Brian Nagele
Are you planning a visit to Rochester, New York? If so, there’s plenty to see and do. From its parks and museums to its annual festivals such as the Lilac Festival and Rochester International Jazz Festival, you’re bound to have fun during your stay.
Thankfully, there are many places you can stop by for a bite to eat after a long day walking through Roc City.
Many restaurants across the city have places that offer outdoor seating. This option is excellent for visitors who prefer enjoying the fresh air while dining alone or with friends.
However, when deciding where to eat, you might be wondering what the best places for dining outdoors are.
Luckily, I compiled this list of restaurants offering the best outdoor dining in Rochester to help narrow down where you should eat before or after visiting the city’s best attractions. You might find a new twist on your favorites.
Lento
274 N Goodman St, Rochester, NY 14607
Phone: 585-271-3470
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The first restaurant I recommend checking out is Lento, located on North Goodman Street, minutes away from the Memorial Art Gallery.
This upscale eatery offers the best seafood in the Neighborhood of the Arts, but there are several menu options for people who prefer other farm-to-table specials to enjoy during a night out.
In my opinion, their best entrees are Grilled Steelhead Trout, Braised Pork Ragu, Lento Pumpkin Ravioli, and Seafood & Sausage Stew. Be sure to stop in on Tuesday for their Dollar Oyster Night.
They also have beer and cocktail discounts with no corkage fees on Thursdays, so I recommend sampling their Balanchine, Devil’s Sour, or Sapling cocktails.
Pane Vino
Multiple locations
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You can find Pane Vino on North Water Street or in Pittsford Colony on Monroe Avenue. I recommend this restaurant for anyone looking for quality Italian cuisine while enjoying the best outdoor dining in Rochester because of its sophisticated and tranquil atmosphere.
Each location has a different menu. So, if you’re dining on Monroe Avenue, I recommend their Pizza Burrata, Boneless Shortrib, or Chicken Roulade.
On the other hand, if you’re interested in the best outdoor dining in Rochester by the Genesee River, try their Scallop Risotto or Aukra Salmon. Don’t forget to start with their lamb lollipops or charcuterie board if you invited your friends for dinner.
Tony D’s
288 Exchange Blvd, Rochester, NY 14608
Phone: 585-413-3640
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Another Italian restaurant by the Genesee River I recommend is Tony D’s, nestled on Exchange Boulevard. This lively eatery is perfect for enjoying dinner with your family after a long day exploring the city.
Executive Chef Jay Speranza creates authentic Italian dishes you can savor on their outdoor patio for the best outdoor dining in Rochester.
Start your night right by ordering their Jumbo Meatballs or Crispy Calamari. Their best dishes are Pan-Fried Crispy Codfish, Stuffed Shells, Fusilli, and Rigatoni Alla Vodka.
Also, be sure to check their extensive cocktail and wine menu. I recommend their top dishes with their Hibiscus Margarita or Spicy Orange Tony cocktail.
Trata: The Restaurant At The Armory
145 Culver Rd, Rochester, NY 14620
Phone: 585-270-5460
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If you’re in the mood for classic American fare in an upscale environment, then book your next reservation at Trata: The Restaurant At The Armory.
It’s conveniently located on Culver Road, near Lake Riley, and sports a rustic yet modern aesthetic. Their outdoor terrace and bar are the perfect private party backdrop for enjoying their specialty dishes on a bright, warm day.
I recommend starting with their nachos or buttermilk chicken fingers when dining with friends and ordering their Nashville Crispy Chicken, Wagyu Beef Burger, Chicken Milanese, or Thick-Cut Berkshire Pork Chop as your main course. Their best cocktails are Kentucky Tea and Strawberry Spritz.
Napa Wood Fired Pizzeria & Bistro
573 S Clinton Ave, Rochester, NY 14620
Phone: 585-232-8558
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Next on my list of the top places for the best outdoor dining in Rochester is Napa Wood Fired Pizzeria & Bistro. You can find it on South Clinton Avenue, in the Southwedge neighborhood, a short distance away from Nathaniel Square Park.
This casual eatery has a large courtyard where you can enjoy quality pizzas and Italian entrees.
My favorite wood-fired pizza options are their BBQ Chicken, Cuban, and Polpette pies. I also recommend their gorgonzola bacon gnocchi, chicken pesto panini, or Napa chicken fritters.
