50 Best Cafes in Rochester

“we sat outside and the place is very clean and well kept. server was excellent and very nice. my BF ordered the burger and i ordered the fried chicken plate. it came with a delicious carrot salad on the side and honey to dip my tenders in. sooo delicious! im not big on chicken tenders but this plate was well worth it. the burger was a big size also“

“Fantastic staff, great food and drinks. It's become my go to coffee shop. Plus, the variety of books meant I got like 80% of my holiday shopping done in one trip“

“Live it all. From the service from the employees to the product! Always a 5 ⭐️“

“Part of my birthday present from my wife. Just a wonderful experience. We booked a full hour and it went by fast. Lovely kitties looking for forever homes (we wish we could take another one in right now). Will be back to get and give more kitty love.“

“The food was excellent and the staff was friendly and courteous!“

“My workplace had a party this past Saturday evening at this restaurant and it was absolutely amazing! The food was spectacular! Liza took care of us all evening and she was absolutely amazing too! I highly recommend this place.“

“I have been to CRUMPETS three or four times when I am visiting the Rochester area and every time it's amazing. I am moving to Rochester next month and I can't wait to eat crumpets more often!!!“

“Best coffee, shakes, and teas ever!! Came here while in Rochester for a graduation and we came in every day while in town. The drinks were absolutely amazing and low calorie with the perfect amount of sweetness. We got the cookie dough coffee, Bahama mama, lilac cooler, strawberry shortcake shake, and banana cream shake - I recommend all of those. The staff was very knowledgeable and gave the best recommendations. 100/10 definitely recommend! Wish they had more locations so I could try everything“

“Cutest shop around and everything is delicious! Love going on weekends for the breakfast sandwiches!“

“Happy Gut Sanctuary is a relaxing space to gather with friends or have a relaxing moment to yourself. The vibes are impeccable. The staff is friendly, caring, and attentive. The beverages are to die for—and you can even do a little shopping on top of all of that! Highly recommend—there is something for everyone !“

“The food was wonderful Grits and shrimp fried chicken and coffee was amazing.“

“Java's is a Rochester gem. Friendly staff, lots of options on menu, warm inviting atmosphere. Big fan of this place.“

“Chill and creative atmosphere, excellent coffee and food. I love seeing goods and services from local artists on sale there, too!“

“Some good news for a Sunday morning! Nancy and I have been isolating after a visit with our grandkids. We normally take our morning walk to Matilda’s for my red eye and Nancy’s cappuccino. This morning the doorbell rang and there was Gretchen from Matilda’s with our coffee! She said they missed us and wanted to check in with us! What a surprise! (She also brought an apple turnover (the best I have had)!) People, wherever you live, there are small businesses that depend on your support. In these difficult times, they need us more than ever. Please do what you can to create community wherever you live. Peace.“

“Nice quaint place. Didn't eat here, didn't look like much in dinner food. Great atmosphere hippie like, real cool. The band was Woody Dodge gotta check em out. There really isn't service, it's walk up service, no complaints.“

“Give the pastry chef a RAISE!

A recently discovered gem for me. I ordered the prosciutto and mozzarella croissant , herby artichoke danish, and a cinnamon roll. It was all outstanding.

The croissant and danish were as delicate a mother coddling her newborn baby. So tender, light, and just so incredibly wholesome. It makes you want to have a newborn baby in your hands, it's that good.

And don't get me started on the THICC cinnamon roll. They are double cheeked up and topped with a non traditional icing that is smooth, a bit fluffy and a little messy ? the actual roll is soft and tender, just like ... well you can use your imagination!

Pearson's is money and the pastry chef and bread man know what is up.“

“Best coffee & healthy food“

“I had my birthday/retirement celebration at I Square Wine Reserve Saturday night. Sara the event coordinator and Mike helped me make my plans. It was fabulous. Appetizers were delicious and the.Arancini’s were amazing. Everyone was complementing the chef. I was so happy to celebrate my special occasions there. A big thank you again to Mike and Sara and Olivia our bartender .👋👋👋“

“Protein shakes are amazing! Super friendly and great service.“

“My toddler loved her grilled cheese, and I really enjoyed my caprese sandwich. Great way to wrap up a day at the library--delicious food made fresh and in support of a terrific cause.“

“The most significant and iconic building of Rochester is The Times Square Building, which is a historic landmark that stands as an iconic part of the city's skyline. Originally constructed in 1929, this art deco skyscraper is known for its distinctive design and has played a significant role in Rochester's architectural and commercial history.“

“Went in for dinner tonight for the first time and it was INCREDIBLE! A wide variety of drinks and food! Staff was attentive and friendly. They answered any questions we had about the menu. Even though it’s not sit down service the staff still brought us extra plates when needed and offered cups of water which was nice! Food came out fresh and hot! We will return again for more!! :)“

“We have never had a bad meal! Everything is always excellent. The best spot in Rochester.“

“Good breakfast and nice seating outside“

“My daughter and I’s favorite place to have coffee and breakfast!“

“Love sitting inside near giant glass windows... or outside in warm weather. Wonderful, lovely music. Quiet atmosphere. Food is very good & generous portions. Nice variety of coffees & teas. Also really enjoy looking at all the decor, based on Susan B. Anthony & other important women. Location is where she originally (illegally) voted ! Friendly, nice place > to meet or on your own.“

