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Rochester, NY

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Vern's

4.4 (285 reviews)
Closed • 4:00 pm - 10:00 PM
Updated over 3 months ago

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VERN'S ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Hipster
Casual
Trendy

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Recommended Reviews - Vern's

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Reviews With Photos

Japanese sweet potato appetizer, bee sting pizza
Chelsea G.

We tried out Vern's for the first time on a Thursday evening! We made it there by about 5:00 PM and it was easy enough to get a table for 2 with only indoor seating available. It's a small space inside but it's designed well enough to manage a flow of traffic for customers and staff. We sat in the back greenhouse area. I think the least enjoyable part of our experience was how loud it was in the restaurant. Definitely not a good spot if you're trying to catch up with someone and your voice doesn't carry. I couldn't actually hear the specials the server was telling us. I want to try out Vern's again, so I may wait until there's an outdoor table or ask to sit in the second level to see if that's quieter. We tried one of their spring menu appetizer items, the Japanese sweet potatoes with kimchi ranch and dill. One bite and I was addicted, these were so so good. We then moved on to the classics for entrees -- bee sting pizza and the ragu-- and we were amazed at how good everything was! The only note we had was about the pizza, it was very soggy in the middle but still edible if you rolled it over in itself. We also had a few cocktails, and while they were somewhat small, you could tell they weren't watered down in any way. Two drinks was more than enough for me. Overall it was a great experience and we want to try it again. If you're someone who struggles to enjoy a meal out where you can't hear much, maybe wait for outdoor tables.

meyer lemon risotto
Ananya S.

Went to Vern's with my friend on Super Bowl Sunday and there was no wait! Since I'm vegetarian, we didn't end up doing family-style, but I absolutely love Vern's. The ingredients are fresh, the restaurant is so cozy, and the service is incredible. The lemon parm risotto was packed with flavor and creamy delight . I loved the tangy brightness balanced with the richness. It was done so well. I would definitely go back! My one note is that I wish they had more vegetarian entrées beyond just the vegetable dishes and pizza.

Pizza special
Sarah S.

Every season I look forward to a new Vern's menu. And every season I am not disappointed. My favorite dessert right now is the salted honey budino. Best entree I've had recently is a pizza special they had with steak, vodka sauce, and some super spicy peppers. I have to stop myself from going to Vern's every single week. Service is always top tier and ambiance is cozy/romantic.

Marissa B.

Visited on Monday for our anniversary. Arrived around 4:45 and we were seated with no wait. We love the upstairs seating area as the ambiance and candle lit table helped to create a romantic evening. The staff are just so warm and helpful. They made us feel welcomed and helped to make the occasion feel special. The fall menu is exciting. We were blown away by the orange pizza- vodka sauce, local squash, prosciutto, with goat cheese and balsamic. The flavors worked so well together. We loved the crispy texture of the wood fired pizza. We also enjoyed a pork chop with a sweet and sour glaze & the lost meatball ragu. The flavors and presentation are always on point at Vern's. Portions are large and meant to be shared with plenty for both us.

Special Arincini
Harrison G.

Tomato pie, spicy lettuces (forgot to take a pic before scooping on to my plate), the miso and chili Alfredo, the Gus pizza, and the Arincini which was a special tonight. Aside from the Arincini which were good but nothing special everything blew me away. The pizza was especially good. I've never had asparagus on pizza but it was so good and contributed well with the other ingredients. The miso in the pasta played well off the sharpness of the Parmesan and then the chili finished it off to give a very deep flavor. The tomato pie was so fluffy and flavorful and the spicy lettuces were just lightly dressed enough to give a nice simple flavor but keep the greens crisp and refreshing. Our server was wonderful too. Obviously, a very high level of attention to detail at every aspect of this restaurant. Highly recommended but get there early since they don't take reservations!

Hot honey pizza so good
Sara M.

Sat at bar. Very friendly very attentive. Very small area. The espresso martini was amazing and the hot honey pizza delicious. Love that they have outdoor seating as well. Only complaint that I don't think the bartenders should let people save seats for as long as they did when it's busy happy hour. Lady told us she was saving 2 chairs then when her guest got there about 20 minutes later they ordered a drink and transferred tab to a table ‍ Either way we will be back

Joanlie H.

Finally made it to Vern's after hearing all the hype for years, and honestly it was just fine. The pasta was not anything special but it wasn't bad either. Service was fine, but they do not take reservations so you really have to get there early. It's a cute place but there's definitely better & cheaper options around town!

Dinner menu
Gabrielle S.

First time at Vern's! Beautiful atmosphere and easy to park and find the restaurant. I came with a party 2 and we were able to get seated within 30 min, which was nice. Honestly, nothing about the menu blew me away except for the lost meatball ragu at first glance. Both my friend and I decided that that was the only pasta we wanted to try. We settled on the focaccia special, meatball ragu, and chopped salad to share. The focaccia was underwhelming and really the only thing that stood out during the meal was the lost meatball ragu - we loved it. Wonderful flavor and great portion for two and even three people. I'm not sure I'd come back if I was in Rochester. I'm curious if they rotate the menu items based on season or if these have been the same since opening. Maybe it's time for an update.

