This gem of a restaurant is everything I love about Rochester. The small businesses that give the best of everything. I've been twice now. Once eating at the cozy bar and tonight table. Both times, excellent service. Shout out to Kelly, my waitress tonight Now- let's talk about the food!! Arancini, the bisque and the short rib! The seafood bisque melt me into my chair the first visit. Tonight, the Arancini art. Perfectly seasoned in a silky, tomato crème sauce. The short rib was delicious (had to go with that entree because you don't see it on many menus) accompanied the best mashed potatoes I've ever had in my life. The food and atmosphere here will wrap you in kind arms. And to be honest; isn't that everything you'd want this winter? read more

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Lovely dinner on a Friday night. Amanda was great - she explained the specials, all the desserts, and checked in just enough times. The owner also stopped by to check on us (she went to all of the tables). My haddock florentine was perfectly cooked and very flavorful. Hubby enjoyed the portofino special - lots of fresh seafood. The bar was packed for the Sabres playoff game, and it was not too loud. We were also had clams casino as an app, so were too full for dessert. We'll have to come back again. read more

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I have lived off Fetzner Rd most of my life and had never been to the Lamplighter, until tonight. I was out with my aunt, who hadn't been here in 40years, and she suggested we grab dinner here. I immediately felt underdressed about the situation but our sever, Holly, said it was a very comfortable and casual atmosphere and not to worry. (My aunt of course immediately says "are we dressed ok?!" When we walk in because I was self conscious about my hoodie and sneakers ) Despite such a comfortable and casual approach the atmosphere was still so charming and cozy. Holly also provided 5 star fine dining service! As a bartender and former server I can appreciate the attention to detail while never being up tight. I ordered the gnocchi and my aunt got the chicken French. I have a hard time with restaurants red sauce, typically, but this was so flavorful and fresh but not overpowering. Then topped with fresh basil, fresh mozzarella and fresh parmigiana at the table?! So delicious. We also split a bottle of Mark West Pinot noir and really enjoyed the fresh, hot bread. 10/10 experience , I can't believe I haven't been here sooner and can't wait to return! read more

Lamplighter Restaurant - Italian Near Me - Rochester, New York

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Great food and service! Have returned several times! Same experience! Family owed and atmosphere is warm and inviting!!

My darling new husband of four months celebrated his 80th birthday at the Lamplighter last week. The director helped us prepare a special menu and choose wonderful wines. The food was amazing, service was outstanding. Coordinating this surprise event for him took cooperation from friends, family and the excellent management team at this wonderful restaurant. As a transplant to Rochester from Texas I'm looking forward to making this lovely place our "go to" family favorite. read more

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Great owner and staff, delicious food. Very nice atmosphere, cozy atmosphere. A nice place to have dinner. read more

Our reservation was at 6PM. Our appetizer was delivered at almost 7:30. The food eventually arrived and 3 of our 4 meals was lukewarm warm. Mine was ice cold I had a few bites and had them pack it up for our turtle. There were 9 tables and one server on a Saturday night. Very poor planning. We won't be coming back any time soon. read more

Tucked in to an unassuming strip mall in Greece, this gem has been around since the 70s. Our waiter, Antonio, was competent and friendly with a flair for fine dining service. We both had the chicken Milanese which was perfect for a hot summer evening. The dessert - Bombolini was perfect - 4 crispy hot donut pillows stuffed with homemade ricotta, dusted with powdered sugar, and served with a warm chocolate sauce. The only drawback of the evening was the lengthy wait for our drinks to arrive. Everything else was perfect! read more

We rented a room to celebrate our sorority reunion. The coordinator accommodated all our needs during the planning process. The communication to organize this event was smooth. We developed a menu and we loved our experience! I ate the salad and chicken French and I was obsessed! The food was delicious! The mimosa was delicious. The service was amazing! read more

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Absolutely a diamond in the rough! A must try. Price as are very reasonable and food is yummy. The interior is warm, comforting and welcoming. The owner and staff are inviting and genuinely care if you have a good meal and experience. Some of the many things i regularly order are the arancini balls, the garlic app, the chicken french and the eggplant parm. Also, their full carafe of moscoto is only 22 bucks. They have the BEST, fresh, warm rolls. The oil, balsamic, garlic dipping spread for the bread is the best I've had anywhere. It's all the little details that the lamplighter pays attention to that makes this place one of the greatest. Can't beat it! Come try out their menu!! You can thank me later. read more

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Phenomenal food and friendly service that makes you feel right at home. The burrata panzanella salad is absolutely delicious and beautiful. Cucumber martini is so refreshing and the seafood pasta...divine. Don't let the strip mall outside vibe scare you; inside is cozy and warm with great tunes. Ten out of five!!!! read more

