Ithaca New York’s Top Dining Spots Revealed
Welcome to Ithaca, known for its amazing food and fun dining spots. Here, we dive into the ithaca food scene. You’ll find everything from top-notch places to secret favorites of locals. Whether you’re in the cozy downtown or near beautiful lake views, there’s something for everyone.
Let’s explore the best places to eat, showing what makes each one special. The dining in Ithaca experience offers a mix of fine and casual spots. It’s a journey of different tastes and great service. Get ready for an unforgettable meal in Ithaca.
The Best Places to Eat in Ithaca
Looking for tasty eats in Ithaca leads to a world of special flavors and food adventures. The city’s lively food scene offers all sorts of local spots. From highly rated restaurants to hidden local favorites.
Top-Rated Restaurants Ithaca
In Ithaca, some restaurants really stand out for their amazing food and cool vibes. Mia Restaurant is known for its creative Pan-Asian dishes and has outdoor seating for warmer months. Moosewood Restaurant is famous for leading the vegetarian food scene, serving mostly plant-based meals and some seafood.
Beer lovers will enjoy Ithaca Beer Co., which pairs local dishes with a big beer selection and has options for vegetarians and vegans. Glenwood Pines is loved for its big meals and the famous “Pinesburger Challenge.”
Hidden Gems
Ithaca’s secret spots often are cozy, family-run places and markets. Gola Osteria offers a romantic setting with true Italian cooking, though it’s a bit more expensive. Hazelnut Kitchen, not far from Ithaca, wows food lovers with its fresh, local, and seasonal dishes.
Just a Taste keeps things interesting with a tapas menu that always changes, offering unique dishes. Bar Argos is great for craft drinks that use seasonal ingredients, like activated charcoal and flower extracts.
Popular Spots Among Locals
Places like Collegetown Bagels (CTB) are beloved local hangouts, famous for their breakfast, lunch, coffee, and ice cream across several locations. Then there’s ShortStop Deli, open all day, every day, making classic sandwiches for any time hunger strikes.
Agava is known for its welcoming vibe and outside seats, a great place for eating out with friends. Pizza Aroma offers lots of pizza choices, including vegan options, which locals love.
Restaurant | Specialty |
---|---|
Ithaca Beer Co. | Locally sourced foods, vegetarian and vegan options |
Glenwood Pines | “Pinesburger Challenge” |
Just a Taste | Rotating tapas menu |
Collegetown Bagels (CTB) | Breakfast, lunch, and ice cream |
Fine Dining Experiences in Ithaca
Ithaca offers some top-notch fine dining experiences. It’s known for elegant meals and outstanding service. With over 100 restaurants to choose from, it stands out as a top “food city.” This section shines a light on places where luxury meets amazing flavors.
Luxury and Elegance
Luxury dining in Ithaca means detailed attention to both the setting and what’s on your plate. At The Heights, it’s not just a meal but an unforgettable night out. It’s praised by Wine Spectator for its vast wine selection and gourmet meals. Gola Osteria is known for its homemade pasta and top-notch cocktails, creating a lavish dining scene.
Lev Kitchen offers a lavish Middle Eastern dining scene with creative presentations. It blends traditional and modern flavors for a special meal experience. Ithaca’s dining scene shines at Cent Dix, where modern trends meet classic French café style for an elegant outing.
High-End Menus
Ithaca’s high-end eateries serve dishes that make for an exceptional dining experience. Cent Dix showcases creative fusion cuisine. Meanwhile, Moosewood Restaurant offers a plant-based menu that’s famous across the U.S.
If you’re after an American steakhouse vibe, Creola Southern Steakhouse is the place. It offers top-quality steaks. Mias Tapas Bar serves unique high-end foods and pan-Asian tapas for a festive meal adventure.
Coltivare links dining with a culinary schooling program, adding depth to your meal. Its rustic-chic atmosphere fits perfectly with a menu full of local ingredients. This highlights the best of Ithaca’s dining scene.
Restaurant | Specialty | Recognition |
---|---|---|
The Heights | Wine and Dine | Wine Spectator Award |
Gola Osteria | Scratch-made Pasta | Craft Cocktails |
Cent Dix | Modern-French Fusion | Culinary Trends |
Lev Kitchen | Middle Eastern Cuisine | Innovative Presentations |
Moosewood Restaurant | Plant-Based Cuisine | Longest-Operating in U.S. |
Ithaca is full of luxury dining spots with amazing ambiances and flavors. Whether celebrating something special or just treating yourself, Ithaca’s elegant menus promise an exceptional culinary journey.
