A beloved, affordable Park Avenue Mediterranean restaurant with generous portions, many vegetarian choices, inviting outdoor seating, and mostly warm service, though isolated but serious complaints concern food quality, rude interactions, and one reported illness.
Sinbad's delivers strong food quality with distinct flavors and generous portions that keep regulars returning, anchored by attentive service and an appealing Park Avenue location. Consistency across visits and reliable execution prevent significant drops, though occasional uneven seasoning and a casual rather than distinctive setting keep it just short of the very top tier.
Sinbad's is a small, longstanding Mediterranean spot on Rochester's Park Avenue where the porch, people-watching, and generous plates are almost as dependable as the welcome. Regulars describe returning since childhood, while newer diners praise quick service, hot food, and an owner who checks in personally; one reviewer summed up the appeal as wanting to drive straight back for another meal. The cooking is traditional Levantine Mediterranean rather than experimental: toasted pita, hummus, sambusek, falafel, tabouleh, grilled meats, seafood, and hearty combination plates. The menu is broad enough for mixed groups and notably friendly to vegetarians and vegans, with strong value from $13-18 mains and filling portions. Most diners find the food fresh and flavorful, although a small minority report tough beef, bland falafel, uneven seasoning, or disappointing individual dishes. Families are well served by familiar choices such as chicken plates, gyro, pasta, pita, hummus, and falafel, and one group reports that the owner prepared plain chicken for a picky six-year-old. The menu is not a dedicated children's menu, but its flexibility and shareable format make it a comfortable family option; allergy-conscious diners also report thoughtful customization.
Area vibe: Upscale, historic residential-commercial corridor known for dining and boutiques.
Safety: Generally safe with good lighting and active evening foot traffic near eateries.
What's nearby: Near Park Avenue shops, cafes, small businesses, and within walking distance of residential blocks and local parks.
The seasonal Park Avenue porch gives this longstanding neighborhood restaurant its most distinctive atmosphere.
Build a meal around hummus, sambusek, or balila, then choose among generous plates and grilled specialties from $12.95 to $17.75.
Expect a casual, usually quick meal with outdoor seating, but keep limited parking and occasional service problems in mind.