Tony Ds - Rochester (NY)

5 /5 Paul Meijer: A night out at Tony D’s on University Avenue delivers the kind of hospitality and flavor that reminds you why dining out still matters. I had the pleasure of dining with my friend Bianca, someone I originally met when she was managing a hotel I frequently stayed at. You know me, I tend to make friends wherever I go, and Bianca is one of those connections that stuck. Sharing a meal with someone who appreciates great service and quality as much as I do always elevates the experience. The evening began with the Paisley Park, a cleverly balanced mocktail built on Seedlip Garden 108, raspberry purée, lemon, and soda. It’s light, garden-fresh, and refreshing without trying too hard to impress. Off-menu, I requested a fresh-squeezed lemonade, and the bartender obliged without hesitation, a small gesture that speaks volumes about the house’s service philosophy. Not every place passes that quiet test of attentiveness. This one did. The appetizer? Egg-battered artichoke hearts, set against a cushion of whipped ricotta and sharpened with Calabrian chili oil and lemon aioli. Crunch, cream, heat, and zing, all in proper conversation. It’s one of those dishes that knows how to introduce a meal, confidently and with a little wink. Then came the C.A.B. beef tenderloin, cooked right to the edge of medium and left to rest just enough to let it shine. Roasted potatoes and spinach played reliable backup, while the Chianti-veal reduction tied the whole plate together with just the right amount of drama. The food holds its own, but it’s the service that seals the memory. Tiffany guided the evening like a pro, knowledgeable, attentive, and genuinely warm. Ask for her. Tony D’s roots stretch back to 2008, originally making its name in Corn Hill Landing with coal-fired pizzas and Italian-American comforts. After tragedy struck in 2016 with the passing of its founders, longtime chef Jay Speranza took the reins. In 2023, the restaurant reopened in its current University Avenue location, bringing with it both history and a refreshed energy. It’s a comeback story grounded in good food, better people, and a sense of place that makes you want to return before you’ve even left the table. #MeijerFineClub #HospitalityLeadership #RestaurantExperience #FoodServiceExcellence #RochesterNY

4 /5 Anthony: Love to stop here when I’m in town for some classic Italian dishes, the wood fired pizza is really tasty. Got the meatballs and ricotta heard great things about it, the ricotta is very creamy and the meatballs fall right apart (sorry forgot to get a picture). Got the calamari, which was really tasty. The 4 cheese pizza add sausage was delicious. Lastly ordered the chicken parm with vodka sauce, which was also really tasty. Service was good, the coffee was really nice after dinner. Over all good experience.

5 /5 Steve Martino: Love this place. Never disappoints and last night was another example. Great food, amazing service, and I really like the atmosphere there. We started with the focaccia bread as an appetizer (huge portion), ordered the 14oz steak special (cooked perfectly with ample sides), and the Lobster/pasta dinner (plenty of huge Lobster chunks). We ate as much as we could and still had leftovers to enjoy. And as always, the service there is top-notch, which is rare at most restaurants these days. Cant wait to go back!

5 /5 marty: Excellent place they have outstanding Italian food we stopped for a quick meatball and drinks The drinks were delicious. They have a great friendly professional staff I highly recommend Tony DS for a great dinning experience

5 /5 Tasha: Exceptional food and outstanding service from start to finish! Our waiter, Mike, was attentive and quick to take our orders, setting the tone for a fantastic dining experience. The appetizers were not only delicious but generously portioned—perfect for sharing. The calamari, garlic focaccia, and mussels with shrimp are absolute must-haves. The entrées somehow managed to be even better. The chicken parm and stuffed shells were cooked to perfection and packed with flavor. And just when we thought we couldn’t eat another bite, the apple caramel cheesecake changed our minds. Creamy, perfectly balanced, and not overly sweet—it was the ideal ending to an already amazing meal. The entire team at Tony D’s deserves praise. From the warm smile at the door to the welcoming, efficient staff throughout the restaurant, we felt genuinely cared for without ever feeling rushed or forgotten. We’ve also visited several times for brunch over the summer, and the live entertainment creates the perfect weekend atmosphere. Tony D’s consistently delivers a top-tier experience, and we can’t wait to return again and again!