Casual Dining Options in Ithaca NY
Ithaca has many casual dining spots that mix comfort and taste perfectly. You’ll find lively places with a laid-back vibe and restaurants that welcome families. There’s something for everyone’s taste in Ithaca’s casual dining scene.
Relaxed Atmosphere
The Rook stands out for its easy-going feel, serving Ithaca for 8 years at Court and Cayuga streets. It’s open Tuesday to Saturday, 4-9 PM. The menu offers tasty choices like duck fat fried chicken and handmade cavatelli.
It’s a great spot for unplanned meals as it offers first-come, first-serve seating. They don’t take reservations. Though outdoor seating is closed for now, it’ll be back in spring to add to the chill vibe.
Places like Creekside Café, Hound & Mare, and Dolce Delight use local ingredients. Revelry Yards and Monks on the Commons also have outdoor seating for peaceful meals.
Family-Friendly Places
Creekside Café is great for families, offering breakfast favorites and catering to those on the go. It has take-out, making it perfect for busy mornings or home dining.
Dolce Delight, a family-owned place near Cornell University and Ithaca College, focuses on local ingredients and supports local bakers. It’s a go-to for families and students.
- Total number of casual dining establishments: 13
- Percentage offering vegan or plant-based options: 15%
- Ratio of cafes/diners offering breakfast: 69%
- Venues with outdoor seating: 15%
- Driving distance from Ithaca Commons: approximately 5 minutes for MIX Kitchen & Bar
- Number of establishments near Cornell University: 3
- Popular pickup orders for breakfast: Big Ree, Cajun sausage gravy, Breakfast Bowl
- Ratio of family-owned to total venues: 1 out of 13
Every family-friendly restaurant in Ithaca offers unique dishes that make each visit special. Whether you’re with family or friends, these casual dining places in Ithaca NY promise a meal to remember.
Farm-to-Table Restaurants in Ithaca
The farm-to-table movement is thriving in Ithaca. It focuses on local produce and sustainability. People are becoming more aware of their food’s origin, and many restaurants are now supporting sustainable practices.
Emphasis on Local Produce
Restaurants in Ithaca are big on local produce. Coltivare, close to The Commons, gets ingredients from nearby farms. This supports the locality and keeps food fresh. Moosewood is known for its vegetarian dishes made with seasonal, local produce. It’s not far from the center, either.
Sustainable Dining
Sustainability is key in Ithaca’s dining scene. Ithaca Beer Co., a bit further from the center, combines farm-to-fork food with craft beers. These places offer tasty food and care about their impact on our planet.
Restaurant | Distance from Central Ithaca | Specialty |
---|---|---|
Coltivare | 0.3 miles | Farm-to-table |
Moosewood | 0.7 miles | Vegetarian local produce |
Ithaca Beer Co. | 3.0 miles | Farm-to-fork and craft beer |
Northstar House | 1.0 miles | Casual local produce |
These farm-to-table restaurants in Ithaca do more than just serve food. They show the community’s dedication to living sustainably.
Restaurants in Ithaca New York: Local Favorites
Ithaca’s food scene captures the hearts of locals and visitors alike. Its iconic dishes and venues draw a diverse crowd, including many students. There’s something for everyone, from tasty dishes to friendly spots.
Iconic Dishes
Aurora Street, or “Restaurant Row,” is where you’ll find Ithaca’s famous dishes. It’s filled with a variety of cuisines including Mexican, Japanese, and American. The city’s Chowder Cook-Off and Chili Cook-Off show its creative side. These events let locals share their tasty chilis and chowders.
Maxie’s Supper Club is known for its amazing raw oysters and seafood dishes. BoatYard Grill offers delicious lobster and steak. For top-notch Italian food, Gola Osteria is the place to go. It’s all about great meals in a classy setting.
Popular Among Students
The Ithaca Ale House is a hit with students because of its unique burgers. Longshots Sports Bar & Grill provides fun with its great wings and pizzas, plus a selection of beers. These spots are perfect for hanging out and enjoying good food.
For breakfast, Angelhearts Diner serves vegan dishes that have become very popular. Lincoln Street Diner is famous for its all-day Saturday breakfast. Brunch options vary, with places like Revelry Yards offering treats like Nutella banana crepes. These spots know how to serve up a delicious brunch.
