7 Best Korean Restaurants in Ithaca

“I love that they are willing to work with student organizations, such as AIChE, for fundraisers! I love the flavors, ingredients, and portion sizes of these bowls! I miss when they had 8 toppings included in custom bowls, though. I feel as if 6 toppings does not provide the same experience.“

“Such a little gem in Ithaca Commons!!! Our son brought us here on the graduation weekend as this was his most favorite and most visited restaurant during his 4 years at Cornell. And boy was it worth it! Everything we got was super flavorful. Our server Shell was attentive, courteous and made our time there special. Do not miss this place if you are in the area !!!!“

“The staff was great and the food was amazing. We did the barbecue, it was a ton of food. I can't wait to go back!“

“We really enjoyed our dinner at Four Seasons. I was a bit hesitant since I'm gluten free. The staff were very friendly & informed, leading me to 2 of the stews that don't have soy sauce or gluten. I got the spicy fish stew which was flavorful & filling. The staff were considerate to warn me about other things I should not eat but brought me extra veggies. Not a ton of choices for GF but authentic & flavorful, we will go back!“

“THIS IS THE BEST KOREAN RESTAURANT IN ITHACA HANDS DOWN. I love this place so much. The women who works here is also so sweet. The menu is so great and diverse. The food is well spiced and actually spicy!! Please come if you like real Korean or Chinese food. It’s a comfort spot for sure! Jayook Kimchi is my fav dish here.“

“This is along review because I'm passionate about Ithaca's dining scene. Lotus is the best restaurant on Aurora Street, hands down.

I've been coming here since they opened and have tried most things on the menu. The food quality never dips, and the staff are attentive without hovering and without being salesy.

I've brought out-of-town guests several time, and they always rave about it afterward. Last week I brought a college buddy with 2 young daughters. His wife had never before had Korean food and was reluctant to bring her fussy young daughters. The two girls ended up doing backflips over the fried chicken with honey garlic sauce. For the adults at the table, the bulgogi holds its own against anything you'll find in Fort Lee or Pal Park, NJ, which says a lot. The Kimchi Jjaigee is dyamite! My 21-year-old son's favorite is the Galbi Tang, with a deep taste so unique that he moans with delight when we talk on the phone and plan dinner out for his next visit.

Here's what Lotus won't do, unlike its trendier neighbors: push extra appetizers, upsell you on drinks and dessert, or hand you a QR code at the table begging for a Google review. That's exactly why you'll find restaurants with worse food and higher ratings. Those other places are better at marketing, not cooking. The old-school Korean family running Lotus isn't playing that game. They're just consistently making great food, day after day.
Sure, some of the other restaurants nearby have trendier lighting and nicer fixtures. That's cool but isn't the quality of the food what's most important?

As a local, I get bummed out when I see summer tourists filling up tables at mediocre restaurants on Auruora Street while the type of restaurants that make Ithaca special, authentic Asian joints like Lotus, are half full. (Notes to tourists: In the fall, when Cornell is in session, Lotus is PACKED! Smart, rich kids from all over the world, including real Koreans (!) understand top-notch food and good value.)

If you're trying to decide where to eat in Ithaca, skip the second-rate options with the sexy decor. Go to Lotus for an experience you'll remember. I promise you'll be happy!“

“Cute, reliable korean spot in Collegetown. Came in craving the spicy tuna kimbap (great value and just delicious), but ended up with a tofu soup. Warm & comforting. For some reason the rice wasn’t my favorite this time but that might be a personal thing.

Overall great cozy vibes, owner seems sweet too.“