Lento

Lento entrance off the courtyard, 8-2008 Lento interior, 9-2008

Location

274 N. Goodman Street, Rochester NY, 14607 (Village Gate)

Hours (as of August 2009)

Tuesday - Saturday: 5:30PM to Close

Phone

585 271 3470

Accessible

Yes

Alcohol

Yes-Full Bar

Email

<lentorestaurant AT gmail DOT com>

Website

http://lentorestaurant.com

Lento is a fine dining restaurant with a focus on local, seasonal, sustainable, organic, and bio-dynamic food. The resume of the owner and Executive Chef, Arthur Rogers, is available on the website, as well as the menu for that night's dinner. The menu changes everyday, based on what the chef can get fresh (entrees are $12-$30). There is also a "featured farmer" link with an update about a local farm that supplies the restaurant.

Lento is committed to encouraging “green” thinking and has developed ways to have a minimal impact on the environment by working with the vast wealth of farmers in the surrounding area.

Lento is fully committed to serving the vegetarians of Rochester, there are always multiple vegetarian entrees available every night.

Parking is available across the street at Rochester Works.

The restaurant opened across from Salena's in June of 2007.

Comments:

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See Archive Page for comments prior to 2008.

2008-01-07 17:13:39   I had dinner there this past Friday. Had an early reservation due to plans later that evening and was a little concerned that we were the only ones in the place. But within 15 minutes of sitting down, the place came to life. My wife and I found the food to be terrific, and very creative. She had a scallop dish that was tasty and the duck breast I ordered was one of the better duck dishes I've had and it was prepared with a very flavorfull mushroom Risoto. The server was very knowledgeable about both the dinner menu and the wine list, which I agree with a previous review, was somwhat limited, particularly by the glass, but I think complimented the menu very well. We will definitely go back. —KevinHalpin

2008-01-14 15:44:54   I ate there on Friday night at 8pm. The Carpaccio was 1/4" thick and under seasoned. It essentially fell flat. The Duck was cooked to the proper temperature but it was sliced too early as all the juice was at the bottom of the plate. The baby pumpkin gnocchi were burned on one side and started to lose their form from overcooking. I liked the atmosphere and the combination ideas on the menu sounded very wonderful. I believe this experience fell flat due to poor execution from the Kitchen. I read all these other reviews and it makes me wonder if there was a new expediter in the Kitchen or if something had happened that night. Or maybe I just have a much higher idea of what "Fine Dining" is. I am comparing this restaurant to others I've been to in NYC like "The London, NYC" "Morimoto's" and "Craft Steak" to name a few. I hope the next time I try Lento, I have a completely different experience. If not, there will not be a third visit. —JaimeKilpatrick

2008-01-16 12:06:04   Went here for the second time last night. Were seated promptly, had to ask for a new bread plate as the one of the table was extremely greasy. Started with the cheese plate, asiago + stilton + another kind I forget. I had the skate...and it was simply amazing. Huge even, with capers, olives, balsamic glaze, caper berries, cranberry...just a great blend of sweet + salty. My partner had the wolffish, which he thoroughly enjoyed. As our plates were being taken back to the kitchen, so they could pack up the leftovers, we heard an extremely loud "F%$K!" Really? It was like watching 'Kitchen Nightmares.' I'd expect that at Applebee's...but it didn't ruin our meal. We had the profiteroles for dessert. Loved the coffee ice cream + hazelnut sauce...didn't care for the dried out pastry. We def know now to avoid the apps + any pastry desserts here. Entrees are always great. —MarcVera

2008-03-02 21:34:42   Our second visit was much better than the first one (look above). Service was great this time and the dishes were perfectly prepared. The portions are always very generous. I also spent some time studying the menu before going so I had a very clear understanding of Chef Arthur Rogers' idea of cuisine, this time: he likes strong flavors and contrasts. As I mentioned here and in other places, I'd rather prefer more balance and subtleties, but that's just my taste and I fully respect his ideas. Just be prepared! Desserts can be improved though. Have a look at my full review. —AndreaCogliati

2008-03-05 18:09:24   I attended the wine/menu pairing last week. Food was great and fresh and the wines were well paired. I found it odd that the table was resting beside the bar but it's not a huge deal, it just felt odd. The pork was excellent and probably my favorite pairing however, for the price ($90 per person,all inclusive), I would have liked something more. Both Bellini's and Biaggi's does pairings semi-annually for much cheaper and there is much more food. The server was unfortunately very busy attending to a much larger party with the pairing so she couldn't go too much into detail about the pairings and food but this was no fault of the servers - it's just how it happened to be. I always enjoy the fresh food though so I will be back. —NightlifeCher

