What should I order at Velvet Belly?
Velvet Belly
Oysters
Mentioned multiple times as excellent, including dollar oysters and happy hour oysters; reviewers consistently praised them for freshness, value, and taste.
Beef Tartare
Recommended repeatedly and described as a standout appetizer, with one review calling the prime beef tartare addictive and noting the crispy potato square that elevates it.
Shark Bait Cocktail
Called delicious, beautifully presented, and one of the favorites among the cocktails; it was specifically singled out by more than one reviewer.
SFG Roll
Highlighted as excellent and especially unique, with one reviewer calling it the most unique sushi roll they had tasted thanks to the warm miso cream.
Tuna Crispy Rice
Named a top pick in one review and praised as part of a meal where everything was delicious.
Steak Frites
Mentioned as having wonderful and distinct flavors, making it a well-liked choice among the shared dishes.
Wagyu Tartare
Described as a personal favorite and absolutely incredible, making it one of the most memorable dishes mentioned.
Salted Caramel Tiramisu
Called one of the reviewer’s top five desserts of all time, showing strong enthusiasm and repeat-worthy appeal.
Lobster Roll
Specifically praised as delicious in a review that said the food was worth the money.
TNT Roll
Described as incredible in a review that also praised the restaurant’s sushi and seafood quality.
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 5 to 11 PM |
| Wednesday | 5 to 11 PM |
| Thursday | 5 to 11 PM |
| Friday | 5 to 11 PM |
| Saturday | 5 to 11 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
About Velvet Belly
Velvet Belly is a restaurant, cocktail bar, seafood restaurant, and sushi restaurant in Rochester, New York. It serves lunch and dinner, with outdoor seating, dine-in, and takeout available, and it is known for seafood-focused dishes, sushi, and cocktails. Reviewers consistently praise the fresh seafood, bold flavors, friendly and knowledgeable service, and the lively but intimate atmosphere. The price point is on the higher side, around $50 to $100 per person, and many guests say it feels worth it for the food, drinks, and dessert.
Amenities & services
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great cocktails
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
- Serves local specialty
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Happy hour drinks
- Hard liquor
- Healthy options
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Romantic
- Trendy
- Upscale
Crowd
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Paid parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Frequently asked questions
What is Velvet Belly known for?
Velvet Belly is known for seafood and sushi, especially fresh oysters, nigiri, and creative rolls, plus cocktails that reviewers call some of the best in Rochester. People also highlight the local specialty and happy hour deals, including $1 oysters, as a standout reason to go.
What dishes are most recommended at Velvet Belly?
Reviewers repeatedly recommend the oysters, tuna crispy rice, Wagyu tartare, and rolls like the TNT roll, SFG roll, shrimp tempura roll, and yellowtail roll. Other favorites mentioned include the Brussels sprout dish, shishito peppers, macadamia crusted scallops, and the olive oil pistachio cake or key lime pie for dessert.
What is the atmosphere at Velvet Belly like?
The atmosphere is described as cozy, romantic, trendy, and upscale, with a lively but intimate feel. It works well for date nights, birthday dinners, groups of friends, and even solo dining at the bar, where reviewers mention a large bar and friendly bartenders.
Is Velvet Belly good value, and what is the price range?
Velvet Belly is in the $50 to $100 range, and reviewers describe it as pricey but worth it for the quality of the seafood, cocktails, and desserts. Happy hour adds value too, especially the dollar oysters and special pricing on drinks like Champagne.
Do you need a reservation at Velvet Belly?
Yes, dinner reservations are recommended, and the restaurant accepts reservations. Reviewers mention that the bar can be a good place to wait if your table is not ready, and that the dining room has limited seating even though there is a large bar area.
Is parking available at Velvet Belly?
Yes. Free parking lot, Paid parking lot, Usually plenty of parking is available.
Does Velvet Belly have vegetarian options?
Yes, Velvet Belly offers vegetarian options.
Restaurants like Velvet Belly in Rochester
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