We love Rochester because we’re never done discovering all the city has to offer. After an intense day of exploring some of the area’s best historic haunts, we like to unwind with some killer Italian grub. Whether it’s a classy, upscale meal or a casual lunch, there’s something in town that will tickle your taste buds. Keep reading to learn more about some of our favorite Italian restaurants in and around Rochester.
Terza Ristorante
Image via Terza’s Facebook.
Terza Ristorante offers first-rate food and an extensive wine menu — what else could you need from an Italian restaurant? Located in Rochester’s downtown, you’ll find traditional Italian pasta, recipes, and desserts that are made fresh in-house. Aside from the hand-crafted menu, Terza also boasts an in-house sommelier to help guide you through their incredible wine list. With their help, you’ll be able to find the perfect pairing for your penne Bolognese.
You might be tempted to overindulge on the appetizers and entrees, but make sure you save some room for the delicious dolci (that’s Italian for dessert), including classic sweet treats like crema al limone, chocolate almond tortino, and tiramisu, of course.
Victoria’s Ristorante & Wine Bar
Another delicious downtown dining experience can be had at Victoria’s Ristorante & Wine Bar. Victoria’s is a bit more informal than Terza, but by no means does that mean that the food is less delicious. You can enjoy the grub here for lunch or dinner, and there’s even a Victoria’s Express Deli if you’re looking for a lovely lunch on the run. No matter where or when you dine at Victoria’s, you can be sure you’re getting wild seafood, fresh poultry, and Parmesan cheese sourced from Wisconsin at the Eau Galle Cheese Factory.
Though Italian is rarely synonymous with terms like “heart-healthy” or “gluten-free,” you can find options that are just that here. Aside from an incredibly extensive lunch and dinner menu, you can enjoy a number of desserts, including gelato, cheesecake, chocolate cake, tiramisu, creme brulee, cannoli, and ice cream. One of our favorite aspects of Victoria’s is the service. It’s rare you find a service industry spot with team members that have been there for upwards of 10 years, but they have just that.
Pasquale’s Neighborhood Pizzeria
The owner of Pasquale’s combines his Italian heritage with his New York City upbringing to provide Rochester with traditional Italian food and classic, New York-style pizza. As with most Italian chefs, Pasquale is all about the ingredients. Whether you order a calzone, a pie, a salad, or a dessert, you can be sure you’re getting a dish created from carefully curated ingredients from America and Italy. Their desserts include Italian favorites, such as cookies, cheesecakes, pan con Nutella, sweet zeppole, and cannoli. Like Victoria’s, Pasquale’s has a location set up for express ordering for your convenience.
Broadway Bar & Pizza
At Broadway Bar & Pizza, you get it all: Italian classics, American favorites, and cold drinks. If you’re in a big group or you’re looking for variety, this is your spot. They’ve got wings, salads, hoagies, burgers, pasta, and pizza as the main attraction. Though their thin crust is what they’re known for, you can also opt for a Broadway-style deep dish, a gluten-free crust, or a whole wheat thin crust. The sauce is their own secret recipe, and it is delightful. On top of that, they make incredible Italian sausage that really sets this pizza apart.
The desserts at Broadway Bar & Pizza are a little less traditional than the rest of the places on our list, but that doesn’t make them any less delicious. Make sure you save some room for their fried zigzag donuts tossed in cinnamon sugar and butter and then topped with butterscotch syrup and vanilla icing.
The Redwood Room
The Redwood Room may feel like an intimate bar, but don’t let the swanky jazz and acoustic tunes fool you. When you visit this local favorite, you’ll find live music every night of the week and rustic comfort food, including pizza and gourmet pasta. Aside from serving up a great atmosphere and incredible flavors, The Redwood Room is well-known as one of the most romantic spots in Rochester. So next time you and your honey are looking for entertainment, drinks, food, and ambiance, you should give this hidden gem a try.
Fat Noodle
Fat Noodle is open exclusively on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays when the James Beard Award-winning chef Paul Berglund takes over Marrow’s kitchen. You’ll find a dining experience that is intimate and elevated, yet extremely approachable. You’re able to choose between two different four-course menus that offer full pasta tastings and the option for wine pairings with each course. As you would expect, Berglund makes all of the pasta by hand using locally milled, regional grains. Additionally, seasonal vegetables are at the heart of the menu, which is why you can expect to see different selections each month.
This is truly a mind-blowing experience provided by a world-renowned chef.
BB’s Pizzaria
You can stop by BB’s for lunch or dinner to grab a slice and a pint. There is an express location in Shops at University Square, but the full-size restaurant is in Viking Hills. There you’ll find an assortment of American and Italian appetizers, pizza options galore, salads, pasta, hoagies, and BB’s original “broasted chicken.” Though you’ve got a lot to choose from when you eat at BB’s, the pizza is the showstopper. When we say that the sauce is delicious, we are not kidding. Oh, and this is definitely a pie made for fans of cheese — lots and lots of cheese.
As you can see, there are some seriously savory Italian spots in Rochester. Each one on our list gives you the option to enjoy your meal in their dining room, but we also recommend picking up some snacks for a nice picnic in one of Rochester’s incredible parks. Whatever you decide, it’s bound to be delicious.
Did we miss one of your local favorites? Let us know! We’re always looking for new restaurants to try, and we’d love to add it to our list.
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