2008-03-24 20:11:06   My husband and I went there this past Wednesday for the Dine-Out in support of AIDS Rochester. The food was delicious! Unfortunately, we thought Wednesday was vegetarian night, so we mostly had appetizers instead of entrees. We appreciated that the portions were perfect, just enough to eat everything, but not too much to make you feel stuffed. And the greyhound martini was the best I've ever had! Freshly squeezed...mmmm! —MelyssaLembke

2008-03-30 21:39:32   Lento will also be opening on Sundays starting on April 6 of this year, we will only be open for dinner. In addition we've added vegetarian (and usually at least one vegan) option for every night of the week! —ElizabethRidout

2008-04-09 08:06:52   I'm pleased to hear that you've expanded your vegetarian options. I was a little thrown by a response to one of my earlier comments, informing me that there isn't a market for fine vegetarian dining in Rochester. For your average fine dining fare, I'd agree, but for a variety of reasons there is substantial overlap between the locally-grown movement and the vegetarian lifestyle. Perhaps someday I'll be back to give Lento another try. —ChelseaAllinger

2008-04-09 10:00:37   Chelsea: I agree with you, when we first opened we were unaware of the extent of Rochester's vegetarian community. Expanding our vegetarian options to every night of the week has been one of the best decisions we have made and I would wholly encourage you to come back! We also offer 30% off of bottles of wine with dinner on Tuesdays and $1 Oysters on Wednesdays. —ElizabethRidout

2008-04-09 21:03:30   Ive enjoyed two meals at Lento now and the ambiance is enjoyable.

I think they executed the menu and place very well. —MrRochester

2008-04-15 23:05:49   I really enjoyed my dinner at Lento last week. I had a great French onion soup, spaghetti and meatballs (sounds like a boring choice, but it was really tasty) and cardamom ice cream for dessert, which was delicious. The service was friendly and the pace was relaxed (hence the name Lento.) I wrote a detailed review here. In summary, my appetizer and main course were good and my dessert was excellent. There were no problems with the service, and the ambiance is very nice. I'll definitely return. —RachelBlumenthal

2008-04-21 08:55:50   Have always had really good food here. Service has often been below par for a restaurant of this quality. —RobertDavid

2008-04-29 18:28:32   I had a great meal here recently, but I agree that the service was borderline awful. Our waiter was aloof and not particularly attentive. When I asked him about they way the monkfish entree was prepared, he proceeded to explain to me what monkfish is. (Thank you very much, but I am familiar with fish species!) If I'm paying this much for food, I expect servers to have some understanding of what they're serving. I'll give Lento another try, and I hope my expectations are met. Rochester certainly needs more restaurants that cater to die-hard foodies, and Lento is certainly on the right track. —DougPortman

2008-06-04 22:28:18   went last night with 3 girlfriends and had a fantastic time. The menu is varied and the food is presented well and is very tasty. The server was very friendly yet professional. We will return. —RocDiner

2008-07-10 20:38:18   I know this has been long overdue, but I would personally like to thank everyone who has come in to dine and has been spreading the word about Lento. A lot has happened over the past year and we are growing and evolving into a fine restaurant. I am thankful for all the comments and criticisms both positive and negative, they have helped make us a better restaurant. If you have not tried us in a while, or ever, I think you will be pleased by the improvements, especially in regards to service. With the hiring of Steven Rees as GM in the Winter he has worked tirelessly and without compromise to deliver the most hospitable, knowledgeable and friendly service we can. I would also like to thank the die hard Lento enthusiasts who want to know where their food is coming from and realize that all proteins and produce are not created equal and this and this alone is the reason for the high end prices. A special thanks to the vegetarians and vegans of Rochester, you understand more about the slow food movement than anyone, and with the state of factory meat production in America I can see why you made this decision. I would also like this time to suggest Lento as a restaurant to just grab an App and a glass of wine and not feel like you have to go all out and get a huge, expensive meal. Lento is also happy to split almost any dish and many can be done as half portions. Finally, I realize that many of you would like to meet and get to know the owner. I would also like to meet and thank my valued customers, please ask your servers and I will try to come out to your table. If it is too busy, I am behind the grill every night, pop your head back behind the line and introduce yourself. I am proud of my clean kitchen and have no problem meeting you there. There are no secrets at Lento either, so if you want a recipe or the info on a local farmer or producer just e-mail me <arty124 AT hotmail DOT com> and I will try to respond quickly. So thanks for a great first year and hopefully we will be around for many more. Art Rogers —ArtRogers

