Rochester’s Best Bites: A Local Business Owner’s Guide

As co-owners of Novel, it makes sense that we spend the majority of our days in downtown Rochester, MI. But when we aren’t curating our selection or hosting weekly book clubs, we’re taking every chance we can get to indulge in the delicious options our neighboring Rochester restaurants have to offer. And you should, too!

How to Choose Where to Eat in Rochester

Narrowing down a list of our current favorite places to eat in Rochester definitely wasn’t easy. With so many options in the area, there really is something for everyone. That’s why we highly recommend trying every single restaurant to find your own go-to spots.

The next time you’re in town, consider what kind of restaurant you’re looking for. Do you just want a quick pastry and well-crafted coffee? Are you searching for a specific cuisine? Do you need to make a reservation at a more upscale establishment for an upcoming celebration? Consult with your grumbling stomach to help you pick the best Rochester restaurant to satisfy your cravings.

Discover our Favorite Places to Eat in Rochester for Different Occasions

Who knew perusing the bookshelves at Novel could make you work up such an appetite? After you’ve grabbed the latest Elin Hilderbrand book for your girlfriend or picked up a baby book for the littlest one in your life, consult this list of our favorite places to eat in Rochester.

Our Favorite Coffee Spot in Rochester

While we certainly recommend and drink our own coffee, sometimes you want a specialty drink. When that’s the case, we head to one of two spots: Dessert Oasis Coffee Roasters, an award-winning spot known for high-quality beans and flavorful seasonal lattes, and Bean and Leaf Cafe, praised for unique healing drinks, boba, and a classic espresso-based menu that never fails to impress. Grab a delicious beverage and continue your walk around Main Street!

Our Favorite Place for a Sweet Treat in Rochester

When we need to satisfy a sweet tooth, we almost always head to The Home Bakery. Whether you’re treating yourself to a single HomeNut (a specialty item of theirs) after a hard day at work or looking for a custom cake order for a big event, the inviting staff is happy to help!

Townie tip: Make sure to check out their larger-than-life cake window displays during Lagniappe! Whether it’s a life-size Detroit Lions football player or the Peanuts gang gathered around a Christmas tree, the bakers work tirelessly to amaze locals and out-of-towners alike during Rochester holiday festivities.  

Our Favorite Rochester Restaurant to Watch the Game

The next time the Pistons or Red Wings play, head on down to Too Ra Loo! As far as places to eat in Rochester go, this bar and grill has the perfect menu and a relaxed atmosphere that’s perfect for watching the latest sports game. With Italian influences, a local-favorite happy hour menu, and ever-changing beer selection, Too Ra Loo is a family favorite. Who knows, you may even see Elliott after a shift hanging with his buddies!

Our Favorite Rochester Restaurant for Dinner with Moms

Every mom needs a place to unwind and eat in Rochester—for Rachel, it’s The Backdoor! Known for having a creative taco menu and the largest selection of premium tequilas in the area, this speakeasy-type Rochester restaurant is the best place to have a sip, forget your responsibilities, and chat with your mom-friends on a night off.

Must-Try Drinks at The Backdoor

• The 401 Margarita
• Fresh Start
• Blackberry Beret Margarita
• Oaxaca Old Fashioned
• Midnight Margarita
• Mezcal Mule
• El Pepino

Our Favorite Place for a Laid-Back Date Night in Rochester

No favorites list of places to eat in Rochester would be complete without our neighbor, The Meeting House. When you’re in the mood for imaginative American cuisine and a welcoming atmosphere, nothing beats sitting on the rooftop and trying a new seasonal option off the menu with your sweetheart.

Our Favorite Date Night Dinner Restaurant in Rochester

Family-owned and operated, Bologna Via Cucina brings an elegant touch to classic Italian dining. The next time you and your partner are looking for an intimate date night, head to this local establishment, try the gnocchi or stuffed shells, and cheers to your happy life with a glass of wine.  

Our Favorite Brunch Spot in Rochester

Rochester Brunch House is a favorite place to eat in Rochester for every member of our family! Owned by a brother-sister duo and located in the heart of downtown, this is our go-to spot for fluffy pancakes, savory omelets, specialty mimosas, and, most importantly, happy times with good friends.

Try the Owner’s Favorites:

• Monte Cristo
• Blueberry Cheesecake Waffle
• Avocado Toast

Our Favorite Rochester Restaurant for a Bite with a Group of Friends

When your friends are hankering for good food and a night out, 423 Main Bar Grill & Rooftop is the obvious choice! The menu blends American, Mexican, and Mediterranean flavors to ensure there’s a dish to suit every taste. Spend the summer on the patio splitting different shareables and enjoying the company—or sit solo with a new mystery or thriller and your favorite drink!

Our Favorite Rochester Restaurant for an Anniversary or Special Event Dinner

Anyone who lives in the Southeastern Michigan area is likely familiar with the Kruse and Muer name. We love heading to their downtown location, Kruse and Muer on Main, whenever something special happens in our family. Nothing beats celebrating an anniversary or big birthday like indulging in surf & turf or braised short rib with loved ones.

Our Favorite Place for Ice Cream in Rochester

In our opinion, Sanders is one of the best ice cream parlors in town. After you grab a dark romance book at Novel or enjoy dinner at one of your favorite places to eat in Rochester, walk a few blocks to the Main Street location. With a vast selection of flavors, chocolate candies, and unique desserts (try the Hot Fudge Cream Puff or Bumpity Bliss) to choose from, everyone agrees: Sanders is legen-dairy!

Our Favorite Rochester Restaurant for Sandwiches

We’d be lying if we didn’t include our own business on this list of favorite places to eat in Rochester. We’re more than one of Michigan’s newest indie bookstores! When you’re in the mood for an artisanal sandwich, stop into Novel. With locally sourced ingredients and high-quality bread from CRUST, every single panini-style sandwich is a must-try—especially our rotated, weekly specials! 

The Sandwich Menu at Novel:

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

We love showing our support for our fellow business owners in downtown Rochester. This list isn’t even long enough to get into our honorable mentions, Rochester Bistro, Paint Creek Tavern, and Paul’s! Try our recommendations and stop in to tell us what you think!