Terza Ristorante

7/15/2024 - My wife and I came here for dinner, no reservations were needed. The best place I've ate in Rochester so far. I got the Lobster Bisque as an appetizer, Insignia Scallops for the entree and Mushroom Risotto as a side. My wife got the Calamari and Hot Honey Pizza. Lobster Bisque tasted great, full of flavor; I wish I had gotten the bowl instead of the cup. The Calamari is one of the best I've had, it tasted light, not too oily, and the sauce was just enough for the plate. I don't like to eat mushroom, but today is the most mushroom I've ever eaten in one sitting. The Scallops and the Risotto are full of flavors, makes me want to keep eating more and more. The Pizza was a thin pizza and I wish it could have been crispier, otherwise flavors were there. Overall we will be back to try other food on the menu.

Really good Italian! Our server here was so helpful and knowledgeable! Really made for a special experience. Got the hot honey pizza and added breaded chicken on top per our server's recommendation and it did not disappoint! Got an appetizer portion of the spaghetti carbonara and gnocchi (with a creamy garlic pesto sauce also at the rec of our server). Everything including the bread with olive oil and balsamic vinegar was excellent. Everything was also fairly priced as well. They also had a ton more items on their menu that we were interested in trying but our stomachs weren't big enough as we still took half of the food for leftovers.

I just had such a lovely dinner at Terra after a long day of medical appointments. The staff were all so friendly and genuine, I really appreciated their kindness and patients. The food was also excellent, especially the Terza meatballs, wow. They were flavorful, perfectly cooked, and house sauce was delicious with them. We also order the weekly special, hot honey pizza. It was a huge hit with us as well. The heat and sweetness of the honey were perfect, the crust was cooked well, and it had just the right amount of cheese. We also ordered the lobster bisque, and we’ll definitely be back for that soon. Yum.

Terza absolutely provided the best dining experience that I have ever had. The seafood risotto was phenomenal! The ribeye and filet were fantastic. Even better was the dessert! Our server, Maya, was the best ever. Anyone would be lucky to be served by her.

I would eat here often whenever I was in Rochester. The atmosphere is warm, dark, and inviting. The service was phenomenal, very attentive and the food came out much quicker than we thought it would for the place being packed. Everything was delicious, especially the desserts. I highly recommend.

Came for the girlfriend’s birthday and wowza were we impressed. The lobster bisque was incredible and I definitly recommend. As well as the chicken Parmesan. The girlfriend got stuffed mushrooms and she loved that as well as her gnocchi!

My initial dining experience at Terza was not ideal, but after posting my review, I was promptly contacted by management. Mostly, I had just wanted to voice my concerns, and they were very receptive to feedback. In addition to validating my concerns, they promptly sent me a gift card to return for a better experience. I used that gift card tonight and had a wonderful evening that lived up to the normally pristine reputation that Terza has. The steak was excellent, asparagus done just right, etc. Attentive service. You can't expect an establishment to be perfect everytime. I am very impressed by Terza's prompt and exceptional effort to make sure I had a positive experience in the end. I would definitely go back, and kudos on customer service and dedication to satisfaction.

Best Italian in town. Make sure to get the house made pastas such as ravioli in mother sauce or the gnocchi. 10/10!

I love the calm cuddly room, great atmosphere and people around having fun, the cheesecake is so so good.

This was a very pleasant experience. The server was very friendly, and the food was excellent. I liked the ancient grain salad. I was very surprised to see farro grain on the menu, a must have. This dish was great in combination with the excellently prepared salmon. Terza manages to create a quiet and elegant ambience that is often missing in other restaurants. The close proximity to various hotels makes it a must visit if you are staying in downtown Rochester, MN.

Delicious Italian food. Everything I have tried was awesome! Lobster bisque is best I ever had. All the food was outstanding. Service is great. Only downside is cost/value, but prices are pretty high everywhere these days.

Everything about Terza rates it 5 stars. Our waiter was friendly, gave great recommendations, and never let a glass go empty. Every dish ordered was exceptional. The fried cheese balls and meatballs were outstanding and I had the pork chops which were perfectly cooked. Definitely will be coming back here the next time I'm in Rochester.

