The ambiance here is a little bit Golden Girls meets Mediterranean outdoor cafe. I tend to prefer a darker ambiance, but this wasn't a bad thing, just an observation. Our waiter was lovely but not particularly engaging, I was surprised they didn't have a cocktail menu (this might've been a deal breaker, had I known). The flatbread was good but was sort of just a cheesy garlic bread and a bit over priced. I had the Kurobuta pork chop with pomegranate bbq sauce but the pork was overcooked and the bbq sauce was burned and it's all I could taste. Husband had the spring rolls and they were delicious! He also had the Maine scallops - also overcooked - not terribly memorable and also pricey at $42... Overall it was ok, it was an anniversary dinner and there are so many other places in town I wish we'd gone to. I won't so no to giving it another chance, but I won't be rushing to go back. read more

This restaurant was high on my list of places I wanted to try for a while now and it did not disappoint! We went on a Saturday night and were able to get a reservation no problem earlier in the week. I truly think this place is underrated and a must try for anyone in the area. It's a larger place so it can accommodate large parties. Takes you out of Rochester and into the Mediterranean beach with the clay and straw interior design styles. Only flaw is it's a lot of table or table and booth not a super cozy spot as lights were medium brightness. So if you're looking for super romantic date night in a cozy corner this is not it. But don't let that steer you from trying- the food is amazing! Service was good. Server was very knowledgeable about the wine list and let us sample the two we were deciding between before purchasing. We went with the Don David Malbec reasonably priced at 46.00. Ordered the lamb lollipops (cooked medium rare so make sure you like them that temperature - we do so no issues but just something to be mindful of). Main course we shared the kebab. It comes with two kebabs so perfect for a couple. We added the cauliflower which tasted amazing as well. The food was great. Both my boyfriend and I were astonished the place wasn't packed. Highly recommend before the city finds out how great this place is. We will be back! read more

Chortke - Lamb lollipops - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Rochester, New York

Food was out of this world good! Beautiful spot snd amazing food! Would be back. We did a sampler situation to try a little of everything and the flavor combinations and freshness was very clear. read more

The interior of this place is SO beautiful! Was very impressed as soon as I set foot into the establishment. It was pretty empty on a weekday night, which I didn't mind, as service was fast and attentive! We ordered a LOT: the spicy roasted cauliflower, lamb lollipop, the sliders, chelo kabob, and Persian spicy chicken pasta. We also received complimentary pita and butter, which was decent but honestly I could have done without it lol. Everything we ordered tasty, and my favorite was the pasta. It was definitely spicy, they weren't joking around lol! The noodles looked hand pulled, which I loved, and they were cooked to a perfect al dente. The sliders were also good, but there was a strong horseradish taste to them that was a bit overwhelming. I loved the fries though, they were crunchy yet still potatoey :) The lamb lollipops weren't my preference as they were cooked to a medium rare, whereas I prefer well done heh. The roasted cauliflower was good and tasted pretty much how you would expect them to, and at that point I was too full to eat much of the kabob dish, but as far as I can remember it was cooked well and tasted decent, but wasn't anything special. We ended the night with lava cake and vanilla ice cream, which was good but probably not worth the price (around $13). Overall, I enjoyed this meal and would definitely be back when craving a fancier meal, as the vibes were very good and the food was pretty tasty! Loved the assortment of options they had in the menu :) read more

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The ambiance was incredible, the lighting, architecture, use of plants in the space...the whole place felt like a roomy outdoor terrace, but it was an indoor venue. The use of color and space is exciting and truly excites the palate for what's to come. The staff and management were incredibly friendly and well-versed in the menu options when it came to suggesting pairings. Our waiter was so helpful throughout the evening, even though he was incredibly busy. Then, the food came, and it not only looked appealing, but the aromas and flavors teased and tantalized the palate. We ordered an appetizer, sides, entrées and dessert. We truly loved each dish. This became one of our favorite restaurants by the end of the night, and we can't wait to dine here again. We highly recommend this for a night out! read more