Lamplighter Restaurant - Burrata salad and cucumber martini. - Italian Near Me - Rochester, New York

Party of 6 on a busy Saturday night, and everything was terrific. The service was outstanding and we were seated promptly at the time of our reservation. Across the board, we each enjoyed different entrees from prime rib to seafood all done to perfection. I would highly recommend rediscovering this gem of a restaurant in Greece. read more

We were a party of four celebrating my recent wedding. We've all been there before, but it's been a while for me. It was a Friday night and I probably should have ordered a fish fry, but when I saw it on the menu, I haven't had one in a while, so I ordered the prime rib. I was a meat cutter for a few years and I knew as soon as I saw it, it was fatty. And I don't mean the quality marbling, which are flecks of fat within the lean meat of a prime grade, but large pieces that are cut away. The taste was okay, but normally prime rib doesn't come with a small scoop of butter on it like some serve on filet, but it was served with au jus. Hopefully it was just a poor cut that got past the chef, but at today's prices, it shouldn't have happened. Next time, I'll order the fish fry. read more

We held my mom's 100th birthday celebration here on Saturday October 7th. What a fantastic experience. Lisa and her staff (especially Amanda and Brooklyn) were fantastic! Kind, professional, amazingly quick to provide us anything we needed and the food was delicious! I cannot say enough good things about our entire experience!! We hope to be back again to celebrate mom's 101st. read more

Was outstanding for generations but, things have changed. It's sad that the long standing & proven recipes have been destroyed. Servers are still above the best & very professional. Our group was not going to pass judgement on, a few weeks of let downs until, we got our bill. Many menu items were significantly increased without menu updates. Also, a sign of a financially struggling restaurant, they are now adding: Service Fee of 2.65% after tax, up-charge for use of card. read more

Right outside the door where they sat us to eat. Smoker told me he was there to make my soup taste better. I asked him to please just move down a little bit. I think there is a NYS law where you have to be a certain distance from the entrance. The one guy told me "that's enough out your mouth" THREE TImES! I asked for the owner repeatedly to the waitress. She would not come out. These three guys had about 6 guys taunting me while I waited to talk to the owner. Meanwhile..... I assured the waitress how great she is! She told me she has asked for the owner multiple times. I Let her know specifically who the man was. Finally, the owner, she came out and immediately said to me.... "I am coooking, Are you the one complaining about my customers? You are DRUNK! Go home! What do you want me to do?" I had one vodka water on my bill. I wasn't drunk. I enjoyed my meal. I was treated poorly bc I didn't care for the guy blowing smoke on my soup. Lobster Bisque I walked away. The wife yells.... Go back to the East side you piece of trash!" I am a Greece resident. This was my first time at The Lamplighter." my boyfriend paid the bill. tshe was calling the police on me Turns out....waitress apologized This guy was the owners BOYFRIEND!!! Gross! This was traumatic I can't post a pic of him bc my account will be suspended. But PM me.... I have them! read more

It's been a while my old friend. Listen, this place is truly a diamond in the rough. You will find a super chill bar when you first walk in, a beautiful space inside. The food is amazing, and will make you forget you're in a strip mall. If you are considering coming here, just go once, you won't regret it! read more

The food was excellent, the service was perfect (not hovering but checking on me in a timely manner). The place was a bit noisier than I like due to a large group but not noisy enough that it impaired conversation. The bisque was incredible. I would come back just for that. Portofino had lots of seafood and was delicious. I should not have ordered the carrot cake as I was pretty full but... - it was a huge slice and it was very tasty. Not as moist/heavy as some but I would do it again. I will be back. read more

The food, service and ambience are A+++! Lisa is the perfect host. The bartenders make the best ice cold Martinis around! Servers are knowledgeable and friendly. If you want a wonderful dining experience, check out the Lamplighter Restaurant...you won't be disappointed! read more

Service is excellent! The menu has changed a lot since the last time I went. Not sure how I feel about it yet lol. Definitely not as many choices. Think I'll have to visit one more time before I can be truly impartial and constructive read more

Excellent food service and atmosphere. Had the gnocchi with shrimp, my wife had seafood mix.

Excellent meal and excellent service. Will definitely be going back again. Could use a little interior decorating though.

