Aesthetics is very important in the fine-dining business. As they say, you are eating with your eyes. From exterior and interior design details, colors, smell, music, to food. How is it served? Is it locally sourced? What drink is it paired with? New York and Buffalo are known for the fine-dining scene. But how about the third most populous city of the state, Rochester? Even if it is famous for odd-sounding dishes called “white hot” or the “Garbage Plate”, upscale restaurant establishments are on the rise. Are you interested in sumptuous food establishments that pay attention to details? Then, by all means, do check out our list of the fine-dining restaurants in Rochester, New York, and reserve a table at the place of your choosing. There is something for fans of both contemporary and traditional cuisine.
1. AVVINO
Famous for its creative menu and wine and drinks options, AVVINO is a high-end contemporary restaurant. Do not let the ordinary exterior fool you. The interior is romantic and easy on the eye, with a combination of dark wood and light-colored walls. It is great for a romantic dinner, as well as a gathering of friends. When the season allows, there is also a lovely patio. Janine, the owner and wine sommelier, is always happy to help, and Chef Tim’s inventions, such as using squid ink or dishes from organic ingredients, leave visitors impressed, enjoying every bite.
AVVINO
Address: 2541 Monroe Ave, Rochester, NY 14618, United States
Website: AVVINO
Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 5pm - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 5pm - 11pm (closed from Sun - Mon)
2. REDD Rochester
Another restaurant that serves fresh, local and seasonal food is named after Chef Richard Reddington, with an impressive bio (a Michelin star!) If you are looking for a lively, yet still cozy and contemporary space, head here. REDD offers indoor and outdoor seating and stunning decor. Service is attentive and there is a sommelier on the spot to help you pick a wine. If you sit at the bar, you can peek into a semi-open kitchen as well! Some popular “osteria-like” items are food-fired pizzas or risotto with truffle oil, but since the menu is seasonal, we advise you to check for yourself.
REDD Rochester
Address: 24 Winthrop St, Rochester, NY 14607, United States
Website: REDD Rochester
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11:30am - 11pm; Sat: 4pm - 11pm; Sun: 11am - 2:30pm, 5pm - 9pm
3. The Revelry
In the Neighborhood of the Arts in Rochester, lies a hospitable bar & restaurant called The Revelry. Downstairs serves as a bar and second floor as a dining area. It is a taste-buds revelation, especially (but not only) for meat-eaters, artisanal cocktail lovers and fans of brunches. The menu keeps it short and simple, and we dare to add, honest. They grind their own meat for burgers, mix interesting cocktails behind the shiny, dark bar and serve lovely cheddar biscuits. The dapper-looking staff is nice and knowledgeable. The wood decor and nice lightning make it a great place for dinner for two or socializing. Don’t forget to look under your feet - the glass floor reveals the cellar.
The Revelry
Address: 1290 University Ave, Rochester, NY 14607, United States
Website: The Revelry
Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 4pm - 12am; Fri - Sat: 4pm - 2am; Sun: 11am - 12am (closed on Mon)
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4. Char Steak & Lounge
Even if it has steak in the name, this place is also popular for brunches, home-made desserts, fish of the day, or seafood. It is located in the East Avenue Historic District, inside Strathallan Hotel. Indoor hides a massive bar with a good selection of cocktails and wines and cozy seating. When you’ve sat down, admire local art and listen to ambient music while being guided through a mouth-watering menu. The staff is very attentive, your only problem will be deciding between so many tasty-looking options: from beef tartare, or duck, to prime steaks prepared on a wood-fired grill, then finished in a coal oven. Hungry already?
Char Steak & Lounge
Address: 550 East Ave, Rochester, NY 14607, United States
Website: Char Steak & Lounge
Opening hours: 7am - 2pm, 5pm - 10pm (daily)
5. Pane Vino On The River
Exceptional service, inside and outside, from free valet service to the attentive staff. If you like outdoor seating with a view, you’ll love it here. When the weather is cold, the rosy brown interior of Pane Vino (meaning bread and wine) offers a rustic, inviting atmosphere, with brick walls and wooden furniture, the occasional live music performance, no corkage fee nights, and weekly bar specials (for example 5 dollar house wines on Thursdays.) If you visit nearby Geva, Auditorium, & Eastman theatre events, you will receive a free appetizer or a glass of wine, upon showing your ticket.