The new Chortke as a fine dining experience = WOW!!!! Just amazing what they did with the interior decor and the food!! The most BEAUTIFUL decor of any restaurant I've been to. Additionally, the food was simply outstanding. Loved every single item! Scallops were the best I've had in my life (and I don't say that lightly). Get them! And the lamb shank, kebab, beet salad were my favorites! Dessert is a must-have: Panne Cotta was incredible as was the mango sorbet. So unique and so delicious! Additionally, our server was very knowledgeable, prompt, and friendly. He gave great recommendations Everyone needs to check this place out. It's a rarity! read more

So Chortke is the SECOND Persian restaurant in upstate NY and now the only one upstate. I have literally been waiting decades for Rochester to finally get one. So this was super exciting! We ordered: Spicy Joojeh (Chicken) with salad. Chenjeh (Steak) with salad and rice. The meats were tender, not as flavorful as I'm used to - but tasty and designed for the American palate. Each order comes with a perfectly charred grilled tomato. The salads were fresh and the portions were great. The only thing is I wish it was more authentic, came with yogurt sauce and bread. But I get it's catered to the demographic and this is a start. So I won't complain! The owner was super nice and welcoming. Definitely a great spot for a nice healthy meal, especially in a city where everything they specialize in is more than unhealthy! read more

Chortke - Spicy Joojeh Chicken with Salad - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Rochester, New York

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Got the platter 1 with ground beef and spicy chicken kebab and half rice/half salad. Great flavor and spice. I like the rice and seasonings. The ground beef and spicy chicken is actually fairly mild. The platter comes with a spiced oil that is also pretty mild, but flavorful, can just sprinkle this over everything for a smoother mouthfeel. Tried the spicy hummus which has a nice flavor, may be too spicy for people who don't have a high spice tolerance, so opt for the garlic if that is you. The baklava is nice, I like that it comes with a rose bud, adds a nice rose flavor to a few bites. The top layer may be a bit much with the phyllo dough, so I took a couple layers off to even out the ratio of dough to nuts/honey. read more

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This was one of the funnest places we've had dinner in some time. The food was unique, fresh, and really delicious. Service was great. Ambience was lovely. I sat on a couch at my dinner table so I felt like a princess. There was so much to choose that we couldn't order in one visit. Everything was really good. Our favorite was the flat bread and octopus. We will be back! read more

Chortke - Prosciutto flatbread, meatballs, octopus. Not pictured was the lamb shank. - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Rochester, New York

Have been to Chortke several times and my experience has consistently gotten better. They grill the meat from scratch right in front of you - it's not pre-cooked and just warmed up. The downside is that grilling takes time but it's worth the wait. They offer a few choices for meat: chicken, chunk of beef, and ground beef. All tasty. They also give you a choice for what accompanies the meat: rice, bread, salad, or half rice and half salad. My favorite is combo 1 with chicken and ground beef and half salad half rice. Everyone behind the counter is nice and welcoming although they can get a little frazzled when the line gets too long. Prices are reasonable for fresh grilled meat and the large portion size. Once, the food was so much that I took some home. I warmed it up the next day and it was just as good. Tonight, I discovered their saffron ice cream. A little different than regular ice creams but I love saffron. The ice cream is fantastic. It contains tiny chunks of frozen cream and it's garnished with crushed pistachios. How great it's that? Ambiance can be warmer but the good food makes up for that. I will go back again Six months or so after my first review of Chortke, I am happy to say IT IS STILL GOOD Came in tonight (Feb 4, 2020) and tried a new creation that is not on the menu yet: Chorito! It's a Chortke Burrito and it is good. Try it. You may have to show them the picture read more

Chortke - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Rochester, New York

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The portions are decent but we were pretty disappointed at how dry the meat was. We got the spicy chicken and the steak skewers over salad. The salad was great and the meat was tasty but it was all pretty dry. The baklava was a redeeming factor, but even that could be better. It was also a tad drier than I'd like. read more

The food at Chortke is fantastic! This was my second visit, and I thoroughly enjoyed the food both times. Last night my friends and I shared a selection of vegetable and seafood dishes (one friend doesn't eat meat) and we loved every one. Some stand out dishes: The date salad - arugula and other greens studded with dates, etc., wonderfully dressed; the scallops with orange - best I've ever had; the cauliflower and the carrots - YES! Chortke's veggies shouldn't be relegated to "side dishes". They list them as "Essentials", and they are. Our desserts were awesome, especially one made of shredded crispy phyllo, fruit, something creamy... I don't know, but we finished every bite. A couple of things to note: Beer and wine only, no cocktails, and oddly, they won't split tabs other than in half. I'll be back. read more

