Probably not what you’re looking for, but I have a lot of favourite menu items; typically I’ll go to a restaurant just for one of the following:

Burger: Vesper

Burger (runner up): Angry Goat

Pizza (at home): Pizza Wizard

Pizza (sitting down): Branca Midtown

Elevated/seasonal menus: AVVINO

Elevated/seasonal menus (runner up): REDD

Omakase: Taste of Japan

Fun Sushi Rolls (+seafood stew): Velvet Belly

Parm/French, Chik/Veal: Grandpa Sam’s

Xiaolongbao: Dumpling House

BBQ Brisket, Pork +Sides: Taste of Texas

Tacos: Are we still mad at La Casa?

Bagels/Cream Cheese: Are we still mad at Balsam?

Paella (and crickets): Ox & Stone

Plate (Flavour): Dogtown

Plate (Authenticity/Reliability): Schaller’s

Plate (Size4Drunkenness): Jimmy Z’s

Goofball Cocktails: Swan Dive

Coffee (black/cold brew): Fuego/Melo

Coffee (made drinks): Ugly Duck

Jerk Chicken: Side Bar

Breakfast Sandwiches: Bodega

Hot/Cold Subs: DiBella’s (Henrietta only)

Veg / GF Options: Owl House

Fast Protein: Chortke

Generic Brunch w/ Friends: Brown Hound

OTT Steak (specifically trio): Tournedos

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NOTE: I’ve been to Cure, Cub Room, Good Luck, TRATA, Tapas, Lento, Native, Vern’s, Rocco/Rella, Fiamma, and others multiple times… but reflecting on things I vividly remember, I kinda come up short. The food/experience is good. I just can’t think of a specific thing I’d go back for.

I have loved Happy Gut since we moved back last year. The only have two main meals on the menu but they often have a weekly special that hits hard! This week was a Vietnamese noodle salad that was so endlessly delicious I ordered two for myself next week. Otherwise I am also a big fan of Voluas as they offer 5 day brunch and it is super delicious.

One of my favorite “new” places is The Richmond. It closed a few years ago after several decades. It re-opened last summer after having been re-opened and closing once in between. As I understand it, the owners of the prior incarnation had differences and decided to part ways.

It’s now owned by Mortalis Brewing and serves many of their beers, but also others cans/bottles and cocktails. They partner with DoughBoys for food, which is fantastic. They have a variety of pizzas cooked in a brick oven, as well as wings and truffle fries that are on point.

It’s on Richmond Street off East Main Street, a block or two down from the Eastman School of Music.

Edit: added link

Nita Burrita sounds great! I have been missing Sol Burrito so I’ll have to check them out.

Swan Market is probably my favorite.