5 Best Restaurants in Downtown, Rochester MN
Updated 26 September 2026 · 25 restaurants in Downtown, Rochester MN considered · Ranked from Google ratings
This guide lists the top five restaurants in Downtown, Rochester, MN, selected by Google rating and review volume. The ranking considered 25 qualifying businesses to ensure quality. These spots are ideal for travelers visiting the Mayo Clinic, locals seeking dinner, or groups looking for specific dietary needs. The list includes Mediterranean, Thai, American, and steakhouse options with varying hours and accessible features.
#1
Lumi Restaurant and Bar
★ 4.8 (1,062 Google reviews)Mediterranean restaurant
Representative photo, not of this business.
Lumi Restaurant and Bar offers a modern Turkish dining experience near the Mayo Clinic. Reviewers praise the prompt service and knowledgeable staff who explain menu ingredients. The interior features soft velvets, wood, and ambient lighting. Guests frequently recommend the appetizer sampler with fresh hummus, pistachio dip, and pomegranate sauce. The restaurant is open for breakfast and dinner from Monday to Saturday, with Sunday brunch available. Accessible parking, entrances, seating, and restrooms are available for all guests.
Best for: Mediterranean meals with soft decor
- Address
- 255 1st Ave SW, Rochester, MN 55902, United States
- Hours
- Fri 8 am–10 pm; Mon 11 am–9 pm; Sat 8 am–10 pm; Sun 8 am–9 pm; Thu 11 am–9 pm; Tue 11 am–9 pm; Wed 11 am–9 pm
#2
ThaiPop
★ 4.7 (1,136 Google reviews)Thai restaurant
Representative photo, not of this business.
ThaiPop serves fresh, delicious Thai cuisine and refreshing cocktails in a modern, fun atmosphere. Visitors enjoy watching the action at the bar, where homemade syrups and juices are prepared. The venue is noted as a top choice for those needing gluten-free and dairy-free options without sacrificing flavor. Reviewers highlight the friendly service and the delicious wings and cocktails. The restaurant operates from Monday to Saturday, with Sunday hours closed. Wheelchair-accessible parking, entrances, seating, and toilets are provided.
Best for: Fresh Thai food and cocktails
- Address
- 4 3rd St SW, Rochester, MN 55902, United States
- Hours
- Fri 11 am–10 pm; Mon 4–9 pm; Sat 11 am–10 pm; Sun Closed; Thu 11 am–9 pm; Tue 11 am–9 pm; Wed 11 am–9 pm
#3
Red Cow Rochester
★ 4.7 (995 Google reviews)Restaurant
Representative photo, not of this business.
Red Cow Rochester is a popular spot for burgers, salads, and a wide variety of shakes, including seasonal options. Guests appreciate the large patio for enjoying weather and food. The location is convenient for those visiting the Mayo Clinic or St Mary's hospital, though parking can be confusing due to nearby construction. Reviewers mention the energetic atmosphere and attentive staff who ensure a smooth dining experience. Hours run daily except Monday, with Sunday service starting at 10 am. The facility includes wheelchair-accessible parking, entrances, seating, and restrooms.
Best for: Burgers, shakes, and patio dining
- Address
- 217 14th Ave SW Unit 100, Rochester, MN 55902, United States
- Hours
- Fri 11 am–10 pm; Mon Closed; Sat 10 am–10 pm; Sun 10 am–10 pm; Thu 11 am–10 pm; Tue 11 am–10 pm; Wed 11 am–10 pm
#4
The Redwood Room
★ 4.7 (526 Google reviews)Restaurant
Representative photo, not of this business.
The Redwood Room combines the feel of a pub, restaurant, and supper club in a charming, dimly lit basement setting. Reviewers describe the food as absolutely delicious, specifically recommending the Angus steak with blue cheese mashed potatoes and broccolini. Live music adds to the experience, with performances noted on Tuesday nights. The spot is described as having a speakeasy feel and is located within walking distance of the Hyatt House. Open Tuesday through Saturday evenings, it offers accessible parking, entrances, seating, and restrooms.
Best for: Steak, live music, and speakeasy vibe
- Address
- 300 1st Ave NW, Rochester, MN 55901, United States
- Hours
- Fri 5–10 pm; Mon Closed; Sat 5–10 pm; Sun Closed; Thu 5–10 pm; Tue 5–10 pm; Wed 5–10 pm
#5
Canadian Honker Restaurant
★ 4.6 (3,987 Google reviews)American restaurant
Representative photo, not of this business.
Canadian Honker Restaurant has been a family-owned staple since 1984, offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Reviewers praise the service and specific dishes like the prime rib sandwich and fresh fish fry. The walleye sandwich is highlighted as delicious, and the staff is noted for accommodating dietary restrictions, such as allowing children's menu items for adults. The restaurant is open daily from 7 am to 9 pm. Accessible parking, entrances, seating, and restrooms are available for all guests.
Best for: Family meals and classic American fare
- Address
- 1203 2nd St SW, Rochester, MN 55902, United States
- Hours
- daily 7 am–9 pm
How we made this list
We looked at 25 restaurants in Downtown, Rochester MN with a Google rating of 4.0 or higher and at least 20 reviews, then ranked by Google rating, weighted by how many people left one. A rating from thousands of reviews counts for more than the same rating from a handful, so a new place with a few perfect scores does not jump the queue. Ratings and hours are from public Google listings on 26 September 2026 and can change. Nobody paid to be on this list.
Tips before you go
- For an early start, Canadian Honker Restaurant opens at 7 am.
- Hours and prices come from Google listings and change, so check the listing before a long trip.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the highest-rated restaurant on this list?
Lumi Restaurant and Bar ranks first, with a Google rating of 4.8 from 1,062 reviews. ThaiPop is second at 4.7 from 1,136 reviews.
Which restaurants in Downtown, Rochester MN are open late?
None of these stays open past midnight. The latest to close is Lumi Restaurant and Bar, at 10 pm.
Run a business in Downtown?
Get a fast website with your hours, menu, location and reviews. If your business is listed here and something is wrong, tell us and we fix it.
Email support@pagenearby.com