Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Rochester, New York, United States

All Topics about Rochester All Cities in United States

1. Garbage Plate

A messy dish of macaroni salad, home fries, baked beans, onions, and choice of meat, typically served at Nick Tahou's Humboldt.

Iconic Rochester Dish: Garbage Plate is a unique dish to Rochester and a must-try for food enthusiasts.
Hearty Meal: This dish is perfect for those with a big appetite, providing a generous portion of flavors.
Unique Combination: The combination of macaroni salad, home fries, baked beans, and onions creates a one-of-a-kind taste experience.

A sandwich made with thinly sliced roast beef on a kummelweck roll (salt and caraway seeds) served with horseradish sauce.

Rochester Tradition: Beef on Weck is deeply rooted in Rochester's history and represents the city's culinary heritage.
Delicious Sandwich: The blend of flavors from the beef, roll, and horseradish sauce make for an unforgettable sandwich experience.
Local Ingredients: Using locally sourced beef and kummelweck rolls adds to the authenticity of this dish.

A regional style of hot wings, characterized by their vinegar-based sauce and crispy skin.

Spicy Local Favorite: Rochester Red Wings are a must-try for those who enjoy spicy food and want to experience Rochester's unique take on wings.
Vinegar-Based Sauce: Unlike traditional Buffalo wings, Rochester Red Wings have a distinct vinegar flavor that sets them apart.
Crispy Skin: The crispy skin on the wings ensures an enjoyable texture for wing lovers.

A cheesesteak made with thinly sliced steak, cheese, and onions on a roll.

Regional Twist: The Nickel City Cheesesteak offers a unique twist on the classic Philly cheesesteak.
Filling Meal: This hearty sandwich is perfect for those looking for a filling meal in Rochester.
Local Steak: Using locally sourced steak adds to the quality and authenticity of this dish.

A pasta dish made with chicken, hot sausage, marinara sauce, and rigatoni noodles.

Local Specialty: Chicken Riggies is a dish that you can only find in Central New York, specifically Rochester.
Spicy Pasta Dish: The spiciness of the hot sausage gives this pasta dish a unique flavor profile.
Comfort Food: Chicken Riggies is a comforting and hearty meal that will warm you up on a chilly day in Rochester.

Large, square-cut slices of pizza with a thin crust and a variety of toppings, especially popular at Famous Joe's on Alexander Street.

Popular Pizza Spot: Famous Joe's is a well-known pizza spot in Rochester and a must-visit for pizza lovers.
Large Slices: The large slices are perfect for those who want a satisfying meal without ordering an entire pie.
Variety of Toppings: With numerous topping options, you can customize your slice to suit your preferences.

Soft meatballs in cream sauce, served with mashed potatoes and lingonberry jam.

Global Connection: IKEA's Swedish Meatballs are a popular dish that connects Rochester to the global IKEA community.
Comforting Dish: The creamy sauce and mashed potatoes make for a comforting meal on a chilly day in Rochester.
Unique Taste: The combination of the meatballs, cream sauce, and lingonberry jam creates a unique flavor experience.

A calzone-like pizza roll made with pizza dough, cheese, and toppings, served at Dino's Gourmet Pizzeria.

Creative Twist: The Nickel City Pizza Log offers a creative twist on traditional pizza.
Portable Pizza: This portable, easy-to-eat pizza is perfect for on-the-go meals or sharing with friends.
Endless Topping Options: With numerous topping options, you can customize your Nickel City Pizza Log to suit your tastes.

A simple yet flavorful dish made with fresh mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, basil, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar.

Fresh Ingredients: The use of fresh ingredients ensures a delicious and satisfying salad experience.
Refreshing Dish: This refreshing salad is perfect for those hot summer days in Rochester.
Classic Italian Inspiration: Inspired by classic Italian cuisine, this dish offers a taste of Italy right in Rochester.

A tradition where many restaurants offer fish and chips on Fridays, especially popular during Lent.

Local Tradition: Fish Fry Friday is a longstanding Rochester tradition that offers a unique dining experience.
Hearty Meal: This hearty meal is perfect for those looking for a filling dinner on Fridays.
Community Gathering: Fish Fry Friday is a great opportunity to join the community and enjoy a meal together.

Russian-inspired cabbage rolls filled with rice and meat, served with a tangy tomato sauce.

Multicultural Cuisine: Golubtsy represents the multicultural influences in Rochester's cuisine.
Flavorful Dish: The combination of rice, meat, and tangy tomato sauce creates a flavorful dish that will leave you satisfied.
Authentic Taste: Using traditional Russian-inspired recipes ensures an authentic taste experience.

A breakfast version of the popular Garbage Plate, featuring eggs, home fries, baked beans, and choice of meat.

Creative Twist: The breakfast variation of the Garbage Plate offers a creative twist on this iconic Rochester dish.
Hearty Start to the Day: This hearty breakfast will keep you full and energized throughout the day in Rochester.
Unique Dining Experience: The Garbage Plate Breakfast offers a unique dining experience that is only found in Rochester.

A crispy, ice-cold waffle cone filled with your choice of soft serve ice cream.

Iconic Treat: The Famous Waffle Cone is a classic Rochester treat that will satisfy your sweet tooth.
Cool and Delicious: The ice-cold waffle cone and soft serve ice cream make for a refreshing and tasty dessert on hot days in Rochester.
Unique Concept: The unique concept of serving ice cream in a crispy waffle cone sets this treat apart from other ice cream options.

A large, round cookie with a crispy exterior and soft interior, often found at local bakeries.

Popular Local Treat: Rochester's Best Cookie is a beloved treat among locals and visitors alike.
Perfect Snack: This cookie makes for the perfect snack when exploring Rochester or as a gift to take home.
Variety of Flavors: With numerous flavor options, you can find the perfect cookie to suit your tastes.

A traditional pie made with grapes from the region, sold during the annual Corn Hill Arts Festival.

Seasonal Delight: The Grape Pie is a seasonal delight that can only be enjoyed during the Corn Hill Arts Festival.
Authentic Taste: Using local grapes ensures an authentic taste experience of Rochester's culinary traditions.
Community Event: Purchasing the Grape Pie supports the local community and its annual arts festival.