Cancel

Open app

Search

Vern's

4.4 (283 reviews)
Closed • 4:00 pm - 10:00 PM
Updated over 3 months ago
Loading...

Vern's Photos

Business Info

VERN'S ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Hipster
Casual
Trendy

You might also consider

Recommended Reviews - Vern's

Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
Yelp app icon
Browse more easily on the app
Review Feed Illustration

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.

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!

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

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

I had a late dinner at the bar on a Monday night. The venue was busy, but no longer crowded, at 8 o'clock. Happily for me, the kitchen was open until 9pm. I ordered the spicy lettuces salad and tomato pie. Wow, was I impressed. What an excellent experience! Vern's, in sum: Amazing atmosphere, thoughtful menu, great all natural wine list, friendly and engaged service, clear focus on high quality ingredients, and nearly flawless execution by the chefs and bartenders. Shoutout to bartender Kinsey who was amazing! Overall exceptional experience, add I highly recommend this place. I'll certainly be back!

Aperol spritz
Mei S.

I've heard so many good things about Vern's and I can say it lives up to the hype. The ambiance is very cute and while it is upscaled, it doesn't feel stiff. It is a smaller establishment which means there can be a wait for a table, but the smaller venue makes the the environment is very cozy and comfortable. Once you get a table, service and food is quicker. The service is exceptional, everyone is very accommodating and friendly. The drinks were very good (my Aperol spritz was amazing) and the food was delicious. The bee sting pizza was the best pizza I have had. The restaurant is reasonably priced for the quality and service.

Picture speaks for itself. Deelish!

See all

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 1

3 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0
Photo of Don B.
3
11
0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Jen R.
296
1141
2647

4 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1

2 years ago

Helpful 5
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 1

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Bo B.
2
4
11

1 year ago

Please get RESERVATION system of some kind. I would love to dine here, yet not show up at 4:30 to stand in line.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Megan C.
4830
1111
8720

6 years ago

Helpful 9
Thanks 0
Love this 7
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 4
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Manny B.
235
72
207

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

6 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1
Photo of Ashley L.
528
48
379

5 years ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 3
Oh no 1

5 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

7 years ago

Helpful 4
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Joy P.
0
31
0

3 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0
Photo of Amanda S.
12
116
6

2 years ago

While the ambiance was extraordinary (perfect for date night) the food was lackluster and overpriced.

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

Page 2 of 8

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.

View All 5 Questions

You might also consider

Ardor Park Artisanal Pizza - Tommy V Pizza

Ardor Park Artisanal Pizza

4.6(77 reviews)
0.8 mi•Park Avenue

Visiting family in Rochester and looking for a good pizza place. When I saw the pizza photos on…read moreYelp and especially the way the crust looked, I knew this would be a good place. But it turned out to be a fabulous place! Absolutely excellent pizza, well crafted, authentic crust and creative ingredients. Their latin spin on the Hawaiian pizza, La Pina Loca, is masterful and the black garlic & funghi was outstanding. My brother and his wife, locals, were astounded that I'd found such an amazing place on their hometown. We'll be back!

Honest Review The…read morepizza was SO GOOD! Honestly, the food itself was delicious and I would've happily given this place a great review... BUT I specifically ordered the pizza without hot honey, and it was also supposed to have pineapple on it. When I got home , I realized the pineapple was missing and the pizza had hot honey on it anyway. I immediately called THREE times to try to get it sorted out. Every single time, I got an automated message saying they were going to transfer me to someone, and then... no one ever answered. ‍ That's incredibly frustrating, especially when you're calling right after you discover there's a problem with your order. The pizza itself was seriously delicious, but the customer service was disappointing. I really hope they improve their phone service because I'd actually like to order from here again!

Photos
Ardor Park Artisanal Pizza - Pizza Oven

Pizza Oven

Ardor Park Artisanal Pizza - Tommy V Pizza

Tommy V Pizza

Ardor Park Artisanal Pizza - Stuffed Garlic Bread - comes out hot and bubbling! Very good.

See all

Stuffed Garlic Bread - comes out hot and bubbling! Very good.

Vern's - newamerican - Updated October 2026

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...