Nosh

Nosh is a New American restaurant at 47 Russell Street in Rochester's Neighborhood of the Arts district. Originally opened in summer 2016 by co-owners Pete Leseska and John Nacca, the restaurant transitioned to new ownership in 2023 under proprietor Vicky Chanthavisinh-Carey, who previously operated Yellow Elephant. Nosh serves dinner Tuesday through Saturday, drawing on a blend of culinary traditions rather than adhering to a single cuisine. Executive chef R.J. Wood now leads the kitchen, continuing the restaurant's tradition of cross-cultural cooking.

The dinner menu pulls from Italian, Korean, Thai, and Southwestern influences, resulting in dishes that pair unexpected flavors. Current standouts include:

• Slammin' Salmon — red curry–glazed salmon with grilled shrimp, coconut broth, and fried rice crunchies
• Korean Sit Down — gochujang chicken thigh, kalbi short rib, crisp pork belly, kimchi, and steam buns
• Ahi Noshos — spicy tuna served over wonton chips
• Belly Ache — braised pork belly with apples, pickled blackberries, and arugula

Nosh also operates a full bar with a cocktail and wine program, and offers happy hour specials on weekday evenings. The bar opens at 4:00 PM Tuesday through Thursday, with dinner service running from 5:00 PM. Friday and Saturday hours extend to 10:00 PM.

Nosh has built its identity around a genre-defying menu that shifts between Asian, Italian, and Southwestern plates on a single ticket. The restaurant's wood-fired oven has been part of the operation since its 2016 opening, and the open kitchen layout gives diners a direct view of the cooking. Under its current ownership, the menu leans into Thai and Korean preparations alongside rotating specials like tom yum seafood stew and Korean fried chicken with scallion waffles.

The restaurant sits on Russell Street in the heart of Rochester's Neighborhood of the Arts, a walkable corridor along and around the intersection of University Avenue and Goodman Street known for its galleries, murals, and independent businesses. The interior features high ceilings, exposed woodwork, and a three-sided bar anchored by a large chandelier. Street parking is available along Russell Street, and the neighborhood is well-connected to the adjacent Park Avenue and East Avenue commercial strips in Rochester, NY.