#MyDowntownRochMN Featuring the 1st Ave Food Court
First Avenue Food Court
Where is the First Avenue Food Court? This can be a common question for those who have yet to discover this Downtown Rochester gem. The First Avenue Food Court offers incredible food options. This includes on-the-go versions of Rochester restaurant favorites or unique cuisine all over the world. Wondering how to get there? You can find the First Avenue Food Court by entering from the street level on First Avenue or 2nd Street. In addition, you can also head up to the second floor of University Square and just pop around the corner. Make sure to add the First Avenue Food Court to your Downtown Rochester destination list. It is worth discovering and exploring!
If you enjoy eating local, you’ll love ZZest Lunch Counter. French baguette sandwiches, hand-pulled mozzarella, and the King Prime Rib sandwich will have you eating like a true foodie! Wondering how to recreate what you’re eating from ZZest at home? ZZest Market, located right at the ZZest Lunch Counter, allows you to purchase everything from the cheese on your sandwich to the chocolate you had for dessert.
Taste the bold flavors of Thailand right here in Rochester at Mango Thai. You’ll never eat the same thing twice as Mango Thai switches up their menu daily! Pad Thai Shrimp Tempura, Beef Fried Rice, and Cashew Chicken are just a few of the dishes you’ll find at this location. Can’t get enough? Stop by their Broadway location to try the full menu.
There’s nothing simple about the menu or the atmosphere at Garden Express - the lime green interior is sure to pull you in! From salads and wraps to a full Mexican-style menu, Garden Express has it all. The Reuben Wrap, Quinoa Avocado Salad, and Minnesota Chicken Gouda and Wild Rice Soup add an unexpected twist on the traditional soup and sandwich taste. The Enchiladas and Chicken Fajita Bowl offer a savory Mexican flair.
Wabi Sabi glows under their bright hanging lights while serving up an authentic sushi and noodle bar. Known for their Ahi Tuna Poke (pronounced poh-KAY) Bowl, Wabi Sabi also offers many vegetarian options such as their Tofu Avocado Bowl or Edamame. Wabi Sabi offers meals for every type of sushi lover from Nigiri to handmade rolls to a simple Miso Soup, you’ll be sure to find something you love.
Blue Diamond Indian Restaurant
Blue Diamond caters to all your needs with an ever-changing and dietary-inclusive menu. Home to “authentic taste and real spice,” grab a Samosa for breakfast or their fan-favorite Bombay Chicken Curry for lunch! With vegetarian and vegan options available – along with spice levels tailored to your palate – this is sure to be Indian food you’ll love.
Homemade recipes straight from the Mediterranean are what keep us coming back to Nupa. Whether you’re just stopping in for a Falafel Salad or staying for the Gyros Pita Lunch, enjoy Nupa’s signature dressings made from scratch! Tzatziki, Spicy Feta, or Kalamata Olive dressings help you personalize your meal. This naturally Gluten Free menu with vegan options allows everyone to enjoy this family-owned restaurant.
In the mood for a fast and fresh bite? Stop at Chinese Chinh’s Express for their daily specials of creative dishes. This family-owned restaurant offers buffet-style and order out options for everyone to enjoy. Local favorites include the Kung Pao Chicken, Fusion Wings, and the Pad Thai!
Francisco’s brings the vibrant flavors of Cuba and Miami right to Downtown Rochester. Serving up breakfast, lunch, and dinner, you can find that authentic Cuban taste from the Sandwich de Pollo Jerk to the Croqueta Preparada. And don’t forget the Guava Pastries! Stop by to enjoy their daily entrees and flavorful Cuban coffee.
New to the First Avenue Food Court: ZY Teriyaki! Serving up made-to-order variations of teriyaki-style rice, meat, and vegetables, ZY Teriyaki is already creating a buzz in the food court. Find fresh food and generous portions at the friendly atmosphere of ZY Teriyaki.
Not sure which option to select? Amanda shares her First Avenue Food Court favorites with us for #MyDowntownRochMN. Click here to get a taste.