YUMMMMMM holy cow. Major shoutout to Naz B for being my Chortke guru and guiding me down the path of deliciousness. Chortke is one of the best food experiences I've had here or anywhere, and I am really looking forward to the next time I can walk in and be greeted by such enthusiasm for food and hospitality. Truly a special experience top to bottom! Now for the FOOD: I went with some dolmeh and a Chortke combo #1 on a rice plate. This was, admittedly, too much food. I have no regrets, but still. The dolmeh had one too many grape leaves on each piece for my liking, BUT the stuffing on the inside was super tasty and flawlessly executed. Made for a perfect lunch this afternoon! My combo plate was exactly what I was craving. Soft, light rice that paired perfectly with the yogurt the comes with each plate, chicken (non-spicy) that literally melted in your mouth, and beef kabob that I ate like a frenzied maniac. The roasted tomato allowed me to mix and match sooo many different kinds of flavors, which helped me savor every bite. I cannot wait to go back and eat here again ASAP. The friendly staff, inviting space, and delicious eats make this place so special. Stay tuned: cafe is coming! read more

Got take out from this place and everything was very well executed. Tried both the schwarma (beef) and a rice platter with steak skewer. Out of the two items, the schwarma was my favorite as it was flavorful and refreshing. The platter was well done too and a very large portion that will leave you full. Overall a satisfying meal. read more

Chortke - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Rochester, New York

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I have to get up to Chortke more often! With all the traveling I do with work, I do a lot of dining out at very nice restaurants. But honestly, Chortke remains one of my favorites. The flavor combinations, the care put into each dish and the warmth and hospitality of everyone there - I've yet to find its match. read more

If you love kebabs, here's a version That's very much worth an excursion Trump lies about Iran And won't tell you they can Make the best damn kebabs, cause they're Persian I wanted to be the first to review this place, but I'm a day late, and a dollar chortke. What to get: Kubideh Kebab When to get it: Get Ku for the summer Why: Because Demi Lovato said so? I used to play baseball, my position was Chortke Stop. My fave character in Temple Of Doom was Chortke Round. And my fave Bon Jovi lyric was "Chortke through the heart, and you're to blame, you give love kebab name." So apparently Chortke means Abacus, and is a word that was borrowed by the Persians from the Russians. I'm not what Abacus has to do with these amazing kebabs, but I do know that Swedes like to swear a lot, so for example in the 1970s, if you were backstage with the top Swedish pop act, you might get to hear ABBA cuss. The last thing I ever expected to find in Rochester was an amazing Persian Kabob place but that is exactly what I did find. Absolutely phenomenal, and I absolutely loved every bite. Spectacular and delicious and authentic and fabulous. But not Fabolous. That's a rapper, and not a Persian Kebab. Although he may like Persian Kebabs, I wouldn't know. I would hope so. If this kebab were a pop song, it'd be at the top of the Billboard Chortkes. Not unlike Fabolous briefly was some years ago. The service was as magical as the flavour. Sure, it's not as otherworldly as some of the stuff in California and in Houston Texas, but it is very very good - especially by Upstate New York standards - and there's nothing like it Rochester. And they gave me all my change back (they didn't try to Chortke me). It easily scores 5 stars and goes straight onto my list of the 20 best things to eat in the 585 area code. I know this review is going to end up a few characters Chortke of my usual word count, but at least I reviewed it in the 6 months before the photos expire and no longer attach themselves to the review. Additionally, they have a well-lit, enormous dining area, in an industrial park-turned-hipster strip mall/shopping complex (Village Gate) full of trendy eateries. It's very popular, but also delicious, and with generous portions. And I gave a whole bunch to my BFF back at the house, and she loved every bite as well. Now as an aside, I'm Persian, so would you like to try my Kebab? read more

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A must go! If you are wondering what to have for dinner just go here! Super fresh and delicious. Portions are generous I usually have leftovers for next day. The owner is extremely lovely. You can tell he is passionate about his food and his business. He hustles! There is ample seating. I love the healthy options, flavor and spices! The place is super clean and well lit. read more

Big fan of Chortke! We got a few of the meats on top of rice and salad. The meats were seasoned really well but the steak was a little tough and overcooked and they don't have real silverware to cut (no steak knives just plastic). The salad was super fresh but I wish they had a few more veggie toss in options. The portions were really big, but the price was a little much for a salad. The space is super cute and clean and the staff was very friendly and knowledgeable. Excited to try this place again! read more

Chortke - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Rochester, New York

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Good quality and authentic Persian spot with heaping portions. The place is pretty casual.

