Restaurants in Ithaca
Best Restaurants
2
MIX
“Was a very beautiful restaurant the food the appetizers was presented. Well great host. Great waitress food was absolutely delicious. Would recommend to anybody looking for a good meal. Phenomenal alcoholic ”
“This seemed like the best cocktail bar around on our short visit to Ithaca from Brooklyn. Knowledgeable staff, excellent decor and atmosphere, excellent drink menu.”
“OMG SO GOOD. I did not expect to have such delicious French food in Ithaca!!!! Everything tasted amazing, make sure to order their steak fries, so tender and creamy.”
“Good wines, friendly & knowledgable staff, (sanitary pours too). I was here for a wine trail event, but would revisit. (My group prefers sweet: I purchased the Sweet Abby's Red, I believe the other purchases were Bellissimo & Pasa Tiempo.)”
“Delectable food and exceptional service. Taverna Banfi defies expectations for a student-run restaurant. The dishes are absolutely gorgeous both taste and presentation wise.The duck is tender and savory with the perfect amount of sweetness from the maple sauce and sweet potato side. The calamari is crispy and light. The wine pairing is perfect. The table-side focaccia is tender and airy.Perfect for elegant date nights or special occasions. Prices range from $30-70 per person. Parking is limited”
Restaurants by Cuisine
“Just had an absolutely fantastic meal here! The oysters were so fresh and some of the best I’ve had. I got a special Cajun ruby red trout dish that was cooked to perfection with an amazing meld of flavors. My partner got the tried and true shrimp po boy and grits which was also delicious. Service was fantastic and atmosphere always great. Looking forward to going back.. kudos to the chef!!”
“I went on a Sunday morning, and the service was incredible!! This one young lady with brown hair made me the most life-changing decaf Cafe au Lait with oat milk that I have ever had. The craftsmanship was impeccable. I will be returning ASAP.”
“Parking for the restaurant is not something for handicap people to experience. Food was ok, nothing g special, prices are extremely high, cornell and ithaca college can afford. Not average low income peopleParking: Go there in off hours no parking”
Restaurants with Delivery
“Went to ETA PIE for the first time on 2/22 to celebrate a friends birthday and man was I impressed. The staff was WONDERFUL, the prices were GREAT and pizza was AMAZING!”
“Small place with limited seating, so keep that in mind if the place looks busy and you're hoping to sit indoors. The food was amazingly delicious! We got the savory and sweet Dolce Special which was A+”
“Everyone and their mom needs to go to Sicilian delight immediately everything is gas it’s must try! If you are lucky enough to go on a day that Michael is working the service will be even better then the food, seriously the best ”
“Bowl is a healthy meal option but it didn’t hit the mark in terms of taste for me. Fresh fish smell in the meal is not great for me, but if you like that and sea weed, you might love it. I don’t remember the name but a crunchy toppings was great.”
“BEST PIZZA in Ithaca area. Great service. "Franco's Favorite" pizza by the slice or pie is unique and the best. New location is amaizing, open and enjoyable. Super friendly and warm place to share with friends and family.”
“There were 3 of us. We were greeted and ordered at the counter. The area is spacious. We had lunch and sat and visited for quite a while. Fun time great food.Vegetarian options: Potato and cheddar hand pie. Fruit hand pies.Parking: In front of the buildingAmple parkingKid-friendliness: Play area, games, toys, child's pretend kitchen. Books.”
“The best. As they say, "I hope I die before Asia Cuisine goes out of business." This restaurant can make basically any asian food from sushi to sesame chicken to bulgogi to bento to homemade yakisoba. And if you order for pickup, the food is ready so fast! 2 quick parking spaces on Seneca Street so picking up food is easy. Also, dining in is surprisingly pleasant even if the restaurant looks like nothing special from the street.”
“We have visited this restaurant on 10 occasions , including takeout. I am vegetarian so my go to meals at the restaurant tend to be mushroom butter pasta, and vegetarian Ramen soup. The mushroom pasta is an excellent choice for vegetarians. The tofu vegetarian Ramen soup has an abundance of fresh vegetables, and the broth is excellent. I have enjoyed meals there with business partners, family members, and friends Service is prompt and polite. Takeout orders are timely and so far in seven orders we have not experienced a single mistake.Vegetarian options: Mushroom pasta, Vegetable Ramen, Spring rolls.Parking: Restaurant is within an offstreet plaza with shops, including an office of NY DMV.Kid-friendliness: Most tables are 4 tops and I have noticed families with children on most of the in dining visits.”
“Came from Raas profit share!!! Loved the food! Speedy service and such a cute restaurant!! Food was so good and portions were definitely big- I have enough leftovers for my lunch tomorrow!”
