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Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Rochester

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3 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Char Steak & Lounge restaurant
4.4
Awesome(1493)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary american • Rochester
Booked 21 times today
Char Steak & Lounge, located in the vibrant Neighborhood Of The Arts in Rochester, is a shining beacon of Contemporary American cuisine. Nestled within the newly renovated Strathallan Hotel, this restaurant masterfully balances a classic steakhouse vibe with a hip, artistic ambiance. Enthusiasts of Contemporary American fare will revel in their wood-fired steaks, praised for being "cooked perfectly medium rare," and their delightful sides like the "amazing" Brussels sprouts. Every dish, from fresh seafood to homemade pasta, is crafted with authenticity and finesse, ensuring an exceptional dining experience. With a knowledgeable staff and outstanding service, Char Steak & Lounge promises a memorable culinary journey.
A photo of Grappa - Rochester restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1012)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Rochester
Booked 14 times today
Grappa in Rochester offers an exceptional Contemporary American dining experience that seamlessly blends tradition with innovation. Chef Dustin Muroski's creative approach ensures every dish is a "delightful fusion of flavors and textures," earning rave reviews from diners who praise the "outstanding" food quality. The menu's diversity, from expertly prepared salmon to mouthwatering vegetarian options, caters to all tastes, making it a great choice for everyone. The ambiance is described as "lovely and upbeat," enhancing the overall dining experience. With attentive service that leaves guests feeling like part of the "Grappa family," it's no surprise that patrons eagerly anticipate their next visit.
A photo of Erie Grill restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(991)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Pittsford
Booked 17 times today
Following lunch, the restaurant transitions itself into a lounge-like dining and drinking atmosphere by revealing liquor selections behind the bar, showcasing a vast wine selection, and softening lighting for the evening hours. The menu offers a variety of crave-able Contemporary American cuisine that encompasses both coursed meals and smaller plates to share at a range of price points. Executive Chef John Freezee and Sous Chef Chris Nightingale imaginatively utilize seasonal ingredients to present the finest in regional cuisine.

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From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Michelle
    New Orleans / Louisiana •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 31, 2024
    Overall we enjoyed our lunch buffet. The beef tenderloin and turkey were moist and flavorful. I had a drum stick. I like that the tendon bones are removed, makes for much easier eating. Great variety of gravies and sauces were available. Particularly liked the chimi curi. The egg drop soup was noteworthy.. Nice and hot and creamy. As always the desserts were delicious. Great selection.
    More info
    New Year’s Eve Buffet at del LagoPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary American• Finger Lakes
    3.5
  • Cynthia
    Columbus •12 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 24, 2024
    This was the best dining experience we have had in a long time. Everything was delicious, perfectly cooked and presented, and the service was impeccable. It is rare for a party of 7, ranging in age from 10 to 75, to be so pleased with every single dish. (We had two kinds of steak, lamb, duck, salmon, calamari, truffle fries, Brussels sprouts, and Caesar salad. Unfortunately we were too stuffed to try dessert.) We also appreciated that the noise level was low enough that we could converse without shouting. Compliments to the chef, servers, and all the staff! We will return and recommend highly to others.
    More info
    Char Steak & LoungePrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Rochester
    4.4
  • LoAnne
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 21, 2024
    If you are looking for a high end dining experience, here is a great choice. A one hour drive from Rochester, Medina itself was had a classic, beautiful vintage Christmas feel as night fell. Our server, Steve, made the evening even more special. He was very personable, as well as a top notch waiter, maintaining the fine balance of waiting on us quickly, without appearing to hover. The pairing was superb. Wines and courses were matched in ways that made each that much more elevated. An additional extra, making the evening even more special, was lovely live music on a harp. Pricey, but an experience you don't often get in our area.
    More info
    HarvestPrice: Expensive• Fusion / Eclectic• Medina
    4.9
  • Jennifer
    New York City •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 13, 2024
    A night out before a show. Most of us have never been to Grappa. We decided to give grappa, the drink, a try. Our amazing waiter, Ryan, gave us a great education about grappa. It wasn't what we anticipated, and we were still curious, so he offered us all a tasting. The food came quick and was plenty to share and take some home. It was a little chilly, but other than that, it was a great place for a fun dinner.
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    Grappa - RochesterPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Italian• Rochester
    4.5
  • Michael
    Scranton / Poconos •3 reviews
    4.0
    Dined on Nov 1, 2024
    Great service. Friendly staff. My wife’s pork was overcooked. My ribeye was perfect. Would definitely recommend it.
    More info
    Main DeckPrice: Moderate• American• Penn Yan
    4

Discover best Contemporary American restaurants in Rochester

Discover the vibrant dining scene of Upstate New York with a focus on contemporary American cuisine in Rochester, nestled in the picturesque Finger Lakes region. The area boasts an array of dining establishments that celebrate the essence of American culinary innovation, often incorporating local ingredients and seasonal influences into their menus. Restaurants here provide a diverse range of experiences from intimate bistros to expansive dining halls, each offering unique interpretations of contemporary American dishes. Patrons can expect to find menus filled with expertly prepared meals that highlight the freshness and locality of the Finger Lakes' agricultural bounty. Whether you're looking for a sophisticated ambiance or a cozy, welcoming atmosphere, Rochester's contemporary American restaurants promise an exceptional dining experience. The city itself is a hub for culinary creativity, where traditional flavors meet modern techniques, creating a food scene that's as dynamic as it is satisfying. This region is not just a place to eat, but a destination to be savored.

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