Although I'd love to return, unfortunately they haven't been using Halal meat for sometime now and that basically means my options are limited to just vegetarian/vegan options. They initially made it clear it wasn't halal but no longer is easy to check that which is unfortunate. I wish them the best but I can no longer comment on their food. New update! The owners reached out to let me know some useful information - talk about responsive ! They recommend anyone who would like halal meat to give them a call in advance and they will let them know if they currently have halal cut meat or not as it is more of a function of their suppliers than their preference. They are also in the middle of updating their site currently (it's early June when I'm writing this). As always they were helpful and transparent read more

Chortke - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Rochester, New York

One of my absolute favorite places in all of Rochester. First of all, the owners and everyone working there has been incredibly positive and helpful. They love what they do, and they are happy to share it with their customers. It clearly shows in how they serve their customers... even more so now with Covid keeping us curbside. My standby order is a half rice/salad spicy joojeh with some extra tomatoes. The rice is perfect, the salad always fresh, the chicken flavored so well that even my husband will eat it. The hot oil/sauce is perfect for those who like a kick, and those grilled tomatoes are just perfect. I urge you to try Chortke if you haven't yet. For those of you who know them, let's continue to support them during these challenging times. Ordering online is easy and the curbside pick is speedy. The last time I went, one young man was bringing out another customers order as I pulled in. He took note of my car, indicated he saw me and ran it to get my meal without me needing to even call in. SO attentive. How can you complain. I hope we can reopen our restaurants soon, but in the meantime, let's order out from Chortke! read more

First, the restaurant is decorated so cutely. Absolutely loved the setup and design. The apps are tiny... we got a shrimp and fish appetizer. 4 pieces of shrimp & a couple pieces of fish for $18 and $22 dollars seems unreasonable. They were good, but overpriced for the portion. The entrees were good, but also too small. They don't currently have liquor, so the only selection was beer or wine. We got the Brussel sprouts, which were good, but there was a spice in them that left a weird aftertaste. Service was good, and the staff was nice, helpful and prompt. We were there earlier, so it wasn't busy. However, the food did take a bit to come out. The restaurant filled up with guests, so it probably would have been slower service if we were there any later. Overall, we spent $200 and left still hungry. We really needed more food, especially for the price read more

Best Kept Secret with a A treasure-trove of authentic Persian cuisine. We fist visited here on 8/16/24 and were blown away by the food. I was joined by me wife and daughter. We started with the Georgian. Fontina. Feta. Egg Yolk. Zataar. Chive. Red Chili which was something we have never tasted it was great. Then the Beet Salad. Orange. Mint. Walnut. Borani Laboo. Walnut Dukkah. Pepitas. Baby Arugula. Lemon Vinaigrette also delish. Then the Grilled Spanish Octopus. Smoked Tomato Harissa. Saffron Aioli. Pickled Red Onion Baby Arugula. Crispy Capersdone to perfection. And don't forget to have theLamb Lollipops. Zataar. Pistachio. Roasted Garlic Hummus. Fava Bean. Mint. My wife had the Red Snapper special. The snapper was more than perfectly done it was the best she has had crisp on one side and the fish was done perfectly it had a carrot prue with Broccli Rob and fingerling potatoas. My Daughter had the Scallops. Farro. Saffron Beurre Blanc. Basil. Orange Supreme. Crispy Leeks she is from Boston and the scallops were amazing our waiter bet her therse would be inpresive and she was impressed. I had the Seared Yellowfin Tuna. Nduja Spice. Baby Artichoke. Campari Tomato. Kalamata Olive. Pickled Fennel. Marcona Almond. Fresno Chili this was great. This place is epic but don't go beacse then we won't be abl to get a resurvation. This is the best in Rochester beats Good Luck any day. read more

