In Italian, "Branca" means "branch". And that is how we see our work; a respite of warmth, comfort and conviviality to all who walk through our doors, and a mission to maintain our roots in the rich familial culture and cuisine of Italy. At Branca Midtown we understand that memorable events are built on a foundation of great food, unique space, and outstanding service.
We offer private dining for any group. With our restaurant gift cards, you can give your friends and loved ones the same experience: real handcrafted Italian food made from scratch. Join our email list and receive special offers and latest news and updates on upcoming events.
We offer private dining for any group. With our restaurant gift cards, you can give your friends and loved ones the same experience: real handcrafted Italian food made from scratch. Join our email list and receive special offers and latest news and updates on upcoming events.
Services
Branca Midtown is a love letter to traditional Italian flavors with a fresh, modern approach. Located in the heart of downtown Rochester, New York, in the newly renovated Tower 280 building. Branca Midtown is a destination spot and the heartbeat of the downtown resurgence. The word "Branca" in Italian means "branch."
At Branca Midtown we understand that memorable events are built on a foundation of great food, unique space, and outstanding service. The Private Dining Room is located off the Main Dining Room and provides a warm, intimate dining experience for up to 28 guests. With floor to ceiling windows, your guests will enjoy the ambiance of skyline views and the Liberty Pole.
Reviews (21)
Josh Kauf
Jan 31, 2022
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Got dinner here while in town from Syracuse and this was easily the best Italian restaurant I have been to in New York State. We ate the pepperoni and honey pizza for an appetizer and the gnocchi Bolognese and cavatelli with duck (pictured) for our entrees. All of the food came out fairly quickly. Everything tasted great and portions were perfectly sized - not so big that I felt gluttonous but still big enough to leave me feeling full and satisfied. We also ordered from the bar a glass of wine and The Kramer: a neat new take on the classic cosmopolitan. The restaurant itself was chic but welcoming
Jessica D.
Jan 29, 2022
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My friends and I came here for the first time and had an absolutely wonderful time! I definitely recommend making a reservation because this place packed up quickly after 7pm. We started off with the calamari, ricotta, and meatballs. The calamari was perfectly crispy and we loved the sauce that it came with. The ricotta was super smooth and yummy on its own, but when paired with the meatballs it was even better! I was not expecting to be blown away by the super tender and flavorful meatballs, but they were a table favorite. For the entrees we ordered the pepperoni and honey pizza, chicken Milanese
Nanna Mel
Jan 28, 2022
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The atmosphere is really nice and so was the waiter — but the food was mediocre. Besides the fact that there was wayyy too much fat on the steak to my liking, my friend’s chicken entree was subpar & so was the the brussel sprout appetizer. The only mock tail they offer was also blah. At least it’s pretty inside & their olive oil cake is delicious.
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Overall, it’s not terrible. You would just think that the food would taste (somewhat) noticeably better for the price you’re paying. And maybe if there isn’t much of difference taste-wise, then at least provide decent portions.
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Overall, it’s not terrible. You would just think that the food would taste (somewhat) noticeably better for the price you’re paying. And maybe if there isn’t much of difference taste-wise, then at least provide decent portions.
Anthony S.
Jan 16, 2022
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Frist time at Branca's had such a Excellent time. The decory in the lobby along with the restaurant very impressive. I wanted to find a nice place to take my family out for there birthday.Can't say enough how great everything was,Atmosphere,view of the city,food,drinks,staff and a Special thanks to the Manager Doug! Rochester needed a restaurant like this.You will not be disappointed
Anton Quilala
Jan 10, 2022
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Interior is beautiful. So was our bartender lol. Date night type vibe but I also saw a table of 7 awkward dudes just sitting in silence eating pizza. Must be an esports org or engineering school nearby. Tasty regional brews on tap and a solid selection of whiskeys on display. Calamari is essential. Thin crust or Detroit style pan both tasty options. Didn’t take pictures of the food because as I said earlier Shorty behind the bar got superpowers and I needed rescuing.
Valerie C.
Dec 11, 2021
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Rob Maher
Nov 28, 2021
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The food an service were great. I had a stuffed pork chop special and my sister had the Gemelli. We were there on a Tuesday night and we took a chance on an Italian Cabernet from Garda called Sansonina Evaluna. It was a wonderful find and though we were told they are currently re-making their wine list I hope they keep this one. We'll return again over the holidays!
