Rella Oysters

Went right at opening and the owner and staff were taste testing dishes for the evening. It was great to see how much the owner and staff cared about the food.. Lily was the server and she was knowledgeable on the wine and food selection. I noticed they do allow bringing your own wine if that interests you. The oysters came predressed, which I didn't like at first but changed my mind once I ate, just don't put lemon on the vinegar dressed ones! Mussels were awesome, could've drank the broth. Octopus was actually a pasta dish served in a red sauce, doesn't say this on the menu, I only ordered because I saw the staff sample it. The clams looked amazing but was unfortunately too full to try. All in all great experience and will be back!

Fresh seafood centric dishes. I would recommend the clams in curry broth with a side of rolls! The location is small which creates a fun environment but it isn't great for medium-large groups. Also, the menu is small so it may be worth taking a look before going to make sure everyone finds something.

Rella is so special. A gem of a place in Rochester. Every time I’ve been there, the food and service are phenomenal (Diana is especially wonderful!). Go on a weekday and cozy up to the bar with a dozen oysters and a bottle of wine. Order the shrimp sliders, the daily special, and the butterscotch budino. This is a place to just eat and be - and it’s beautiful.

I was just visiting and I don’t know the standards of food in Rochester, but I would say the food here was good. Not great. Overall, I would say give this place a try. The menu options were interesting and simple. Most of what I tired was pretty flavorful. I liked the chowder and the shrimp slider. I didn’t care for the risotto or the olive bread and fig dessert. The service was good and it was nice interacting with the chef’s. If I lived here I would probably give it one more try.

The food was flavorful and fulling without feeling heavy afterwards. Oysters were fresh and delicious. Wonderful customer service. The restaurant gave a home like feeling with the open kitchen. Definitely recommend and will be coming back.

Food was okay, the octopus pasta was solid. The shrimp sliders were alright, a bit bland and I was a little disappointed that for $20 it doesn't even come with something like handcut fries or any other side option , just chips out of a bag, feels very lazy to me. I know that seafood is costly, but if you're gonna charge those prices more effort should be put into the dishes. Overall I probably wouldn't go back.

Worth every one if it's five stars. The service was amazing and attentive with each server listening to us chat about our lives as they brought us each dish as it finished in the kitchen. The dishes themselves were full of flavor and the best that I've had of each of them. I personally thought the oysters were the best I've had our of NYC and would be happy to have them every time I visit. The clam chowder was more buttery and less creamy than other versions but the butter and salt added to the in the shell clams and salmon in such a way that brought the dish from great to an experience. The shrimp sliders were fantastic, a perfect blend if shrimp, mayo, cucumber, celery, lemon, and dill to make a refreshing delightful treat. The seafood risotto was one of the cheesiest I've ever had having pesto dance on the plate with lobster, each happily holding their own combined with the parmesan. I will absolutely be back every time I'm in Rochester. The service makes you feel like family and the food makes you feel like you've found a home.

Absolutely incredible. We got nearly everything on the menu (sharing with the table) and every dish was better than the last. Seriously fabulous and 💯 worth the wait! We almost never leave reviews. It's that good.

We absolutely loved this place! Came here for date night and made reservations the day before. You get to sit at the counter and watch them prepare and cook all the food right in front of you. It was such a fun experience and quite impressive given how small the space is. My favorite dish was the New England Chowder Style Fish Soup. It was so fresh and flavorful. The cod tasted so good with the potatoes, carrots, onions and parsley. All of our dishes were prepared by a very friendly lady who immigrated from the DR. Everything tasted incredible and we left feeling very satiated. Definitely can't wait to come back! Would recommend making reservations beforehand since there's only space for ~16 ppl.

This is our second time at Rella! It always scratches that seafood itch! This time we started with a millionaire chowder - if you're not a fan of seafood chowder this may be a great option as it is a chicken based chowder. It was creamy and well portioned even for two of us sharing. We then opted for the littleneck clams, which was served with chorizo. The broth/soup was perfect to dip some house rolls! We then ended with our favorite thing on the menu - the shrimp sliders, well seasoned and served with a side or chips For dessert we had the lovely, rich budino. A cup of coffee on the side hit the spot! What I truly love about this place is the transparency - the cook is right in front of you! You can see them working meticulously to put together our shrimp sliders or the octopus salad if that's your fancy I love how cozy it is yet bright and vibrant. Highly recommend this spot!

