Dinner for Two: Romantic Dining Options in Rochester, Finger Lakes
Looking for ideas for to take your spouse out to dinner?
By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
Looking for a few dining options for a romantic date with your sweetheart?
Maureen Ballatori, founder and CEO of the Rochester-based marketing company Agency 29, which specializes in the food, beverage and agriculture segments, has some suggestions.
Patron Saint (www.patronsaintsteak.com) in Rochester is “a romantic place to dine because on top of top-quality food and gorgeous interior, their service is impeccable,” Ballatori said.
Valet parking, refined décor and extensive bar offerings make dining at Patron Saint a special, memorable experience. Every cut of steak is available for Friday lunch, not just for the evening dinner menu. Reservations are recommended.
Ports Café (www.portscafe.com) is another option Ballatori recommends.
“For an atmosphere that is a bit more down to earth, I love Ports Cafe just South of Geneva,” Ballatori said. “Don’t let the name fool you, it’s a restaurant and not a café with great cocktails and service.”
In a casual atmosphere, Ports serves house-cut prime steaks, fish, and homemade desserts, along with Finger Lakes wines by the glass and local craft beers on tap. Check the Facebook page for special events and new dishes. Reservations are accepted.
Want sizzling romance? Try New York Kitchen (https://nykitchen.com) in Canandaigua.
“New York Kitchen is great because it’s a place where couples can take their dining experience to a whole new level by cooking a recipe themselves on-site,” Ballatori said. “It’s a really fun experience and something that’s out of the ordinary from just another restaurant.”
Check the website for upcoming classes and special events. In addition to the cooking experience, New York Kitchen also has a tasting room offering wines, beers, ciders, distilled spirits and zero-proof options. The ever-changing menu of wines, craft beers, ciders and spirits are all from New York.
What’s more romantic than dining in a castle like royalty? In Geneva, Belhurst Castle (www.belhurst.com), circa 1880, offers Edgar’s Restaurant on the edge of Seneca Lake. Featuring fireplaces, rich woodwork and period appointments, Edgar’s ambiance is unparalleled in the region. Check the website for six-course food and wine pairing dinners.
Chortke (www.chortkegrill.com) in Rochester blends Persian and American cuisine in an elegant, upscale venue. The fresh, exotic flavors and Eastern décor make dining at Chortke feel like a little getaway. Reservations are accepted.
Avvino (www.avvinorochester.com) in Brighton boasts a locally sourced menu in a refined atmosphere. Venison, duck and rabbit are among the offerings, in addition to dishes you’ll find in many other eateries. Reservations are accepted.
The Rose Tavern (www.rosetavern.com) inside The Lake House on Canandaigua serves seasonal, rustic entrees in a modern farmhouse dining room overlooking Canandaigua Lake. The Rose sources from more than a dozen local farms for the freshest flavors. Reservations are recommended.
Redd Wood (https://reddwoodroc.com) in Rochester serves French -inspired food crafted by Michelin-starred chef Richard Reddington. Open hearth cooking, including seafood, steak and pasta options. Valet parking is available and reservations are accepted.
Rocco (www.rocandrell.com), in Rochester serves traditional, upscale Italian cuisine like mezzi rigatoni with vodka sauce, filei calabrese with pork ragu and papparadelle with swordfish-marsala ragu. Reservations are recommended.