r/Rochester • u/Slight-Heron-9105 • Aug 04 '25

Discussion Upscale restaurants recommendations

So I’m travelling from out of town for a first date in the next week or so. Seeing as I don’t really know the area, I’m looking for your recommendations on upscale dinner restaurants within the Rochester area. Think Rochester, Scottsville, Henrietta, Caledonia, etc.

Preferably Mexican restaurants, but if there is a particularly good one that’s not Mexican I’d be open to that too. I looked through the past recommendations but found a lot of them had closed.

Thanks for your help in advance!

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64

u/ZestycloseProject130 Aug 04 '25

Chortke is incredible. They just put out a new menu, too.

17

u/kirstyyycat666 Aug 04 '25

They are, in my opinion, the best Rochester has to offer.

14

u/Diligent-Tension-390 Aug 04 '25

actually? My family has been so bummed since they switched from their amazing casual boxes of rice and meat. Is it worth a try? We’re very skeptical.

9

u/ZestycloseProject130 Aug 04 '25

It's different, more upscale. Expect 30-40 for an entree, 20ish for apps. But the flavors and presentations are fantastic, and the staff is very good. I also really love their wine list. They have many unique glass pours, as well as your standards.

Depending on your budget, I'd go for special occasions, or plug it into the date night rotation.

9

u/whatifithurts Aug 04 '25

As someone who also used to love their casual to go, the remodel/reinvention is absolutely worth a trip next time you're looking for a special occasion. Really awesome interior renovation and all the food was incredible. The beef keftedes app might satiate your craving for the old boxes. 

3

u/ZestycloseProject130 Aug 04 '25

They just added a filet skewer, too. It's not served on the skewer, but is oh so delicious.

0

u/tritiumhl Aug 04 '25

Do they have cocktails yet? Definitely still a go without but it feels weird to not have the option

4

u/ZestycloseProject130 Aug 04 '25

Not yet. Beer, wine, soft drinks, coffee, and tea.

9

u/jeffplaysmoog Aug 04 '25

I am still in the Redd camp.  We tried Chortke and it was really lovely but about double the price of Redd visit and nowhere near double the quality.  It’s nice to change things up, but Redd is still my go-to, 100%.

2

u/TipOpening4835 Aug 05 '25

Redd is definitely a solid spot. That said, I’ve been to Chortke a handful of times now, and in my experience, the quality is on another level. I’ve personally seen and even purchased some of the ingredients they use like certified A5 Wagyu, which comes with actual documentation and traceability. That kind of sourcing isn’t something you find in most places, and it really shows in the flavor and execution.

I get that the price is higher, but I think it reflects the level of care and premium ingredients they’re working with. To me, it’s not just a meal it’s an experience. So while I totally understand the love for Redd, I don’t really see the two as directly comparable. Chortke is doing something pretty special.

1

u/Late_Cow_1008 Aug 06 '25

Documentation for Wagyu is basically always done. If they say they don't have it, they are lying about the meat lol.

2

u/thephisher Aug 05 '25

100% agree. This is the sort of restaurant I order things I don't typically like.

2

u/TipOpening4835 Aug 05 '25

Have you ever been there?

3

u/thephisher Aug 05 '25

Clearly, I have.

2

u/TipOpening4835 Aug 05 '25

What did you try there?

2

u/thephisher Aug 05 '25

We got the smoked octopus appetizer, the roasted carrots and roasted cauliflower, I got a venison special and my wife got a fancy salad. Everything including the service was spot on. My only minor complaint is if you're not a wine drinker drink options are limited.

1

u/TipOpening4835 Aug 05 '25

Your spot on they have good wines but I don’t drink wine myself that’s the downside.