We've been meaning to try out Carnegie Cellars for a long time and 3 of us finally went in tonight. The experience was amazing! The menu is different than other places, it goes from small to large plates and you order what you want and if you want more- keep ordering. My daughter got a flight of white wines and I got one of their beers, which was an interesting hazy IPA called Baby Kittens. Our waiter Philip was very knowledgeable on the wine selection and helped with the food order. We started out with the Flour City bread, which was toasted and had a dip of whipped ricotta with butternut squash - excellent! Next, we had the salt and pepper squid - their version of a fried calamari appetizer - also excellent with a nice little spice that snuck up on you a little bit. We followed that with the farm salad, which had a great cranberry vinaigrette. Then we had mussels which were over a jasmine rice that had a great sauce with it. The last dinner item we had was the butternut squash ravioli - so tasty! The table next to us got the fries, which was a huge mound of french fries with Parmesan cheese and I think something else on it. It was a lot of food. The waiter suggested their desserts, which was a choice of a huge slice of carrot cake or a skillet baked chocolate chip cookie or brownie topped with vanilla ice cream. We got the latter and it was excellent. The atmosphere was very subdued and great for a date or just a fun night out. I highly recommend visiting Carnegie Cellars! read more

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Service is flawless, whether you're sitting at the bar or at a table. Owner is present and always checking to see if all is well. Food is so good, great apps. Always something new to try. Comfortable ambience. Definitely worth the trip downtown. read more

We liked this place a lot. The food was mostly well portioned. The preparation, flavor, texture, temperature were on point. The service was friendly, attentive and knowledgeable about the wine selection. Parking could be a challenge, seating is varied at tables, bar and all along the full length windows. read more

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Found a great new go-to when back in town for food and wine in a gorgeous atmosphere. 5 stars all around for a perfect experience at Carnegie Cellars! A few highlights: + Prices are great. I haven't seen a $10 glass of wine on a menu in years and it feels so good to not feel nickled and dimed. + Staff here is excellent with recommendations and really helps guide you on your choices. + The wine list is fabulous. I appreciate that flights, glasses, and bottles are all on the menu. + The FOOD?! We went with a charcuterie board and chicken cutlet to split and it was all really great. The homemade ranch that comes with the cutlet dish is to die for, and the locally sourced bread on the charcuterie board is indulgent. We made a reservation and sat at the bar which I loved. I had heard great things about this spot since moving and am so glad I finally found my way over. Thanks to the whole team here for making this such a special experience! read more

Carnegie Cellars Wine Bar and Kitchen - New American Near Me - Rochester, New York

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I'll add some more personalized pictures later. My phone is unfortunately acting wonky. We were warmly greeted at the door. Our server was friendly and sat us on the right hand side of the dining room. My mom and I had a nice intimate evening as the other tables and bar were on the other side of the building. For almost 1.5 hours we had the whole side to ourselves. It was a nice added touch to enjoy delicious food in a quieter setting. We shared everything except the hummus because my mom doesn't prefer it. Everything came out more delicious than the next. We started with the bbq marcona almonds which came out warm. Then the delicious crusty bread with the delectable butter. Followed by the hummus with pumpkin seeds and charred cauliflower Finally, chicken sausage with polenta. Dessert was a piece of the cookie and lemon ginger tea. My mom had a selection from their wine menu, while I opted for their bubbly NA rose. It's really nice to know they have options for those of us who don't drink and would like an elevated beverage other than soda or water with dinner. I left the review yesterday evening and by this morning I received an email response! Please go support this establishment. They're doing everything right. read more

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**Our Hidden Sanctuary** There's a place tucked away in this chaotic world where time slows, laughter lingers, and every bite feels like a whispered secret between old friends. To write about it now, how do you capture something so deeply woven into the fabric of your heart without unraveling? This wine bar, this unassuming treasure, isn't just a spot on a map. It's where my wife and I learned to *breathe* again. The kind of place where the amber glow of Edison bulbs dances off the artwork, casting shadows that feel like they're hugging you. Where the hum of conversation isn't noise but a melody--a chorus of clinking glasses, murmured confessions, and the occasional burst of joy from a corner table. We've lingered there for hours, fingers intertwined, as the world outside blurred into irrelevance. The tapas? Oh god, the tapas. *This* is where vulnerability meets flavor. The seared octopus, perched on a swirl of glaze, so tender they dissolve like a promise kept. The charcuterie board, crispy and defiant, with a smokey kiss that makes your soul sit up straight. And the bread--creamy, pillowy, drizzled with honeycomb and ricotta--a dish that tastes like the kind of love that leaves you quietly stunned. Each plate feels like a dare: *"Be present. Savor this. Remember."* But it's more than the food. It's the way the staff learned our rhythms--how my wife's eyes light up for a crisp Chardonnay, or how I'll always cave to an Old Fashioned by the second glass. It's the server who noticed our date night without us saying a word, slipping two glasses onto the table with a wink. It's the table that we wish would became *ours*, where we've celebrated promotions, nursed losses, and once, in a moment of raw, unscripted honesty, whispered about the possibility of moving somewhere someday. This place isn't perfect--it's *alive*. Some nights the whispers swells too loud, or the kitchen runs slow, but even then, it feels like part of the charm. Like life itself, messy and tender and worth showing up for. Leaving feels like goodbye every time. We walk out into the night, our hands still sticky with olive oil and salt, our hearts full yet aching just a little. Because places like this--they don't just feed you. They *see* you. If you find it, tread softly. Sit. Stay. Let it remind you what it means to be human. And when you go, tell them the couple who left this poet review sent you. We'll be back soon--we always are. read more

