A Local Business Owner’s Guide to the Best Restaurants in Downtown Rochester, MI

As residents, we’ve enjoyed eating at downtown Rochester, MI, restaurants for years. Now, as business owners, we love it even more! When we’re not stocking the shelves with the latest releases and long-time favorites, you can find us dining around Main Street.

New to the area? Looking for a certain cuisine? Consult our list of can’t-miss restaurants in downtown Rochester!

Our Go-To Bars and Restaurants in Downtown Rochester

While we have you covered if you’re in the mood for a pastry, slice of pie, or an incredible artisanal sandwich, there are so many wonderful restaurants to try in downtown Rochester. Check out our go-tos:

Enjoy Tacos and Tequila at The Backdoor

The Backdoor Taco and Tequila Bar is best known for its wide variety of mouthwatering tacos and for carrying the largest selection of premium tequilas in the area! Whether you’re gabbing with the girls over chips and salsa or celebrating a special occasion, you’ll never be disappointed by the dimly lit speakeasy vibes at The Backdoor. The establishment does not take reservations, operating on a first-come, first-served seating arrangement.

Dig into Imaginative American Cuisine at The Meeting House

The Meeting House is a staple downtown Rochester restaurant. With an upscale atmosphere and versatile, creative menu, The Meeting House is a community-favorite for special occasions and holiday dining. For great views, grab a seat on the rooftop!

Fall in Love with the Diverse Menu at Rochester Brunch House

Ask anyone—Rochester Brunch House is the spot for a delicious breakfast. With fresh and organic ingredients and homemade recipes, there’s no bad item on the menu. Looking for a recommendation? Don’t skip out on the stuffed French toast!

Mangia on Italian Food at the Silver Spoon Ristorante

Craving an authentic Italian bite to eat? The chefs at Silver Spoon Ristorante pride themselves on using fresh ingredients and making each dish from scratch—including the pasta and bread! With a guest-centered approach, allergy-friendly alternatives, and a stunning dining room setting, it’s no wonder the Silver Spoon Ristorante remains a favorite for locals and visitors alike!

Go for a Quick Hot Dog at Lipuma’s Coney Island

Since it first opened its doors in 1960, Lipuma’s Coney Island has become a landmark restaurant in downtown Rochester. From the famous Coney Dog (a chili dog with mustard and onion) to the Secret Sauce used on the tacos, every specialty item is crafted with care. When you walk into Lipuma’s, you’re not just another customer—you’re part of the family!

Treat Your Loved Ones to Family-Favorite Recipes at Bologna Via Cucina

With plenty of private party spaces and flavorful catering options, Bologna Via Cucina is one of our favorites for celebrating and event hosting! Nestled in the heart of downtown Rochester, this restaurant is run by passionate owners who care just as much about your experience as you do! Grab a fresh salad, classic pizza, tasty pasta dish, and sweet dessert for the full Italian spread.

Bring the Whole Family to Kruse and Muer on Main

One of multiple locations, the Kruse and Muer on Main is one of our favorite local chain restaurants in downtown Rochester. The family-owned and operated establishment has been serving seafood, pizza, sandwiches, and customer-favorite “pastabilities” dishes since 1988, creating delicious recipes inspired by their own family favorite meals and travels. If you’re searching for a casual bite and a craft beer, swing by!

Catch Dinner and a Show at Hibachi House Grill & Bar

Between the flaming onion ring volcanoes and the vast selection of sake, Hibachi House Grill & Bar is hands down the best Japanese steakhouse restaurant in downtown Rochester. With master chefs grilling each recipe at your table, every visit is more than a meal—it’s a show! Not in the mood for fried rice and grilled entrees? Take a look at the sushi menu!

Our Favorite Bakeries in Downtown Rochester

We’d be amiss to not mention the amazing bakery options nestled amongst the restaurants in downtown Rochester. When we’re not taking inventory of our Kristin Hannah books and InvestiGators graphic novels, you may spot us grabbing a quick pastry at one of these local-favorite options:

Celebrate in Sweet Style with The Home Bakery

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or searching for the perfect cookie to go with your morning cup of Joe, The Home Bakery has it all. Stop in to shop the large selection of treats or create a custom order for your upcoming party. The wonderful bakers even make a “Home Barkery Dog Biscuit” to ensure your pup gets the special treats they deserve!

The Home Bakery’s Specialties:

• Graduation cakes
• Wedding cakes
• Kronuts
• HomeNuts
• Cookies and confections
• Sports cakes

Enjoy a Freshly Baked Confection at Holy Cannoli’s

With Holy Cannoli’s, you don’t have to go all the way to Sicily to enjoy a fresh cannoli! Each traditional pastry at this family-owned spot is made to order—just choose from the array of creamy and sweet flavors and watch the staff put your treat together before your very eyes. They even offer rare and coveted gluten-free cannoli shells, so make sure to bring your celiac friends along when they visit.

Grab an Old-Fashioned Treat at Knapp’s Donuts

From apple fritters to Boston cream and beyond, the pastries at Knapp’s Donuts are worth the wait! Well-known for their polite and helpful staff and wide variety of breakfast sandwiches, classic donut recipes, Vietnamese iced coffee, and more, Knapp’s is the perfect place to swing by before browsing the titles at our Rochester Hills, MI, bookstore.  

Get the Scoop at Sanders Chocolate & Ice Cream Shoppe

Sanders has been a staple in the Great Lakes region for over a hundred years, and when you get a bite of the small-batch confections available at the Rochester location, you’ll see why. Though it’s known best for its chocolates, any repeat customer will tell you that the ice cream can’t be skipped. Make sure to try the signature Bumpity Bliss Sundae. Pop in the latest Brandon Sanderson novel on your preferred audiobook service, sit back, and dig in!

For the Best Sandwiches, Stop at Novel!

In between shopping for the latest romantasy reads and meeting with your book club to discuss the Fourth Wing books, don’t forget to try our grilled panini press sandwiches. Though we feature specials that change week to week, our main menu features our staple hand-crafted, artisan sandwiches:

• Roast Beef Chimichurri
• Turkey Caprese
• Italian
• Mortadella
• Vegetarian
• The Big Ham & Cheese
• Grilled Cheese

Craving Italian? Looking for sushi? Dreaming of brunch? Lucky for you, there are plenty of downtown Rochester restaurants to suit every desire. Try our favorites and stop by Novel to let us know what you think!