“Was a very beautiful restaurant the food the appetizers was presented. Well great host. Great waitress food was absolutely delicious. Would recommend to anybody looking for a good meal. Phenomenal alcoholic ”
“Via's cookies offer the homemade experience you crave, while supporting struggling college students. I'm a particular fan of the vegan, gluten-free varieties and love that we can order these for a group and know there will be something for everyone.”
“OMG SO GOOD. I did not expect to have such delicious French food in Ithaca!!!! Everything tasted amazing, make sure to order their steak fries, so tender and creamy.”
“I've heard about the Lincoln Street Diner from past family members and people from Ithaca. This was my first and not last time dining. The atmosphere is very light, warm and welcoming. It was nice to walk in the door and feel like I stepped back in time. Everyone worked together like a well oiled machine. They wanted you to be there and were ready to serve you. I was asked if I wanted to sit at the counter. Part of the ambiance was listening to the conversations of others. I orderd coffee, and a Philly cheese omelet with homefries and toast. I was delighted to find they offered sourdough bread. The coffee was very good and my food was delicious, made with love and care. The people serving were very kind and attentive. They knew incoming people's orders before they walked in. I left feeling very satisfied and comfortablely full.”
“Andy is amazing. Just served our family of 22 people plus and his other lunch customers. He didn’t get anything wrong. He was polite the entire time and the food was excellent. Thank you Andy.”
“Gorgers has become a must-do for lunch whenever I visit Ithaca. Great range of creative subs, and I really appreciate that almost everything can be made vegetarian or vegan, using eggplant or their homemade seitan (I've enjoyed the seitan on multiple occasions). Great looking sides, etc., but a small sized sub is more than enough food for me. Can't wait to get back!”
“The waitress and chef who presented each course were very welcoming. Every dish was explained and well crafted. Looking forward to trying this delicious menu again.Vegetarian options: They offered a standard menu and a Vegetarian menu which my wife ordered. Both options were well crafted and delicious.Parking: The area wasn’t very crowded when we went. We found a spot on the street right in front of the restaurant.”
“Dinner four four on a Wednesday evening, we got in just around 5:00 and were able to get a table without a reservation. The restaurant quickly filled up afterwards. Starters were the lobster bisque and Santa Barbara salad along with bread and olives. It was prime rib night ($31) and it was enjoyed though the veg of the day was bland green beans. The house burger comes recommended and we also had the vegan chili (with rice). Good dessert menu as well. Best seating is further inside beyond the fireplace, seats up front during the winter are often very cold.Vegetarian options: The only obvious option was the vegan chili with rice. It is good and spicy but the inclusion of jack fruit was odd and questions were asked.Dietary restrictions: In emails with owners/staff they attested to most meat options like the steak, duck, and salmon being dairy free.”
“Exceptional in every way... atmosphere, service, and especially the food, including presentation. Rivals high end restaurants, even those in Europe. Food obviously chef prepared with the freshest of top quality ingredients. The only drawback...the "Commons" in downtown Ithaca where this is located (thankfully, on the best corner, if it can be said one exists) has deteriorated severely in every way. I applaud the remaining businesses that tenaciously hang on and certainly deserve support. Shame on the city for not stepping up...the area gets worse every time I go there. This should not be in a town where one of the most prestigious universities on the planet is located. We parked in the large ramp, about two/three blocks away, which is very reasonably priced, roomy, and has electric vehicle charging stations; however, the walk through the "Commons" was depressing except for a scant handful of delightful shops and this truly fantastic restaurant. I know downtowns have a hard time, but there are two excellent universities/colleges with not only students, but additionally, professors and other staff as potential patrons - there should be constant shuttle service/park and ride to a thriving "Commons"!Vegetarian options: I had the mushroom "burger" sandwich, which was exceptional. It's what I always order; however I noticed several non-meat pastas, salads, etc.”
Online Reservation Available
“Delectable food and exceptional service. Taverna Banfi defies expectations for a student-run restaurant. The dishes are absolutely gorgeous both taste and presentation wise.The duck is tender and savory with the perfect amount of sweetness from the maple sauce and sweet potato side. The calamari is crispy and light. The wine pairing is perfect. The table-side focaccia is tender and airy.Perfect for elegant date nights or special occasions. Prices range from $30-70 per person. Parking is limited”
“Just had an absolutely fantastic meal here! The oysters were so fresh and some of the best I’ve had. I got a special Cajun ruby red trout dish that was cooked to perfection with an amazing meld of flavors. My partner got the tried and true shrimp po boy and grits which was also delicious. Service was fantastic and atmosphere always great. Looking forward to going back.. kudos to the chef!!”