Shauna R.
Nov 02, 2021
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Stephanie Van Epps
Oct 18, 2021
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Angelle Nicole
Jul 13, 2021
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Branca really is Amazing! We went tonight for a birthday and were blown away! The atmosphere was inviting, we were seated immediately for our reservation and greeted cheerfully by Reed!
The drinks we ordered were made so well and tasted delicious!
We ordered two apps, the Caesar salad and Burrata. Both were amazing, the Caesar was light and crisp! For dinner we got the gnocchi and pepperoni and honey pizza! Both were outstanding!
Reed was attentive and so kind! He even made the birthday special with some delicious gelato!
We were so impressed all around! Thank you for making the night great
The drinks we ordered were made so well and tasted delicious!
We ordered two apps, the Caesar salad and Burrata. Both were amazing, the Caesar was light and crisp! For dinner we got the gnocchi and pepperoni and honey pizza! Both were outstanding!
Reed was attentive and so kind! He even made the birthday special with some delicious gelato!
We were so impressed all around! Thank you for making the night great
Erica Rogers-Surace
Jun 12, 2021
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Cindy K.
Mar 12, 2021
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This place was good. Would I come here again-I don't know. The level of getting to the restaurant is DIFFICULT. It's inside a building and not really clearly marked on the outside. There is a parking lot right next door and it was easy to park there. Then you walk along Broad Street, go into 280 Broad Street, the commerce building I think...then you go all the way down this huge lobby, take a left and it's at the end of a hallway. It's a stone cold nightmare to get to. It has a fancy menu. We got the calamari which was rings and tentacles. We also got the ricotta and crostini
Bobby A.
Mar 03, 2021
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Stephanie K.
Feb 24, 2021
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Branca Midtown is a great place to meet up with friends or have a swanky date night. The location is great being din the old Midtown Plaza and the atmosphere is beautiful. Their one drawback is a limited menu, so check ahead to ensure they have something you like. I wish they would bring back their fish fry on Fridays - it was amazing!
Christina Uliana
Jan 17, 2021
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Kenny Rothfuss
Mar 04, 2020
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I work at Windstream and was very disappointed when I ordered take out today. I wanted to give Branca a shot since I’ve ordered from the Italian Food truck parked right near them. Did I make a mistake! Cost me… $16 for spaghetti and meatballs. I got 2 small meatballs and small portion of pasta. I did not get parmesan cheese, bread, salad, fork, napkins or anything else for my to go order. The food was very disappointing in taste and quality. I had other coworkers try it and they were shocked as well. Not to mention I waited just to get my food since the bartender was to busy playing
Steve Hamilton
Mar 04, 2020
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Deal W. Dee
Feb 15, 2020
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First time ever there for Valentine’s Day. Food was delicious. My bfs filet was REALLY rare when we asked for medium rare they sent it back to cook it more but didn’t seem to change much. My filet was delicious… and perfectly cooked. Gnocchis were great. I would recommend this place with only a few minor things I would’ve changed. For sure an upscale restaurant pricing reflects that. Nutella gelato was to die for.
Charla Martin
Jan 23, 2020
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Veronika Sychevskaya
Oct 05, 2019
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Adina S.
Aug 16, 2019
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So I've been here twice recently. First of all the atmosphere here is on point. It's a nice ambiance for dinner and the bar area is also really nice.
The menu has a good variety of app, small plates and larger ones. There is a decent wine list as well.
I'm pretty sure Branca is known for their pizzas. But I honestly wasn't super impressed with the one I tried. It was definitely good, but nothing out of ordinary. The broccolini salad however was delicious. It's a great portion and I've never had anything like it. Would definitely order that plate again. I didn&apos
The menu has a good variety of app, small plates and larger ones. There is a decent wine list as well.
I'm pretty sure Branca is known for their pizzas. But I honestly wasn't super impressed with the one I tried. It was definitely good, but nothing out of ordinary. The broccolini salad however was delicious. It's a great portion and I've never had anything like it. Would definitely order that plate again. I didn&apos