Really small place where everyone has to sit at the bar. Attentive service since you're always literally facing the server. Not the most comfortable seating but it does have a certain ambiance. Food was good but not distinctive. Foie Gras was very rich but not as flavorful. Seemed like it was prepared previously. But the presentation was nice. Seafood chowder had plenty of white fish and some salmon, potatoes were nicely sliced but the chowder wasn't very thick and more runny. Disappointed at the limited menu and had expected more.

Amazing... I felt like I was in a big city! All the seating is at the bar... You are able to make a reservation. We had at the corner, which was nice because we could face each other sort of. The food is all shareable and portions are generous Service is low pressure but smooth Drinks were great We chatted with a couple next to us and ordered more food based on their recommendation. You will not be disappointed!

First off, the Shrimp Sliders are excellent. They feature sweet and tangy rock shrimp on a fresh buttery roll. You would be remiss to go without a try. The rest of dishes are solid. And I'll be honest, I have not had the oysters so I can't speak to them. The atmosphere leaves a little to be desired, with some clashing decor, but the service was friendly and timely. Definitely worth a stop if you like seafood!

Their food was very good! They are perfect for appetizers! I love the way how they did with sauce for both appetizers. Absolutely delicious! The service was friendly and enjoyable!

Really cool ambience in here. Great food. We went at 9:15 at night on a Saturday and had the whole place to ourselves. If you're not going late, you need reservations, it's very small. We got oysters and risotto. The sausage risotto was incredible!! We split it between two of us and ate the whole thing. The cocktails were beautiful and delish too. Highly Recommend this place. Even if you don't like seafood they had some good options.

Service: Incredible service! The waitress put our information down for walk-ins and called us when spots opened up. She was also patient and welcoming, and very willing to give recommendations & explanations about the different dishes Ambience: The restaurant was pretty small and the decor felt romantic and intimate. Perfect for a date night. Only issue is that due to the space limitation, you can be a bit too close to people sitting next to you and it wasn't the most comfortable. Food: the bread rolls was very delicious! However the rest were just okay. I ordered the clam pot roast and the clam wasn't thoroughly cleaned. There were sand particles in some of the clams. The taste of the pot roast was also just okay. The spaghetti my sister ordered was a bit better and the shrimp was really fresh. Still it wasn't among the best I've had.

I've never had a dining experience quite like this before! I was in town to celebrate my friend's birthday and she really wanted to come here for dinner; she raves about how good it is so we decided to give it a go. Normally, seafood is not my first choice but I ventured out of my comfort zone with the Portuguese clam chowder and the seafood salad fra diavalo. Both were excellent. The flavor profiles of both were out of this world, I would never normally order either of these things but the way in which they were prepared made me so happy I gave them a shot. My friend ordered some vegetarian-friendly options: the butternut squash salad and the accompaniments that came with the salmon dish (veggies, curry potato salad, and yogurt sauce). I snagged a bite of each and, again, they were delicious. Just something to note: they currently do not take reservations and since it is exclusively bar-style seating, they seat everyone on the list at once and do a full service. We weren't able to get in right when they opened at 5 but snagged a spot in their 6:30 service. I don't know if the three services a night are exclusive to weekends, but I might suggest coming when they're less busy during the week to ensure you get a taste of all the deliciousness!

Echoing the thoughts of my fellow reviewers and Rochesterians that have been lucky enough to enjoy this beautiful haven's food, vibe, hospitality, and ambiance. Whatever you hope to get out of a perfect dining experience, you can come to Rella to find it. It's no shock that the team that brought us Rocco is also delivering in a big way in this new venture - the commitment to incredibly well-crafted food and humanized service is as apparent here as it is at it's sister restaurant. Let's start with the food! It's just...flawless? Everything that came out somehow topped the thing before it. My dining partner and I were there to get AFTER it, and we did just that. 6 oysters, sliders, chowder, risotto, and a bottle of prosecco later, we were stunned by the thoughtfulness of each dish. The chowder is the most surprising and delightful! Packed with flavor, a nice kick, and made to order. The slider rolls are next level. The prices are all VERY reasonable and the experience left us feeling like ~ballers~ without a huge hit to the wallet. Everything here is exposed and curated to fit their "open kitchen" (the restaurant IS the kitchen and the kitchen IS the restaurant so does that still count as open kitchen...?) You see it all happening as it is happening! The space if beautifully appointed with vintage flair and the kind of individuality that gives you a glimpse into the spirit of the person who put it together. Special vibes and a lot to look at! My last piece of advice on making the most of this experience is to save room for dessert! We tried a bite of Chef's cornbread ice cream and I almost passed out. Next level creamy/flavor goodness. I will never go anywhere else for delicious seafood again, and I can't wait to continue supporting this intimate and beautiful space for years to come. Open for takeout and dine in! Make a reservation!