“Parking for the restaurant is not something for handicap people to experience. Food was ok, nothing g special, prices are extremely high, cornell and ithaca college can afford. Not average low income peopleParking: Go there in off hours no parking”
“Dinner four four on a Wednesday evening, we got in just around 5:00 and were able to get a table without a reservation. The restaurant quickly filled up afterwards. Starters were the lobster bisque and Santa Barbara salad along with bread and olives. It was prime rib night ($31) and it was enjoyed though the veg of the day was bland green beans. The house burger comes recommended and we also had the vegan chili (with rice). Good dessert menu as well. Best seating is further inside beyond the fireplace, seats up front during the winter are often very cold.Vegetarian options: The only obvious option was the vegan chili with rice. It is good and spicy but the inclusion of jack fruit was odd and questions were asked.Dietary restrictions: In emails with owners/staff they attested to most meat options like the steak, duck, and salmon being dairy free.”
“We went for a small family celebration and had a wonderful time. Our server Patrick was extremely knowledgeable and genuinely excited about the wonderful food that was coming from the kitchen. I particularly enjoyed the mussels, fennel and mango appetizer, and the desserts were out of this world.”
“We ate here back in November. Was hesitant to stop. It wasn't busy when we got there. The food was really good. Best burger I'd had in a long time. We would go back.”
“The lunch menu was small, but the food was amazing. The server was friendly and agreeable when I asked if a dish contained onions, which I dislike. He advised that the curry did contain a small amount of onions, but said that they are pureed into the sauce, and not easily noticed. He said with confidence, "this dish is so good, I would hate for you to miss it." I loved his confidence, and he was right, it was delectable! Our group all loved their meals, including the lentil soup, tofu salad, chickpea stew, and black bean burger. I love the history of Moosewood and love that they continue to serve veggie forward dishes, and clearly identify what is vegan.”
“we did the standard 5 cider tasting. this included a tray of snacks for each of us that had popcorn, olives, mixed nuts and some delicious seasoned cheese curds. we also ordered the melted cheese and crostini which was delicious. the service was very good. the woman bringing us each cider to taste was very nice and knowledgeable. it was a beautiful day and even though I had picked indoor seating, we were able to sit outdoors. we had a reservation which was for 1.5 hours but no one rushed us to leave. I would definitely return.”
“Some of the most delicious food I’ve had! The place has a brilliant food menu where you can be confident that every single thing is good. The staff is super friendly and help you with the recommendations.”
“Dined in last week. Waited 20 minutes for a table. Had amazing service and an amazing mushroom smoked Ribeye. Bread was to die for. Our waitress is very nice and helpful. Room is a little loud.”
“Great food. Great space. Terrible waitress. Acted like we were bothering her. She did not check on us except to try to give us the check after 20 minutes. We would give this 5 stars overall except for waitress. This was very unusual. Always before staff has been amazing”
“Nice welcoming restaurant. Food was great too. Had Shumei for appetizer and dinner was pad Thai and spicy Thai noodles, yum! Server was very attentive and welcoming. Will be ”
“Good food and plenty of it. The mashgiach and the students were very welcoming and friendly. We stopped for dinner there because we were seeing the waterfalls nearby.”
“My wife and I are frequent visitors to Northstar. It's the perfect neighborhood restaurant with delightful cocktails, delicious comfort food, and staff who are fun and funny. After a long week, Northstar is a soothing balm.Dietary restrictions: Most dishes are gluten free.”
“We’re big fans of Gola Osteria, which offers beautifully prepared food with a seasonal menu rotation. It’s not hard to spend a lot of money here, but it always feels worth it.The swordfish special has been excellent whenever we’ve seen it, the grilled octopus is done perfectly, the eggplant parm features outstanding red sauce, and the black spaghetti is a hit. Add a great bottle of wine, including some affordable gems.Goal’s space is a little odd, and can be confusing for first-time visitors. Use the intercom at the front door to be buzzed in, or go around to the patio door if it’s not snowed in. The old architecture also means it’s sometimes noisy in here.”
“We loved our food at Saigon and will definitely be returning. We played it safe for our first time there with Pho Ga, chicken lol mein, and a fried spring roll. All three were amazing.”
“Good White Clam pizza. The restaurant is too small and really noisy. The wait wasn't all that bad but it's so tightly packed that I found it uncomfortable. The food was good but not an enjoyable dining experience.”
“Terrific beer and ale , friendly staff, and a festive beer hall. The staff is terrific, friendly, and knowledgable.Team Trivia in the Barrel Room on Wednesday evenings always draws a crowd. One of my favorite places...”
24 Hour Restaurants
“This trip to get food from the clown was fantastic! Perfect fries, the nuggets were exceptional, burgers done right and friendly staff that made me feel welcome. Oh, the order was quite large and nothing was omitted. This location is recommended as they really seem to care about their customers. Ronald should give everyone a raise!”
