The Vesper - Rochester

We have been looking forward to this reservation for weeks. Maybe it wasn't quite the expectations. First, the parking lot is very limited. There are few places close to the restaurant that are shared with a very busy restaurant next door and the plenty of environment are not available or otherwise used by the show goers in Geva. Beverages were definitely funny and not expensive. I enjoyed the “Vesper” and “What is on Doc”. Both were very good. My wife and I shared some appetizers instead of a heavy meal. Everything was good, but there was only a little scratch or wort missing. Waiting staff was pretty good. Not 20% tip worthy, but also not quite 15%. We can return, but perhaps wait a year (if they are still open).

Love Love Love LOVE Vesper. The ever-changing menu always keeps my favorites (Trüffel-Pommes, the best in the city!! with seasonal treats. My husband and I feel that Rochesters are best kept secret. Get back, and back!

The first time a ONE star on a review of everything ever. Came with friends, the waiting time was long and unbearable. Two small plates and three larger plates ordered. First, the scallops were great, the only reason I gave this review a star. But the grilled octopus was dry and not funny to eat. There followed three unsatisfied bigger plates: the 12oz NY strip was boiled on the outside until it tasted bitter; the Lobster Ravioli had no lobster, whether on the plate or the taste of filling within the ravioli. The Ravioli itself was only pure ravioli, and the bread was very fat; the Faroe Island salmon was dry, and the combination of the sweetness of potato bacon and the saltiness of the sauce was terrible. I would not recommend coming to this restaurant unless you know that they have alcohol you want to try, but the food here is not worth trying. Not to mention that, surprisingly, the price was unnecessarily higher than the average restaurant in Rochester area with such disappointing food that could not even surpass the dining room of the local school.

This is a late but well-earned review (here on December 6). This cool hole in the wall. I was so tired after work, but pulled me out. Treated in a solid Manhattan. Then the house salad, Mac and cheese and beef on wake-up godet, which was a perfect mix of flavors. Appropriately expensive. The staff was great. I look forward to returning ROC

Vesper has a really cool vibe to it with a very soothing atmosphere and friendly staff. My starting cocktail was the namesake Vesper made to specification as 007 described in Casino Royal, although slightly heavy handed on the Lillet. But I'm not complaining. Appetizers were excellent. Shrimp ceviche was fresh and bright with a kick from jalapeño, and served with house made tortilla chips. The tuna tartare was massive! Reminded me of a poke without all the additions. Really nice and shareable. Entrees. The Faroe Island salmon was good. Huge portion perfectly cooked. The dijon tarragon cream sauce was good, but completely covered the star of the dish. Less would be more in my opinion. The potato bacon hash didn't really do much to bring harmony to this one. The Vesper burger was good. Served with a bacon tomato onion jam and smoked Gouda. Cooked to order and paired with some excellent fries. Reasonable prices. Definitely recommend and will come back to explore other interesting menu items.