In Rochester

In Rochester, a city known for its markets and music, lies a distinctive seafood restaurant—Velvet Belly. Located right next to the Rochester Public Market, it beautifully blends the lively, rustic charm of the market with creative culinary flair. If you enjoy exploring local flavors and savoring fresh, inventive seafood dishes, Velvet Belly is definitely worth a special trip. ✨ 📍 Location & Ambiance Velvet Belly sits beside the vibrant Rochester Public Market, a popular spot for locals to shop for fresh ingredients and a growing hub for food explorers. The restaurant’s exterior is understated yet stylish, while the interior features a modern industrial design warmed by wooden accents and soft lighting, creating a cozy and relaxed dining atmosphere. Through the large windows, you can even glimpse the bustling market outside—it feels like sitting at the intersection of market life and refined dining, offering a unique "urban chic" experience. 🌆 🍽️ Dining Experience As a seafood-focused restaurant, Velvet Belly’s menu is full of delightful surprises. We tried the grilled octopus with smoked chili sauce—the octopus was slow-cooked and then grilled to a perfect tender-yet-crisp texture, paired with a slightly spicy, smoky sauce that added wonderful depth. Another standout was their signature seafood risotto, where the rice absorbed the rich, sweet broth of the sea, loaded with plump shrimp, clams, and scallops—generous portions and well-balanced seasoning. The restaurant also offers creative appetizers and salads, such as a seasonal vegetable platter made with fresh produce from local farms, which is both refreshing and appetizing. 🦐🍚 It’s also worth noting that the drink menu here is quite extensive, featuring everything from local craft beers to carefully selected wines from around the world, all of which pair wonderfully with the seafood dishes. The servers are happy to recommend drinks based on your meal choices, enhancing the overall dining experience. 🍷 🌟 Overall Rating & Recommendation Overall, Velvet Belly excels in ambiance, service, and culinary creativity, with the freshness of its seafood and skillful cooking techniques being particularly impressive. While prices are slightly higher than average, the quality of ingredients and the overall dining experience make it well worth it. If you’re planning a weekend visit to the Public Market, consider stopping by Velvet Belly for a delicious seafood feast—it’s sure to become a highlight of your Rochester food memories. 💖 📍 Address: 3 Rochester Public Market, Rochester, NY 14609 🕒 Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends. #RochesterFood#RochesterEats#SeafoodRestaurant#VelvetBelly#FoodDiary#PublicMarket#LocalFlavors#NYFood