This is a very small venue with bar seating only. You should definitely make reservations to ensure a seat. Finding the number for reservations is a little difficult but you end up calling Rocco's which is next door. The chowder was the best I've ever had! Filled with huge chunks of seafood and amazing flavor. We ordered 3 plates for the 2 of us and each one was delicious.

I'm not gonna lie I miss the old Rella with the original chef's creative menu. I thought I'd give the new Rella a try. The food was good and well prepared but the creativity and energy of the experience were missing. Instead of rock shrimp sliders there are now smoked salmon sliders, the rolls were denser. There was an absence of creative salads. We did get the shrimp louis which was a salad but the wedge of iceberg was not awe worthy. The oysters are still good as ever. We ordered the chocolate pie which wasn't completely set in the center but had nice flavor.

This is such a quaint little place where everyone sits at the bar. Service is always great, food is delicious and fresh, and you watch is being made as you sit there!

The first time I went here, and let me tell you I was not disappointed at all! In this tiny 18-seat restaurant, the food can and will blow you away. Everyone knows that seafood is only good when it's fresh and stored properly. No soaking in water nonsense, you store it properly so it doesn't lose its flavor. Rella was absolutely doing it correctly. Everything was seasoned perfectly, the dressings and the sauces were made to compliment the seafood, not fight with it and not overwhelm it. I was so obsessed with the oysters that I bookended my entire meal with them. A few at the beginning and a few at the end. Everyone should come here at one point or another, and try as much of the menu as possible. Everything was very reasonably priced considering the quality and I will be returning again and again.

We had a really good time at Rella! You CAN make a reservation, although I think most people in the community don't realize this! We made a reservation which was very helpful since they have very little seating (just at the bar where you can see in to the kitchen). The menu is very small and I think, changes frequently. The food was really really good. Sort of like upscale bar food. Our favorites were the oysters (and oysters with tuna), the shrimp louie salad, and the egg salad sandwiches with smoked salmon. I know it doesn't sound special, but it is very elevated. My one complaint is that I don't feel like that they are great with allergies. The waiter didn't seem to know 100% or feel like he needed to ask the chefs, which would have been helpful. I will say though everything we got was really good and the experience was really unique!

Wow this place is amazing, one of the best places to eat in Rochester. Make sure to make reservations as this is a VERY intimate place, only seats 12. My husband and I enjoyed the pasta special, chilled fettuccini with a lemon sauce and crab with cucumbers-yum! We also split the shrimp sliders which, come on the most delicious homemade rolls. The service was amazing, kind and very prompt. We will definitely plan to go here again and again and again.

Little local spot that I found out about from friends. No reservations, no website, and no sign on the window. A rotating seafood based menu, wine and beer (no cocktails) and a 15 seat bar setup. We got there right at 5pm, when they opened, and grabbed two seats. We tried several menu items and we were happy with everything. Sometimes, with seafood in the Roc, portion sizes are disappointing for the price. Not so here, we found the portions generous and filling. They also had a few dessert options not on the menu. And we split a flan with cornbread ice cream (which was strangely yummy). I will say, get here early if you want a seat! And come with an empty stomach!

Great Food in a super casual setting. Seating at bar and eating food made in front of you, well done

An incredible way to celebrate my birthday at Rella. First time and absolutely loved it! Limited seating so make a reservation. We got there early to be safe. Started with oysters and added two specials. The sashimi scallop on the oyster was amazing! The rest were great but that was out of this world. Next was a fresh calamari salad. Could've been one my grandmother made in the summer but the calamari made it feel like I was eating a salad on the Mediterranean Sea! After that was mussels calabrese. Also delish with a little bite. These do have chorizo and might have it the next time without but still amazing. I did not leave a drop of broth!! Last was "spaghettios" and shrimp. Look like the original but made for an adult!! Little round pasta a little bigger than what's in the can but these were fresh and cooked perfectly Al dente in a very smooth mild slightly creamy sauce with perfectly cooked shrimp. So so good. Absolutely loved it. First time but I will be back often!! You should too. Just leave me a seat. :)

This is not a dinner venue. There is one long "table" which is like a long bar that everyone sits and eats at. The chairs are like barstools but they are awkward and uncomfortable. There is not air conditioning or proper ventilation. It is very uncomfortable. The staff is kind and friendly but the space is just uncomfortable. The small menu options are more like snack food than dinner. I went there today and spent 77 dollars not including the tip and left still having to go find myself some dinner.