“For 372 Elmira Rd. Ithaca... We go here for breakfast every time we are in town for vacation. They are quick, and friendly. The one manager is able to memorize orders and always greets us with a smile. She is professional and seems to treat her staff well. The food is never an issue. One of the better McDonalds we have been to.”
16
Royal Court
“I honestly wasn't expecting much because of the outdated interior... and exterior for that matter. But the food turned out to be really excellent. I had the Demonico steak and would choose it over Texas road house any time.My wife had the Chefs special which was shrimp, scallops, and hadock. She loved it. Thank you for a delightful suprise.Kid-friendliness: Kind and attentive.”
“Very nice hotel with attentive staff. My only complaint was the fitness facility was very, very small. Could have given 5 stars but it was incredibly expensive for what it was (and being in Ithaca, NY, not Manhattan). Of course, being on campus is advantageous.”
18
The Rook
“Food is good (GET THE GRILLED SALMON!)! Ordered the grilled dates, grill salmon and cheeseburger (which comes with a generous amount of fries). Limited menu options means it's easy to choose what to eat and more likely that the food is good, which is exactly the case.Grilled dates comes in 3 pieces which is a bit awkward to share but it's good. Grilled salmon is perfection, crispy on the outside yet so tender on the inside, sauce goes really well with it. Cheese burger is simple but good, the bun is so soft, fries is just fries nothing special.Server is nice, keeps checking in and surprised that they would replace the cutlery after appetizer, but they did forget the knives so oh wells. Overall a very good experience and will definitely go back.”
Takeout Restaurants
“Great coffee shop! Nicely plant themed and the service is good. The coffee was solid as well, a 7.6 flat white. The best part of it was being able to take a coffee 5 mins walk to the nearby Ithaca Falls and enjoy a coffee by the waterfall - perfect!”
“The ice cream is pretty good here! Got the Trick or Treat (vanilla and marshmallow base with candy inside). As someone who appreciates contrasting textures, I loved the soft, icy sweetness of the vanilla ice cream with the crunch of the MnM and sprinkles. Delicious! It's a little pricey, but a one-scoop is more than enough with a waffle cone for about $8. They don't really skimp on the ice cream, and offer samples. They're all-in for Halloween, with lots of decorations around the store, a pumpkin decorating crafting station, Halloween candy bags, and 30% for coming in with a costume. Would definitely recommend!”
“Bulgogi Pho was delicious, great portions and huge depth of flavor. Small place with lightning fast service. Only knock would be the almost fast food atmosphere, but the food more than offset this.”
“Good wines, friendly & knowledgable staff, (sanitary pours too). I was here for a wine trail event, but would revisit. (My group prefers sweet: I purchased the Sweet Abby's Red, I believe the other purchases were Bellissimo & Pasa Tiempo.)”
“Such a cute coffee place in the commons! Definitely pricey compared to other places, but overall super cute and they work pretty quick. There isn’t a whole lot of space for the number of people they have, so you may not be able to sit down during peak hours.Vegetarian options: Only one vegetarian option (avocado toast) but it’s good!”
“We always enjoy ourselves here. The food and beer selection is wide, so there's a bit of something for everyone. I'm doing dry February, and they had a terrific NA beer from Athletic! My vegetarian friend enjoyed the cauliflower wings. We accommodated a group of 10 on the fly (had unexpected extras), and the staff was ok with us putting tables together. Another nice table of guests even agreed to switch tables with our large group. It just shows that the people here, both patrons and employees, are into the friendly vibe.”
“I’m reviewing this place now because I realize how much I miss it once it’s closed. Some Fridays just call for their fried chicken, fried tofu and great fries. One of the best!”
“Really cool spot. Visiting from Nyack, Ny and it's my first time learning about Kava and having the full experience. I don't know how I haven't heard about this before! I felt super relaxed and I loved how people could just come together, and share the moment. Had great conversation, and no judging eyes. Do not leave Ithaca without coming here at least once!”
“Ithaca is not known for Pizza or wings really, but Sals is hands down the best. The ppl are friendly and nothing is ever burnt or too greasy. Great wing flavors!”
“Fries are amazing--just don't order them to go or they will get soggy. Malawach is an awesome dish but hit or miss, as the bread has been either burned or underbaked on all of my half-dozen visits. We want a consistent Malawach please! Fun drinks if you wanted to get zonked and go watch a movie at cinemopolis.”
“My friends and I came here for a late afternoon/early evening boba run.It was pretty good and quiet.I tried the Jasmine Green Milk Tea, my other friends got Oolong Milk Tea and Mocha Milk Tea.The person at the counter mainly defulted to a Large and with boba and the normal sugar, didnt really ask about anything.Other then that, pretty chill.”
