50 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 ⭐️“

“Food is always good. Always fresh and never an issue. Friendly staff as well.“

“Had a great experience here while visiting our son.......Great food....great coffee and friendly service!“

“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.“

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

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

“what a lovely Sunday brunch! wonderful food. crispy chicken with fabulous fries, cream of mushroom soup, cinnamon raisin French toast with real butter and maple syrup, plus pastrami hash. wonderful service from liza, cheerful. a perfect meal. thank you!!!“

“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!“

“I am a picky eater but I have had several different things from T’s and I have never been disappointed! They are also genuinely the nicest people! Also, the prices are very reasonable.“

“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.“

“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.“

“If you’re looking for the best boba tea near RIT, this spot is an absolute must. Obsessed is honestly an understatement ✨ From the moment you walk in, the vibe is everything chic, modern, and so inviting. It’s the perfect place to study, catch up with friends, or just treat yourself. The bubble tea selection is incredible, so many milk tea and fruit tea options! Easily some of the best bubble tea in Rochester NY. And the food? SO good 🔥 which is rare to find at a boba spot. Everything we tried was flavorful, high quality, and looked 🤤 If you’re searching for boba tea in Rochester, or just an all-around great food and drink experience, this place absolutely delivers. Highly recommend checking it out!“

“The food and drinks were delicious. 10/10“

“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.“

“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.“

“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“

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

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

“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!“

“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 ✨“

“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.“

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

“I love the burgers here, and my dining companion raves about the pizza! Today I tried their version of Nashville chicken.

Way too much bun for the chicken, which was tasty but not special in its flavor. Nice and crunchy but bland. No kick at all. Way too many pickles - no problem, just picked a few off and ate a few separately. I usually really like their rosemary garlic fries. Today they were hard, cool and very salty. Surprising because they'd just opened.

Overall the customer service vibe was off today. Our server was excellent, however the way we were received could improve. I had planned to meet someone at 11:30 am. That's when they open, and trust me, not a minute earlier. As a matter of fact, 2 minutes late, with staff making sure to not make eye contact as they prepared. There was no seating outside the main entrance, situated within a mall. It was about to start raining, so it didn't seem wise to sit outside. Tough on those who cannot stand for long periods of time. When the staff finally unlocked the door, they just turned the bolt and walked away. I would've expected them to physically open the door and welcome the small crowd that had gathered.

It's never a good idea to assume that business will always be robust. A little friendliness goes a long way.“

“First time there. Ordered four DosiiRoc boxes, each with a different protein (chicken, beef, pork, and tofu). The meats and tofu were deliciously spiced and well cooked. Not too spicy for any of us, including one who doesn't like very hot spiced food. They came with white rice, noodles with yummy roasted veggies, a bean sprout dish, and a dumpling. The takeout containers did a good job keeping things separated. We'll be back, maybe dining in next time.“

“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.“

“May 17th, 2026 at about 5:30 PM, I went right up to the counter and ordered 2 Kids Burger Meals, only $8 for burgers, fries, and drink, and it was Next Door Bar & Grill quality, probably the same supplier and recipe, so absolute top level burger. I had a $7 chicken sandwich which was half way between a Popeyes and a Chik-Fil-A Sandwich. I ordered a Corona to drink. I asked for a lime wedge in it, and although they didn't have pre-cut limes, they ran over to produce and grabbed a lime, then brought me out a wedge on a separate plate. My wife had a full sized burger that she also enjoyed. The employees were friendly and they bussed the table like it was a full service restaurant. I am so happy the live music of the Burger Bar is gone and we can eat our meals and talk in peace. I have already been back in the 11 days since then.“

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

“Best coffee & healthy food“

“Affogato is very good and very good atmosphere“

“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.“

“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.“

“Ok so the staff was great and the interior was clean and orderly. The issue is have is solely with the overwhelming flavor of banana in every single smoothie. All 3 of the ones we ordered had the same intensity of banana. None of the smoothies names would indicate a banana forward flavor other than the SB. Disappointing at the price point“

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

“Love this place and find myself there a few times per month. The food never disappoints! Outstanding flavor. Always fresh. Love that there is always something new to try (but then I also miss some of my favorites that don’t make it back on the menu). Highly recommended!“

“My passion for coffee shops is still alive and kicking and Canaltown Coffee Roasters didn’t dampen that passion. It’s nice to visit a real coffee roaster’s.

Val was fantastic. For my partner Val recommended a Cuban Double Espresso and that Plant Milk was the best alternative for the Apple Dirty Chai. He thoroughly enjoyed his drinks.

I ordered the Caramel Spice Latte and it was delicious.

The service was good. There is plenty of seating indoors and a few tables outside. Loved the cute fresh flower arrangements on the tables.

A very chilled out cafe with friends chatting away and people working quietly on laptops.

There is plenty of parking.“

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

“so fun! I've always loved claw machines and this is like a mecca! I've never seen so many in one place. I'm like a kid in a candy shop! it's cool that you can trade in your winnings for other prizes too“

“Perfect for any occasion! Highly professional! Top quality service“

“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.“

“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“

“please keep your tables clean. thats the only reason I dont like coming in. I mean realllly clean them, often, please !!!!“

“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.“