I read the reviews and expected the worst. I don't know what size sticks are firmly lodged in those reviewers' arses but we had a great experience. We came in early and sat at the bar to await the rest of our party. We were greeted by a friendly and welcoming hostess. The bar/lounge area is very cool, adorned with pictures of Sinatra, Bennett and Monroe. Almost a tiki bar feel. The bartender is who you expect in a place like this, welcoming, friendly, knowledgable. I wish more restaurants had one half as good. We proceeded to our table after everyone arrived. Our waitress was, again, warm, friendly, welcoming, knowledgable....you get the idea. She explained the specials. I'm not going to list what everyone had but 4 of the six of us ordered the 3-course pork tenderloin special at $24.95. The other two had seafood. Each course was delivered with perfect timing. We weren't in a rush and for decent food you shouldn't be. Go to a greasy spoon or burger joint if you want it five milliseconds after ordering. I had crab bisque for my starter and it was very tasty. The only place I've had better was in New Hampshire but they have the seafood home field advantage. The pork DiMiale reminded me of an interpretation of braciole. The tenderloin was rolled and stuffed with a very well-spiced Italian sausage, apricots, and pistachios with a cranberry reduction. It is a dish I will try to replicate. The only minor change for my taste is the sweetness. It was a bit overpowering though the pistachios cut it a bit as did the risotto underneath. The risotto was executed brilliantly, and in my opinion is what separates restaurants who truly know Italian cooking. I chose the carrot cake for dessert. It was a generous portion. I only ate half because everything else was also portioned liberally. It was flavored appropriately with a good ratio of sweet melded within. I will definitely return. Great job and kudos to the whole staff! read more

The Experience: We had dinner there awhile back. The food was okay - nothing amazing but totally fine. At least they seemed to use quality ingredients. The service was great - a lovely young lady was excellent. It was extremely overpriced. Really expensive for what you get. The decor was outdated but we found it charming and loved the ambiance because of how outdated it was. It was so outdated, that is was cool again... You know what I'm saying? Additional Info: I went back a couple days later and applied for a waitress position. (Overpriced is a good thing for a potential server.) At the interview, I was asked about my marital status. I told him I could do a good job for them, regardless of my marital status. He said, "OK, you don't have to tell me if you're married, but I need to know if you have kids." I politely let him know that I was uncomfortable with that illegal question. He explained that he needed to know before hiring a woman if they were a mother, because mothers were more likely to call in to work for a sick kid. I explained to him that was exactly why the question was a problem. I didn't answer (even though NO, I don't have kids). He stood his ground that he needed this information. I wrote a letter to the Equal Opportunity Employment Agency and filed a report. I didn't want to sue them or anything... I just wanted them to be informed through the proper channels that they are using illegal and discriminatory practices (the owner didn't seem to care when I told him). They didn't have enough employees for that particular agency to take action and my complaint fell by the wayside. I should have followed up with whoever the other agency would be, but a death in the family left me distracted beyond the window of opportunity to legally respond. So before you spend money at this establishment, you should know what kind of people are running that place. And that they likely won't hire a young mother despite how skilled she could be. They feel validated in ignoring federal law that protects equal opportunity employment. read more

So they suggested this restaurant at the hotel we are staying at, we enjoyed a nice walk to get there. Cute and cozy restaurant, staff super friendly, we had a great server, friendly, always smiling, did a great job letting us know the dinner specials and answered all of our questions. I will be very honest, I read the menu and everything looked so delicious it was almost too good to be true...we placed our order, and that's when this experience really started. So we are a group of coworker that haven't seen each other in a month and we are talking and catching up, and we talk and talk and at some point I said, wait a minute, where is our food?? I looked at the time and it has been an hour since we placed the order, I asked the server and with a big smile said to me "it is on it's way", so we waited and waited, and 20 minutes later the food finally started to arrive to the table. I had ordered the osobuco with risotto, it did not impress me. It was ok, but I have had better. It is just I was so hungry at that point I was not going to complaint, I just wanted to eat and leave. The other dishes on the table were so so....desserts were the highlight of the night. I can tell what we had on their menu is not what it was served to us. Not coming back anytime soon.... read more