Food and service is awesome here. Hidden little gem. Best fish fry too! Atmosphere is nice and servers have been attentive and friendly each visit. read more

This place should have a recommend 5 stars across the board. This food was incredible!! I am in town for work and stayed down the road at the Marriott. Its a gem inside a tiny strip mall. The bar area is quaint and friendly. The wine list is small but I didn't care because the food is outstanding. I had the home made ricotta and garlic crostini to start. Then I had the BEST crab soup of my life!!! I regret not taking a bowl home. Then I had the Chicken Milanase. It was a hard decision since the menu is spectacular. I finished with the best creme brûlée suggested by our waiter, Antonio, who was fantastic and attentive. It is an amazing find amongst a sea of chain restaurants in the area. I will forever come here when I am in town!!! read more

This was our 3rd visit to the Lamplighter and the first two were phenomenal. This visit was not as great unfortunately but turned out great. We got our table at 7:25 and ordered right away because we needed to be done by 9:00 hopefully. At 8:45 we decided to leave since we still didn't have our food. The waiter brought us our bill and it was for everything minus the entrees. We had a few drinks and our salads, when we arrived to the front the owner came up and was so apologetic and completely comped the drinks and salads. She saved us as a guest we will be back for sure. The food is phenomenal and things happen, kitchen gets buried or whatever but how you handle it it was separates good from great restaurants. So I highly recommend Lamplighter and thank you to the owner. read more

When our dinner group of 7 arrived at the Lamplighter our table in the private dining area was ready for us as was our attentive waitress. Most of us had appetizers including a spicey calimari, arrancini , and onion soup . All were enjoyed as were the superb warm rolls and butter. I missed the wonderful shrimp appetizer that used to be on the menu . I ordered a Caesar side salad which had a nice dressing but there was too much of it. For my main course I ordered the chicken French over pasta and it was incredibly good. Fork- tender yet thick and flavorful, it was one of the best I've had in a city where this dish is extremely popular . Other entrees included Pasta Bolonese and the Delmonico steak which also garnered compliments. I was wishing (again) for a shrimp entree. Our lovely desserts included chocolate cake and Creme Brûlée. Yum. Over the course of the evening our waitress regularly filled drink requests and the owner checked on our table as well. Great food, attentive staff, old-world ambiance. What's not to like ? read more

The food is excellent with beautiful presentation. Our server, Amanda was very friendly and stretched. She remembered our entire order with writing it down, and didn't miss a thing the owner, Lisa Seifert came to our table to make sure we were satisfied. The ambiance is very nice and inviting. A nice bar with such friendly people. Really enjoyed our evening. Will be back. read more

Lamplighter is a 43 year veteran restaurant on Fetzner abd they've managed to keep reasonably current without losing that cozy old school feel. Stop in at the bar and enjoy the Rat Pack photos, and friendly service. read more

Lamplighter Restaurant - Italian Near Me - Rochester, New York

We decided to give this little local restaurant a shot for dinner and it was a big mistake. Went to bar to wait for reservation time sadly lacking bar seating. Martini had to be made over after my husband told her twice how he wanted it. Seated promptly for dinner. We noticed right away a large party in an adjoining room whose noise couldn't be ignored. Ordered clams casino and a cup of crab bisque both were good. Ordered a House Special Ribeye for my husband and I ordered filet with a Demi glacé. Meat entrees all came with O'Brien potatoes (what) and roasted carrots. I have a strong aversion to peppers so the waitress subbed risotto. I've never had it before and I'll probably never have it again Salty watery and chunks of who know what in it. We both also got broccoli that was done yesterday. Meat was cooked nicely, although not hot but frankly I can do a filet better at home. The ribeye was nothing to write home about and we were charged $7 more than menu stated. Waitress failed to mention that. We never got the Caesar salad until we mentioned it to the waitress (who was lovely by the way) who asked the hostess to bring us one. That too was not good. $150.00 for a mediocre dinner. Waited at least 35 min for entrees .We will not be back nor would I recommend. read more

Great place with great customer service! I really enjoyed the gin martini on the drink list! The scallops were fantastic. We always love finding great spots like this on yelp when we travel. read more

Big mistake. Just had Mothers Day brunch at the Lamplighter. Three of the 4 people in our party ordered the frittata. Can see highter prices for the holiday but no exaggeration it was a little thicker than my Iphone and just as wide and half as long as my Iphone 8. Should have said take it back and ordered something else. The waitress was great she doesn't plate the food. Won't be returning. read more

My wife and I had the Portofino with a side of calamari. Delicious. Because of the Pandemic, we did the take-out thing. The staff did an A+ job of packaging our meal. I live roughly 10 minutes from the restaurant, but our food was hot when I brought it home and plated it. read more

