One of the main highlights of any trip somewhere new is the food. From quick bites on the go that are perfect for those busy sightseeing to sit-down feasts that will appeal to travellers seeking to make an occasion of it, there’s something for everyone in Rochester. Set on the southern shore of Lake Ontario, this city is home to more than 200,000 people and it has welcomed a wave of immigrants over the past half-century, thus resulting in a multicultural society. Cultural influences from southern and eastern Europe as well as Sub-Saharan Africa are evident here. Unsurprisingly, this cosmopolitan mix means Rochester is home to plenty of world cuisines, including the spicy and aromatic delights of Indian food. Here’s our rundown of the best Indian restaurants in Rochester, New York.
1. Raj Mahal Indian Restaurant
Boasting a wide array of Indian dishes, including lamb, chicken, beef, seafood and tandoori specialties, the Raj Mahal is a very popular eatery in Rochester, and enjoys a strong reputation among past diners. Located in the South Town Plaza on Jefferson Road - making it a possible stop-off point during shopping - this informal eatery has won fans for its service. A particular highlight for many was the array of buffet dishes, alongside the a la carte dining. It also serves an array of vegetarian specialities, perfect for those looking to avoid meat. There’s also a children’s menu. What’s more, if you’d prefer to dine at your holiday dig, instead of within the warm, earthen colours and brick decor of the restaurant, the eatery has a takeout option, too.
Raj Mahal Indian Restaurant
Address: 368 Jefferson Road, Rochester, NY 14623
Website: Raj Mahal Indian Restaurant
Opening hours: Mon and Wed - Thu: 11.30am - 2.30pm & 5pm - 9.30pm; Fri: 11.30am - 2.30pm & 5pm - 10pm; Sat: 11.30am - 3pm & 5pm - 10pm; Sun: 11.30am - 7pm (closed on Tue)
2. Thali of India
One of the highest-rated eateries in Rochester, this popular restaurant offers a wide array of specialities, ranging from Tandoori, meat and seafood, to Dum Biryani, Paneer, and self-styled Indian Thalis. There are even some Indo-Chinese options, should you wish to mix it up a bit, instead of opting for traditional Indian food. Its location on South Winton Road also places it close to local shops as well as a bowling alley - Bowl-a-Roll Lanes, should you wish to indulge in a little fun before or after eating. It also offers a number of vegetarian and vegan-friendly options, as well as some gluten-friendly dishes, so those with particular dining requirements should take note.
Thali of India
Address: 3259 South Winton Road, Rochester, NY 14623
Website: Thali of India
Opening hours: 11.30am - 3pm, 5pm - 9.30pm (daily)
3. Amaya Indian Cuisine
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Nestled in a large strip mall, the Shoppes at Lac De Ville, Amaya Indian Cuisine is as likely to appeal to shopaholics looking for a bite to eat during their shopping spree as it is to fans of tasty food. The eatery serves a wide array of traditional dishes as well as a lunchtime buffet, and is popular among diners. It is known for its high-quality food, stellar service and vibrant atmosphere. The menu includes everything from the traditional dum biryani to a range of small plates. There are also meat and seafood options on the menu, plus a sizeable range of vegetarian and vegan dishes. The strip mall location also means there’s ample parking space.
Amaya Indian Cuisine
Address: 1900 South Clinton Avenue, Rochester, NY 14618
Website: Amaya Indian Cuisine
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 11.30am - 2.30pm, 5pm - 10pm; Sun: 11.30am - 2.30pm, 5pm - 9pm (closed on Mon)
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4. Tandoor of India Henrietta NY
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Tandoor Of India Henrietta NY on Sunday, November 1, 2020
Located in the Jefferson Plaza Strip Mall, Tandoor of India offers a range of tandoori, chicken, lamb, beef and seafood specialities, as well as vegetarian and vegan options. The functional, but well-lit interior features ample space for dozens of diners. The nearby Henrietta area is also home to the likes of the Altitude Trampoline Park and the Clubhouse Fun Center amusement park, should your family look to fit in a little entertainment before your meal. Time your visit right and you may coincide with one of the eatery’s occasional live music events.