10/10 Would recommend!!! My boyfriend took me here for my birthday and everything was amazing. Honestly the best steak I have eaten. It was prepared exactly to our liking. We ordered an assortment of food and drinks. Perfect for a special occasion. So glad we made reservations! We will 100% be back. Hopefully sooner than later :)

Exactly what you want in an Italian restaurant. Great menu, plenty of wine options, excellent service and an impeccable vibe. Our server, Jensen took great care of us. We had the wild mushroom risotto and Shrimp Diavolo. The Diavolo warns to be spicy, but it’s fairly mild (like 4/10 spicy). Great ambience throughout the restaurant. We’re excited to go back!

Food and service were great. Gets loud when it is busy.

Wonderful all-around restaurant. Chicken gnocchi with pesto was amazing. And tortelloni Rosa was also delicious. Chocolate almond cake was great too. Will be back.

The atmosphere is sophisticated yet comfortable and welcoming. We eat here to celebrate occasions and tonight was middle school graduation. The gnocci is so fresh, and either sauce is tasty. The new hot honey pizza is not spicy but otherwise very good.

10/10 would come back for another meal! We started our dinner with mocktails, which I appreciate that they listed specifically on their cocktail/wine menu (~4-5 mocktails options). We chose to start with the Tuna Tartare. It had good flavor but did feel like the tuna was a bit too salty from the soy sauce perhaps? We chose to do the 14oz Ribeye and the Tagliatelle Wild Mushroom for our mains. The Ribeye was tender, could be easily shared between two people. The side of hash it comes with was a stack of buttery, cheesy, smooth goodness. BUT! The K.O. winner for us was the Tagliatelle. The homemade pasta was delicious and the dish as a whole was not overwhelming in the sense that sometimes you'll eat pasta dishes that are full of cream and butter, leaving you feeling heavy afterwards. This pasta was earthy, it was flavorful, it was perfect! We finished our night with a raspberry sorbetto which was a great palate cleanser as well.

We had a delicious meal at Terza. Our waiter was spectacular, the food and drinks outstanding. When it was busy it is very loud in the dining space but it did not diminish the incredible flavors of the food. The bread, poached pear salad, terza meatballs, gnocchi with pesto sauce, chicken parmesan and shrimp orecchiette were our meals. We drank the perfect pear and prosecco. We highly recommend Terza.

One of the best if not the best restaurant in town. Stopped in for Mothers Day. Their salmon special was delicious. Managers are responsive and really care about each patrons experience. I can't stress more how accomidating the staff is. Get dressed up and enjoy a wonderful dinner. Still great. Went out Sunday before Valentine's. Their specials were great. I had the Scampi and Filet. Don't miss the heart box of truffles. The balloon decorations were great.

Excellent first visit while in town. We sat in La Vetta, the roof top, and what a view. Couldn't go outside as there was still some ice but still beautiful. Josh was the bartender, excellent service, excellent drinks ... Knows how to make the perfect dirty martini!! Food was amazing.

Absolutely one of the best meals I’ve had in Rochester. The atmosphere was incredibly welcoming and had an intimate and cozy feel, and our server, Luis, was very knowledgeable about the menu with great recommendations and was very friendly. I highly recommend and will definitely be back!

Our first experience at this restaurant and we loved it. We started with the cheese balls, which were amazing, and moved to the awesome Parmesan crusted walleye. To ensure we had adequate carbs we ordered the cheesy hash browns. And finally, for dessert, we ordered the massive chocolate almond tortino. This could have fed 4 people and was spectacular. You MUST order this! We can’t wait to come here again, hopefully when the temps aren’t -20!

It was our first visit to Terza Restaurant. Wow! Wow! Wow! Everything was wonderful from beginning to end. Our server Carter, was AMAZING! He was so attentive, detailed with just about every aspect of our dining experience. We started with the Lobster Bisque and Sea Salt Roasted Oysters. So good! We then ordered the Insignia Scallops with the house made pasta. It too was delicious. We will be back next time we are in Rochester.

If I could give this place 10 stars I would. I wish I lived closer to it. We were told the chef has been making pasta since he was 7 in his Grandmother's kitchen in Italy. Some of the dishes feature his true, authentic, Italian, hand-made pasta from scratch. The restaurant is in a great location and has a very intimate feel so this would be a great date night restaurant. Out server was the bartender and service was impeccable. The next time I visit Rochester I will definitely dine here again. Fabulous is an understatement.

We loved the food, sauce reminded me of my mom's. My wife got the scallops and she loved them. I got the ravioli with mother's sauce which was so good. We also got the cheeseballs with mother's sauce, which was so good. Everything is homemade, and you can tell. The atmosphere is really nice too.