Outside
Yvonne C.

Awesome place. Always custom unique menu items. I'm going to take a risk and keep this review short because I've NEVER had a bad experience here. Food is SO delicious.m, flavorful, and thoughtfully created. I leave satisfied. Sat at the bar and the bar tenders are SO personable and friendly.

Cocktails
Ani M.

By far best restaurant by the notorious Swan family. Rotating seasonal menus are pretty good, but can't go wrong with the classic rigatoni pasta or bee sting pizza. Broken buratta is also really good, and what it comes with changes per season. Most dishes can be tweaked for vegetarians and they also have a few gluten free options. Portion sizes vary greatly, so I reccomend asking your server what they think is best for your party size. Inside ambiance is wonderful but limited seating like all other Swan restaurants. I reccomend coming early, putting your name down, and grabbing a drink at the bar while you wait since they do not take reservations. I have never been disappointed with the food or the service here, overall a great place to take a date or a friend from out of town!

Roasted Carrots and Parsnips

This was our first time at Vern's and it certainly won't be the last! The food comes family style, which is great for sharing and trying new things! We got the lost meatball Ragu, roasted carrots and parsnips, and Vern's chopped salad. The pasta was extremely flavorful and was perfectly complimented by the fresh ricotta on top. This light and refreshing chopped salad. The carrots were nearly life changing- they were roasted to perfection and served with this fabulous Lebneh sauce. This is a must get. The ambiance was perfect! Everything from the decor to the lighting created a warm and welcoming feel. Our server Christine was great, explaining everything thoroughly, and helping us make our decisions! We went on a Thursday at 5:00 and didn't wait a minute for our table! Can't wait to go again!

Spicy lettuces salad

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7 years ago

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Vern's Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Vern's

I messaged the business on Instagram a few weeks ago, and they haven't responded. SO! Does anyone know if they're accommodating to vegans? Does their pizza crust have dairy or butter? Thanks!

No dairy in the pizza crust. I think the tomato pie is vegan, and there are some yummy salads that are vegan or cheese could be left off of.

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Angelinas - Cute popcorn and cheese appetizer

Angelinas

4.7(55 reviews)
1.4 mi•South Wedge

We had a wonderful anniversary dinner at Angelina's, and from the moment we walked in, they made us…read morefeel truly special. The hostess and our server knew it was our anniversary from the reservation and wished us a happy anniversary right away. There was even a beautiful "Happy Anniversary" sign waiting for us on the table. The owner also stopped by personally to wish us a happy anniversary, and they surprised us with two small glasses of complimentary champagne. It was such a lovely way to start the evening. We ordered the panzanella salad, street corn, and a large, shareable ribeye with potatoes. Everything was superb--truly excellent. The service was impeccable, the atmosphere was romantic and low-key, and the entire experience was outstanding. They struck the perfect balance of making us feel celebrated without being over the top. For dessert, we had the funfetti cake, which was absolutely divine. We thoroughly enjoyed every part of our evening and can't wait to go back to Angelina's!

I've been meaning to come in for some time. I'm happy I finally made it happen!…read more The food was delicious! Each bursting with flavor. The Alannah's Garden N/A cocktail was phenomenal. I would've had ten more... The service was fast and friendly. Our server offered up various suggestions of house favorites. The ambiance was sleek with leather or leather-like chairs, wood tables and clean lines. The plates matched the decor as well. I'd consider coming back and trying some more from their summer menu. I look forward to trying from the fall and winter menus as well. I'll definitely be trying a dessert next time. Their s'mores one and funfetti cake both sounded delicious. I was too full from the appetizers and dinner to attempt a third course.

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Angelinas - Full bar

Full bar

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ROUX - Roux burger with fries

ROUX

4.0(281 reviews)
0.0 mi
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Standout restaurant from top to bottom. Absolutely lovely hostess, bartender, and our waiter Joey…read morewas so nice and chill. We ordered the mussels that came with crusty bread, a cheese plate, salad, bougie fries, 2 drinks each and the crème brûlée. Everything was seriously so delicious. Cute restaurant and I see how they could get super busy on any given night. For my first time here, I was impressed by the quality of food and the authentically nice service. It was easy to make reservations the night before for a Tuesday dinner at4:30. Honestly there was no other party there but us for about a good 30-40 minutes so I would say a walk in on a Tuesday early on before 5:15 would entail in zero wait. Today was a gorgeous day but we sat inside for maximum vibes. Can't wait to come back!

Went for dinner…read more Service was friendly and helpful. The cocktails, which I remember really digging, fell flat this time. I got one w rye and rubarb, and it just tasted like a mike's hard lemonade. The mussels were delicious, fat and tender, swimming in a delicious broth that tasted more Thai than French, but really good. Came with a little baguette. The salmon was good, but should be listed as an appetizer. It's under the word 'grand' on the menu which literally means 'big.' Besides being a tiny portion, the sides were only for aesthetic purposes, not for feeding humans. The plate was pretty but not fulfilling. No need to return.

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ROUX - Bar area

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Vern's - newamerican - Updated October 2026

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