Tandoor of India Henrietta NY
Address: 376 Jefferson Road, Rochester, NY 14623
Website: Tandoor of India Henrietta NY
Opening hours: 11.30am - 3pm & 5pm - 9.30pm (daily)
5. Royal of India
Located in Henrietta, just a short distance to the west of entries 1 and 4, Royal of India is situated within the Park Point shopping centre at the north-eastern corner of the Rochester Institute of Technology’s campus. A new arrival on the Rochester food scene, the Royal of India’s buffet options have already won plenty of fans for its extensive range of specialities, which range from beef and goat to chicken and seafood. Those looking for something a little different will also find some Nepali-inspired options. And, if you time your visit right, you may coincide with specials, such as the Wednesday evening dinner buffet. Alternatively, it also has a takeout option, should you prefer to eat at your accommodation.
Royal of India
Address: 300 Park Point Drive, Rochester, NY 14623
Website: Royal of India
Opening hours: 11.30am - 3pm & 5pm - 10pm (daily)
6. Naan-Tastic
Another Henrietta-based option, Naan-Tastic is like some of the earlier options. Many of the city’s famous attractions, such as the Clubhouse Fun Center amusement park, the RPM Raceway go-kart track and the Lasertron Laser Tag centre, are located nearby. So, families looking for a place to eat before or after indulging in some action-packed activities should take a note of it. The Marketplace Mall and other strip mall outlets in the local area also make Naan-Tastic an option for those eager to grab a bite while enjoying a little retail therapy. The eatery itself, which features red and wood American style decor, caters more to casual diners and offers a huge array of meal options, thanks to its made-to-order menu. This lets you choose everything from your own base and serving style, to sauces, toppings and sides. The eatery also offers a range of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.
Naan-Tastic
Address: 100 Marketplace Drive, Rochester, NY 14623
Website: Naan-Tastic
Opening hours: 11am - 10pm (daily)
7. Haveli Indian Cuisine
Offering an extensive menu that features close to 170 different food combinations, those looking for a unique taste sensation will likely find what they crave during a visit to Haveli Indian Cuisine. Located in Henrietta, this compact but popular eatery’s food and level of service have won plenty of fans, and it also offers a number of vegetarian and vegan options. Meanwhile, its position places it next to the Henrietta Plaza strip mall shopping centre, should you wish to splash some cash. There’s also a Sky Zone Trampoline Park nearby, which is a perfect family-family attraction.
Haveli Indian Cuisine
Address: 1635 East Henrietta Road, Rochester, NY 14623
Website: Haveli Indian Cuisine
Opening hours: 11.30am - 3pm & 5pm - 9.30pm (daily)
8. India House Express
If you’re looking to tuck into Indian dishes on the move, then visit India House Express located in the Collegetown area of Rochester. This compact eatery does feature limited seating, but its self-styled “fast casual express” nature makes it far better suited to takeout. Its menu features an array of lamb, beef, chicken, shrimp, tandoori and vegetarian dishes to suit many palates. Those who’d rather enjoy a proper sit-down meal will be interested to note that the outlet is actually part of a wider family-run group of four restaurants. Indeed, the original India House restaurant, on 998 South Clinton Avenue, has been wining and dining food fans since 1984, and won awards over that period. So, if you’ve got more time and would rather enjoy a sit-down meal in a more palatial setting, you may wish to make a beeline for the eatery which started it all.
India House Express
Address: 1340 Mount Hope Avenue, Rochester, NY 14620
Website: India House Express, Rochester
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11.30am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 11.30am - 9.30pm
Tantalize your taste buds with Indian food
Whether it’s fine cuisine in an enjoyable sit-down setting, the convenience of an express takeout, or a handy place to refuel during shopping or family-friendly adventures, there’s an Indian restaurant to suit your needs in Rochester, New York, Where will your taste buds take you?
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