Charming little restaurant with less than 20 bar seats. There is a casual/smart environment. We walked in early on a weekday evening and were easily able to snag some seats. Of note, if you are in a hurry, I would not recommend coming here (dishes come out one at a time as they are made). We tried several different dishes including foie gras, clams + paid for supplemental bread (rolls), and got rock shrimp sliders. Everything was made slowly, carefully and with love. We enjoyed the foie gras, which came with a salad and some crostini, though it was a little pricey. The rock shrimp sliders were delicious (and apparently a staple). I wish we were not recommended to get bread with the clams, as we were very full by then (as the entrees come out one at a time, which can really fill you up). In addition, though the rolls were beautiful and hot, it was not the right accompaniment to the clams (a crusty crostini or french bread slice is what I would expect, over sweet rolls). The clams were tasty and we heard the sauce was seasonal (I personally felt the cream base was a bit heavy and would have preferred a garlic lemon but am glad I tried it). It was fun to see all the dishes being made and would be a great date spot. Would come back if we are craving seafood.

Absolutely in love with this cozy spot. The space is intimate and you get a front row seat to your meal being prepped. I loved the oysters and their unique mignonettes. The spaghetti-o's were also delicious. The real show stopper was their special - the lobster Louie. My god. So good. I cannot wait to return.

This place was absolutely delicious and one of my new favorite restaurants in Rochester. We sat outside in the grassy area around the restaurant. The waiter was incredibly nice and gave us a free tequila shot at one point! We got the rock shrimp sliders, the oysters, and the baby octopus. The sliders especially were so tasty, and everything was light yet filling. The oysters were so flavorful as well. I would 100% recommend this restaurant to anyone in Rochester

shrimp sliders a1. very unique ambiance, see the food as it is made. best seafood in Rochester in my very humble opinion. let's get it

What a gem! This place has a pre covid San Francisco vibe with it's intimate setting and charming staff. The food was super fresh and tasted like we were sitting on the dock of the bay getting ready to go sailing. The salad made me a little more full than I had intended on being because we also ordered the slider and clams. Definitely come hungry because everything was equally as delicious. I'm looking forward to going back and trying as much of the menu as I can.

Great environment. People really nice and the food is amazing. Everything was great. Made some new friends there so definitely I'll be going back. Awesome place

The food is amazing, but I would not recommend Rella to those with dietary restrictions. I assume because the menu changes frequently the staff do not know the ins and outs of all the ingredients. I am on a strict gluten-free diet and have to be careful about cross-contamination. I informed the server and he walked me through my options on the menu. Unfortunately his knowledge focused on the big things (protein and grains) and half of the dishes we ordered had some sort of questionable (cocktail sauce with unknown ingredients) or straight-up gluteny (canned friend onions) ingredient/garnish/sauce when they arrived. I may try again and be more vigilant about asking questions. The quality of the food and ambience are amazing so will make it worth it.

First time at Rella and I loved the experience. I think the small space with only bar seating added to the experience as it allowed me to watch the chefs work. I tried the cucumber cream ale which is a different, refreshing beer. The aftertaste is slightly bitter with the cucumber kicking through. For my party of three, we ordered 4 items on the menu which sufficiently filled our bellies. While I loved all the items we tried, my favorite would be the duck which was cookies to perfection with an amazing hazelnut sauce. Other items I would strongly recommend is the rock shrimp sliders. It was sandwiched by buttery, sweet, soft buns. The pasta with shrimp curry is good as well. The curry is not over powering. Of note, they do not take reservations and only payment by card.

I'm so glad I dined here last night! It's a small restaurant tucked into the corner of a building and seems to have bar seating only. The waitress, Diana, was so welcoming and we had a nice conversation. The mussels in the Calabrian chili sauce were fantastic; so much flavor and not too spicy. I sopped up the broth with the rolls, which were large, fluffy and super delicious. This place was so charming and I will absolutely return!

