We arrived early for dinner and it took a while for anyone to acknowledge us. I guess we were too early as most other people were enjoying the happy hour comped food. So we sat and started with drinks and apps. Once we finally sat down in the dining room, we tried the Bang Bang shrimp appetizer which lived up to its reputation. For dinner my handsome date had the steak which he said was cooked to perfection and didn't let me taste any of it. The desserts are worth saving room for. read more

This restaurant is under new ownership and is amazing! Everyone is friendly, down to earth and kind! Max and Dimitri are awesome at the bar, George an incredible server and Curran makes unbelievable food! All sauces are house made. You will not be disappointed in anything you eat! Portion size is perfect! read more

Delicious menu ... attentive and friendly staff and great ambience! The Chef puts his magic on every plate and then ... comes out to greet the guests! No hurry up and flipping tables here!! Great comfortable atmosphere and save room for dessert!!! read more

If want an outstanding dinner with a nice atmosphere for a special occasion Michael's should be on the top of your list. Friday's are still is the best day to order fish. This was no exception. I chose the boiled Haddock that came perfectly prepared. I will say without hesitation, it was the finest broiled Haddock that I have ever tasted. Everyone at the table agreed. The NE clam chowder appetizer couldn't have been better. Karen, our waitress, was friendly, helpful and attentive. Michael's Valley Grill is one restaurant you get what you pay for. read more

My wife and I went after a movie last night. The people waiting on us were very friendly and attentive. They serve bread with a tomato garlic purée which was really good. We had bang bang for an appetizer and thought the breading was light and crispy. The sauce was a little spicy but perfect. My wife had the chicken French and the sauce was just how she likes it. Some places serve it very watery but this placed was thicker and very flavorful. I had the sword fish which was cooked very nice. We will definitely come back. read more

The food is amazing! We had a great dinner! My husband loved the fish fry and I loved the mahi mahi special!

Great find while traveling. My steak was amazing as well as the Bang Band shrimp. Small menu with great variety. Thanks for a great meal!

I am currently obsessed with the pasta here. The chicken Romano is fabulous and fun. I had to get a to go box and eat it for lunch and dinner the next day. The portions are a good size and the servers are super fab. I need to make some time to stop out again soon!!! read more

Very underrated spot in an unassuming strip mall. This place honestly belongs in a posh golf course or something like that (like replace argyle grill or something...) Service was great, literally could not be better. Menu is upscale without being pretentious. Ingredients were fresh, the drinks were great. Get the charred calamari! read more

Wow! Just Wow! Scallops melted in my mouth. Petite filet cut like butter and was absolutely delicious. My favorite flavor was the chef made roasted red pepper and Parmesan pesto that came with a delicious half loaf of bread. The strip steak was amazing. Every detail of these dishes was amazing. For desert we had the mouse. Yum! We both left big warm smiles and really really loved everything about this place. You must go! Great for couples. Pleasant atmosphere and the privacy of the tables gets an A+ for a romantic quiet dinner. Just wow! read more

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So my wife says, "you have a happy hour?" and the hostess says, "it ends in 4 minutes".....but this is Rochester so she adds, "let me get a waiter right over so you can order".....so Adam lets us order two (2) twofers, because we can't decide between the Mark West pinot noir and the Sanoma cabernet. Both were delicious, and both were on our bill as half-price We're seated in the bar area on a Thursday night, and they have jazz; in fact, a tremendous keyboardist, singer and percussionist, who are seriously good. Steak salad, perfect; zeppole for desert, fantastic. Chicken french, very good. Attentive staff, water glass and bread basket never empty, It is hidden in a strip mall that you could easily miss, but you'll be glad you didn't read more

I was visiting Rochester on business and this spot was chosen for dinner. When you pull up its in a small strip mall but when you walk in its so cosy and elegant that you forgot how you go there. Excellent bar service and the waiter was most helpful and funny The signature app is the Bang Bang Shrimp which was very good. Get the Charred Calamari as they are perfect in a nice caper, tomato sauce perfect to mop up with some bread I enjoyed a wonderful Iceberg Wedge and its served chilled as it should be with a home made blue cheese dressing. I went with the Cioppino as they are known for their ability to do fish really well and it was a delicious. Shrimps, clams, calamari and white fish in savory tomato broth. The grilled Italian bread didn't last long mopping up the juices. Trust me you will want another slice of bread. My dinner party enjoyed the 20 oz cowboy steaks and the Gorgonzola steak. These guys really do steaks well Add a wonderful Stags Leap Cabernet and you will be happy Only issue I had is they dont understand the zeppole dessert. They offer up a bundle of delcious and warm mini donuts but from my part of italy they come served with cream and sour cherries. I was hoping for a Zeppole di San Giuseppe. we compared photos with the waiter and had a great laugh A drink with the owner later at the bar was a nice conversation about food, wine and other great places to eat in Rochester read more