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Now just to let you know we had no food. We came here after dinner to have a little wine and more of a friend catch up. The inside is slightly industrial but warm. The have indoor and outdoor seating (during warmer months) we walked in and asked if we could sit at the bar. That was just fine, we also had no idea until later that you could sit by the window and there were chairs available. We were greeted by the person behind the bar she was friendly but hustling as it was a busy Friday evening. We both got a couple glasses of sparkling and Lambrusco both were lovely. The menu for wine is compact but no worries and they also offered flights. I think that's great as it gives you options on things to try. They have old and new world wines and some FLX wines as well. My only gripe is the chairs at the bar were horribly hard. Maybe I had been sitting too long during the day but it was not fun and me constantly moving over into my friends space so I would not get constantly bumped into by the hostess. At the time when we came in that's all that was available to sit and we had no idea about the ledge by the window was seating as well. All in all it's a lovely addition to the area and a nice place to come for some wine and a visit before or after dinner. They do have a food menu but as I said earlier I could not touch on that. We parked at Village Gate as we had been over there for dinner. So parking is street or over by Village Gate. I'll be back for another visit. read more

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Standing elegantly clad in black and brick in the heart of NOTA, Carnegie Cellars has long been a place I pointed at from across the street, commenting how great it looked for a nice night out. We finally made it in last night, celebrating a family weekend together. Taylor managed to squeeze us in at an indoor table just as it started raining outside, and that kindness set the tone for the evening. The restaurant's atmosphere is bright and upscale, with lots of natural light flooding in. Our server, Jack, was exceptionally knowledgeable about the restaurant's wine offerings. Among us we ordered a total of 2 flights and 4 individual glasses--half red, half white, and international in origin. My personal favorite was the Mount Riley NZ Sauvignon Blanc, which, just as Jack had said, had a distinct "note of green bell pepper." Woah. The flights were well-curated and offered a narrative progressing from one into the next. What was truly remarkable was how well the wines complemented the dishes we ordered. The Flour City Bread starter (from local Flour City Bread bakery) was served hot and crispy, with a generous portion of perfectly whipped ricotta cheese and light, sweet cardamom honey. It went beautifully with both the red and white wines, and left us excited to taste what came next. Though initially skeptical, my dad couldn't stop raving about the smashburger. In his words (carefully scribed here as he reads over my shoulder), the burger "appeared as an overabundance of ingredients that actually resulted in a fantastic combination of textures and flavors." The carbonara, made with homemade pasta and steaming hot when it came out, was a revelation. Carnegie's cubes of crispy pork jowl crunch delightfully and melt in your mouth with every bite of pasta. The sauce, deep and complex in flavor, stayed creamy and luscious until we were lapping it up with the backs of our forks and wishing bread would materialize on the table to mop it all up. I had no clue what a sheet ravioli was when I ordered it, but I walked away a fan with a clean plate. Rather than cutting the ravioli out individually they arrived all together, more like a mattress than a sheet, in a delectable lemon, butter, and herb sauce topped with plenty of briny green olives. As an olive lover, this is the only time I've ever had *enough* olives in a dish, and that's saying something. Just as with the smashburger, the balance of flavors was exquisite--herbs, salt, acid, perfectly chewy pasta, and creamy cheese filling. Let this be a lesson: if you don't know what a menu item is, at Carnegie Cellars it's worth ordering and giving it a shot. You won't be disappointed. Dinner wrapped up with me cajoled into ordering dessert "for myself." Scratch Bakery down the street provides a different cake and cheesecake every week, and it's first-come, first-served. We were lucky that they had been closed on the Fourth of July, because it meant there was a slice of bourbon cherry cheesecake left for me--us--to try. Just as with the rest of the meal, the flavors were perfectly balanced and executed technically incredibly. Though definitely not inexpensive, the quality, service, and well-conceptualized offerings on the menu are worth every penny. In its class of restaurants in Rochester, it's second to none. read more