“Exceptional in every way... atmosphere, service, and especially the food, including presentation. Rivals high end restaurants, even those in Europe. Food obviously chef prepared with the freshest of top quality ingredients. The only drawback...the "Commons" in downtown Ithaca where this is located (thankfully, on the best corner, if it can be said one exists) has deteriorated severely in every way. I applaud the remaining businesses that tenaciously hang on and certainly deserve support. Shame on the city for not stepping up...the area gets worse every time I go there. This should not be in a town where one of the most prestigious universities on the planet is located. We parked in the large ramp, about two/three blocks away, which is very reasonably priced, roomy, and has electric vehicle charging stations; however, the walk through the "Commons" was depressing except for a scant handful of delightful shops and this truly fantastic restaurant. I know downtowns have a hard time, but there are two excellent universities/colleges with not only students, but additionally, professors and other staff as potential patrons - there should be constant shuttle service/park and ride to a thriving "Commons"!Vegetarian options: I had the mushroom "burger" sandwich, which was exceptional. It's what I always order; however I noticed several non-meat pastas, salads, etc.”
“My kids and I recently stopped in here on a rainy day but squeezed in and totally enjoyed our delicious tacos. We tried chicken, steak, pork with lots of different toppings- all were 100% delicious I was a huge fan of the added pineapple!In nice weather they have a pretty outdoor seating area too.”
“I picked up so atmosphere is not a concern! I ordered a Joey( Bless your legacy brother) plus mushrooms and 1/2 pound of onion rings(because they are homemade!!)OMG!!!! AMAZING!!! I asked for it uncut so i could finish it at home. It was prepared perfectly! What an awesome crew from phone call to service!”
“We loved our food at Saigon and will definitely be returning. We played it safe for our first time there with Pho Ga, chicken lol mein, and a fried spring roll. All three were amazing.”
19
Mia
“The restaurant was packed when we got there which showed that the food is fresh and it is a popular food place. Good and efficient service. Portion sizes are good and the food is full with flavor. Pricy though. $19 for a veggie dish?”
20
The Heights
“We went for a small family celebration and had a wonderful time. Our server Patrick was extremely knowledgeable and genuinely excited about the wonderful food that was coming from the kitchen. I particularly enjoyed the mussels, fennel and mango appetizer, and the desserts were out of this world.”
21
Moosewood
“The lunch menu was small, but the food was amazing. The server was friendly and agreeable when I asked if a dish contained onions, which I dislike. He advised that the curry did contain a small amount of onions, but said that they are pureed into the sauce, and not easily noticed. He said with confidence, "this dish is so good, I would hate for you to miss it." I loved his confidence, and he was right, it was delectable! Our group all loved their meals, including the lentil soup, tofu salad, chickpea stew, and black bean burger. I love the history of Moosewood and love that they continue to serve veggie forward dishes, and clearly identify what is vegan.”
Drive-Thru Restaurants
“Great local bar, “divey” in the best way. Good tap selection, gay-friendly, free food and pool on Sundays, TV for games. Some bartenders are friendlier than others but overall the vibes here are immaculate.”
“This location constantly delivers a solid sandwich, and usually faster than any other option in town. I consider it a hidden gem and its become a regular lunch go-to. They have never screwed up an order and the rewards are pretty solid.”
“I like the roast beef & cheddar and my wife likes the reuben sandwich, but we both agree on the curly fries. We went for lunch and the restaurant was understaffed but they handled it like champs. It looked like there was only one cashier, one drive-thru person, and one cook, but they were friendly and we got our food quickly. Great teamwork!”
“I placed a mobile order while in the parking lot. I hit order. The app said "Thank You!". I got out of the car and walked in. I see one coffee sitting on the mobile order shelf, but it couldn't be mine, I just ordered a minute ago. Sure enough, they made it that fast! And they didn't mess my drink up, which will happen from time to time. Great job ladies!?”
“Manager is friendly, helpful. Service is usually quick and efficient for either take out or dine in. Sometimes the drive thru is busy so I go in and order on kiosk.Vegetarian options: Order can be customized for about any item.Parking: During peak hours the parking lot can be full (lunch and dinner time)”
“Great take out, and you can even get Thai iced tea by the half gallon! In the dining room, the service is always friendly and quick. It's an Ithaca staple!”
“Starting with ample parking, this Dunkin had great service by friendly employees.. My food was hit and tasty as expected. I enjoyed my visit to this Dunkin D's... Thank you!”
“Staff was friendly, but must have been short staffed (nothing new nowadays like anywhere else) as the lobby door was locked and only drive thru open. Still ordered off app and just had to wait longer in drive thru line.”
