Rocky's

Rocky's is a family-owned Italian restaurant at 190 Jay Street in Rochester, NY, operated by the Mastrella family since 1949. Over more than seven decades, the restaurant has maintained its original recipes and homestyle approach to Italian-American cooking. Rocky's was named to USA Today's 2024 Restaurants of the Year list, a recognition that brought national attention to this long-running neighborhood spot. The restaurant operates on a weekday lunch schedule, open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and offers catering services as well.

The menu at Rocky's centers on homemade Italian classics prepared fresh daily, with offerings that rotate. Staple dishes include:

• Spaghetti and meatballs
• Stuffed shells with meatballs and sausage
• Ravioli and gnocchi
• Chicken parmesan
• Stuffed rigatoni
• Homemade chicken soup
• Tripe prepared with fresh tomatoes, basil, onions, and white wine sauce

Portions are large and prices are kept affordable. A seasonal tomato salad appears on the menu during the summer months. Beer and wine are available to accompany meals.

Rocky's has built its reputation on multi-generational consistency — the Mastrella family has served the same style of scratch-made Italian food for over 75 years without straying from its roots. The restaurant's tripe is one of its most distinctive offerings, drawing diners specifically for that dish. Inside, an antique carved-wood bar anchors a dining room filled with vintage décor that reflects the restaurant's mid-century origins. The space is small with limited seating, so arriving early or calling ahead is practical advice for first-time visitors.

Rocky's sits on Jay Street in Rochester's west side, near the Susan B. Anthony neighborhood — a historically residential area just west of downtown with roots in the city's Italian-American community. The restaurant has a small parking lot, though street parking may be necessary during busy lunch hours. The Susan B. Anthony Museum and House on Madison Street is roughly a half-mile away, making Rocky's a convenient lunch stop for visitors exploring that part of the city.