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Absolutely loved it here!! We came here to celebrate my graduation and boy they did not disappoint. I wish I took more pictures of all the food we ordered, but it was a whirlwind of a day for me so I forgot until the ravioli came around. We got the charcuterie board which was amazing, a few of the whipped ricottas - delish, and then ordered a bunch of pasta dishes to share: Carbonara, Gnudi, and Ravioli - all amazing. My nonno italiano was very pleased! Ambiance was great, they had us at a nice big table for 8 people. The service was A+! They even gave us plates and utensils so we could eat the cake my family got for me. AND even had a little congratulatory cookie for me which was so thoughtful and it was so so good. Thank you guys for making this day so special! read more

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Date night The wine flight was fun, we might come back just for a couple of flights at the bar sometime. Service was friendly, prompt and helpful. Food was delicious, we got the gnocchi and the spaghetti, both delicious. I was wary of getting pasta w squid, as squid is often rubbery this far away from the ocean. But no, it was on the tender side of al dente, not too bad. And the flavor was phenomenal, the homemade pasta was perfect. The gnocchi sounded heavy, made with masa, but they melted in the mouth. Both dishes were oily, especially the gnocchi. The broccoli in the bottom of the bowl was practically floating in oil. Great location by the art gallery and the aud. read more

Such a gem in Rochester. The variety of dishes and wines allows all tastes to be satisfied. Parking was available on the street, and service was expedient. Met some friends for a glass of wine and the servers knew what to recommend based on all of our individual tastes. read more

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I was excited as I've heard great things but the two things I tried were... underwhelming? It was not a meal to remember. I know sheet ravioli* (mistakenly said lasagna before, apologies) has been very trendy lately but honestly it is a bit hard to eat. I don't see the allure. The sauce was on the bland side but the capers did give it a good touch. As for the chicken cutlet, it was fried very well and super crispy. However, even being served with the dressed salad, it was dry. The wine was good. The service was excellent. Maybe I'll have to try an actual pasta here if I do come back. read more

Carnegie Cellars Wine Bar and Kitchen - New American Near Me - Rochester, New York

Pleasantly surprised by the food, wine, and wonderful atmosphere. The wine selections were quite nice with a number of Finger Lakes wines on the list which is always pleasing. The tall ceilings and large glass window walls would seem to be a bit chilly on a day like the one we visited (strong winds and 15 degrees Farenheit outside) but the environment was warm and cozy. We were there late in the afternoon so hard to gauge how quiet the restaurant might be when fully fully (it was about 2/3 full at its peak), but it was a relatively calm atmosphere. Of course, as with any restaurant, it only takes one loud group to set everything off but I think that a wine bar, more than a traditional cocktail bar, is a more soothing experience. But what I really, really enjoyed was the food. The charcuterie was very nicely presented, ample, and well-priced. But the pasta was absolutely superb. The cappeletti was stuffed with ricotta and accompanied by butternut squash, roasted shallots, and fried sage. It was the perfect dish for a winter's day. The masa gnocchi withhoneynut squash, sage chimichurri, and crumbled feta was equally divine. Best of all, the portions were perfect and the price point was excellent. This is truly a kitchen and wine bar. Don't just come for the wine, stay for the food. read more

Great place for a higher end experience. It's all family style so we ordered many plates and it was a fun and enjoyable unique dining experience. We enjoyed a seasonal rose and they even had a NA wine for our expecting friend. Flavors were bold and delicious and our server was so friendly and outgoing and totally matched our vibe. (Blonde with freckles and glasses- can't remember her name but she was great!). She explained each meal and wine in great details and we loved everything, she really elevated our experience. Worth the hour drive from Buffalo- hoping to get to go again! (Not in the photos but we also tried the burger which was delicious but harder to split up) read more

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Had a nice experience at Carnegie Cellars. Four of us shared the fries (whatever the "cp" sauce was it was very good!), the burger (really good), the Dan Dan noodles with "tofu-mushroom 'meat sauce" (realized I don't mind tofu if it is cooked like that), and chicken tare meatballs (needed a dipping sauce). Had a glass of Luca Ricci Italian prosecco, which I liked. Everyone at Carnegie Cellars is so nice and service was great. read more

The service and ambiance are wonderful! Although I did not dine there, Dani was kind enough to provide me with two dry flights over a period of two evenings that were both refreshing. Night one: "The Hawthorne" with white wines from France, Italy, and Spain - dry and rewarding. Night two: "The Argyle" more white that included wines from California and France, dry and floral. On Friday evening, it was great to go to a bar that was not closed by 10 PM. I did not realize that was the norm in Rochester. Dani was professional and truly knew her wines, and quite friendly as well. Although I went solo, this is a great gathering establishment for friends. read more

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Wow! Awesome experience. Love the atmosphere. Very friendly staff. Great service and awesome food! Will be back soon. Highly recommend.