I have had the pleasure of dining at Terza twice now, and each visit has been a truly exceptional experience. From the moment you step inside, you’re greeted by a warm, elegant atmosphere that perfectly balances modern sophistication with the charm of a traditional Italian trattoria. The restaurant offers an impressive selection of pizza, pasta, and classic Italian dishes, each thoughtfully prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients. During my visits, I’ve had the ravioli and the gnocchi, both of which were outstanding. The ravioli was delicate and flavorful, while the gnocchi had the perfect texture—soft yet perfectly structured. Every dish was beautifully plated and full of authentic Italian flavor. To complement my meal, I ordered my favorite Moscato d’Asti – G.D. Vajra, which paired beautifully with the richness of the pasta. The wine list at Terza is extensive and well-curated, offering selections from around the world that enhance the dining experience even further. Overall, Terza provides an exceptional combination of refined cuisine, impeccable service, and a welcoming ambiance. It’s a wonderful place for both an intimate dinner and a special night out. I look forward to returning again soon to explore more of their incredible menu.

As first time visitors to Rochester MN we were delighted to find Terza! What an exceptional place. The staff is superb, the drinks terrific, and the food excellent. We went for happy hour on day one and returned the next day because the staff was so good. They made special drinks for us (Bees Knees variation, Canoli old fashioned) that were amazing. Whether you’re a visitor or a Rochester resident, go to Terza.

I could have and wished I had eaten every meal at this restaurant. They really had a great selection of food that hit the mark when it came to my dad's mostly meat diet and my vegetarian diet. Mostly, I wanted to keep eating there because it was just so delicious. I found the environment to be classy but not stuffy. It was busy but I never felt rushed. Anytime we ate at another restaurant I just found myself disappointed. Next time I'm in town, it will be hard to drag me out of there.❤️ My review if it's helpful.

I had a wonderful experience dining here. The food was great and our server Jose was fantastic. However the real kicker to what made this place amazing was Chase our host. Chase was super friendly and made us feel like we were the most important people in the restaurant!

Amazing food, service, and atmosphere. I had the lobster bisque, chicken parm and crème brûlée, all wonderful. I had gnocchi for my side with my chicken parm and it was the best gnocchi I have ever had! Our server was Maurice and he was knowledgeable and very attentive. Definitely a must if you like italian and are visiting Rochester!

Had a great experience at Terza on a Friday night. Food, service, and atmosphere were excellent. Maurice was our server and took great care of us.

I wish I took a picture of my lasagna! Oh my the cheese balls, the yummy meat-a-balls, and the bread. We had a great night out after work... oh yeah and hands down the best Italian food I have ever eaten!

The first time we came here was over 4 years ago when Bruce P was the GM. He made the experiences exceptional. Always checking on the tables himself. After he left we had a couple less then great experiences and meals. It just wasn’t the same. We didn’t come during Covid, and were slow to move back to our regular routines. We miss coming for lunch, it was a lovely place to take a break at. We came today for my mother & my birthday. She was turning 72 years old. We share a birthday, so take turns who picks. She specifically wanted to eat here, out of anywhere else in town. We were a party of five, were all pleased with our dishes and service. I do believe their is a new GM since we were last here in late ‘21 or early ‘22. Our server was a delight. He had a great sense of humor, but very professional. He didn’t stand around interrupting us, but always showed up when needed. He gave good recommendations too. Our food was prepared as we expected. Most everything was seasoned well, all served hot. Menu has a nice selection of options, for all diets and palates. Food is very rich and portions are quite generous. You’re NOT going to leave hungry. While I do miss feeling “like family” as we used to with Bruce, the food was exceptional and we enjoyed celebrating our birthdays here very much. Even our teenagers, jump at the chance to come here to eat with us!😳

Stopped in day after Christmas, so impressed with management! We had a large party, they were able to accommodate us quickly due to medical issues. We were taken back by their care and willingness to help us get in quickly and get some food. Thank you Terza! For making our evening special! The food was delicious! Roasted vegetables amazing, lasagna a 10! Loved the handmade pasta., must try the special sauce! Yum!! A must try! You will not be disappointed!

Before the pandemic you would often catch us at Terzas happy hour. When they stopped it, we stopped going. However, they brought back HH and we are so happy they did! Overall the experience was good. Food: Italian Beef Sliders w/truffle fries - These sliders were delicious! It came with a dipping juice that was extremely flavorful. The fries were okay, they needed to be cooked longer and needed a garlic aioli for dipping (which we asked for and they brought out some kind of soupy olive oil with chunks of Parmesan and had an aftertaste of lemon.) It wasn’t what we expected to get at all.. and would definitely not call that an aioli Fried Cheese Balls - oh my gosh, I could eat a whole plate of these! They were incredible! Fried perfectly, so cheesy! Absolutely delicious! Drinks: I ordered the Gin Sage Smash and it was tasty! I would definitely add this spot to your Rochester Happy Hour list.