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Meh. There are so many great Italian restaurants in the area. Lamplighter falls short. The musty smell of an old restaurant is the first thing that greats you. Staff is very friendly. The food was good, but not great. You can get much better Italian food elsewhere. The portions are smaller than you would expect (given the price). You have to pay extra for a side of pasta and a salad when you order chicken French. The rolls tasted like the sat in a freezer during the pandemic. Did not bother with dessert. Spent a lot of money on dinner and it was not satisfying. Not sure why people consider it a Landmark. read more

Great service! Really nice set up and decor was so cute even though the setting is outdated. I love the menu. They aren't trying to do too much. Our server was seriously so amazing too. Really knowledgeable and professional and attentive. A nice spot for a special occasion. Food itself was a 6.5/10 but definitely quality. Wine selection was nice. Again, they dont try and do too much which is a huge plus! read more

Visited The Lamplighter last Friday night and was very disappointed. My friend and I both ordered the Haddock Florentine and as soon as it came to the table they both had a very fishy smell. Not very pleasant meal. My husband and my friends husband both ordered Veal Parmesan and my husband only took a few bits and left the veal and ate the pasta. They won't see us again. Very disappointed because when Nick was there everything was delicious. Surprised the waitress didn't ask why I left most of my meal and my friend left hers also. My husband left 3/4 of the veal. We did not offer an explanation. read more

Went last night, four of us. Very good service. Chicken French dinner looked nice, Delmonico dinner looked nice. Both reasonably priced, and enjoyed by folks I was with. Stay away from the seafood. It is overpriced. Four scallops over Risotto, $30. I had their Portofino special, very little lobster and crab, three scallops. My wife and I were disappointed with the seafood entrees. Service did seem a bit slow, but we were with good friends, so didn't notice that much. They also had a seafood sampler platter as a special, waitress told us about it. We said, that sounds good for the table, she said okay sampler for 4. It consisted of 4 shrimp, 4 scallops, and eight clams casino, in little neck clam shells, this was for four people...$36! I questioned it and was told that is a $17.95 appetizer for two people, anyway, you get it. In summary, it's a nice place, friendly, other dishes I saw seemed to be a good value. Yes, the desserts looked delicous. I won't return, I don't mind paying a higher price, if the value and quality is there. read more

Why does an Italian restaurant not carry just a simple spaghetti or thin pasta. This is a nice place but you would think they would have more than just two types of pasta available. read more

Great food and fantastic service. We have been going to the Lamplighter for years. We even had out rehearsal dinner there in 2000. Keep up the good work!!! read more

The food was very good but a little pricey. Service was exceptional.

I was raised in Greece and left in 1977. I was back this week and Yelpe'd some of my childhood favorites. The Lamplighter was still there and for good reason. The food ( clams casino, Caesar salad, scallops) was outstanding. They have limited tables and I ate at the bar. My server was great, the food was great and the atmosphere was great. Places don't stay around for 40+ years unless they are consistent. read more

Had dinner hear with a bus load of people after a show last Saturday. My mother and I drove separately from the bus so arrived early and ordered some wine at the bar. The bartender was very nice and suggested a blend for me that I enjoyed. Wine was between 7.50 and 13$ and was a good poor! For dinner our servers were Erika and Kristy who were very sweet, friendly and attentive to our needs. Most of our table had the cherry and hazelnut encrusted pork which was very moist and tender, everyone loved it and one person had chicken with pasta that she liked as well. Dinner salad was a bit small for me as well as the portion size of mashed potatoes and veg. The pork portion was a very good size and maybe that's what people want and expect in this area? But I like my vegetables! Really the service was very good esp. for a room full of us. The ambiance was nice, cute casual and the locals at the bar friendly! I would go back especially if they had some more gluten free things on the menu. read more

I do not understand the negative reviews. I was seated promptly by the friendly hostess. I was dining solo and she gave two options on where I could sit. Erica was my server and she was super nice. I ordered the grilled romaine and the burger. Both were delicious and unique in their own way. In a sea of chain restaurants, this place was a pleasure. read more

