Best Restaurants in Rochester

During your visit, you’ll find a lively, diverse offering of delicious food blooming all over the city—from barbecue to vegan—and farm-fresh cuisine from all around upstate New York.

Dinosaur Bar-b-Que

first location opened in Syracuse in 1988; the Rochester location opened 10 years later and has been serving up delicious barbecue ever since. When it comes to barbecue, these guys don’t mess around; they take their time and pit-smoke their ribs, brisket and chicken and even make their own sausage. Country Living magazine ranks its barbecue sauce among the best in the nation. Try a rack of St. Louis ribs and choose your sides, including coleslaw, mac and cheese, simmered turkey neck, collard greens or mashed potatoes and gravy. Catch live music throughout the week, and if you’re in a hurry, get it to go.

The Owl House

If you follow a vegan, vegetarian or gluten-free diet, it’s often hard to find delicious food that fits into your lifestyle when you're on the road. has you covered; just about any menu item can be adjusted for gluten-free needs, and the menu has a large offering of vegan and vegetarian fare. These folks know how to do tofu—from the zucchini roulade with basil-sorrel-tofu-ricotta to the crispy tofu ssam (wrapped) with kimchi fried rice and ginger-pickled carrots. Meat eaters aren’t left out at Owl House; if you’re a carnivore you’ll enjoy the grilled sirloin, locally sourced from Seven Bridges Farm in Lima, New York.

Lento

is serious about creating delicious, local cuisine—it lists all suppliers right on its website. The chef buys all meat locally, and then butchers it in-house. You won’t find a commercially bottled condiment in the place—everything is made right on the premises. Bread and pastries are baked at Lento, and produce is sourced from nearby farms. Find a dozen varieties of fresh oysters for your appetizer; then try chicken under a brick from Fisher Hill Farm or a quiche made with eggs from Seven Bridges Farm. Finish your meal with a cocktail crafted with house-made mixers.

Good Luck Restaurant

This farm-to-table restaurant offers a variety of locally sourced vegetables, meat and seafood dishes. Diner favorites include the Good Luck burger and the miso-glazed hakurei turnips. Sip on local wine or cider with your meal. For an out-of-the-ordinary dining experience, try to get seating at the Chef’s Table in the kitchen—your party of between six and 14 people can order one of three special family-style menus. comfortable, friendly restaurant fills up fast, so make your reservation in advance (for Chef’s Table, reserve at least two weeks in advance).

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