2008-07-14 16:18:10   Had a nice meal here last weekend. Bread was flavorful, but a bit dry. We ordered an appetizer of vegetables fried tempura-style. They were nice and firm, with just the right amount of batter, and a tangy honey-vinegar dip.
My entree was grilled duck breast covered in berry sauce alongside crepes filled with smashed peas, herbs, and duck. The duck breast was cooked to a perfect medium, with a nice bold but not gamey flavor. The crepes were an excellent blend of flavors.
My companion ordered canneloni filled with feta and vegetables. The cheese and vegetable filling was nicely balanced. The tomato sauce was superb, with a very present taste of fresh tomatoes.
For dessert I had a slice of blueberry pie, which was a nice finish to the meal. My companion ordered ice-cream with a bourbon sauce that came on a HUGE slice of brownie. She found the brownie to be a bit bitter, but I liked the strong chocolate taste.
Service was polite and well-timed. Nice decor and layout. Two entrees, two appetizers, two desserts, coffee, and a bottle of wine came to around $110 - quite reasonable. —EastSideStephen

2008-07-25 14:14:31   Went on Wednesday night for their 3-course "taste of" menu featuring Morocco. I won't gush, since I already wrote a long review, but this was a great deal for only $25. In addition to the food, I think this is one of the most well-run restaurants at which I have dined. The staff are all excellent, and really know the menu/pairings. —EastSideStephen

2008-07-28 15:46:18   Had a fantastic dinner here with three friends. Service was polite, knowledgeable, and attentive. Dishes were well presented, creative, and generous. Drinks were imaginative. Desserts were amazing and easily large enough to split. I would unhesitatingly recommend this place, especially when you want to impress out of town guests with the gastronomic bounty of Upstate New York. —JasonHaremza

2008-07-30 12:09:04   We love this restaurant - this was our 5th visit. We took our chef son who was very impressed. The food was cooked to perfection and the presentation was flawless. The service was relaxed - there was just enough time between appetizers and entrees and we did not feel rushed. The only negative about this place is there is a very limited wine menu. We'll be back! —SueZee

2008-08-12 13:28:09   This is a wonderfully unique and refreshing experience. All the food is local and grown without chemicals or hormones. How and where can you eat better than that? The variety of dishes offered is staggering: fish flown in fresh every day, pasta dishes with homemade pasta, locally grown veggies, eggs, chicken & beef. Even in the winter, this talented chef uses the freshest ingredients available. To top it all off, the serving staff is beyond reproach. They'll do everything possible to make your dining experience superior to any you've had before. The delightful and varied wine list rivals any restaurant in the area. I plan to return again and again. —JaneDever

2008-08-24 16:10:36   Ate here last month. The service was at crawl speed. The prices do not match the quality or service. Charging NYC prices for subpar food and service. Was seated near the door leading to the outside dining area. Continuous parade of customers entering the restaurant via this door. Should be labeled better as to appropriate entrance. My duck entree was overcooked as far as duck breast goes. Didn't not send it back as it took an eternity to get it. —jmw2323

2008-08-25 12:28:47   My family and I have been to Lento four times in the last two months or so. We are all vegetarians and are delighted to have a white tablecloth option with creative and tasty food. We found the service to be attentive and great overall. The food is prepared well and is imaginative. We plan on returning as much as our budget allows. —RxScabin

2008-09-07 13:44:04   A little pricey however for us the service was good and the food was very good. Won't be here all the time but for a nice meal out we'd definitely go again. —DottieHoffmann

2008-10-27 16:05:40   Enjoyed dining at Lento for the second time this past weekend. The wait staff seemed excited and knowledgable about the menus, both food and drink. The meals were large and outstanding. Prices are certainly up there, but for a very special night out, there is no better place in Rochester. —BGR