“Sean this morning was very considerate of my situation this morning and was very kind to me so thank you for that. Glad to know costumer service is still a thing ! :)”
“I love coming here- I love right up the road and work just about a half mile away at the elementary school. It’s a shame they don’t open early enough for me to go before work, because I would! Not only do they open late, but they close early- 3:30! I haven’t left work at that point unfortunately, so I can only go on the weekends.”
23
Ciao
“Very tasty pizza, and ready quickly. But...when ordering by phone, make sure you confirm the price to avoid surprises. We ordered a pizza for takeout, and the price charged was 33% more than the menu price ($16, advertised as $12).”
“we did the standard 5 cider tasting. this included a tray of snacks for each of us that had popcorn, olives, mixed nuts and some delicious seasoned cheese curds. we also ordered the melted cheese and crostini which was delicious. the service was very good. the woman bringing us each cider to taste was very nice and knowledgeable. it was a beautiful day and even though I had picked indoor seating, we were able to sit outdoors. we had a reservation which was for 1.5 hours but no one rushed us to leave. I would definitely return.”
Cheap Eats
“Wonderful experiences here over many years. My son is a Cornell undergraduate in Ithaca, NY, so we visit often. The ice cream is home-made by Cornell students from local dairy cows. The Cornell Dairy Bar is in a cafeteria located on campus in a modern building with big glass windows. The space is well-lit with lots of small tables and chairs. The dairy bar serves many unique flavors of home-made ice cream, cones, ice cream floats, sandwiches with vegan options, burgers and hot dogs (of meat or vegan options), a wide variety of drinks, coffees, teas and bottled waters. No beer or alcoholic beverages are available. Prices are very modest and reasonable. Food, service and the local ambiance are excellent, and everything is managed by Cornell students. Ice cream is fresh and flavorful, very smooth and creamy, so it melts easily in your mouth. If you're dieting or vegan, this is definitely worth suspending diet or vegan habits because the interesting, innovative flavors are unpredictable but remarkable and surprising, especially delightful because everything is created and managed by Cornell students, teachers and staff.”
“So good! The people who work here are exceptionally kind and the food they make is delicious. We always get a Reuben and tiramisu or coffee cake (which is cinnamony and walnuty). You can sit outside on a nice day and they will bring you your order. I’m so lucky I live down the street!”
“First time I ever had one of these. Got the chicken salad arepa .. it was incredible. So fresh the avacado to die for. Filling!Had one of the nicest people for customer service she brought it right out. Will come back for sure! Thank you!”
“This is the best Jamaican restaurant in Ithaca and it’s surroundings. The food was excellent. I’m a Jamaican and it reminded me of back home. The real yard flavor. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️”
“This is an absolutely godsent place. My kid has peanut and tree nut allergies (cashews, pistachios, almonds, hazelnuts). It is rare to find a bakery that can accommodate these allergies. Rashida Sawyer is our go-to bakery for custom-made birthday cakes for our family. They take proper care to ensure no nut ingredients and no cross-contamination. They have told us of selections where there might be almond flour and have suggested alternative designs. We've had no issues so far and my child absolutely devours the cake slices!Without this bakery, I don't know how my kid would have been able to enjoy a proper birthday party. So thank you! Also, at our last birthday party, one of my child's friends exclaimed that "this was the best chocolate cake she's ever had!". Child-approved!”
“First time coming here - I wish I knew about this place earlier! Lamb over rice was AMAZING! Lamb was slighly crispy on the outside yet succulent on the inside. Even the yellow rice by itself was seasoned perfectly. All of it is drizzled in your choice of a creamy / garlicky sauce that leaves you scraping for more. 4.8/5”
“The Statler Hotel staff were very helpful and friendly. The staff at the check-in desk were very nice and helped us with the check-in and check-out process. They also helped us pick up our wedding decor the day after our event. The Ballroom is beautifully decorated and the rooms are clean and spacious! Chef Eric and his team create food that is delicious, and we received so many compliments from our wedding guests about the food! We highly recommend the Statler Hotel if you are planning an event or staying in the Ithaca area.”
“My go to coffee and study spot; equally charming on rainy and sunny days. Love the windows and atmosphere, and the vibe is immaculate.Coffee’s dope, too. But you might have to fight someone to get a seat in the wintertime.”
“It’s a cat place first, food place second and coffee place third. It’s a one-size fits all, themed cafe so I couldn’t expect too much from the coffee on offer. It was slightly better than I thought. I got a 7.4/10 cortado and although it was okay, there was no flavour or milkwork to be seen. Come for the cats and not the coffee.”
“Really yummy and reasonably priced! A great addition to Personal Best and downtown Ithaca. They make everything from scratch and it’s ready very quickly. Hopefully they’ll add takeaway some day.”
“We drove an hour to check this truck out, and it was so worth it. The owner is super kind and talented. You can never go wrong with the ‘cook’s choice’. He even made me a vegetarian version! I’ll take a second job to pay for gas if I need to, because I need Circus Truck in my life regularly.”
