The Top-Rated Lunch Spots in Rochester Minnesota Right Now

Some restaurants earn their reputation over decades. Others seem to open their doors and instantly have people saying, "You have to try this place."

Whether you're visiting Rochester for the first time or you've called the Med City home for years, these are the restaurants Yelp reviewers say are among the best in 2026. And honestly, it's a pretty great mix of old favorites and new places that are already taking the city by storm.

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9. Almadina - 4.5 (85+ reviews)

I had the Shish Tawuk and Baba Ghanouj pictured, and it was cooked to perfection, tender, flavorful, and delicious. Tastes like only high quality ingredients are used and cooked with care. This quickly became my new fav lunch spot in the area - Izzy on Yelp

8. Thirsty Belgian – 4.5 stars (195+ reviews)

Holy crap this place is incredible. Basic looking bar, basic looking tables, basic looking menu (looking being the key word).

Our server was a great guy, when you ordered he checked for understanding first instead of just walking off. He was ontop of it, clearly liked his job. Food was incredible and well thought out and executed, the brie and mushroom soup is something I could eat every day for the rest of my life. It would probably be a short life but I would be happyrhe whole way. - Michael on Yelp 

7. Nupa – 4.5 stars (420+ reviews)

This place is worth going out of your way for. We were in town for an event and stopped for lunch.

We had the appetizer sampler and gyro pitas. The app sampler was AWESOME. Pita was soft, baba ghanoush was really nice and smoky. The spicy feta was spicy without being overpowering. The hummus had a good flavor too. Tatziki sauce with the gyros was really good. Gyro meat was obviously hand made, not pre-packaged. If we're in the area again, we'll be back. - Trina on Yelp 

6. Food Lab - 4.6 (40+ reviews)

Amazing. Food was delicious and service was friendly. Best flavors. Menu is so full of options. Love the restaurant, friendly, clean, cozy. Prices are affordable and you get a lot of food.
My husband had the Moby Dick burrito, which was huge. He devoured it. I had the lunch special, 2x quesoburria + salad. Soooo delicious, and I could only eat 1, all for a great, minimal price.
Will def be back. My new favorite restaurant in Rochester.
Go here!!!! - Sunny on Yelp

5. Yum! Poke - 4.6 (65+ reviews)

Stopped in for a quick lunch and it was delicious! Super fresh and friendly staff. To go or eat in.
I would come again! Nice break from sandwiches and burgers
Back again today. Still great! Had the Rainbow Bowl and sat by the windows. Yummy! - Mat on Yelp 

4. Thai Pop – 4.6 stars (300+ reviews)

We were visiting from out of town and we came here twice during our visit. This is some of the most incredible Thai food that I have ever had.

We took recommendations from our waiters both times and everything we had was absolutely delicious. I can't wait to come back when we are in town to have lunch and dinner again. - Jessica on Yelp 

3. I-Chi Mein - 4.8 (15+ reviews)

Lovely ramen place by Mayo's Methodist Hospital.
Food is always fresh. I have tried their pork belly and the chicken ramen noodles and they were outstanding! The pork belly one comes with a perfectly spicy broth.
Their scallions pancakes are perfect!
Highly recommend it. - Alice on Yelp 

2. Ollin - 4.8 stars (60+ reviews)

Absolutely amazing! Have been waiting for this restaurant to open! The food was amazing the set up and ambiance was great, it was so beautifully designed and well thought through. Great music great food and drinks. They have a lunch special as well and variety of options! Definitely a great addition to the area and will be back very often! - Hailey on Yelp

1. First Meeting Noodle – 4.8 stars (240+ reviews)

Absolute 5-star lunch here! The restaurant is small, the seating limited, but the customer service is so efficient that tables were cleared immediately. The place was consistently full on this Saturday at lunchtime, but no one had to wait.

The food was extraordinary. Truly artful stuff. This restaurant is highly rated for many reasons. When we were done, the plates were immediately cleared and we were asked if we were done. We were able to pay right away. Again, amazing, attentive service. We would gladly come here again. -Beth on Yelp 

Now I need to know - which one do you swear by? And is there a Rochester lunch spot you think deserves to be on this list?