Tony D's

On Rochester's foodie map, Tony D's is definitely one of those legendary Italian restaurants that make you want to book a table the moment you hear its name! 👑 After being enthusiastically recommended by friends countless times, we finally managed to visit—but let me say, it's super hard to get a reservation! The four of us had to wait two whole weeks to secure a spot, which shows just how popular it is.🔥 When we arrived, there was indeed a long line outside, filled with eager faces. Thankfully, with our reservation, we were seated as soon as our whole party arrived, avoiding a lengthy wait. Inside, the restaurant features classic warm Italian décor with dim lighting, creating an elegant yet relaxed fine-dining atmosphere—perfect for dates or small gatherings with friends.🍷 Shortly after sitting down, the server brought out the complimentary bread basket—warm, crusty-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside bread served with a well-balanced balsamic vinegar and olive oil dip. The aroma of olive oil blended perfectly with the slight tang of the vinegar, instantly awakening our appetites.😋 For the appetizer, we ordered the Crispy Calamari. The squid rings were fried to a golden crisp with a tender, springy texture, though they were a tad oily. Topped with grated Parmesan for a savory touch, they were served with a rosemary-infused ranch dipping sauce. The sauce was flavorful but a bit overpowering for my taste, slightly masking the natural sweetness of the calamari. The calamari alone was delicious though!🦑 For the main course, the Beesting Pizza is a must-try signature dish! This pizza has a sweet-and-spicy flavor profile, loaded with toppings—pepperoni, roasted red peppers, and a trio of cheeses: mozzarella, asiago, and Parmesan🧀️. The crust, brushed with butter, was crispy on the edges and soft in the center. Each bite was bursting with flavor, and the generous toppings made it incredibly satisfying. One slice was quite filling, and sharing one pizza among the four of us was just right. We packed the leftovers to enjoy the next day—still delicious after reheating!🍕 Another standout main was the Red Sauce Clam Spaghetti—packed with an abundance of clams, almost every forkful included tender, briny clam meat. The red sauce was rich and well-balanced, with the tomato acidity perfectly tempered and not at all sharp. We even "invented" a hidden way to enjoy it: dipping the complimentary bread into the remaining sauce at the bottom of the plate. The bread soaked up all the savory juices, creating an incredibly satisfying bite—two delights in one dish!🍝 My friends also ordered the garlic shrimp pasta and a few signature cocktails, all of which were tasty. Overall, Tony D's maintains a consistent standard in ambiance, service, and food quality, making it a restaurant worth visiting. That said, in my personal comparison: their pizza isn't as mind-blowing as Amore's, and their pasta doesn't quite have the "homestyle" warmth of Grandpa Sam's. But as a well-rounded Italian restaurant with strong overall performance, it definitely earns a spot on Rochester's must-try list!👍 The average cost per person is around $50, and I'd recommend making a reservation at least two weeks in advance! 📍 Address: 1290 University Ave, Rochester, NY 14607 #RestaurantRecommendation#HiddenGem#AtmosphericDining#Rochester#FoodAndDrink#ItalianCuisine#FoodReview#FoodieAdventure