“Vibey, cozy, unique spot with huge selection of specialty liquors and fabulous staff. They do have snacks. I saw some cured sausages, cheese and sweet treats like Via's cookies.Since it's November, my current fave things to get there are the warm drinks! Hot Buttered Rum and Boozy Hot Cocoa!YUM!”
“Great lunch! Look for their daily special. Lines can be long at peak hours, and it can be tough to find a table, but it goes quickly and is worth the wait. In good weather, outdoor seating is comfortable out back.”
“Great pizza, subs, and fried chicken. Always open at the most convenient times. Location is great and the wait time is always very short, especially during busy times. Can't wait for WTFalafel to open!!”
“My daughter and I dined here Friday night. I wanted something fast and easy because it was past her bedtime and I picked the perfect spot. It wasn’t crowded the restaurant was cozy and warm and everyone was welcoming and friendly. The food was great thank you !”
“This coffee shop ENCOURAGES customers to be more environmentally responsible by giving people discount when they bring their own mugs! So far, this is a very rare and precious practice in Ithaca, and I highly recommend people to go buy coffee at Gimme to support this practice (and its coffee is great ?”
“Some of the most delicious food I’ve had! The place has a brilliant food menu where you can be confident that every single thing is good. The staff is super friendly and help you with the recommendations.”
27
Franny's
“Literally my favorite spot on campus!! Lo and Justin are the goats, absolute greatest. They always put in their 110% every day, know the students personally, and play our favorite music playlists <3No other place on campus compared. I go AT LEAST 3 days a week, only for Lo and Justin”
“Dined in last week. Waited 20 minutes for a table. Had amazing service and an amazing mushroom smoked Ribeye. Bread was to die for. Our waitress is very nice and helpful. Room is a little loud.”
“Great food. Great space. Terrible waitress. Acted like we were bothering her. She did not check on us except to try to give us the check after 20 minutes. We would give this 5 stars overall except for waitress. This was very unusual. Always before staff has been amazing”
“A weekend date night, check! Wedding event, check! New Year’s Eve dance party, check! This place has it all in conjunction with the excellent cocktail program associated with Bar Argos. You really can’t go wrong. Do yourself a favor and order their popcorn, too. You’re sure to have an excellent time lounging on the green velvet couches while basking under cascading plants. Excited to go back!”
Latest Reviews
“Dinner four four on a Wednesday evening, we got in just around 5:00 and were able to get a table without a reservation. The restaurant quickly filled up afterwards. Starters were the lobster bisque and Santa Barbara salad along with bread and olives. It was prime rib night ($31) and it was enjoyed though the veg of the day was bland green beans. The house burger comes recommended and we also had the vegan chili (with rice). Good dessert menu as well. Best seating is further inside beyond the fireplace, seats up front during the winter are often very cold.Vegetarian options: The only obvious option was the vegan chili with rice. It is good and spicy but the inclusion of jack fruit was odd and questions were asked.Dietary restrictions: In emails with owners/staff they attested to most meat options like the steak, duck, and salmon being dairy free.”
“We ate here back in November. Was hesitant to stop. It wasn't busy when we got there. The food was really good. Best burger I'd had in a long time. We would go back.”
“This was worth my 2 day drive from Wisconsin. Best chicken I've ever had. I'll be back to try the biscuits as someone bought all of them just before I arrived. Don't be a stupid cluck, cross that road and get to the other side. What awaits is a Krispy Krunchy oasis of Cajun spiced chicken ??.”
Most Popular Restaurants
“We really enjoyed our food. Both sandwiches were done well and very tasty. The beer is also delicious, big fans of the Kilt Lifter! The atmosphere was fun and despite being busy we felt like we had great service. Would return!”
“We’re big fans of Gola Osteria, which offers beautifully prepared food with a seasonal menu rotation. It’s not hard to spend a lot of money here, but it always feels worth it.The swordfish special has been excellent whenever we’ve seen it, the grilled octopus is done perfectly, the eggplant parm features outstanding red sauce, and the black spaghetti is a hit. Add a great bottle of wine, including some affordable gems.Goal’s space is a little odd, and can be confusing for first-time visitors. Use the intercom at the front door to be buzzed in, or go around to the patio door if it’s not snowed in. The old architecture also means it’s sometimes noisy in here.”