Took the advice here and Lyft instead. We arrived around 6 pm on a Thursday with freezing temp. Besides us, there were about 6 other patrons. There are 16 seats numbered inside the counter. Foods were gently cooked in steam-heated containers that have a faucet for easy clean-up; the oven is small. The menu is highly curated and seafood forward so that everything is prepared and ready for assembly and cooking, which the chefs do in front of you and serve. All of these make it possible for an open kitchen because no oil or smoke would be produced there. We shared grilled baby octopus, seafood salad, roasted fingerlings and olive oil cake. My biggest surprise was the seafood salad for its portion. Every dish was a harmony of textures and flavors. The baby octopus had a warm and hearty tomato-cabbage broth. The seafood salad had bright fruity basil dressing and the shrimp and calamari were tender. Roasted fingerling included radishes in two ways: the greens and the radish. The goat cheese and roasted red bell pepper sauce blended well together against the creamy potatoes and crunchy radishes. The olive oil cake was toasted warm and served with dollops of light citrus-y whipped cream.

Great ambiance and fabulous cocktails! Our server was friendly and engaging. We stopped by on a Sunday afternoon and had a good time.

Ok I enjoy this concept, only 15-18 bar seats, no reservations and it's cashless (so bring your credit/debit cards) This is part of restaurant group that brings us Rocco (a stellar place) This place is excellent and does reminds me of some places in Italy and a few places in the San Francisco Area. So on with the review. Cruz and his team are cranking out some seriously awesome seafood and what I like is it's a small/:limited menu which I would rather have less that's stellar than a bunch that's subpar. I will say you MUST GET the Rock Shrimp Sliders it's put on some toasted brioche buns that I am thinking they get from a local bakery sorry I forgot to ask. If you loves a Lobster Roll you will absolutely love this. I came with a friend and we ordered a bunch of things and having an order of those sliders and just eating one was enough. If all you order is this you will be set. It's rich, luscious and decedent YUM. Also a must get is the Peach and Camembert Salad with Pistachio Nuts. I believe the peaches were grilled as the Camembert was oozing it's goodness all over for a sweet and salty/savory bite. They have excellent oysters we should have gotten a dozen but my accomplice in food is not a fan of them but these changed her mind. They were from Massachusetts and excellent with the tart mignonette sauce lightly dressed on them and one had a fabulous house made cocktail sauce with a great fresh bite of horseradish. We also got the Potato and Smoked Salmon Salad. This sounded tasty with that and the fresh vegetables in it and radish and a vinaigrette, but.. unfortunately the potatoes although cut at the same size some were under done and it was one of those things that some were softer and some tasted like they were not cooked at all. I'm just telling you.. so don't yell. It was a tasty salad except for that. The Smoked Salmon was silky and luscious I would guess in all honesty they smoke it themselves? It's one of those things I could just eat your own for real. We did not do desert we went elsewhere as we were doing a progressive type of dinner. But we got to talk to Cruz he's a really good guy and it's so obvious he knows what he's doing other chefs have nothing but praise for this young chef. The other staff helping out and serving us wine and etc was excellent and the wine list as well as the menu is small but perfectly curated for the seafood experience. We had Rose' it was a great counter point to the salty/sweet/briny flavors and Rose' for some can be sweet this was a dry and pleasant Rose'. We did get a spoon of wait for it Potato Chip Ice Cream... YUM! Now you are probably saying to yourself "Um Jen why not a five star review" If you read enough of my reviews you will know I'll let you know about parking and here it's a pain as it's off Monroe and Marshall and it's street/residential so everyone is fighting for a space or Uber it kids. Second get there when they open yes we arrived at 4:55 they open @5 four people were already at the bar, NO RESERVATIONS. I'd say come as early as you can.. also Cruz took names and numbers this is not a place to linger; this is not the reason for the 4.5 I wish I could give. It's got NO AIR CONDITIONING. I understand this is a premium but this is why certain places I won't go to until fall/winter/early spring when it's not hot. It may turn some off..also they serve seafood so.. I don't know. Does it live up to they hype food wise yes, Cruz is talented and his staff is great. I would be interested in seeing how things progress. All in all 4.5 you can tell me to bite it but GO ITS WORTH THE TRIP. Cheers! I for sure will be back.