“First time back in a while, and just as good as I remember it being from my 5 years of school here at RIT. �“

“Sadly tucked away in a corner but amazing food. Old fashion cafe with the sign using board letters and numbers. Lovely lady’s and big portions. Atmosphere of the cafe room was beautiful with the windows looking out to the garden and spacious. Come here whenever your in the room for quiet space and lovely air“

“The fresh flavors of the Pico and cilantro made my wrap amazing. the carrot cake is the best I've ever tasted. Their passion for food and their customers showed on everything they made and how it was served. cheers.“

“This has become my home away from home. Either flying solo or bringing family or friends along, my visits always leave me feeling elevated. Their elixirs and welcoming staff are so uplifting.“

“The sweets here are usually very good. They have a good variety to choose from. Their brewed coffee is never that great. They do have the biggest selection of flavor shots however so that sometimes covers the taste. The drinks besides normal coffee are typically good as well“

“place has gone down hill... got a black and blue to go, it was burned to a crisp, and gave me the wrong sauce. miss the old owners“

“loved it. the iced mocha is much better than Starbucks, and the chicken basil wrap it great.“

“I went here yesterday for the first time, I tried the lavender vanilla iced coffee and it was absolutely amazing. I loved it so much I came back today and tried the lemon almond cookie iced latte and I was blown away by how delicious it was. I definitely vote this as my new favorite coffee drink anywhere. the barista, Collette is friendly, cool and was very helpful answering questions I had and made my drinks perfectly. I Will be a repeat customer from now on. I wish I had tried this place when I first heard of it, but no better time than now ✨“

“Just had these at the Public Market during the food truck rodeo. Easily the best apple cider donut I’ve ever had. And I lived on an apple farm growing up that made these types of donuts fresh everyday lol. Would highly recommend getting them and eating them hot!“

“I met Amy at the Southwedge Farmers Markets and grabbed some of her original dill pickles. Simply wonderful, light, tasty and delicate. Literally these are the best pickles I have ever tasted. Give her a call or stop by the Southwedge Farmers market on Gregory Street, Thursdays between 4-7PM or better yet go and visit her at Ludwig's Center Stage Cafe. Its time for all of us to get back to living life and supporting the businesses that make Rochester unique, + the best pickles ever. I promise you won't be disappointed.“

“awesome vibes. amazing hospitality. 5 ***** Stars. 👍💃🕺🏻“

“Came in here to get some breakfast and coffee while waiting for a family member to have outpatient surgery. I was a little hesitant due to the poor reviews but that was unfounded. The atmosphere feels a little weird like it’s meant to be an office not a coffee shop but there was comfortable seating and I spent most of my time waiting during the surgery here. The coffee is Finger Lakes Coffee Roasters. I ordered a caramel macchiato which was excellent. I also had a little pizza bagel thing that was delicious. The staff working were lovely and my order was made super quick.“

“A huge thank you to the barista that noticed my daughter in tears and treated her with the kindest service ever. You changed her day.“

“Midnight Oil is a part of the "We Proudly Serve Starbucks Coffee" Programme, and as such, almost the entirety of the Starbucks menu can be found here. They work fairly quickly and get orders accurate

Wheelchair accessibility: Almost all entrance are wheelchair accessible“

“Great food, excellent service!“

“Nathans gave my baby a bowl of soup during the saddest day of her life first day of chemo. She came home all lit up that she had a bowl of soup and it made her so happy during the storm of a hardship. Wow I hope that God blesses this business ten fold and you have a new patron for life, me! there's never food at the Cancer Center just a snack cart and for people to sit around hungry all day is really sad I know I was one. I made her pack some snacks and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich because I was afraid she was going to be hungry all day at the hospital. God bless you really for thinking of those suffering and hungry. I cannot put into words how this makes me feel. thank you from the bottom of my heart.“

“Innovative way of preparing yummy sandwiches with the choice of bed of greens. And people who work there are friendly and patient!“

“We work close by twice a month, and decided to try a new place . Magnolias did NOT disappoint!! Everything we ordered was fantastic, fresh, and plentiful. I ordered a ham n cheese on a panini, and it melted in my mouth, probably one of the best sandwiches I've ever had..highly recommend! 👍👍👍👍👍“

“Our first time here, and I already can't wait to come back! The person who took our order was patient and helpful, and the food was AMAZING!! (I took a picture of my classic waffle)

Dietary restrictions: Thank you for having gluten free granola!“

“I love my visits to Canaltown. It’s a tranquil little coffee shop with 8-10 tables. A great place to spend alone or catch up with friends.I ordered a frozen hot chocolate and a cut out cookie that was too good to wait to take the picture!“

“We cannot say enough about the food that was catered tonight at the Riot Room. Amazing!!!! We appreciate everything from Sapori!. Food was on point. Setup and service was perfect. Thanks again and look forward to the next.“

“Perfect location for me to grab a bagel sandwich and coffee omw to work!

I love supporting local and their prices are very reasonable.

The drive-thru moves quick.

I do wish they used better quality bacon though. It seems like the very thin, precooked stuff.“

“The most delicious coffee, best customer service, and local art for sale on the walls. Highly recommend! I bring everyone I know here.“