I live in Greece and drive by the Lamplighter all the time. It's in your run of the mill plaza stuck between a tailors and a convenience store. I never considered ever eating there. But the other day it appeared on my Instagram feed and the food pictures piqued my curiosity! Let me just say, I'm still in disbelief! The food is amazing! Never would have expected that quality of food at this place. I got their Autumn themed salad - roasted butternut squash with cauliflower nestled in a bed of whipped goat cheese, drizzled with a balsamic reduction and topped with micro-greens! You heard me! I just told you that a restaurant in Greece uses freaking micro-greens! It was so delicious I want to go back and have it again! My husband had the short rib rigatoni and lucky me, he shared some with me! The short ribs melt in your mouth and the flavor was a perfect blend of spicy and savory! We enjoyed a "high end dining experience" (in Greece) with a beer and dessert and paid around $55 before tip. I thought that was pretty good since that's about the same price we pay for pizza and wings. If you think Greece only offers chain restaurants and are looking for something more - head to Lamplighter. You won't be disappointed! read more

I hadn't been to Lamplighter but have heard good things and have always been skeptical because of the location and how long it's been there. Boy was I wrong! The staff was friendly, the owner was on site, a pleasure to be around and very personable. The food was great from beginning to end. The calamari was incredible and fried with cherry peppers with a peppadew aioli, the crostini appetizer came with ricotta cheese and roasted garlic, and was superb. The one thing I want to point out was the chicken French. It was great, not too lemony, cooked perfectly and my taste buds have been going nuts for the past hours afterward because of how good it was. Will definitely be back. Don't read the naysaying reviews from 5 years ago. It was Great!! read more

A little bit overpriced for the value of what you are getting. This place is very quiet, not a lot of guests there when my husband and I were. The waitresses are attentive and courteous. The food was alright, nothing special. I had the chicken French, and it was good. The portion sizes for the side dishes were rather small, and the food took a good while to come out. Everything about the visit was okay, but spending that much money, I would rather eat somewhere else. read more

Would never expect this place to be so good based on the location but it was a great place to go when you're surrounded by chain restaurants. Great food. Good wine. Good time. read more

I was at the Lamplighter with my husband for dinner in June this year to celebrate our anniversary. The parking was ample, albeit in great need or repair. As the hostess could not be found, I looked for her and saw that she had been at the bar, conversing with others. She asked us to wait for a little, which was ok. While waiting, another customer walked in, and again had to look for her, as she was back at the bar, to which she returned after greeting us. The new customer had indeed walked all the way into the restaurant and came back to the foyer looking for her. I was the one who called her at the bar. Not a good start, huh? The acoustics was poor, so that we were trying to put together what the softly-spoken waitress was telling us, but could really not understand much. She was nice and her service was standard (nspectacular, but not bad either). Due to poor acoustics, we could not have a very intimate conversation (as we would have to talk very loudly), although we were sitting side by side, and yet could hear what other guests were talking about. So strange! Our table was at a spot that smelled like a senior living residence :( . The food was indeed good. That was the only good part of the entire experience. It was super expensive for what it was, but it tasted good. Again, not fantastic, but good. This place had been very highly recommended by a great friend, so I hope this experience was unique to us only. read more

I have been here for dinner in the past and it's been fairly decent went there Saturday night for dinner food had absolutely zero flavor ordered an appetizer for my wife and I thinking it would be pretty good from the sound of it, it was a special they had & then they bring it out and it had three tiny little half teaspoon size Clams Casino, 2 barely the size of a golf ball arancini with a pea-sized piece of cheese in the center and maybe an eighth of a cup of calamari for $18 talk about getting ripped off they should be ashamed of themselves for serving that for that price I will not go back again after that experience there Mention it to them got no apologies or anything did a review on their Facebook page what a response from them basically calling me a liar here is the response I received from them I always read my reviews with an open mind, and take them very seriously,I do however have a problem with people who dont review with the facts and must say you did not do. there 4 clams casino, not 3 as you said. the arancini are the size of 2 LARGE meatballs, with fresh buffalo mozzarella inside and the risotto, served over tomato basil sauce. if you actually measured an 1/8 cup of calamari,it'd would probably have 2 pieces. Which clearly would not be, its a measured 4 oz portion. And is served with a pepper dew aioli. Its is our most popular appetizer, and we have NEVER had a complaint. read more

Very nice place. Came here from a suggestion from a coworker. Restaurant has a policy of no cell phone use in the dining room and all customers followed the rules, therefore I didn't take photos of my meal. I would highly recommend the walnut crusted salmon, the salmon and the chocolate chip pie. My only complaint is the lack of creativity with the sides offered with the meal. read more

I can make the food better and we waited FOREVER to take our order, get our food, and get the check. Disappointed.