This was an incredible dining experience that left me feeling transported to an oasis. The space is super intimate seating 15-18 at a bar top. I went on a Monday and was seated immediately. There was a steady stream of patrons but at no point a major wait. I ordered a sampling of the menu and was impressed by the freshness of the seafood and creative flavors. Additionally, the staff was incredibly attentive and knowledgeable. I ordered the raw oysters, rock shrimp sliders, shrimp pasta, and seafood salad. I would order the exact same! Although everything was delicious the absolute knockouts were the sliders and shrimp pasta. Can't wait to return and try dishes from their ever changing seasonal menus.

Rella is unlike any other Rochester dining experience right now. You should 100% go there ASAP. The service is incredible, and even better, the chefs are also the front of house! The kitchen is open and seating is limited (about 16 seats). The seating is around a long checkmark-shaped bar that surrounds the open kitchen area. It's really fun to see the food being prepared and interacting with the chefs, and the food itself is AWESOME. From what I gather, the menu also changes regularly which makes it exciting to plan a return trip! We got 6 oysters to start, which were super fresh and simply prepared. Delicious. We followed with the Butternut Squash Salad... and let me tell you, that was the best salad I've ever had. There were crispy and creamy elements, and the flavors blended so beautifully. Plus, that salad was gorgeous to look at! For main dishes, we got the Rock Shrimp Sliders, the Sesame Duck, and the Baby Octopus. Each course was different, but everything was incredibly fresh and balanced! My husband and I both loved everything, but for him the Sesame Duck was the winner and for me it was the Baby Octopus. The Rock Shrimp Sliders are everything you want in a seafood slider- fresh seafood, just the right amount of seasoning and mayo, and nice buttery and garlicky rolls. Everything was plated so carefully too, and the experience was even more impressive because just 3 people were doing all the work! Things flowed seamlessly throughout our dinner, and the chefs were chatting with people, communicating with each other, and putting out truly fantastic food. I didn't even get pictures of everything because we couldn't wait to dig in! This was one of the best meals we've had in a while, and we can't wait to go back. Thanks to Chef Cruz and the whole team!

We ate here last night and LOVED our experience. It's bar seating only, only about 15 chairs. No reservations are taken and it felt like no air conditioning. We spent 3 weeks in Italy last year so to us, if you aren't sweating it's not authentic! The portions are on the smaller side but priced appropriately. We shared our dishes and it suited us. The menu is small and thoughtful. The staff is super knowledgeable about the wine list and ingredients in the menu items. The chef said the menu changes almost daily to what's fresh so being in the middle of August, corn was in most dishes. The calamari salad was awesome! It had fresh herbs and I believe shaved fennel. The calamari rings were tiny and not chewy in the slightest. It's served cold and I wish we had ordered two! The pasta dish was also insanely enjoyable. The fresh grilled corn was sweet and slurp worthy. The pasta shape was unique and complemented the shrimp which was cooked perfectly. The flan was recommended by the server which isn't normally my favorite, but we really liked it! The coffee ice cream was the star of the dish which is made in house. We can't wait to go back, especially knowing the menu changes to what is fresh and in season!

My fiancé and I were looking for a place to eat dinner and we wanted to try something new. I wasn't expecting something so unique. The restaurant is on the smaller size but it is just one large bar for seating. It looks like it could seat about 15 people. Everyone shares the same eating platform. It is a cute bar and even has little cubbies for your things built into the side. Their alcohol menu is limited but has great options. Their entrees are also limited but each dish is made special from the chef. My fiancé wanted oysters so he ordered those. Everything else we shared. We ordered so many things. My absolute favorite was the Squash Salad; it was so fresh and crisp. I did enjoy the shrimp and crab sliders too! We helped our selves to dessert as well. The ice cream option changes frequently so you have to ask. Absolutely great little restaurant.

