| Location |
| 282 Alexander Street |
| Hours |
| (Please fill in hours) |
| Phone |
| (585)244-8680 |
| Website |
![[WWW]](https://rocwiki.org/wiki/eggheadbeta/img/sycamore-www.png){kind=small} http://www.theriobamba.com |
This restaurant is a lovely formal place - I'd call it the best "fancy" restaurant in Rochester. It's a little slower than some upscale restaurants, and it's a little heavier than the best ones. The Chef, Jay Cohen, who'd be at home in a five star NYC restaurant, has recently listened to these criticisms, and is beginning to retool the restaurant a bit to address them. I'd recommend it if you want to go to a "fancy" restaurant here, though I prefer Max of Eastman Place, which is a bit more casual, and has the best food of any place in the city.
UPDATE - Jay Cohen has heard these and other complaints, and has redesigned the restaurant! It is now Bamba Bistro, same location, but he's made the food a bit lighter and healthier, while still maintaining his style, and the restaurant is now much faster. On a recent visit, I was reminded of one other problem with the place - the acoustics of the dining room are terrible when it's crowded, because of the shape of the ceiling. I have a feeling that a few thumb tacks placed in the right places would make it much better. But aside from the acoustics, I can now recommend Rio Bamba as one of the two nicest restaurants in Rochester (I still have a slight preference for Mac of Eastman Place, but that's just a personal preference). I heartily endorse Bamba Bistro.