It is a very popular restaurant with a very nice atmosphere. The bread was scrumptious. We were disappointed in the Chicken Picatta. It was overly fried and had little sauce and few capers on it. Not what I'm used to in that dish. Based on the other reviews we are in the minority on that opinion , maybe it was an off night.

First timer. It was good, but not sure if we’d go back. Our pasta was overcooked and overall just okay. Service was great though.

Started with the Giant Chicken Meatball which I think may be too giant for it's own good. The exterior is seasoned nice enough. But after a few bites you're left with the inside which is just kind of plain white chicken mush. Enjoyed the chicken Alfredo and free bread. $5 for a San Peligrino is a smidge high but oh well. My main dissatisfaction was being constantly upsold or rushed out the door. No I don't want to "upgrade" the shape of my noodles for an upcharge. No I don't want to add meatballs as a side when I just had one for an appetizer. No I'm not ready for a box ~35 minutes after I sat down. Nice enough restaurant and food but if I'm paying above average prices (for the area) I don't want to be pitched to like I'm in a used car lot.

Forgotten order, raw chicken, melted plastic for Christmas dinner. I held off posting until now because I was repeated assured that Terza would “make things right” for this horrible experience, as they promised early on. Now almost 2 months later, I know this was not the case. As background, our family has ordered from Terza for our Christmas dinner the past several years. We have always had good service, good communication, and good food that was easy and straightforward to prepare. I share this, because I know how the food is supposed to arrive ready to heat. This year, several weeks before Christmas I placed a catering order that included our usual chicken parmesan, lasagna and side orders to be delivered on Dec 23. I had e-mail and phone conversations and confirmations for a delivery. The first big issue was that they FORGOT ME. On December 23, more than an hour after the delivery time I called the restaurant to be told that maybe I was supposed to pick it up. I pointed out the order confirmation that it was a delivery. They then acknowledged they had forgotten to deliver my order and they needed to call the person in who was responsible back to the restaurant. I received my order later that evening. The usual Reheating instructions were included. THERE WAS NOTHING THAT INDICATED I WOULD BE COOKING RAW CHICKEN on Christmas Day. As such, I refrigerated the food upon delivery. On December 25/Christmas Day, I was entertaining out of town family - including small children. But when I opened up the chicken to prepare it for reheating, I found that it was breaded and RAW (see video). This required me to stand in the kitchen and deep fat fry dozens of chicken breasts (video). What was the point of having this catered!!?? Frying chicken that should have been precooked was time spent over a stove, rather than entertaining and being with family. It smelled up my house and required additional clean up. I thought that was the only issue! I followed the instructions to Reheat the lasagna and then started smelling plastic. I pulled out the lasagna to find that under the foil lid there was a layer of plastic wrap. This was melting into the lasagna. (photo). I then quickly checked the other items being reheated, and those too had melting plastic wrap underneath. Again, I had not even thought to check since the instructions were just “put them in the oven with the lid on”. There has never been plastic wrap on these items in other years. Finally, there was NO parmesan cheese included with the order of chicken PARMESAN. I was so angry at the service and the inconvenience and how I had to spend Christmas morning. I called the restaurant December 26. I talked with one of the managers about my experience. She acted horrified and apologized. She asked how much my catering bill was and I told her. I also noted that I had included a 20% gratuity ( $60-which is just hilarious when you consider the “service” I received) She told me she would be sending out a gift card in the next couple of days and was really sorry. I honestly assumed it would be for the full amount we spent ($400). I thought that was a genuine gesture of good will and that they wanted to ensure my continue business (personal dining, business events, and catering). Flash forward 3+ weeks and we still had not received anything in the mail. I reached back out to the same manager. She assured me that she had mailed a gift card shortly after we spoke. I noted that we had not received it and also she confirmed it had not been used and so she said she would issue another one. More than 2 weeks later, I still had not received the gift card and reached out again. A few days later, I got a $100 gift card on a $400 bill. I was even angrier at being strung along for weeks. I called the same manager. This time she really was not apologetic. She told me that her boss would call me. He has not. Photos/videos available.