The food and service is excellent. We ate here in the spring and enjoyed the nice outdoor patio. Phil is one of the most knowledgeable and attentive servers I have ever had. He made several wine and Prosecco recommendations my wife and I both loved. Overall, this is one of the best hidden gems in Rochester. read more

Carnegie Cellars Wine Bar and Kitchen - Mussels - New American Near Me - Rochester, New York

Nice place. Hostess needs a lobotomy though. I walk in and ask for a table for four people. The hostess looked at my like my head was falling off and rudely replied "No". Confused at the one-word reply, I ask if there is a waitlist that I can add myself to. She stated that she "doesn't know how to work it" and had to call over two more co-workers to figure it out. I understand a packed restaurant but would suggest a hospitality class. Signed BOSS & CEO read more

Carnegie Cellars isn't just our favorite wine bar, it truly feels like home. From the moment you walk in, you're treated like family. Every single person on the wait staff is phenomenal: warm, attentive, and incredibly knowledgeable. Lauren is a standout! She knows everything about wine and always gives the perfect recommendation. And Mike, the owner, is constantly hustling--whether he's checking in on tables, helping the staff, or just making sure everyone is having a great experience. His passion for the place and his people is obvious. The atmosphere is cozy, the wine selection is exceptional, and the food is fantastic. Carnegie Cellars is hands down the best restaurant in Rochester. We recommend it to everyone we know. If you're looking for a place with heart, flavor, and unforgettable service, this is it. read more

Great place for wine flights! Whether you order some appetizers or just go for the wine this is a great spot.

This place is so quaint and small but I loved the atmosphere. I stopped in with some friends just for drinks and they got us an extra table from the back so we'd be able to sit together! It was very nice. We all tried different wine flights which were all great. Overall, would love to come back and spend more time to try their food. read more

Carnegie Cellars Wine Bar and Kitchen - The Harper flight - New American Near Me - Rochester, New York

Food was delicious, service was great and the place was beautiful. We came here for our anniversary and will be back.

Had to take a star away for two reasons. Waitress apron was filthy and there were gnats flying around. Food was fantastic though. Service was good and pace of food coming out was perfect. I'll go back but perhaps not sit by the window. read more

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Put our name on the notify list in case something opened up for an early dinner before our show at the auditorium. Got a text from Mike the manager (maybe owner?) within 10 min with a seat at the bar. Our bartender Phil (I think that was his name) was extraordinarily friendly and accommodating, and everything came out so quickly we ended up with an extra 45 min before the show so we stayed for coffee. The charcuterie board is all local NY cheeses and so delicious, and the meats were equally delightful. Our meals were amazing and I was shocked when Phil told me the chicken cutlet was gluten free. Apparently it's "breaded" in a crispy rice panko, and it was so crispy and delicious. I got the bubbly flight and they were all very good while my husband, not a wine drinker, was pleased to see several nice beer selections. We thoroughly enjoyed the food, drinks and friendly vibe and will definitely be back. Highly recommend! read more

We were a party of four and we all ordered the burger for $13 which was excellent! . I ordered the octopus which was perfectly prepared but only served. 1 small octopus at $23. S although delicious we all felt it was very over priced. The FC bread with ricotta was beautifully plated and delish as well. One of us ordered a flight of wine for $16 which actually was perfectly priced and was an interesting assortment of wines. On the down side was the size of. The tables...SMALL for four which made it very uncomfortable . Would we visit again? Not sure. Service was fine. read more

Definitely check this place out if you are in the area. Such a cool place for drinks and wine flights. Went with the sweet flight and loved it. We were a big group and they were so accommodating and attentive! Great atmosphere for large groups and chill time! read more

This is the perfect place to go before a show at the Auditorium Theater. The parking can be tough on those nights, but I parked down in a lot by the theater because if you get there early enough (5:00ish) you can park for free. Anyway, Carnegie has a great wine selection and flights as well. But the best part is the food. We ordered some appetizers and then I got the Ricotta Gnudi. This was AMAZING! They were little pasta pillows filled with heavenly cheese filling. One of the best pasta dishes I've ever had in my life! Get it! The food was great and the service was great. read more