Walked in and ordered the Joojeh saffron chicken w/ salad for lunch today. Made to order so I waited 10-12 min but the place is very nice and the complimentary mint water was a real nice touch. Friendly staff too. Food: chicken spice excellent and the salad is built out with an outstanding array of tasty fixins. Plenty to eat for lunch with some leftover. All extras and condiments very good. I have to drop a star due to the dried out nature of the chicken. Is that normal for Persian cuisine? It was pretty dry. Next time I'll try the beef and append my review. read more

Chortke - Joojeh chicken. A bit of a jaw workout but still very good. - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Rochester, New York

Heard about this place in the paper and I'm so glad it got the coverage! Enjoyed a really delicious lunch here with very friendly staff and will definitely be coming back. The menu is set up so that you can choose your meat/entree and whether you'd like it in a rice plate, on a salad, half & half rice and salad, or as a wrap. Being our first time there, a staff member offered to explain the menu and gave us some tips on what her favorite items were. After you order at the counter, they prepare your food fresh and it was ready within 5-10 minutes. Everything was great; they gave us plenty of sauce for our items and the portion size was pretty generous. I really recommend the beef and the spicy chicken, both of which were cooked perfectly. I also recommend choosing half & half, as it's the perfect amount of rice for your meat and the salad is packed with veggies and they give you balsamic dressing with it. The interior of the place is modern and bright. The building is an industrial warehouse type place, but the interior is decorated well to make it welcoming and comfortable. All of the staff were so friendly and genuine, and we received great service even though it was an order at the counter restaurant. Overall, highly recommend this place for their fantastic food. It's a great place for takeout, or a casual lunch or dinner. read more

Chortke - Spicy Joojeh Kabob (chicken), half & half plate - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Rochester, New York

It could easily earn a five from me, but a few things need to be adjusted. The first time I went the rice was undercooked (one it was brand new), the second time they had ran out of rice. My latest time yesterday (4/13/24) the rice was cold. Easily remedied. The service was below par in relation to the quality of the food. The service staff need more training be friendly, pick-up appetizer plates before setting the main course w/o being (reminded) told to, write down the order well. For the chef: don't count so much on garbanzo paste (humus). Otherwise very good. We will go again, but I don't want to bring my own salt. Good luck. You have something there. read more

You can order from their website which made it super easy and schedule a curbside pickup time. Once I arrived, you can give them a quick call and they'll bring out your food for you! Nice and easy! The food itself is amazing. This is my second order from Chortke this past week because their kabobs are amazing. The rice is always flavored well and the kabob is nicely cooked! They also give really generous portions - so plenty to share with someone or even as leftovers read more

Chortke - Half/half rice and salad with joojeh (chicken) kabob - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Rochester, New York

The ambiance is soothing and transports you to beautiful place in another world. Service is 4 star level. Friendly engaging staff who are knowledgeable about menu and wine. We started with the crispy prosciutto flatbread, absolutely delish. Honestly, the best flatbread I've ever had. Beet salad was amazing. We shared the roasted half chicken and the kurobuta pork chop, both absolutely excellent. Great wine selection and yummy desserts. Highly recommend read more

Absolutely amazing food. Nothing is in your face. Flavors are clean and refined and you finish your food enjoying every bite. Staff was also friendly and knowledgeable. To me it is a must that staff tries the food too and find that rarely that happens now but in this restaurant the staff was very knowledgeable and clearly knows the food. The place was also decorated in a tasteful fashion where you can dress down or up and will feel comfortable either way. Loved it! read more

This is my absolute favorite restaurant in all of Rochester with some of the best food I have ever had. I have been coming here for years for the kabobs, but today was special. The owner is always kind and pleasant when I come in, but today when I called in about part of my order missing, he personally drove to my apartment to deliver the missing pieces and more. This kind of attention to detail is hard to come by these days. read more

Food and service were excellent!!Seating in bench on exterior of room was extremely uncomfortable. Would not sit there again.

