Angelinas

Angelinas is a New American wine bar and restaurant located at the corner of South Avenue and Gregory Street in Rochester's South Wedge neighborhood. Co-owners Bob Caranddo, Dan Patterson, and Bruce Ingersall opened the restaurant on May 7, 2024, in a renovated 4,000-square-foot space that previously housed The Toasted Bear Tavern. Interior designer Sue Caranddo oversaw the transformation, replacing the former décor with a bright, modern dining room featuring neutral tones and floor-to-ceiling windows. The restaurant has a connection to Caranddo's earlier venture, Orbs Restaurant, which closed in 2018 — several staff members and select dishes carried over to the new concept.

Angelinas serves shareable, seasonal plates alongside a rotating wine and low-fi cocktail list. The menu draws on Italian-American and global influences, with dishes such as:

• Littleneck clams with chorizo and white beans
• Crispy pork belly with Asian-inspired sauce
• Pan-seared scallops
• House-made pastas and gnudi
• Steak frites and burgers
• Sfingi (Sicilian doughnuts) with seasonal fruit for dessert

Sunday brunch is also available. The kitchen accommodates vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free dietary needs. A private dining room seats approximately 30 guests for events ranging from bridal showers to chef's tasting menus. Reservations can be made through the Tock platform or by phone.

Angelinas is an LGBTQ-owned establishment with roots in Rochester's independent dining scene, carrying forward several signature meatball preparations from the former Orbs Restaurant. Head chef Katelin Rubens and sous chef Jim Kempkes both worked at Orbs before joining the Angelinas team. The restaurant emphasizes seasonal ingredient sourcing and regularly updates its menu and wine selections, giving repeat visitors something new each time.

Situated at 689 South Avenue in the South Wedge, Angelinas sits at the intersection of South Avenue and Gregory Street — a walkable stretch with independent shops, cafés, and bars that define this residential-meets-commercial corridor. Street parking is available on both South Avenue and Gregory Street, and a public lot is nearby. The restaurant is open Tuesday through Thursday from 5 to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5 to 10 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome, though reservations are recommended on weekends.