Before I write on: If the butternut squash salad is on the menu. Get it. No hesitation. Trust me. I am always cautious whenever I go to place I hear good things about. Psychology and neuroscience tell us that we are only as happy (judged by the dopamine level) as the amount of unexpected reward. So the bigger the expectation sometimes the bigger disappointment. I'm happy after eating at Rella despite all the good things I heard about it. It is a small seafood/wine bar. With random waterbody/sea themed decorations: stuff toy whale, wall paper with lemon and oyster, Anthony Bourdain on a beach, etc. etc. Its menu gets updated frequently (accordingly) filled with seafood themed dishes plus some vegetarian options and other meat dish (e.g., duck was on the menu the day we went). We had the seafood salad (crab and squid, varies depending on the day). I like the spicy limoncello vinaigrette dressing. I don't taste much limoncello just a hint of citrus and a touch of spiciness. I also always like cucumbers in salad, provides a different texture and refreshing taste. Off to a good start. The highlight of the night was the butternut squash salad. We were first taken by surprise because we expected it to be warm (I do still think it would taste good as a hot dish). Te butternut squash is cooked and chilled, topped by goat cheese, parsley and a few pieces of prosciutto. Decorated with butternut squash puree and ?vinaigrette (although I think I tasted sesame oil but I could be hallucination). The combination creates a wonderful mixture of flavors that spread and intensifies in your mouth. Definitely the best dish of the night. Last dish was the baby octopus. I was still immersed in the thrill by the butternut squash salad and didn't like it as much. I also was expecting something slightly different for grilled octopus. But my friend really enjoyed it so it could be just me. We also got to try a sample of the ice cream (toasted rice?!). I like the toasted flavor that reminds one of Genmaicha. All in all, definitely one exciting new landmark on the Rochester foodmap.

Hands down, my favorite pace in town right now. If you love seafood, italian salads, oysters, and wine, this place is for you. The head chef Cruz is so nice too, service was amazing. We shared Rock shrimp sliders, camambert peach salad, chowder, and oysters....talk about a sensory trip. Five stars!!

Everything tasted fresh and delicious, but the Rock Shrimp and Crab Sliders are our favorite. You must try them. The sliders' brioche buns were soft and warm while the seafood filling was cool and bright from just the right amount of citrus. The Oysters were delicious, too. Eating them was like a kiss from the ocean. So fresh! Chef Cruz Nieves greeted us upon our arrival and he and his staff made us feel very welcome from the start. This is an intimate venue, with seating at the counter that surrounds the kitchen, but it's cool to watch the food being prepared. You feel like you've been transported to a restaurant in a big city, like NYC's Hell's Kitchen, meaning both the service and the food are top notch. Nice wine selection, too. Our Pinot Grigio complemented the sliders perfectly. Great place to unwind after work or go on a date. Will be back for sure!

This is my second time visiting Rella since it opened about 2 months ago and it is definitely not my last. With bar style and transparency to the kitchen, it creates an experience like no other. Being able to interact with Chef Cruz and Tyler, both extremely pleasant and entertaining, as they prepare a delicious meal for you makes this place unique. Not only did I come back for the experience, but the food was something else... absolutely delicious with great flavor combinations. Being a seafood lover in Rochester, I haven't found a spot that has impressed me more. The Rock Shrimp Sliders were extremely fresh and light on a toasted buttered bun... I'm getting hungry just talking about it. The Camembert and peaches are a must try. Be sure to add this place to your Rochester Restaurant bucket list.

ok so this place was easily one of the best restaurant experiences I've had in a long time or maybe ever. they don't take reservations but it is well worth the wait. show up to leave your name and go across the street for a drink to wait. Rella only has 17 or so seats at the bar which surrounds the kitchen so you get to watch the chefs at work. they are super quick and attentive. I got a glass of wine and my friends and I ordered the whole menu to share. of course there was only 9 items and we got to take left overs home. to say everything was amazing is an understatement. I was basically in heaven for every item. if you don't like seafood, this place isn't for you. I actually use to not be fond of calamari and oysters but that has changed... especially when they are fresh and made right! the only thing that could've been altered (which I'm just trying to find something) is the Portuguese chowder as it had too much salt seasoning in the broth. I loved trying all the seafood options, especially the monkfish as I've never had that before. everything was very fresh and tender and nothing tasted too "fishy" I didn't get a pic of each food item because we just wanted to dive in and I was too excited. I did ask the sous chef how often to change their menu and he mentioned every couple weeks! I will certainly be returning soon!

Rella has taken over as my favorite Rochester restaurant. We arrived right at 5, snagged two seats, and had SUCH a good experience. The hospitality + food + wine + ambiance = perfect.

My favorite restaurant in Rochester. The choices and food are amazing. The low key, bar seating atmosphere is relaxed and easy and the service is efficient and kind. I recommend this place without reservation.

