✨ Rochester Food Adventure

My Rochester food exploration diary has a new chapter! Today, I’m thrilled to introduce a hidden gem of an Italian restaurant that my friends and I stumbled upon and will definitely revisit endlessly — Vern‘s! 🤩 Tucked away on a quiet street in Rochester, its facade is unassuming, but the moment you step inside, you’re instantly captivated by the warm, dim lighting, the enticing aromas wafting from the open kitchen, and the relaxed, lively atmosphere. This isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a cozy urban oasis! 🌿 We played it safe this time and ordered two signature dishes: the Mushroom Pizza and the Lost Meatball Ragù. Let’s talk about the pizza first! 🍕 It won us over the moment it arrived — it was exactly the kind of thin Italian-style crust I love, baked to a slightly charred crisp around the edges while remaining chewy in the center. The toppings were incredibly generous, with a hearty spread of assorted mushrooms (though their individual flavors melded together after baking and weren’t distinctly pronounced), stretchy cheese, and fresh basil leaves. The first bite was pure therapy, with a satisfying crunch! 🧑‍🍳 The savory cheese, tangy tomato sauce, and earthy crust harmonized perfectly. Even though the mushroom flavor wasn’t dominant, the overall balance was utterly addictive. This pizza gets a perfect score from me! Next time, I’m definitely trying their spicy pepperoni version! 🌶️ Then came the star of the evening — the Lost Meatball Ragù. 🍝 The name itself is intriguing. The “lost meatball” refers to the deconstruction of classic meatballs into a rich, savory ragù, slow-cooked until every strand of meat melts into the sweet-and-sour tomato base. The crowning glory, without a doubt, is the large dollop of cloud-like Ricotta Cheese on top! ☁️ I am personally a huge fan of Ricotta! Its texture is light, slightly tangy, with a fresh milky flavor, like a gentle breeze. Mixing the Ricotta into the steaming, rich pasta until it just begins to melt… then taking a big spoonful — oh my! 🤯 The hearty ragù, al dente pasta, and creamy cheese performed a glorious trio in my mouth, creating an explosion of layered textures and pure bliss! That one bite was absolute heaven! 💖 Overall, the experience at Vern‘s far exceeded our expectations. From the ambiance to the food, everything spoke of care and attention. The price per person is mid-to-high range for Rochester, but the quality justifies every penny. If you’re in Rochester looking for a reliable, stylish restaurant that truly delights the palate, Vern‘s should definitely be on your list! Overall Rating: 8.7/10 🌟 (Points deducted for the slightly hidden location and potential wait during peak hours!) #Rochester#RochesterFood#FoodExploration#RochesterNY#RochesterEats#UniversityOfRochester#UR#ItalianCuisine#FoodDiary#HiddenGem