This has quickly become my favorite restaurant in Rochester. The food: AMAZING. The service: AMAZING. The staff: can you guess? AMAZING! Although I have only recently discovered this restaurant during the COVID crisis, I love this restaurant! Once all this passes, I will definitely dine in! I've come here twice and gotten the steak with rice each time and they give so much food. I've also gotten the chicken wings. The food is just so tasty and I don't know what they do to their rice but I can't stop eating it. Trust me, you will not be hungry after this! I want to quickly comment on the service as well, it's amazing! I ordered ahead of time both times I ordered from here and as soon as I arrive in the parking lot, they rush out with my food (they ask for car model and color beforehand). There's no waiting at all, they're so efficient and extremely kind! I will definitely continue coming and supporting this gem of a restaurant! read more

Chortke - Chenjeh beef - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Rochester, New York

I'm a fan of Chortke. They offer an almost unbeatable combination of delicious kabobs, generous portions and reasonable prices. An order from Chortke will be enough for 2 meals for most people. Their long grain rice is always light & fluffy and their salads are always crisp & refreshing. Their kabobs are good. I initially felt their regular chicken kabobs were underseasoned, so I've stuck with their spicy chicken kabobs and haven't looked back since. The owners seem like the most hardworking people. They are very friendly and always seem to have a smile on their faces. During this pandemic they have their online ordering system set up and they offer curbside delivery to you in the car. read more

While this restaurant was a bit difficult to find, the food was incredible and the service super friendly! read more

Chortke - Mixed plate - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Rochester, New York

We loved how the added cultural flavors to traditional dishes. Will definitely come back

It was my second time there. Last I was here was a year ago. The staff was lovely, that is for sure. The food though was not comparabale to my last time AT ALL. It was salty, the portion was smaller and there was NO garnish. Koobideh must come with tomato for God's sake! To be fair, it was a Saturday night, and they were one hour till closing for 2 days. I do not take it as a good excuse though!! Since I liked the staff, and based on my friends' and my own previous experiences, I will go there again if I find a chance. And will update this review based on my next experience there. read more

Chortke - Koobideh - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Rochester, New York

***don't take a picture from menu by the way*** 4 times in a row had terrible experience: Closed on regular day? Regular time? Never go back! I was TOO nice in my first stop despite very unprofessional treatment by owner! read more

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After almost 2 years of eating here, I can safely bump Chortke up to a solid 5 stars. They have nailed down the ordering process and it is a breeze. The recent update to the menu makes it easier to order exactly what I want (a side of grilled hot peppers + spicy hummus with combo 1...every time). They also have a cafe now that serves coffee, tea, and different types of treats (I have seen cake slices, macarons, and cream puffs but the selection is probably subject to change) but it is hard to want any of that when I can just eat more kubideh or spicy joojeh. Out of my countless visits, one time they ran out of kubideh due to an unexpected rush and while I was sad, I am happy that more are discovering the subtle and delectable magic that is kubideh. I would advise calling ahead if you have your heart set on a certain dish and it is towards closing time. The staff remain as friendly as ever, down to earth and ready to answer questions. My vegetarian + vegan + way-too-proud-carnivore friends all enjoy eating here. That's a feat in itself. My only overly optimistic wish is that they add a couple of different dishes on special so Rochesterians can discover how unique and understated the Persian cuisine is. Someone mentioned that you have to pay extra for grilled tomatoes now - that's not accurate. The dish still comes with grilled tomatoes but you can pay for extra. p.s Don't sleep on the falafel. It is crunchy, herby and made to be dipped in the cucumber yogurt. read more

This restaurant is located in the back of the parking lot behind Village Gate. The inside space is nice with plenty of window seating. The spicy chicken was not hot spicy but more flavorful. If I wasn't low carb I would've gotten the yummy Persian saffron rice. We will be back for sure! read more

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Last night's dinner was the best meal I've enjoyed in my 10+ years living in Rochester! The dishes were cooked perfectly and the flavors were complex, differentiated by dish, and delicious. The room is spacious yet intimate in feel, and the service was warm and attentive throughout the meal. I can't recommend Chortke enough! (BTW, we were a bit skeptical coming in last night, only because we loved the prior Kabob-focused, more casual incarnation of Chortke and have missed our go-to takeout place. But the new, fine dining Chortke is truly exceptional!!) read more

Chortke - Scallop entree, cauliflower side, and chicken entree. All delicious! - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Rochester, New York