Restaurant & local dining
Your local guide
Best of Rochester
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THE PEOPLE’S LOCAL FAVORITES
Vote for your local favorites
Who makes the best tacos? Where do you take a friend for coffee? Give your favorite local places a little recognition.
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Best TacosBest BurritoBest BurgerBest SeafoodBest PizzaBest BirriaBest BreakfastBest Asian RestaurantBest Bakery / PanaderíaBest Dessert / Ice CreamBest Food TruckBest Coffee ShopBest BarBest Brewery / TaproomBest Happy HourBest Live Music SpotBest PlumberBest ElectricianBest LandscaperBest HVAC / AC RepairBest RooferBest HandymanBest House CleaningBest Pest ControlBest General ContractorBest RealtorBest Auto Repair ShopBest Car Wash / DetailBest VeterinarianBest Pet GroomerBest DentistBest Gym / Fitness StudioBest BarberBest Hair SalonBest Nail SalonBest Massage / SpaBest Local ShopBest FloristBest Tattoo ShopBest Family ActivityBest Park or TrailBest Hidden Gem
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A starting point for exploring Rochester
Explore a shortlist from our researched local directory. Each group explains how its places were selected. These suggestions are separate from the community votes above and do not represent a citywide award.
Each profile links to its sources. Ratings, where available, can change. Use the heart on a photo to save a place for later.
See your saved places →Local restaurants to get to know
Independent kitchens, neighborhood cafes and places for your next meal.
Selected from sourced Google ratings of at least 4.3 with 20 or more reviews, ordered by rating then review count.
Restaurant & local dining
Restaurant & local dining
Restaurant & local dining
Restaurant & local dining
Restaurant & local dining
Founders Cafe
Founders Cafe serves made-from-scratch food and organic, fair-trade coffee and tea in downtown Rochester, within the Academy Building, where a trendy atmosphere prevails. The menu features sandwiches, wraps, paninis,…
Independent shops worth exploring
Browse locally rooted shops and find something beyond the usual chains.
Selected from sourced Google ratings of at least 4.3 with 20 or more reviews, ordered by rating then review count.
Books
The Unreliable Narrator
The Unreliable Narrator is a bookstore on North Goodman Street Street.
Books
Books
Writers & Books
Writers & Books in Rochester, New York, provides writing workshops, youth programs, literary events, and creative retreats for the community. The organization's programs and services cater to readers and writers of all…
Books
Make a day of it
Museums, galleries and cultural stops from our city directory.
An alphabetical selection of researched local places. This is not a rating or popularity ranking.
Art & cultural place
Art Museum of Rochester-AMoR
Art Museum of Rochester-AMoR is a cultural place on NY-31.
Art & cultural place
ARTISANworks
ARTISANworks in Rochester, New York, features a stunning collection of original art and event spaces for rent, making it an ideal location for weddings, corporate events, and other special occasions. The venue has a…
Art & cultural place
Flower City Arts Center
Flower City Arts Center is a cultural place on Monroe Avenue.
Art & cultural place
George Eastman Museum
George Eastman Museum is a cultural place on East Avenue.
Art & cultural place
Memorial Art Gallery
The Memorial Art Gallery showcases 7,000 years of human creativity through its comprehensive collection and dynamic exhibitions in Rochester, New York. Exhibitions have included works by Monet and contemporaries like…
Art & cultural place
Oxford Gallery
The Oxford Gallery in Rochester, New York, has a large inventory of art pieces, including paintings, prints, and sculptures from various artists. This gallery represents over 60 artists and provides services such as…
Want a different neighborhood or cuisine? Search all 203 places in our directory →. These selections are not paid placements.