40 Best Cafes in Rochester

“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 ⭐️“

“A hidden gem! The food was delicious and friendly staff. Check them out.“

“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.“

“Such a cute little place offering healthy and tasty protein shake options! I’ve only been a few times, but my mom orders from here frequently and we both love it! The atmosphere is light and friendly, with a diverse menu and polite service. Support small businesses!“

“Enjoyed a yummy breakfast from the Churchville Location. The bread was delicious and I love the red skin potatoes! The food was great!“

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

“Amazing café. Kind, caring, and compassionate customer service. I tried to tip the young man for serving my coffee and food and he refused.

The Turkish coffee was great. Will be back for more. The latte was just as delicious.

The pastries were the star 🌟 🤩 ✨️ I devoured them they were so good. The cheese filled one that looks like am empanada was my favorite. I'll be ordering two next time. The beef filled one was my second favorite.

Don't walk to get here....run. You will not be disappointed.“

“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 !“

“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!!!“

“Lots of delicious teas, shakes, and waffles on the weekend! Friendly and our go to place!“

“The food is amazing. The service is great, and the eggnog latte is to die for.“

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

“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.“

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

“First time ever having iced chai but it was so good, kinda tasted like a s’more, Shirley temple was also really good :). I have yet to try any food but I’d imagine it’d taste just as good as their drinks. Their service is quick, especially for little things like drinks. The atmosphere is nice and the live music is pretty good.“

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

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

“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.“

“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 .👋👋👋“

“Very good food. Quite a little cafe with a nice atmosphere. Burritos are popping.“

“Fresh Delish Cafe is always my go-to for a delicious, healthy meal. The smoothies are packed with flavor and nutrients, and the sandwiches are so tasty.“

“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.“

“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“

“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 ✨“

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

“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!“

“the space was absolutely beautiful and the owner is amazing. very great and friendly. service was phenomenal!“

“Best coffee & healthy food“

“very friendly and unique atmosphere . our coffee tasted very good also.“

“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.“

“They have best coffee!!! Awesome workers. It would really be great if they could expand or make it bigger to allow more seating inside. Keep up the good work. 🥰🥰🥰“

“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!! :)“

“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.“

“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.“

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

“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“

“The food was delicious, I just wish there was more of a variety. I got the Blackened Beef Tenderloin tips which tasted good but should have had more meat, most of the plate was mashed potatoes. There should be more beef options for dinner, ie: ribeye, prime rib, NY strip steak, short ribs, etc. The service was okay, a little slow. I ordered sparkling water and it came in a bottle with no glass, which was kind of odd. I had to request a glass and then the glass she gave me was tiny. It was crowded in there and a little loud, tables are too close together.“