The food is excellent, but the wine and service make this place exceptional. The staff is knowledgeable, and I appreciate the care the chefs put into the food. read more

Phenomenal! We had Grilled Octopus on watercress, their famous Frites, shredded asparagus with spring peas, Italian lamb sausage with littleneck clams, grilled Flour City bread to dunk in the broth, marinated flank steak, Elderflower Cake from Scratch Bakery, Pistachio and Pomegranate Cheesecake, three different wines and decaf cafe Americano. Out of this world! And the dark-haired greeter/hostess and our brilliant server Phillip put the cherry on top. Comfortable modern industrial decor. Attentive owner/manager (?) who's not afraid to get his hands dirty helping out. You could really feel the teamwork in this establishment. read more

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Had a very enjoyable dinner with friends. Beautiful and warm establishment. We were greeted and seated promptly. The staff was super helpful explaining the both the food and wine menus. I had the chicken cutlets and it was delicious! Would def recommend! read more

Went to Carnegie for the first time and I was so impressed! Our waiter was AMAZING! We didn't make reservations ahead of time but had asked on the phone if anybody left earlier if we could get a table and we did! The staff was so nice about it. Food was delicious. We had octopus, focaccia bread with whipped ricotta and the best carbonara. The place was busy but not loud. We'll definitely come back! read more

Carnegie Cellars Wine Bar and Kitchen - Octopus - New American Near Me - Rochester, New York

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The food was outstanding and are server was on point with the knowledge of the menu, and we also got some background on the owner. Which felt like we knew him personally as he came to the table to introduce himself the waitress already broke y the he ice for him. The Chef was on point with the food everything blended together the salad had a lemon vinaigrette, the mussels sherry sauce the tartare had just the right acidic flavors then we topped it off with the truffles and the glass of port wine took the evening over the top Thank you for such a great evening read more

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Ordered a flight of Chardonnay. Comes in 3 tiny flutes holding no more than an ounce each. The Chard is carbonated. No indication on the menu that any were sparkling. . We ask about which other Chard on the menu has a butter-cream feel: maloactic fermentation. Server says the California has a lovely oak feel. No, not oaked. Creamy as in maloactic. Oh it's the same thing. No, the two are entirely different. Well, it has both, the server says. Wrong. Don't waste your time or your money. They don't know wine. The toasted bread was very nice, however. read more

An awesome addition to the Rochester wine scene. Good wine options and good food. The staff are knowledgeable and great at pairing food and wine. On the chance that whoever you go with does not like wine, they have beer options too. I would put this on your list of places to visit soon. read more

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Our new favorite! Went last night with a group of 12 and couldn't have had a better evening! Mike, the owner, was so nice from the start of our reservations. Because of our group size, they contacted me before our dinner so we could have appetizers waiting for our party as they arrived. Every item was delicious with our favorites being the delicious honey ricotta with flour City bread, charcuterie board (so much variety!) and warm olives! We all enjoyed the wine. The flights were delicious and beautifully curated. We ordered entrees which came quickly and were very good-the burger is quite possibly the best in Rochester (and we've tried all the local favorites). Our server, Phillip, was super sweet and helpful. We had brought a cake for my husband's birthday from a local bakery and they cut it for us and even provided a candle so we could sing! The atmosphere is very cool. It's a very modern and sleek space but equally comfortable. So exciting that Rochester has this cool new spot. We can't wait to go back! Bummed I didn't take any pictures of the food or space to share but we were too busy enjoying the delicious food and wine!!! read more

Came here with some friends of mine. They have reasonable prices. A flight was 16 dollars and included three types of wine. They had different options depending on your taste and preferences. I had the burger which had havarti cheese and pork belly with a side of fries. I wanted to try to carbonara but they were out. The service and staff was very nice. Overall I would recommend. Also they have parking! read more

Nothing I don't love about it here! Great wine selection from very affordable to very splurge worthy expensive bottles, a varied comprehensive dining menu which has ample options for vegan/vegetarian clientele. Elegant modern atmosphere, nice staff. read more

First time was such a phenomenal dinner! From great service to well timed dishes, everything was delicious, perfect temperatures and flavors! One of the best meals I have had this year! read more

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This business is just over a year old, and they seem to be doing well! There were no tables without a reservation, but they were able to serve my friend and I at the bar right away. The wine selection is excellent. The decor is so beautiful and classy and interesting. The owner Mike was there this night and very hands on with serving food and talking to his customers. I'm so sad I discovered this place right before moving away! read more