Looking for new restaurants that aren’t on your radar? Look no further. We have five hidden gems to check out that are sure to satisfy all types of dining pallets. After reading this, make sure to read part 1 of our hidden gem restaurants series here.
Young’s Korean
120 Mushroom Blvd #100, Rochester, NY
(585) 427-7650
Young’s is located on a back road in Henrietta that is lined with commercial warehouses. This is not where you would suspect the best Korean food in town to be found. First they bring your table banchan which is a beautiful assortment of small side dishes such as kimchi, shumai, potatoes and other pickled delights. For the entre, you have to try the pork bulgogi. It comes out still sizzling in a cast iron skillet with loads of spicy pork on a bed of of fresh onions.
Original Steve’s Diner
1694 Penfield Rd, Rochester, NY
theoriginalstevesdiner.com – (585) 248-9996
Steve’s is flat out the best breakfast in Rochester. They are probably most known for their delicious pancakes that are the size of a car tire. But you should also check out their frittatas. In particular, their Mexican frittata that comes loaded with chorizo, peppers, jalapeños and potatoes.
Mama G’s
2133 E Henrietta Rd, Rochester, NY
mammags.net – (585) 359-0990
This Italian designation is located in a space formally occupied by a Friendly’s, but don’t let this deter you. Mama G’s is a family owned business full of old school recipes that will wet your appetite. Their signature dish is called timballo which is a lasagna made with crêpes – you heard that right. Then it is loaded with parmesan, mozzarella, ground beef and their delicious tomato sauce.
Rooney’s
90 Henrietta St, Rochester, NY
rooneysrestaurant.com – (585) 442-0444
Rooney’s is set in the Swillburg neighborhood on a side street you probably have never driven down. Once you find this classic American kitchen, it will be a welcome surprise. They host a menu that is ever evolving with a focus on seafood, steaks and chops. Start things off with the marinated beet salad and then go with the roast rack of spring lamb that comes with a bean-chipotle sauce and potato gratin.
Otto Tomato
300 Phoenix Mills Plz Victor, NY
ottotomottos.com – (585) 742-2070
Otto’s is sometimes forgotten because of its location just east of Victor. But in a city flooded with Italian restaurants, this eatery stands out. One reason is their aptly titled dish, Shells Shells Shells Shells. These handmade pastas are stuffed with a delightful mix of cheeses and then drenched in their tomato sauce. As a bonus, you get one their hearty meatballs right in the middle.
Part 1 of our hidden gem restaurant series can be found here.