Pane Vino On The River
Address: 175 N Water St, Rochester, NY 14604, United States
Website: Pane Vino On The River
Opening hours: Mon - Wed: 5pm - 9pm; Thu - Sat: 5pm - 10pm; Sun: 4pm - 9pm
6. Relish
Head to the hip South Wedge area of Rochester and relish fine-dining dishes, like Provencal Lamb, or Cassoulet. This French-inspired restaurant is small (less than 20 seats) and intimate. It is also family-friendly - every Tuesday they serve a fixed family-style menu. Chef Stephen Rees, alumni of the Culinary Institute of America, is passionate about cooking and pays attention to every delicate flavor and dish presentation. He is a local and so are most of the ingredients. Their waitresses have great knowledge about French cuisines so you will not feel lost. Do not forget to book your table in advance.
Relish
Address: 651 South Ave, Rochester, NY 14620, United States
Website: Relish
Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 5:30pm - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 5:30am - 10pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
7. Ristorante Lucano
A true family-owned gem, located in an inconspicuous strip-mall building, this restaurant offers true Italian dishes made out of imported ingredients, fresh and of high quality. The interior surprises - there are three main rooms. All are furnished with wood panelling, seating with tablecloths, easy on the eye lights, and vivid paintings. The owners, Formoso family, serve mostly Southern Italian delicacies with a smile. Whether it is homemade Sicilian sausage, pasta or one of their desserts, your tastebuds will scream “delizioso!” And if you are an avid cook, head to Lucano’s shop next door, which sells imported Italian tasty goods.
Ristorante Lucano
Address: 1815 East Ave, Rochester, NY 14610, United States
Website: Ristorante Lucano
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 5pm - 9pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
8. Max Chophouse
Monroe Ave is a popular location of fine-dining restaurants in Rochester. Seafood and prime steaks at Max Chophouse made it to our list. Superb servers present seasonal upper-end dishes and wine and drinks recommendations in a welcoming, yet swanky interior with soft colors. Great for a special occasion. You can order Ribeye or Angus filet mignon with homemade sauces, sourdough rolls, mac and cheese, or brussels sprouts. If you are a seafood lover, then visit on Tuesdays, when they serve a Surf & Turf Weekly Special. The decision is yours, we’ll just say that reservation beforehand is advised.
Max Chophouse
Address: 1456 Monroe Ave, Rochester, NY 14618, United States
Website: Max Chophouse
Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 5pm - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 5pm - 11pm; Sun: 4:30pm - 9:30pm (closed on Mon)
9. Grinnell's
Run by a fourth-generation restaurant heir, Grinnell’s is another spot on Monroe Ave that gastronomes should not miss. Known for weekly and nightly specials, decent-sized portions of slow-roasted prime rib, seafood and steaks, this fine-dining, yet casual-feel spot, with valet parking, has something for everyone. The decor of the two rooms is very classic and classy, and so is the service, dressed-up staff and food presentation. Grinnell’s is one of the few places left in Rochester with strong cocktails and steaks that would make Momma proud. Secret tip: give the spinach salad a try!
Grinnell's
Address: 1696 Monroe Ave, Rochester, NY 14618, United States
Website: Grinnell’s
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 5pm - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 5pm - 11pm; Sun: 4:30pm - 9pm
10. Morton's The Steakhouse
This awarded steakhouse, located at the Hyatt Regency, serves steaks famous for their ratio of marbling, color and texture. Do you like seafood? Morton’s cover that and extensive wine choices, and cater to soy-sensitive and gluten-sensitive eaters. Flawless servers with friendly personalities, skilled bartenders combined with creamy-colored interior and high ceilings definitely make it an exclusive swank steakhouse restaurant that you should not miss when in Rochester. We recommend checking their “Special Events” section for gourmet dinner nights paired with the finest wines.
Morton's The Steakhouse
Address: 125 E Main St, Rochester, NY 14604, United States
Website: Morton’s The Steakhouse
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 4pm - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 4pm - 11pm
Treat yourself to some exquisite food
Do you want to treat yourself or a loved one on a special occasion to some exquisite food? Do you have the budget to do so? Even if Rochester is famous for its jolt cola and hot dogs, we recommend the establishments above. Why? Due to their fine wines, cocktails, and fresh and exciting dishes, served in a lavish but friendly atmosphere. Fellow foodie, you should not think twice and bring them to one of the best fine dining restaurants in Rochester, New York. Several places from the list are even located on the same street, which makes giving your tastebuds an adventure easier than ever.