5 Underrated Restaurants in Downtown, Rochester MN Worth Trying
Updated 29 September 2026 · 6 restaurants in Downtown, Rochester MN considered · Ranked from Google ratings
This guide covers five underrated restaurants in Downtown Rochester that rate well on Google but have fewer than 400 reviews each. Only places rated 4.4 or higher qualified, six were considered, and the list is ranked by rating weighted by review count. It is meant for residents and for visitors in town for appointments who want a reliable meal nearby. Each entry lists hours, the address, accessibility and what reviewers mention about the food and service.
#1
I-Chi Mein - Chinese Restaurant & Asian Noodles
★ 4.8 (119 Google reviews)Chinese restaurant
Representative photo, not of this business.
I-Chi Mein is a Chinese noodle restaurant at 9 3rd Ave NW, open daily except Saturday, from late morning until 9 pm. Reviewers mention hand-pulled noodle soups, braised beef noodle soup, a favorite scallion pancake, octopus balls, Szechuan chicken and crab rangoons. They also describe friendly, attentive staff, a clean room, reasonable prices and generous portions. Parking, entrance, seating and toilet are wheelchair accessible.
Best for: Noodle soups and scallion pancakes
- Address
- 9 3rd Ave NW, Rochester, MN 55901, United States
- Hours
- Fri 10:30 am–9 pm; Mon 10:30 am–9 pm; Sat Closed; Sun 11 am–9 pm; Thu 10:30 am–9 pm; Tue 10:30 am–9 pm; Wed 10:30 am–9 pm
#2
FOODLAB: Kitchen + Bar
★ 4.7 (154 Google reviews)New American restaurant
Representative photo, not of this business.
FOODLAB: Kitchen + Bar is a New American restaurant at 1203 7th St NW, open 11 am to 9 pm most days and until 8 pm on Sundays. Reviewers mention a varied menu that pleased diners with different tastes, including crispy chicken alfredo, Torta Mariachi, filet mignon risotto and a large horchata. Some found dishes salty or portions of meat small, and one noted limited gluten-free options. It is fully wheelchair accessible.
Best for: Groups with mixed tastes
- Address
- 1203 7th St NW, Rochester, MN 55901, United States
- Hours
- Fri 11 am–9 pm; Mon 11 am–9 pm; Sat 11 am–9 pm; Sun 11 am–8 pm; Thu 11 am–9 pm; Tue 11 am–9 pm; Wed 11 am–9 pm
#3
Latitude 44
★ 4.6 (221 Google reviews)American restaurant
Representative photo, not of this business.
Latitude 44 is an American restaurant at 121 N Broadway Ave, open evenings on weekdays with weekend daytime hours and a Sunday brunch. Reviewers mention attentive service, crafted drinks and food, happy hour specials, and a space that mixes modern style with a warm rustic feel. One reviewer celebrated a birthday here and describes a quiet, discreet dinner. Parking, entrance, seating and toilet are wheelchair accessible.
Best for: Happy hour and Sunday brunch
- Address
- 121 N Broadway Ave, Rochester, MN 55906, United States
- Hours
- Fri 4–10 pm; Mon 4–9 pm; Sat 10 am–10 pm; Sun 10 am–3 pm; Thu 4–9 pm; Tue 4–9 pm; Wed 4–9 pm
#4
City Market Downtown
★ 4.6 (194 Google reviews)Restaurant
Representative photo, not of this business.
City Market Downtown is a soup and sandwich spot at 212 1st Ave SW near the Mayo Clinic, open 7 am to 2 pm on weekdays and closed weekends. Reviewers mention the Tuna Salad Panini, the Italian, the Cuban, turkey and avocado on multigrain and tomato bisque. They describe fresh ingredients, generous fillings and a line that moves quickly, though seating is limited. It is fully wheelchair accessible.
Best for: Weekday lunch near the clinic
- Address
- 212 1st Ave SW #12, Rochester, MN 55902, United States
- Hours
- Fri 7 am–2 pm; Mon 7 am–2 pm; Sat Closed; Sun Closed; Thu 7 am–2 pm; Tue 7 am–2 pm; Wed 7 am–2 pm
#5
Mill Valley Kitchen
★ 4.6 (162 Google reviews)American restaurant$20–50 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
Mill Valley Kitchen is a women-owned American restaurant at 150 Broadway Ave S, open from 3 pm Monday through Saturday and closed Sundays. Reviewers mention tempura vegetables, shrimp tacos, lemon and salted edamame, sea bass, wild mushroom pasta, crispy wings and mini desserts including key lime. They describe a bright room and prompt service. Happy-hour drinks, cocktails, a wine list, outdoor seating and delivery are listed.
Best for: Happy hour and mini desserts
- Address
- 150 Broadway Ave S, Rochester, MN 55904, United States
- Hours
- Fri 3–10 pm; Mon 3–9 pm; Sat 3–10 pm; Sun Closed; Thu 3–9 pm; Tue 3–9 pm; Wed 3–9 pm
How we made this list
We looked at 6 restaurants in Downtown, Rochester MN with a Google rating of 4.0 or higher and at least 20 reviews, then rated 4.4 or higher on Google but with fewer than 400 reviews. 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 29 September 2026 and can change. Nobody paid to be on this list.
Tips before you go
- Mill Valley Kitchen takes reservations, useful on weekend evenings.
- For an early start, City Market Downtown 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?
I-Chi Mein - Chinese Restaurant & Asian Noodles ranks first, with a Google rating of 4.8 from 119 reviews. FOODLAB: Kitchen + Bar is second at 4.7 from 154 reviews.
Which restaurants in Downtown, Rochester MN are open late?
None of these stays open past midnight. The latest to close is Latitude 44, at 10 pm.
How much does it cost at these restaurants?
Google lists these price ranges per person: Mill Valley Kitchen $20–50. The others do not list a price range.
Which of these have free parking?
Google lists free parking for Mill Valley Kitchen.
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