarkets across the city. 

Don’s Original 

If there’s a place to eat in Rochester, NY that evokes great memories is Don’s Original. They have several locations, but the one by Lake Ontario is my favorite. I used to go there with my family and indulge in a texas hot, smothered in hot sauce, fries, and lots of pickles! Their menu has all the best pleasures: delicious cheeseburgers, fish and chips, and crispy onion rings. 

FLX Wienery @ ROC Brewing Co

A spot that I adore is the FLX Wienery along Seneca Lake in the Finger Lakes. I was beyond thrilled when I found out they opened an FLX Wienery outpost at Roc Brewing Co in Rochester! Their house-made sausages are topped with classics such as chili sauce and not so classics like the K-Town with kimchi and Korean spices. Always order a side of decadent poutine. Also, make room for a beer or two from the ample choices on tap of Roc Brewing Co. 

Date Night 

Fiorella

If you’re looking for a cozy date night spot, check out Fiorella. I recently dined there and was impressed by the quality of the fresh pasta and the Italian wine list. My husband used to live in Italy, and he can be pretty picky about Italian food. He approved. If you’re looking for an authentic Italian restaurant, Fiorella is an excellent bet. 

Living Roots 

Living Roots, a picture-perfect urban winery on University Ave, is the ideal place to kick off an evening in Rochester, NY. The owners, an American-Australian couple, split their time between Rochester and Adelaide, Australia, making wine in both regions. Although Living Roots doesn’t offer a full menu, it does offer local and Australian cheeses that pair perfectly with their wines. 

Classics

Nick Tahou Hots 

You can’t have a conversation about places to eat in Rochester, NY, without talking about Nick Tahou Hots. If you’ve met someone from Rochester and talked about food, you’ve probably discussed a garbage plate. The OG garbage plate, a mountain of sinful delights such as hotdog, hamburgers, macaroni salad, fries, smothered in a hot chili sauce, was conceived at Nick Tahou’s. Many other restaurants have their versions, but this West Main Street no-frills classic is the original spot. 

Dinosaur BBQ

Another establishment that may come up in a conversation about places to eat in Rochester, NY, is Dinosaur BBQ. This downtown favorite makes barbecue all year round. If you are familiar with Rochester winters, you know that’s a win right there! Two must-order items are the brisket and the BBQ pork ribs. Wash them down with local beers such as Young Lion Brewing Pilsner or a Rohrback Porter.

Sweets 

Abbott’s 

Although Abbott’s has grown its locations beyond Rochester, it’s probably one of the most beloved spots for frozen custard. The Lake Avenue location is open year-round, even on the most brutal Rochester winter days! Their rich and creamy frozen custard, made in-house every day. Top it with almonds and whip cream for the ultimate decadence. 

Donuts Delite 

When you’re looking for delicious donuts, Donuts Delite needs to be on your places to eat in Rochester, NY list. Donuts Delite is one of my go-to places when I visit my family. I always buy a few apple fritters. Sweet, crunchy on the outside, and pillowy on the inside, it’s the perfect treat to start the day!