Restaurant | Specialty Dish | Student Appeal |
---|---|---|
Ithaca Ale House | Caveman Burger | Creative burgers using local beef |
Maxie’s Supper Club | Raw Oysters | Seafood specialties and vibrant atmosphere |
Angelhearts Diner | Vegan Breakfast | Unique vegan offerings |
BoatYard Grill | Lobster Features | High-quality steak options |
Longshots Sports Bar & Grill | Wings & Pizzas | Lively environment and draft beer |
Ithaca’s Scenic Dining Spots
Looking for a unique place to eat in Ithaca? The beautiful spots near Cayuga Lake offer unforgettable times. With lake view spots and outdoor tables, these places offer more than just food. They give a mix of nature and tasty meals.
Lake Views
Eating at a lake view restaurant in Ithaca mixes good food with calm water views. For a night out or a relaxed lunch, places like The Boatyard Grill have great views of Cayuga Lake. They serve fresh food from around here. Aurora Inn, a short drive away, has a fancy setting by the lake.
Restaurants with views of the lake make your dining stand out. Try the Flower Power IPA from Ithaca Beer Company for a taste of the area as you look out over the water.
Outdoor Seating
If you like dining outside, Ithaca’s outdoor spots will make you happy. It’s great for enjoying the cool summer air while trying new dishes. Just a Taste has a great small plates menu and a nice terrace for hanging out. Moosewood Restaurant offers a calm patio for their vegetarian and vegan dishes.
These spots offer a direct touch with nature, making each meal special. Below are top places for scenic dining in Ithaca:
Restaurant | Specialty | Experience |
---|---|---|
The Boatyard Grill | Seafood | Lake Views |
Just a Taste | Tapas | Outdoor Seating |
Moosewood Restaurant | Vegetarian/Vegan | Outdoor Seating |
Aurora Inn | Contemporary American | Lake Views |
Whether you want a lake view or to sit outside, Ithaca has places where food and beauty meet.
Exploring the Culinary Diversity in Ithaca
Ithaca’s dining scene is vibrant and full of international and fusion foods. You’ll find restaurants that mix global flavors with local ingredients. This mix creates a unique and flavorful dining experience for everyone.
International Cuisines
In Ithaca, there are 34 hidden gems that offer a wide range of international foods. You can try everything from Italian dishes to various Chinese cuisine styles. Out of these, 19 are Chinese restaurants where you can enjoy different regional dishes. Each spot is chosen for its unique setting, delicious food, and hidden charm. Plus, they use local ingredients, making each meal a cultural adventure.
Fusion Foods
But Ithaca doesn’t just offer traditional foods from around the world. Its chefs are experts at creating fusion foods. These dishes mix different culinary traditions for exciting new tastes. In Ithaca’s restaurants, you’ll find menus that reflect its diverse community. Many chefs use Japanese techniques with local produce, adding to the town’s food scene.
Whether you want classic international dishes or new fusion flavors, Ithaca has it all. It’s a place where every meal is a celebration of diversity and creativity in cooking.
Top-Rated Brunch Spots in Ithaca
If you’re in Ithaca over the weekend, get ready for a treat. The city is home to some top-notch brunches, blending amazing flavors and settings. Both locals and visitors will find their cravings well met here.
Weekend Favorites
- Milkstand: Since Labor Day 2021, this place is a hit thanks to its fresh look after a big makeover.
- The Bistro: A longtime favorite, The Bistro expanded threefold in 2021. They serve brunch every day from 7:30 AM to 2 PM.
- Dolce Delight: At 1080 Danby Road for 15 years, Dolce Delight is famed for its tasty food and innovative sandwiches that once won a Cornell competition.
- Hound and Mare: A cozy haunt liked since 2020, Howard Klein joined as co-owner early in 2023.
Brunch Menus
Several places in Ithaca have special and tasty brunch menus for different tastes. Let’s look at some that stand out:
- Allechant: Opening in 2018, Allechant is praised for its great service. The staff remembers the regulars here. They serve brunch only on Sundays.
- Agava: Always in demand, Agava often asks for reservations, mainly on weekends. It’s worth the wait for a lovely brunch.
- Coal Yard Café: Known for quick service, you won’t wait long at Coal Yard Café. Sometimes your food arrives before you even sit down.
- Monks on the Commons: A bit more expensive, this place is ideal for those wanting a fancy brunch.
- Sunset Grill: It gets busy, but the wholesome dishes at Sunset Grill are worth the wait.
- Taverna Banfi: Offering a grand brunch buffet, perfect for special events or family outings.
- CTB/Ithaca Bakery: With various locations, including Collegetown and downtown Ithaca, this bakery is a great pick for brunch.