After passing by this place for years, we finally decided to try it last night. Being a friday, my partner ordered a fish fry, while I tried to find something vegetarian on the menu. Note to vegetarians: there ain't much you'll find here. This is a meat and fish place. Finally, I decided on a chipotle pasta dish with chicken, figuring that there probably wouldn't be a huge amount of protein in that dish (unlike nearly every other dish on the menu). When the dishes came, my partner's 'traditional' fish fry was coated in a very NON-traditional panko breadcrumb coating, but was otherwise decent and tasty. His side of pasta was rather bland, though. My pasta dish, OTOH, was a jarring combination of too-spicy chipotle seasoning liberally sprinkled over a cream sauce, that sat in my stomach like hot lava for the next several hours. It's been YEARS since I've had indigestion and heartburn like this! Even 16 hours later (after a night of fitful sleep and heartburn), my stomach is STILL churning. I would suggest all but those with a cast-iron stomach AVOID this dish at all cost. I would also suggest that the chef learn a little restraint when pairing spices and sauces like these. The service was excellent, and the cocktails were likewise good. The bar seems to attract the middle-to-older set (probably after golfing), and the drumkit set up in the front makes me believe that live music is a draw for the later evening crowd. Still, for $80 for 2 people, I was a bit disappointed by the food. read more

This was our first time visiting this favorite Penfield locals spot. We were Greeted warmly by the hostess/owner. This Penfield eatery has a light and Fresh decor, with grey stained wooden plank flooring and a sun filled space from the skylight in the center of the dining area. We also loved the fact that the tables were dressed with white tablecloths. Our waitress Jaimie was friendly, professional and attentive. Under her recommendation we ordered the Fresh corn salad with an olive oil vinaigrette. YUM... The salad was a good portion so we decided to share. Our entrees were good but not as good as we had hoped. My husband ordered the beef and brisket burger with fries. The fries were shoestring and not piping hot. The burger wasn't very flavorful was his comment. I ordered the broiled haddock with a side of fries. The fish was perfectly prepared but felt the same about the fries. Our dinner was accompanied by fresh warm bread and a delicious red pepper pesto! We both had two glasses of Prosecco and thoroughly enjoyed that on that warm Summer evening. We ended our meal with coffee, which was great and ordered a plate of mini donuts. I probably would skip them next time, although they were warm with a decent flavor but the texture was chewy and not tender at all..... but being sugar geeks we suffered through them. ;) Would we go back again you ask??? Yes! The staff was delightful and overall the meal was good. Our tab came to $107.00 without tip yet added in. read more

We have been coming here for over 20 yrs, last couple yrs food quality has dropped and tonight the service and food were below par, so disappointing.. read more

Wonderful experience tonight! Our service was attentive and friendly. Our server, George, was great! The food was delicious. We highly recommend the shrimp appetizer and the fish fry. The ambience was great. Relaxed yet upscale. Overall, a wonderful place for a date. read more

We met a couple of friends at Michael's Valley Grill on a Friday night. We had a 7:30 reservation and were seated around 7:40. Not bad as it gave us time to chat at the bar. My wife and I had dined here years ago and from what I recall we enjoyed our meals. I'm happy to report this place is still very good. We started with a couple of appetizers, the arancini and the fried calamari. Both were excellent. I ordered a scallop special which was delicious. My wife ordered a rare Kobe burger and it was cooked perfectly. The only thing about the burger she didn't like was that it had iceberg lettuce on it. Overall, everyone loved their food and we really enjoyed ourselves. The service was exceptional. This place is located in a tiny strip mall. Don't be out off by this as the dining room is beautiful. It's a great room and a great restaurant, especially to dine with friends. I would gladly recommend Michaels to my friends and family. read more

The first time I went there the food was great. Second time the experience left a bad taste in my mouth. I was served a disgusting piece of chicken that looked expired, when I brought it to the hostess' attention she had an attitude and was very defensive. read more

Super surprised by this charming hidden gem. Great service, cute ambiance, good food. Overall lovely experience.