“Parking pickings are slim for this place, but when you get in, it's easy to see why. The place was absolutely packed, with a line of people waiting for a table. So you know it's gotta be good, right? The vintage vibe is really nice, but the food and drinks are so much better. Looking at the menu alone, you can tell this place has good taste, variety, and style. They really do. I had the cappuccino to drink, and it was so smooth that I didn't even need sugar. For brunch, I ordered the sweet garlic chicken and waffles, which are OUT OF THIS WORLD GOOD! They were just about everything I'd hoped they'd be. Maybe I wish the sauce had been a little thicker so it could be used to coat the chicken, rather than a liquid, but at least the flavor was GREAT. I'd recommend this place to anyone in the area. I know where I'm having brunch when I come to Ithaca. Right here!!”
“I have ordered from this Chipotle and have had good experiences. I usually order a white rice bowl, with steak, guacamole, sour cream, queso, shredded cheese, and lettuce. This Chipotle is on par with other locations. The only issues I've had is when they run out of cheese, or one time I ordered and the rice was hard. Generally however, the food is delicious when I order from this location.”
“First time here! No doubt their ice cream is fabulous and better than any i have had at a shop or in store. They were also very busy but managed. I got the chocolate peanut butter, there wasn’t really that much peanut butter in it but the ice cream itself was a great flavor. I also got the chocolate chip cookie dough which was better than choc PB, rich, smooth flavor and the cookie dough itself was just different in the best way possible, only downside was there was about 3 cookie dough pieces. Overall, choc PB was a 8.2 and the choc cookie dough was a 9.3 in my book. One bite everyone knows the rules.”
“In a world where jumbo size portions are the norm, The Boatyard offers half-plate options for some of the entrees. Thank you! And the clam chowder was excellent.”
“I highly recommend the Taco/Burrito Craving Pack. You will have enough food to last 1 person 2 meals. Also, remember the spice packs it always makes the food taste better.”
“For 372 Elmira Rd. Ithaca... We go here for breakfast every time we are in town for vacation. They are quick, and friendly. The one manager is able to memorize orders and always greets us with a smile. She is professional and seems to treat her staff well. The food is never an issue. One of the better McDonalds we have been to.”
“Fries are amazing--just don't order them to go or they will get soggy. Malawach is an awesome dish but hit or miss, as the bread has been either burned or underbaked on all of my half-dozen visits. We want a consistent Malawach please! Fun drinks if you wanted to get zonked and go watch a movie at cinemopolis.”
“After having read some bad reviews, we can say this place isn’t bad! We walked in and were greeted and sat down right away. Our waitress was attentive and friendly. The salsa and chips were great. I had the Street tacos which came with beans and rice. Everything was so good. My husband enjoyed his shrimp tacos as well. Overall, the food was great! I say this as this is our family's favorite type of food. We are very picky about what qualities as good Mexican food. Lastly, the menu has food options but it's not overwhelming.”
“We stopped by for breakfast yesterday and for lunch to-go sandwiches today. They have a wide variety of things to order, including soups, bagels, pastries, smoothies and a bunch of drinks like coffee, tea and lemonades. The servers are pleasant and quick. You can stay in or take to go. Awesome local place!”
“This trip to get food from the clown was fantastic! Perfect fries, the nuggets were exceptional, burgers done right and friendly staff that made me feel welcome. Oh, the order was quite large and nothing was omitted. This location is recommended as they really seem to care about their customers. Ronald should give everyone a raise!”
“Went to ETA PIE for the first time on 2/22 to celebrate a friends birthday and man was I impressed. The staff was WONDERFUL, the prices were GREAT and pizza was AMAZING!”
“BEST PIZZA in Ithaca area. Great service. "Franco's Favorite" pizza by the slice or pie is unique and the best. New location is amaizing, open and enjoyable. Super friendly and warm place to share with friends and family.”
“Be prepared to get into a waiting list.The vibe was good but not super cool. It’s not too loud so you can enjoy talking beside the food.I tried the turkey breast sandwich and it was casual and fresh but not something really surprising. The portion size was medium if you are hungry don’t go for it. However, the red’s cocktail is also exciting to try out. 51$ for a sandwich, French fries, and 2 glass of cocktails.The staff care and pay attention to you if you want to call them.A good normal place that you can spend your casual time easily. But a bit expensive for a casual and a twice a week to go place.”
“We have visited this restaurant on 10 occasions , including takeout. I am vegetarian so my go to meals at the restaurant tend to be mushroom butter pasta, and vegetarian Ramen soup. The mushroom pasta is an excellent choice for vegetarians. The tofu vegetarian Ramen soup has an abundance of fresh vegetables, and the broth is excellent. I have enjoyed meals there with business partners, family members, and friends Service is prompt and polite. Takeout orders are timely and so far in seven orders we have not experienced a single mistake.Vegetarian options: Mushroom pasta, Vegetable Ramen, Spring rolls.Parking: Restaurant is within an offstreet plaza with shops, including an office of NY DMV.Kid-friendliness: Most tables are 4 tops and I have noticed families with children on most of the in dining visits.”