Carnegie Cellars Wine Bar & Kitchen

Amazing food and even more amazing staff! Small and intimate. A great place for a romantic date night or catching up with an old friend! I can not recommend this place enough!

Carnegie Cellars is wonderful and unique, a place carving its own beautiful and creative path in Rochester. I’m embarrassed that I have not paid them since last spring because what I ate was phenomenal! The special, a perfectly cooked fillet of branzino with warm salsa cruda, watercress, parsley and tomato, reminded me of a Vietnamese preparation of grilled fish in tamarind and lime broth. It was mind blowing and the best branzino I’ve had in Rochester. It was $22 and a better portion and quality than fish being served in some restaurants around the corner and in the city that cost $40 or more. The chefs working in the walk-in closet sized kitchen are awesome! Asking for bread to mop up every drop of luscious sauce was absolutely necessary and also went well with the manchego and honey. The cheese was a nice little plate that served as a perfect dessert despite being on the dinner menu. The non-alcoholic Tempranillo was delicious with the fish and cheese. The service was also wonderful and very attentive, all the staff are warm and welcoming. Taylor was very knowledgeable and kind. Thank you for a lovely dinner and evening, I will be back very, very soon.

On Saturday, January 20, I returned to Carnegie Cellars for the second time. The first time was right before Christmas and on both occasions have totally enjoyed the wine selection and the food preparation. As we finished our dinner on January 20, I asked the server if I may have another glass of Cabernet and was totally surprised to be advised that our 90 minutes were up. I had no idea what she was speaking about. She proceeded to tell us that for party of two there is a 90 minute limit for dining. I looked at the person with whom I was dining and who made the reservation and she responded she never knew of such a policy. The server indicated we could move to the bar if we have food to finish. Shortly thereafter, the owner came to our table and advised that this is clearly stipulated on the website and the confirmation of the reservation. I responded who reads the terms and conditions of a restaurant confirmation. Then the owner proceeded to start picking up our leftover food and commenced putting the food in take out boxes. For me, I do not feel I will be able to return to this restaurant based on this policy as I felt excluded and not belonging because I was a party of two. There are plenty of restaurants in greater Rochester community that would continue selling us glasses of wine beyond 90 minutes. I would recommend to the restaurant that when there is a party of two arriving before seating your clients remind the diners that Carnegie Cellars has a policy of 90 minute time limit for party of two.

Food was delicious + very prompt!

Trevor and the rest of the team provided great service. The food was amazing and the shareable nature of the menu allowed us all to try many things. We will definitely be back. Parking: Busy area but there was parking available on the street and within sheer walking distance.

Lovely ambience, exceptional service and delicious food! The owner is always around and so welcoming. One of my favorite places in Rochester!!

Everything was lovely. Just the tables too close together. Kept getting knocked into.