I'm on a commuter meal plan, so it's already been two months since I ran out of declining dollars. I started to eat out more, and when it comes to food, I'm not hesitant to splurge.
Here are my TOP 5 splurge restaurants. (It was so hard narrowing it down!)
Note: I didn't include chain restaurants like The Cheesecake Factory, The Crab Shack, or P.F. Chang's, since many people already know about them. The restaurants I listed below are unique to the Rochester area.
1. Sakura Home
Sushi is always a good fix for a crummy day. The Special Rolls at Sakura are phenomenal. The Rochester Roll and the Monster Roll (bottom right picture) are my favorites.
I especially like Sakura Home because they have a healthier brown rice option for their kitchen entrees.
If you really want to splurge, you can get hibachi too! Grill away ~
2775 Monroe Avenue
(585) 288-8130
http://sakurahomerestaurant.com
2. Phillips European Restaurant
I rarely come here to grab an actual meal, because the dessert already fills me up. If you don't care about calories and have a chronic sweet tooth like me, then Phillips is just the right place for you.
As soon as I walk into the restaurant, I idiotically stare at their huge display of desserts for 15 minutes. It takes me quite a while to decide which dessert I want.
If you end up in the same situation, just get the Viennese Meringue Torte (bottom left picture). It's their most popular dessert and a MUST-TRY.
26 Corporate Woods
(585) 272-9910
www.phillipseuropean.com
3. Cantonese House
For weekend brunch, I often get dim sum. I usually end up bumping into someone I know when I come here, since it's one of the few places that open early on the weekends. Two weekends ago, I even saw my Chinese professor at the cashier. Try to go before 12:30 pm, or else all the dim sum carts are completely empty.
I end up splurging here because I order more than I can handle and box all the leftovers.
My favorite dim sum is congee (left picture), because it isn't as heavy as the other dishes.
Just a heads-up, if you look Asian, the workers will speak Mandarin to you regardless of your actual mother tongue. It works out for me, because I get to practice my Mandarin skills! (I'm a Chinese minor.)
3159 Winton Road S.
(585) 272-9126
www.yelp.com/biz/cantonese-house-rochester
I dare you to try spicy chicken feet!
4. Tapas 177 Lounge
The best mixed drinks and cocktails in town. I guess this restaurant only applies for 21+.
They also have the best scallions in town. Tapas 177 is definitely the most upscale restaurant on my list. I try to dress up a bit when I go here.
Last time I was here, I got free sangria because I "checked in" on Facebook!
They have their own Tapas Facebook and Tapas Twitter pages, so you can get updates instantly about their specials and discounts. Social-networking savvy ~
177 Saint Paul Street
(585) 262-2090
www.tapas177.com
5. Yummygarden Hotpot
I always end up splurging at Hotpot because I order the pricier seafood dishes. I also order more than I can handle. If you don't have an exam coming up the next day and don't mind getting an extreme food coma, this is the place to be.
The bubble tea here is amazing and not too artificial tasting.
Taro milk is my favorite.
There are more than 10 different types of sauces for dipping; peanut and sesame are my favorites!
I especially like Yummygarden Hotpot because Asian restaurants usually have a very limited menu for vegetarians, but there are so many veggie options at this place.
By the way, don't be surprised if Yummygarden Hotpot sends you a friend request on Facebook!
2411 West Henrietta Road
(585) 368-9888
www.yummygardens.com