Clandestine Gourmet here. Your favorite under cover reviewer. I tell it like it is. Read my other reviews. You will see! Michael's Valley Grill. In short, a great place! Michael's is a fine dining restaurant that is not "nose in the air", or a stuffy place at all. A great place to go for a step up from chain places that hold a good rank in your mind. We dined for two, and started with an appetizer of Bang Bang shrimp. Yes, that same item that is held in high regard by the "Bone Fish Grill." See my review for Bone Fish. It's not a good one! Michael's Bang Bang is actually better than "that other disappointing place." It was so good, I have no reason to ever give that "Boney" place another look. We split the Bang Bang, and then each had a special salad. It was field greens with fresh peaches, burrata cheese, grape tomatoes, red onion, and a home made dressing that was fantastic. My main course was a chipotle linguine with chicken. Fantastic. Just the right amount of spice. Portions are good, and atmosphere is perfect. They even had live music. The owners personally greet, seat, and interact with you to make sure you are taken care of. Michael's Valley Grill. Top notch class, and great food. Check it out. read more

Best dinner out we have had in a while!!! Waitress was on point- not overly attentive but came only when we needed something or to do a quick check in. Bartender was fast and nice and Martini drink was delicious. Table was ready right away but they didn't rush us to sit. Bang bang shrimp was AWESOME so we're both meals. Steak perfectly cooked and chickenmilanese was incredible. $155 for 4 glasses of wine an app a meal and dessert; a little pricey but worth it!! Definitely going back!!! And soon! read more

Exceptionally, we were in Penfield and asked a friend to recommend a decent restaurant for dinner. She did not hesitate to recommend Michael's & we are glad she didn't. Despite a relatively unassuming location in a strip mall as soon as we were inside we forgot what the outside may have implied. The bar at the entrance is elegant & so was the welcome. We immediately felt comfortable and anticipated greatness; we weren't disappointed. We ordered the Black Angus bone-in cowboy steak which is copious do we split it. I could have eaten it all myself but would have regretted my gluttony. It was amazing. We ordered it with shrimp & Brussels sprouts and could not have imagined a better meal & experience. I ordered wine. George, our very professional waiter, offered me a taste of his recommendation. I love it when waiters do that & the wine was perfect, Aviary Cabernet Sauvignon. We ordered 2 desserts: mousse au chocolat & caramel gelato. The mousse was good. The gelato was worth the trip. I can't wait to go back to Michael's. read more

Always a great place to enjoy a very pleasant dinner. Called two hours before the time we wanted,(5:30) following church. They said come on down. Place was getting busy but they made space for us. And as I said, the meal was great. read more

We visited Rochester and we decided to take a chance on Michael's. It's a cozy little restaurant. We went when they had live jazz in the front. The food is a bit more upscale for my tastes, but it was lovely. I had the cowboy steak. It had a bit of gristle I was not expecting on such a cut, but that's the only downside of the entire meal. Portion sizes are a bit small for the price, but your milage may vary. (4 beans on a small scoop of Garlic Mashed). The ambiance was lovely and the staff was incredibly attentive. It's not a cheap meal, even for a steakhouse, but if you want to be pampered and don't mind paying for it, this is a great place. read more

We hadn't been to the MVG in years and now I remember why. The food and the staff are average. After a meh meal my family wanted dessert so we ordered a piece of chocolate cake. It was served ice cold. When we complained the waitress took the cake and apologized then said they would take it off the bill. The bill came with the cake charge included. Upon inquiry the waitress said she informed the owner who said no one else complained about the cake and that they keep the cake cold to keep it fresh. I guess the waitress was told not to remove the cake from our bill. My son had only eaten 1/4 of of the cold cake when they took it. Really? Well MVG I hope your cold dry $9 piece cake was worth it bc I plan on telling everyone I know not to eat at your restaurant. Bad form! read more

Wonderful dining experience at Michael's valley grill tonight! Unfortunately no fish fries since they are SO POPULAR. I will have to shoot for the next time. Loved the atmosphere and the service. Not to mention the fabulous love jazz- thank you for that!! read more

Michael's Valley Grill - Steakhouses Near Me - Rochester, New York

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Prior to Michael selling business to his employees it was a great place. Last night was a much different case. Started with the poor bus boy spilling water all over one of us and the table. Requiring a whole new table set. So we returned to bar, for just a minute or two. I wasn't wearing a face diaper cause I've had : 3 shots and have had Covid twice. Anyhow the bartender/new partner told me I had to have a mask. I said don't have one and he replied it's the law.To which I said it's NOT a law it's a mandate. Mind you, this is after we left him a $30 tip for opening up a bottle of wine and serving two scotches. Let's get to dinner. I chose the New England clam chowder and the shrimp Alfredo. Both are supposed to be served in creamy white sauce. Neither was. The clam chowder was a soupy Italian wedding style soup with potatoes, and the shrimp Alfredo came in a red spicy sauce. One of the other at table ordered lemon chicken which was almost not eatable due to the vast amount of lemon. Anyhow, point is, don't insult your guests if they don't want to comply with mask rules, and keep an eye on the food that coming out of the kitchen. It's my last time there . read more