The food at this place was absolutely amazing every single bite of fresh seafood had a blast of different flavors.. I struggle to pick a favorite since they were all so great, but the seafood salad diavolo would be my first pick... The ambiance was great the chefs prepare the awesome food right in front of you, they are full of energy and charisma and run the show!! Definitely making my way back here soon.

We had a prefect meal for my birthday last week. I love the intimate setting (and will more so post-pandemic) and the open kitchen. I really felt like I was in NYC instead. It was hyper local; everyone who came in seemed to know the owner/chef. It was a Monday and we planned to be there by 6, which worked out perfectly. I went with their wine recommendation and wasn't disappointed. I've been craving oysters so we started with half a dozen. They were nicely dressed and delicious. We proceeded to order all of the food. We had the brisket sliders (tender and delicious!), the seafood salad (everything was fresh and tasty), and the beans and greens with salmon. For me, that was the star of the show. I could eat that everyday. It's a small place so everyone wears a cooking/service had and we were left waiting to cash out for too long, but otherwise, no complaints. Looking forward to coming back!

Went to Rella after dropping our son off at college to celebrate being empty nesters! We were not disappointed. We got the oysters, risotto, shrimp sliders and, for dessert, the seafood salad. Oysters were fresh, rissoto was perfectly seasoned and the shrimp sliders were delicious. Only comment was that the sou chef put the two bottom pieces of bread together when constructing the sandwich. When we were deciding on desert, we saw the chef put the seafood salad together and it be looked great! So we decided to order that instead of desert and it was a great choice! For the wine, I recommend not ordering a bottle and go for single glass. Getting four glasses of wine is only $2 more than getting a bottle and you get to try a wide selection. Another tip, and the chef may not like this reccomedation since they are so busy, is that as the plates are served, we asked him which wine he recommends for it. All in all, a great experience.

In fear of retaliation from this place, I waited 11 months to post this review. My partner and I went in to enjoy a nice dinner. The food was really good (although $$$). However, everything went to s*** when I asked a question about the salmon. I asked how the salmon was prepared. The chef came over and literally YELLED at me for asking a question. He said "do you understand? Have you not had salmon? Do you understand what I'm saying?" The whole restaurant turned quiet and I bit my tongue while holding down my anger. I had never been publicly humiliated in a restaurant like this before. The waiter came by to ask us if we were ok. No, we are not ok. My partner and I left after that and informed everyone in our network of what happened. It's truly disappointing.

Wow wow wow wow. I can't say enough good things about Rella. Cruz is a mastermind chef genius wizard. Extremely talented. I have been here a few times and haven't gotten to writing my review , I know I'm a bad yelper! First the space. It's this unique triangle shaped building. It's only bar seating with about 16 spots. The chefs prepare and cook everything behind the bar for you to see. The bonus is you don't walk out of there smelling like a restaurant like some open concept kitchens. They also serve you the drinks. There's beer and wine poured for you. The menu is small, but let me tell you ... not lacking in the yum department!!! Ok. Let's talk about the food. Holy bananas! This is good stuff. The oysters!! Selected by chef Cupolo, flown in from a Boston purveyor. They are delicate delicious little pieces of heaven from the sea. They don't even need the sauces that accompany them. Second. The rock shrimp sliders. Oh. My. Goodness in heaven. I could eat those breakfast lunch and dinner. The the meat of the slider is this creamy, slaw with beautiful chunks of shrimp. Served on a house made roll that is so flakey and buttery. My word it was great! The baby octopus with blush sauce. Oh man. Oh man !!!! The octopus was cooked to perfection. Not chewy in the slightest, the velvety blush sauce was perfect and not too overwhelming. And the veggies were a perfect al dente. We had two glasses of white wine which Cruz recommended. Crip and bright, refreshing and complemented each dish. Man he knows his shit. Watch out Rochester chefs, Cruz is coming for you!!

I'm so happy I got a chance to visit this gem of a place while visiting Rochester. Limited seating so be sure to make reservations in advance to your arrival. Chef Cruz really made our experience enjoyable. Light table side conversations and wonderful background history of how he got into becoming a chef and the birth of Rella. I loved each and every dish on the menu. I don't eat pork so I didn't try those items but my friends enjoyed their dishes that included pork. My favorite dish was the shrimp sliders and the lamb Bolognese. This isn't the place to order one dish and be satisfied. You really have to either come in with an appetite or just boss up and order everything on the menu. Definitely shareable size dishes.