2008-11-17 14:44:53   Had a wonderful meal there this past Saturday and was incredibly impressed. We LIKE to take our time eating and do not want to feel rushed, and we found that the waitstaff were knowledgeable about the product they were serving, and had an appropriate amount of friendliness without it being too much. Pre-dinner cocktails were inventive and delicious. We shared a cheese plate (Three NY cheeses - loved the Red Mech) and then I had the lamb stew and my guest ordered the pheasant. Prepared perfectly, the portions are significantly larger than you would expect in a restaurant of this caliber. The restaurant was appropriately busy without being packed, which created a nice ambience. Wine selection was superb, and Stephen helped us choose a wine that paired well with what we were eating. When we were finished, they called us a cab. Excellent service, and definitely NOT overpriced, considering what you are getting, in our opinion. Entrees were between $12 and $30, which covers a large range. This is true local fine-dining, and something that we have not seen in many of the cities we have visited. Rochester should be very proud to have something this unique and this eco-friendly available. Lists of the farmers that supplied produce to them are on the back of the menu, and they have "meet the farmer" nights. If you want fast and cheap with huge portions, go elsewhere. If you want really GOOD fine-dining, with true local seasonal fare, then seriously try this out. —StuartDavis

2008-12-23 15:11:43   Nice place, quiet and clean environment. Our waiter was very peppy and helpful. Meal was good too. Arrived in a timely manner and was delicious. They have great creme brulee. —SaRoyal

2009-01-24 10:21:16   Probably the best food I have had in Rochester. The place has an intimate feel even though it is not that small. The service was excellent, and the menu was very unique for Rochester. Please support this place! —JaredStrohl

2009-02-22 08:46:59   We've been many (maybe a dozen) times. Our experiences at Lento have never been anything other than stellar. Certainly one of our if not our very favorite restaurant in Rochester. Fantastic local wine list, inventive, seasonal cuisine that consistently arrives at your table the way the chef intended. Our servers are always attentive and often go above and beyond the call (our last server was downright adorable and when she forgot my wife's cappuccino and brought it promptly to the table insisted on not charging for either of ours). Still not convinced of exceptional service? This is how the matrie 'd accommodated us one night when our reservation had been "lost" at another nearby restaurant: found us browsing Bop Shop records after we had finished our glass of wine at the bar, came and got us, apologized profusely that we had to wait 45 instead of 30 minutes and comped our wine. And the desert complaints? De gustibus non est disputandum. I find them exceptional and often dislike the syrupy-sweet concoctions found on most desert menus. When company visits and expects a good meal this is always the first place we take them to. —RochesterGuy

2009-04-08 07:31:11   We have been to Lento several times and it is one of the best restaurants in Rochester. Went there last night for $1 oysters - great deal, and great oysters. We have never been less than satisfied with any of their food. Service is great as well. Desserts are to die for. Last night we had a cardoman creme brulee which was amazing - their ice creams are great as well. I would highly recommend Lento. —goldengirl217

2009-04-08 14:20:25   Lento is the place to go for a nice meal when you'd like to converse with your dinner companion(s). I love the decor with exposed brick walls, wood beams and white table clothes. I've tried the prix fixe dinner, carnivore menu selections, and Thursday vegetarian menu and have enjoyed them all. The portion sizes are perfect...you'll want to clear your plate because it is so good - but won't feel too stuffed afterwords. —EllenKelsey

2009-04-09 23:01:14   I finally tried Lento tonight with a group of friends after having drooled over the online menu for months. We went later than regular dinner hours so the setting was very calm but even so our table was set and we were promptly and comfortably seated (for 8). Not only were we promptly greeted, but we were greeted by the general manager himself who encouraged and clarified the Thursday night Vegetarian special for college students. I wasn't expecting such friendly treatment from an upscale restaurant (being a poor college student) and was even a little anxious to try Lento but I was very pleased with this greeting. The food was good, I had the sweet potato tamales that were offered on the vegetarian menu and a friend of mine had the gnocchi in spinach, radish and mascarpone sauce. Although the food was quite good, I do agree that it seemed to be trying too hard to be creative by throwing together a lot of (sometimes overpowering) ingredients, so I would hope to see some more clarified and supported flavors in the future. I very much enjoyed my experience and can't wait to go again. —JaredDavis