My husband and I ate here a few years ago and I remember a different experience. We brought my in-laws here this evening and were sadly disappointed. FIrst of all, the menu online on their website was very different from the menu we were presented. Several items were absent and those that remained were at a significantly higher price than what was listed online I would suggest that if you're not going to keep your site updated then take down the menu. At first our server seemed a little hesitant and unsure of herself, which I wouldn't expect for this caliber of restaurant but luckily she warmed up a little bit. The Italian salad, a daily special was fine, and we appreciated the effort that was made to split the large salad into multiple servings. However our meals were all hugely disappointing. Everything was cold, my husband's pork was dry and overcooked, my shrimp was rubbery, and my father-in-law sent back his scallops to be reheated because when he put butter on them the butter wouldn't even melt! That's a little ridiculous when you're paying $25-$35 a plate. There are so many good restaurants in the area... I can't imagine we'll ever go back here. read more

We went here for the 1st time years ago and it was ok, we went back for Valentine's day this year and it was extremely disappointing. The owners and the servers were not very friendly and i did not like the vibe. Also my husband ordered chicken french and he was told pasta was extra. I have never been to a restaurant in Rochester that did not serve pasta with chicken french. Everything was Al a Carte and over priced. The menu is so limited i could not find anything that interest me. I did not like what i had ordered. The place is small enough that the owners should have walked around and asked how your dinner was. We will not be going back, so many other better restaurants. read more

MVG is one of my favorite restaurants in Rochester. Michael & Priscilla are fantastic hosts and the food is wonderful!

The fact I called on Wednesday and the soonest available reservation I could get was Saturday at 8 pm speaks for itself (Valentine's Day weekend). The strip and the filet could be cut with a spoon. Cooked well enough to have a slight char taste to it, but not too much to savor the flavor. read more

That was a HUGE surprise - probably the most delicious halibut I have ever had - and not cheap, either. My friend had double pork chop - it was on the menu, halibut was a Special. Out of this world. AND roasted romaine lettuce - yummy! read more

This place is interesting. It's got great food (get the bang bang shrimp app) and good service. The restaurant itself is pretty eclectic, it can't decide if it wants to be upscale or kitschy. The dining room is also extremely noisy- so noisy you can't carry on a conversation. So come here for the food but don't plan on talking. read more

We wanted pasta and after trying two places that were closed we drove to Michael's - it was meant to be. At the end of our meal we were a bit thankful the other two options were closed. The food was fresh and flavorful - I've been thinking about my meal for days. To enhance the experience, the staff was extremely attentive and friendly. We will be back soon!! read more

First time here- the atmosphere was pleasant, with the live music just at the right volume. The staff was attentive, making sure our water glasses were filled. The bang bang shrimp, pasta dish, and chicken romano were ok. The romano had more panko crust than chicken which was pounded too thin and overcooked. Finally, since we were eating late, I ordered a ($8) salad. the waiter offered to add shrimp, to which I agreed. He charged me $25 for it! I guess I should've asked how much, but many waiters would've informed the customer. Most dishes average in the mid $20s to $30 range, a bit on the high side, for average to smaller sized portions. read more

Ate here for Valentines. I had Pork Marsala, she the Chicken French. Loved the atmosphere and the wait staff but it was very pricey ($64 for the 2 entrees and a glass of wine), and in general just not really anything to brag on. We will opt for better value and will not be returning. read more

Very, very nice meal here tonight. Our waiter, Christopher, did a terrific job starting with a full explaination of the specials and checked in often during the meal. To start, I had one of the specials, the Harvest Salad, arugula lettuce with thin sliced apples, candied pecans, craisins, sliced cherry tomatoes, gorgonzola crumbly cheese and balsamic dressing. It was so different and refreshing, a great start. Entre was the jumbo shrimp wrapped in prosciutto in a seafood cream sauce over rice pilaf. Absolutely delicious. I wanted to lick the bowl. Dinner partners had Bang, Bang Shrimp, Beet Salad and Spicy Shrimp Chipotle Linguine. All outstanding dishes. No one had room for dessert. We'll be back soon! read more

One of my favorite places on date night. Very good food and service everytime. Menu is small but the food is wonderful. Proof that less is more read more

First of all, the menu online is NOT their current menu. Besides having at least twice as much listed in this menu, the prices are WAY more than that now. Honestly, when you start off with an expectation based on researching a place and you walk in to find it was all a lie, it usually doesn't go uphill from there. And as far as bad expectations go, they didn't disappoint! The food was cold. The butter was coagulated on the bottom of the plate, one dish had to be sent back to be heated up, and the special pork dish was pretty close to shoe leather. I rarely write reviews and try to give places the benefit of the doubt, but we picked this place based on their yelp reviews and advertised menu. It turned a night out to dinner with my wife and my elderly parents into a disappointment. Luckily, the coffee was ok (though not hot) and time spent with my family is always worth it. Diner beware!! read more

We've been coming here regularly for drinks, but often for appetizers and often food. We are never disappointed with service or food/ drinks, and the live jazz never disappoints. Always a great time every time we come to Michael's; will be coming back many times in the future!!! read more