Rochester’s Highest Rated Lunch Spots Right Now

Whether you’re visiting Rochester for the first time or you’ve lived here forever, there are certain restaurant names that come up again and again.

You know the ones. The “just go there, it’s solid” recommendations. The spots people trust when family’s in town or when you want a sit-down lunch that actually feels worth leaving the house or office for.

What’s cool about this list is that it’s not just the usual longtime Med City staples. Some are newer spots that are already making serious waves. But if you’re looking for a reliable, satisfying midday meal, Yelp reviewers consistently say these are some of the best in Rochester (in no particular order).

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Thai Pop – 4.6 stars (nearly 300 reviews)

We were visiting from out of town and we came here twice during our visit. This is some of the most incredible Thai food that I have ever had.

We took recommendations from our waiters both times and everything we had was absolutely delicious. I can't wait to come back when we are in town to have lunch and dinner again. - Jessica on Yelp 

Hollandberry Pannekoeken – 4.4 stars (260+ reviews)

So yum! An excellent choice for breakfast or lunch. Everything was so yummy! The service was great, all staff were very kind. 10/10! Thank you! - Abbigail on Yelp

First Meeting Noodle – 4.8 stars (230+ reviews)

Absolute 5-star lunch here! The restaurant is small, the seating limited, but the customer service is so efficient that tables were cleared immediately. The place was consistently full on this Saturday at lunchtime, but no one had to wait.

The food was extraordinary. Truly artful stuff. This restaurant is highly rated for many reasons. When we were done, the plates were immediately cleared and we were asked if we were done. We were able to pay right away. Again, amazing, attentive service. We would gladly come here again. -Beth on Yelp 

Chester's Kitchen and Bar – 4.1 stars (900+ reviews)

I have had many appointments at Mayo and Chester's is the only thing I look forward to and it helps me get through the day. I mostly have lunch at the end of the bar where you can look out on the plaza but have also eaten in the main restaurant. The service has always been outstanding and even if I am there alone I don't feel alone. I am mostly there for lunch and my favorites are the walleye tacos and the open face turkey sandwich. I have had other entrees and enjoyed all of them. - Ron on Yelp

Red Cow – 4.4 stars (190+ reviews)

Amazing service and the food was fabulous! Had the 60/40 burger which was cooked to perfection, juicy and the aioli sauce was good enough to drink. Paired with the truffle fries and a cold beer this was the perfect lunch stop for our MN trip! I will definitely be back when I return to Rochester - Eric on Yelp 

Nupa – 4.5 stars (420+ reviews)

This place is worth going out of your way for. We were in town for an event and stopped for lunch.

We had the appetizer sampler and gyro pitas. The app sampler was AWESOME. Pita was soft, baba ghanoush was really nice and smoky. The spicy feta was spicy without being overpowering. The hummus had a good flavor too. Tatziki sauce with the gyros was really good. Gyro meat was obviously hand made, not pre-packaged.

If we're in the area again, we'll be back. - Trina on Yelp 

Olde Brick House – 4.2 stars (200+ reviews)

Wow. The Celtic meatloaf. The seafood chowder. This is some of the best food we have found in Rochester. This was amazing.

Service was exceptional. Ambiance? Perfect. Overall this was a lovely experience. We will be back. - Kristine on Yelp 

Franscisco’s – 4.3 stars (130+ reviews)

Great, flavorful Caribbean dishes- my favorites are any of the specialty items as well as the seafood. My kids love their Jamaican chicken curry dish.

This is definitely a staple we go for in the Rochester area if you're over pizza and burgers. -Linda on Yelp 

Thirsty Belgian – 4.5 stars (195+ reviews)

Holy crap this place is incredible. Basic looking bar, basic looking tables, basic looking menu (looking being the key word).

Our server was a great guy, when you ordered he checked for understanding first instead of just walking off. He was ontop of it, clearly liked his job.

Food was incredible and well thought out and executed, the brie and mushroom soup is something I could eat every day for the rest of my life. It would probably be a short life but I would be happyrhe whole way. - Michael on Yelp 

Now I need to know - which one do you swear by? And is there a Rochester lunch spot you think deserves to be on this list?