PJ the bartender was very personable and let you know what is great on the menu. We ordered gnocchi and crostini bread with ricotta for an appetizer was amazing. The dinner entrees from the cowboy steak to the scallops were delicious. Love this place. Love the atmosphere. read more

We had a party with 20 people there. They had a private room for us, service was great and the food was good. I was very pleased how promptly the food came out for 20 people. I was a little disappointed in their beer selection, they need more micro's. I think they had a pretty good wine selection. Lots of interesting stuff on the menu, the french onion was great, as was the roasted garlic appetizer. My wife's grilled romaine salad w/ shrimp was amazing. Thanks for the great time. read more

We had a group dinner, 7 people total. Everyone enjoyed their meal, service was excellent and setting perfect. The menu has been updated and offered enough variety to offer options for the group. Highly recommend Lamplighter. read more

After over 30 years of having the Lamplighter as our families Favorite Dinning Experience I must say the loss of Elliot has made a huge difference. We found the food to be almost taste less service poor and more expensive. It is now no more than a average over priced restaurant. Don't know if we will ever go back read more

Went here on a very hot night with my family. This place is AWESOME! A family-owned restaurant that's been open for 25 years. I highly recommend the "greens, beans, and chicken" dinner, and any appetizer as well as the chocolate Lava cake (which was the best one I've ever eaten)! read more

Came here to celebrate my husbands' birthday with a large party of 15 people. Overall staff was friendly and prompt on getting us refills. When it comes to food, we were extremely disappointed. Out of 15 people maybe 3 somewhat like their food. We ordered 3 plates of fried calamari that came without any dipping sauce and were so soggy! We asked to substitute it with something else right away. Lobster bisque soul was ok but it had imitation crab meat in it. Steaks were ok-ish, scallops over cooked .... WAY OVER PRICED for the quality and service provided! Will never come back her again. Very disappointing! read more

I've never had to write a bad review before but this is UNACCEPTABLE! Food is overpriced for the portions given. The interior design is quite odd. Though these things can be over looked. But not this... Out of all the employees the owner herself was extremely disrespectful! I could have sworn she was drunk or on some type of drugs. How anyone can come here to eat or work blows my mind! Get rid of the terrible owner and brighten up the colors and I may consider a return visit. For the moment, I recommend NO ONE GOES HERE!!!! read more

Waitress insults my guest by commenting on how heavy she was. Food took at least 45 minutes to get here. No butter for the bread even when we asked for it. They think they are a fancy Italian restaurant. But the food is just eeeh. Poor portions. Expensive. Oh yes and they like to add on hidden charges that you don't expect. So be prepared to have them read back exactly what you ordered to ensure you get what you want (won't even go there with that story!). Must ask them exactly what it costs before ordering. They say you can substitute a salad for coleslaw but never mention that it'll cost you another $3.00. to do it. SO we paid an Extra $9.00 for the three of us for small lettuce salads they said we could substitute. Place is a joke, poor Italian? quality. No butter available. Rude waitress. condescending to everyone. Like a gustapo. read more

The restaurant is outdated. The waitress was really nice and the place was clean. But It looks like it was nice... 15-20 years ago. I think this was the worst place I have ate at in a while. I created my account just to share. Food was microwaveable.. Shrimp and pasta penne was from the box nothing special at all.. Tastes dry too. Me and my girlfriend were embarrassed to eat it. On top of that.. There's an additional $5 fee for splitting meal. That's when you know restaurant isn't good. And it was pricey. Two drinks one meal and calamari came out to be over 45 bucks.. Really? I wouldn't mind paying $45 but it tasted like $10 food and I felt used and abused after eating. read more

Horrible experience , went there on Valentines Day with 6 in party expecting to have a wonderful meal seeing the "Lamp-liter " thinks they are in NYC or maybe even Pittsford with their Totally outrageous prices that would make sense if they served the type of food they were charging you for which they do not. Small measly servings , overcooked Filet Mignon that cost 30$ and came with exactly 6 baby carrots and a tablespoon of mashed cheddar potatoes. I am not exaggerating . They have the nerve to charge extra blue cheese dressing which again was a table spoon , and the salad was even not included. I have had way better salad at the old country buffet and its included . Again horrible place , I have dined in some of the finest Restaurants in NYC , Atlanta and Vegas. This guy needs to realize where he is and its not in Manhattan but Greece NY , if you want people to even consider coming back to this place at least give a little more food as thats why were at your place TO EAT. Do yourself a favor , go to Wegmans and pick up a few 6$ meals , you will not be disappointed and you will be full . read more