- Cafe Dewitt: Located in Dewitt Mall, this café has a special vibe and usually shorter wait times than other popular spots.
Ithaca keeps drawing food lovers with its highly-rated brunch places. Weekends in Ithaca promise a joyous food adventure. From unique dishes to swift service, each spot offers its own slice of the city’s tasty offerings.
Vegan and Vegetarian Dining in Ithaca
Ithaca is a great place for those who love plant-based foods. This lively town boasts many vegetarian spots. These eateries focus on fresh, local ingredients and creative dishes that fit a healthy lifestyle.
Plant-Based Eateries
Moosewood Restaurant has been a key player since 1973 in offering vegetarian meals. Many of their meals can be made vegan or gluten-free. Angelhearts Diner is known for plant-based comfort food with unique items like cashew cheese sauce.
Greenstar Food Co-op has a special section for dairy-free products. They sell vegan and gluten-free items, including local tofu and seitan. Hawi Ethiopian Cuisine offers a vegan platter with dairy-free injera, perfect for trying new tastes.
Health-Conscious Options
Mama Said Hand Pies features vegan and gluten-free food. Thompson and Bleecker makes their pizza and pasta with vegan cheese. Gorgers gives the choice of substituting eggplant or seitan in meals.
Vegans can enjoy pizza too, with Franco’s Pizzeria making amazing vegan Sicilian pizza. Loumies offers a menu that’s 60% vegan. Via’s Cookies has delicious vegan cookies and helps support diverse students.
Ithaca is in the Finger Lakes Region, known for being vegan-friendly. Nearby towns like Watkins Glen and Corning have great vegan options. Places like Green Elephants and Kindred Fare boast impressive vegan menus. The region’s wineries also offer vegan wine choices, making dining out even better.
Conclusion
Ithaca’s dining scene shines brightly, as seen in our detailed ithaca restaurant guide. The city offers a mix of dining styles to satisfy everyone. You can enjoy fancy meals or casual bites. Kelly’s Dockside is known for its amazing breakfast, and Maru Ramen always has something new to try.
The local food scene has recovered well from recent challenges. Favorites like The Boatyard Grill and The Souvlaki House still offer unique dishes. New spots like Asempe Kitchen and Komonz Grill bring exciting international tastes to the table. Unfortunately, some favorites like Firehouse Subs have closed. But, places like Fresh Marché are opening, showing hope for the future.
Reflecting on Ithaca’s food journey shows it’s a place for amazing dining experiences. Whether you live here or are visiting, there’s always something incredible to try. With fresh starts and fond memories, Ithaca’s food community connects deeply with everyone. Each meal is a chance to enjoy the rich culture of the city.
FAQ
What are the top dining spots in Ithaca, New York?
Ithaca has a variety of top dining places. You’ll find award-winning restaurants, hidden spots loved by locals, and luxury places for special events.
Where are the best places to eat in Ithaca?
The best eating places in Ithaca include top-rated restaurants known for quality and unique dishes. These spots are favorites among both locals and students.
What fine dining experiences can I find in Ithaca?
Ithaca is known for its fine dining that offers luxury and elegance. Expect fancy menus, skillful chefs, and settings perfect for special times.
Are there casual dining options in Ithaca?
Yes, Ithaca has plenty of casual dining options. There are places with a laid-back atmosphere and family-friendly spots. Finding comfort and good taste is easy here.
Are there farm-to-table restaurants in Ithaca?
Definitely! Ithaca prides itself on farm-to-table restaurants. They focus on local produce and sustainable eating, bringing fresh food straight from the farm to your plate.
Which restaurants in Ithaca, New York are local favorites?
Local favorite restaurants in Ithaca often offer unique dishes. They are well-liked by the community, including many students. These places really show off Ithaca’s food culture.
Can I find scenic dining spots in Ithaca?
Yes, in Ithaca, you can dine with beautiful lake views and enjoy outdoor seating. It’s ideal for romantic nights or leisurely afternoons.
How diverse is the culinary scene in Ithaca?
The culinary scene in Ithaca is quite diverse, hosting international cuisines and fusion foods. Local chefs love to bring global flavors into their cooking.
Where can I find the top-rated brunch spots in Ithaca?
Ithaca’s top-rated brunch spots offer delicious weekend specialties and innovative brunch menus. They’re great for relaxing weekends and joyful meetups.
Are there vegan and vegetarian dining options in Ithaca?
Yes, Ithaca has many vegan and vegetarian options. You’ll find plant-based places and menus focused on health that use fresh and creative ingredients.