Can’t decide what to match your friend’s dietary preferences? Luckily, Napa offers gluten-free options for anyone to enjoy.
The Red Fern
283 Oxford St, Rochester, NY 14607
Phone: 585-563-7633
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If you’re struggling to find a Rochester restaurant that offers outdoor seating and vegan menu options, your search is over. Consider visiting The Red Fern, located off the corner of Oxford Street and Park Avenue.
This restaurant has a casual environment and offers limited outdoor seating during the spring and summer. They also provide catering and special-order baked goods.
The Red Fern’s menu offers gluten-free options and foods without common allergens, such as nuts, soy, and onions. I recommend ordering their Lentil Loaf, Compost Plate, Tofu Egg Sandwich, or Kale Detox.
During my visit, I enjoyed their Mixed Berry Matcha smoothies. However, if that’s not your style, try their tea, draft kombucha, or fresh juice.
Genesee Brew House
25 Cataract St, Rochester, NY 14605
Phone: 585-263-9200
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You can find Genesee Brew House on Cataract Street, near Genesee River and High Falls Terrace Park.
This cozy restaurant is the best place to enjoy fine 16 taps of craft beers in an outdoor setting by the riverside. They have an outdoor terrace and a rooftop patio with a scenic view of the area.
The best dishes you should start with are their loaded fries or potato chip tenders. Then, you can try their Alfredo Pizza, Bangers and Mash, or Beer Blush Raviolis with a side of macaroni salad or artisan-style kettle chips. If you’re in a hurry, they also offer curbside pickup!
The Gate House
274 N Goodman St, Rochester, NY 14607
Phone: 585-473-2090
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Next on the list is The Gate House, a casual yet lively restaurant specializing in wood-fired pizzas and gourmet burgers found on North Goodman Street.
They have a spacious outdoor patio where you can take in Rochester’s fresh air as you dine with your friends or family before going to the theater.
My favorite menu options are their Hoffman Burger, Blackened Beef Tenderloin Tips, RPO Pizza, Vegetarian Lasagna.
If you follow a gluten-free lifestyle, ask for their pizza with a cauliflower crust substitute. They also offer a kid’s menu for children ages 12 and under and host brunch every weekend.
Blu Wolf Bistro
657 Park Ave, Rochester, NY 14607
Phone: 585-270-4467
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If you believe sidewalk seating is the ideal way to enjoy restaurants with the best outdoor dining in Rochester, Blu Wolf Bistro might be perfect for you.
Located on the corner of Park Avenue and Berkeley Street, you can’t miss its stylish blue exterior. Stop by to unwind on Tuesdays at 7 PM and listen to live music every Tuesday at 7 PM.
My go-to menu options are their Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese, Cajun Chicken & Shrimp Pasta, and Lawful Waffle Burger with a cocktail or milkshake. Feel free to stop by between 3 PM and 6 PM for their weekday happy hour.
Fiorella
5 Rochester Public Market, Rochester, NY 14609
Phone: 585-434-5705
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Fiorella, a chic yet minimalist Italian restaurant on Rochester Public Market, is another excellent outdoor dining option for anyone exploring the North Marketview Heights neighborhood.
Chef Gino Ruggiero uses the finest ingredients to create a menu with authentic flavors for everyone to enjoy in this casual setting.
Fiorella offers seasonal menu options throughout the year. They serve the best Malfadine, Ziti, Sicilian Sausages, and Diavola Pizza in the city. Don’t forget to order a side of house-cut fries or creamy polenta.
I also recommend browsing their wine and beer menu to complement your meal. If you want dessert, try their seasonal crossata or gelato.
Bar Bantam
The Metropolitan, S Clinton Ave, Rochester, NY 14604
Phone: 585-454-1052
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Last on my list is Bar Bantam, located in The Metropolitan overlooking South Clinton Avenue, in the heart of downtown Rochester. If you’re in the mood for sampling some of the city’s best cocktails, this sleek and casual restaurant is the best option for you.
Their outdoor patio is also an ideal spot for enjoying food with friends. Indoor and outdoor seating is available on a first-come, first-serve basis, so you don’t have to reserve for smaller parties.
I recommend trying their salmon burger or bacon scallops with a Cougar Juice or Lincoln cocktail. They also offer weekly specials for their drinks, including half-price tea on Tuesdays and free corkage on Thursdays.