2009-04-15 21:06:20   I've been waiting to try Lento and the $1 oysters gave us the perfect excuse. We were very pleased with the visit from start to finish- the decor is very upscale but not pretentious, the servers are attentive, knowledgeable and friendly, the food delicious and fresh. My two companions had oysters which they enjoyed and each also had a spring roll appetizer which was also very fresh and tasty. I had chicken served over beans and it was fantastic. We all shared the apple crisp dessert. It lived up to our expectations and then some. We will most certainly be back. Highly recommended. —ShawnaLusk

2009-05-31 00:09:44   Love it!!! My husband and I went this eve. for dinner. It was fantastic!!
Duck Pate was outstanding.
Does anyone know who their rabbit supplier (farmer) is by chance? Looking for rabbit to cook @ home.
I plan in taking my in- laws when they come to visit from Australia.
Great job, keep it up

—GretaKat

2009-05-31 10:59:53   Rabbit comes from Saturn Farms in Penfield. Their information is on the Lento website.

Charlie R. —CharlieRogers

2009-06-09 10:55:31   Went there this past Saturday (6/6/09) with a friend. Even though we arrived 15 minutes early for our reservation, we were seated immediately - even with the restaurant being moderately full. Service was attentive, but not pushy. The waitstaff kept a watchful eye on us as we dined, but did not interrupt us. Our waitress even waited to take our orders until there was an appropriate break in conversation.

My friend has very specific dining requirements, and as such, she relayed them to our waitress. The waitress checked with the kitchen staff, and quickly came back with options for her. I was quite impressed. I decided to try the rabbit cannelloni, and was not disappointed. My friend's tamales were also fantastic.

I would highly recommend Lento to anyone looking for a high-end dining experience, while still trying to be as good to the earth as possible. Hats off to everyone at Lento for this! —AdamLynch

2009-08-25 02:53:44   I'm vegetarian while my girlfriend is not, and we both love it. Their veg options are creative and enticing rather than after-thoughts like at most other fine-dining establishments. The ambiance and service is classy. The indian-spiced carrot cake with cream cheese ice cream and pistachio butter is one of the best desserts I've ever eaten. —JustinKramer

2009-08-26 15:11:44   Love this place. Great service, innovative menus and great drinks. I asked the waiter about our coctail and he sent the bartender over to tell me how to make it at home, so nice! I would go there for any special occasion. My huband's lamb stew was amazing and my vegan empenadas were to die for! —CrissiH

2009-11-09 21:03:25   Lento is our favorite restaurant. When we lived in Rochester, we went whenever we had a special occasion to celebrate, and we never had a bad meal there. The wait staff is excellent and very knowledgeable, their menu is exciting and dynamic (it always changes, you can never get bored!) and the prices are amazingly reasonable for the quality of meal you receive. We recently got married in Rochester, and made the excellent choice of having Lento host our wedding reception. They did an incredible job, and it was the PERFECT place to have our reception. We have sinced moved away from Rochester, but we have made a pact to always get a meal at Lento whenever we are in town.

If you are in the mood for an amazing, seasonal meal, go to Lento!!!!

-jon and caty —JonHusson

2009-11-24 10:33:02   My girlfriend and I dined here last week to celebrate our three-year anniversary—our first experience with Lento. It was a perfect venue for the occasion. The setting made for lovely conversation— low lighting, plenty of space between tables, soft-playing live guitar. The service was wonderful—attentive and very cordial— and so was the meal. The Wednesday night wine special (two dollar glasses) helped take some of the sting out of the check. We are already planing to go back. —JeffreyL

2009-12-27 11:39:52   After enjoying Lento several times in the past we were frankly disappointed with the food last evening when we went to celebrate my wife's birthday. The Verdura Mista was fresh and light, allowing the taste of the vegetables to shine through. The yellowtail in the daily crudo was delicate but needed a touch of acid to bring out its full flavor. My lambchops were quite underdone, while the 1/4 inch thick polenta cake was pretty meager for the $30 price of the entree. My wife's entree was probably the most disappointing: the John Dory was nicely cooked and presented but the crab risotto underneath was strong and "fishy" and the garlic sauteed rappini on the side was so bitter it was inedible. My wines were the highlight of the evening. We enjoy the setting and the service, but will probably not rush back for a while after last night's experience. —JGerek

2010-01-10 11:23:59   One of the best in town. If you want steak then Max's Chop, if you want fine dining then Max's East or Tournedos. If you want organic, locally sourced food that is fresh and healthy then Lento. It is the best of its type and one of the best in town without doubt. —sieats