Omg....try the hazelnut crusted pork tenderloin. I travel all over the country and try a lot of different foods and honestly you will not have a better meal! Absolutely delightful. Do yourself a favor and check it out.... read more

Wrote a review already, was taken down.... to be blunt, food lacks in quantity and flavor, service slow, even when restaurant is not busy, outrageous prices for what little you get. Poor lightning, uncomfortable seating, I'm surprised they are still in business. Spend your hard earned dollars elsewhere, they must think they are some top of the line NYC restaurant for what they charge. read more

Love going to the Lamplighter for dinner. Wonderful atmosphere, very friendly staff and great food. Have never been disappointed

The place is amazing from the help to the chef and the owner is truly a great owner and person. The food is tremendous and chef has been here for 22 years!! A place you should go to and enjoy a wonderful meal and atmosphere! read more

We have dined at the Lamplighter at least 3 times a year for more than 20 years and have never once been disappointed by any aspect of the service or portions and certainly not by the chef. I was more than satisfied with about one third of Tuesday night's Mediterranean pasta. My partner loved his 3 hefty slices of pork osso buco; I sampled his risotto and thought it was perfect. The updated look is well done and we are also fans of the small but excellent wine list. Usual great service by Holly. We can't understand the negative comments, especially about prices. Costs are well below Char, Max's, Tournedo's, Black and Blue etc. etc. We have introduced many people to the Lamplighter and they remain loyal patrons also. Go and enjoy. The Lamplighter competes well with good restaurants in much larger metropolitan areas. read more

While in rochester on business in late november of 2010 I asked the front desk manager of the hotel I was staying at where I could take some very important clients for dinner on the west side of Rochester. He recommended the Lamplighter rest.which was very convenient due to the fact that many of us were staying at the airport Marriott in Greece. I cannot say enough good things about this restaurant. It was deceiving at first, located in a strip mall,I was thinking I made the wrong choice,but upon entering I knew I was wrong. The atmosphere was soft and warm,the entire staff was both friendly and professional. Food presentation beautiful and food was amazing. Everyone was very impressed had a great dining experience. I would highly recommend the Lamplighter restaurant for your next dining exp. I look forward to my next trip to rochester and to the Lamplighter Rest. read more

My family and I went there today for Easter Sunday. we picked this place because of the website. It listed a special menu for Easter.our waitress was in a world of her own and had no idea about the Easter menu. So my mom said ok I seen it on your website. Then the manager or whoever she was came over Very rude and disrespectful to my mother said she didn't have any special menu on the website for Easter and that it was from 2012 what a bunch of crap !then take the dam website down! It said 2012 on the bottom of the menu so small no one could see it!!!!!! Food was overpriced and not that good!!! Never will go back! read more

Although I no longer live in the Rochester area, I visited recently and felt compelled to post this review. This is the first review I have ever posted for any restaurant, so here goes... I am very sorry to say this restaurant is no longer what it once was. This restaurant used to be a very good and reliable place to go for a great comfortable Italian meal. It has been around for close to 50 years. The old owner, Nick, was very particular about the quality of the food he served and providing top-notch service. The prices were a touch on the high side, but you did not mind that because you knew you were going to get an excellent meal complemented by great service. Unfortunately the ownership changed about a year and a half ago and the new owner seems to have forgotten what made the Lamplighter a little gem. The quality of the food is no longer first rate and the service is disappointing. As a result, friends of mine, who were former regulars and who have gone in there since the ownership change, tell me that every time they have been in there the place is a ghost town. The lobster bisque used to be truly special and the best I had ever tasted, but what they are serving now seems to be out of the can and contains what appears to be imitation lobster meat. In addition, the quality of the steaks has taken a nosedive and the portions are much smaller. Despite the fact that the quality of food and service has fallen off significantly the new owner has raised the menu prices to an amount that borders on ridiculousness. My advice: Take a pass on this place. read more