Taverna Banfi

130 Statler Dr, Ithaca
(607) 254-2565

Recent Reviews

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Alyssa-Sue

The restaurant atmosphere was serene. Front of house staff was perfect! Each part of the meal was delicious and well appointed.

Lorraine

Returning to Cornell is like coming home and this place is the cherry on top! Had the opportunity to have both breakfast and dinner here over my multiple days stay at the Statler and the meals were outstanding. Every dish is carefully prepared with the freshest ingredients. So whether it's a business meeting or a shared meal with old friends, this is the perfect place not to mention the view is pretty cool too.

Juliet

We have eaten at this restaurant many times during stays at the Statler Hotel, and it never disappoints. Service is friendly and good, and we really enjoy the food. Don't miss their breakfast menu which has lots of varied options and delivers on yummy food and great coffee.

Ann

We dined here last night for our anniversary where we were treated like royalty. The food was fresh and delicious. We had the grilled octopus for appetizer, along with the duck and halibut. The server was extremely attentive and we enjoyed a fun conversation. We were never hurried and just took in the relaxed and friendly service. When the bill came, it was half of what we expected. If I could give six stars, I would.

Kateri

Hostess and weight staff extremely nice and welcoming. Service was top-notch. Food was delicious. Both my son and I tried the Chicken Statler and loved it. Will definitely return if I find myself in town again.

Defne Kiyak Icyer

Service, view and the food awasome

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Olivia Vetler

This is a student-run restaurant, and it’s shocking how delicious the food is relative to the poor service and atmosphere. The student who served us was disturbingly over friendly. I guess he wasn't taught yet that customers are not your friends and you can't pat them on the back or either touch them. The decor is depressing, the carpet date from the 50s at least and has the ughliest pattern ever, the ceiling has the typical 'dentist dirty ceiling grid', there are cheap print on the whole. The whole urgently need a redonne in terms of design. I hope Cornell doesn't invite professors they hope to lure for a meal there because I would run away.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 4

Service: 1

Revekka

A lovely fine dining experience in the heart of Cornell! Service was outstanding and the views gorgeous.

David Pan

The person in the front fest told me to wait 15 minutes, while after 30 minutes still not able to have food. The person told me to continue to wait for extra 20 minutes. Not able to have food there.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 1

Gerald

We had dinner and breakfast at the Taverna Banfi in the Statler Hotel. While waiting to be seated, we were told to wait in the area near the elevators--not welcoming, and too bad their bar wasn't there. The dining room was nicely furnished. The staff was reluctant to remove dirty plates from our table since it wasn't their station--lack of teamwork and made us uncomfortable, plus the dirty plates stayed on our table. We were sharing an appetizer and had to ask for an extra plate. The gnocchi sauce was too thick and heavy with tomatoes. The desserts were okay. The Sunday brunch was adequate, but not worth the money. The plates were ice-cold and wet. There was no omelette station. It didn't seem like a special meal. The lunch selections were okay, but the room had a heavy fishy smell--very off-putting if you don't like fish. The dessert selection was awesome!

LeAnn

Excellent food, very good service, temperature a bit cool considering the summer weather. Would be nice to be able to eat here more regularly

Alexander Lobkovsky Meitiv

Great ambience and service. Unfortunately the food is abysmal. My entree was so salty that is was almost inedible. I asked the steak to be rare but it was brought to me medium. The house made mozzarella appetizer was tough and flavorless.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 1

Service: 5

Debra

Lovely restaurant right in Cornell Campus in Statler Hotel. Food was delish both nights I ate here. Not a miss and with large portions! Food was delicious and it was a pleasure to talk to the students who work there.

Jan

I believe we might have been given the worst table in the restaurant (very small and looked into the kitchen). My husband enjoyed his salmon. I ordered the Tuscan burger (it might have been from a frozen patty ?? Not sure) - it was ok, but nothing special. Asked for mustard and was given honey mustard. My cup of coffee was great, though! The worst part was when we were leaving, the hotel valet driver pulled in pretty fast with my car and then drove up on the curb with the right front tire (I know that isn't the restaurant's fault, but it sure didn't leave me with a positive impression).

Phương Đài Trịnh

Taverna Banfi offers a cozy and elegant escape in the heart of Ithaca, providing a warm atmosphere perfect for a date night or a celebratory dinner. Located in the luxurious Statler Hotel, this restaurant exudes a classic, Italian-inspired charm with an upscale twist.

The menu at Taverna Banfi focuses on traditional Italian dishes, with a selection that emphasizes fresh, high-quality ingredients. One of the highlights is their extensive wine list, which features both local and international selections, making it easy to find the perfect pairing for your meal. The waitstaff is knowledgeable about the wines and is happy to offer recommendations.

For appetizers, the bruschetta is a must-try – fresh, crunchy, and full of flavor. Their pastas are exceptional, with the Tagliatelle Bolognese being a standout. The rich, savory sauce perfectly complements the hand-rolled pasta, offering a true taste of Italy. For those who prefer something lighter, the grilled seafood platter is a perfect option, showcasing the freshest catches of the day.

While the atmosphere is relaxed, Taverna Banfi is ideal for those looking for a fine-dining experience in Ithaca. The service is attentive, and the overall dining experience feels refined without being overly formal.

Whether you’re a local or just visiting, Taverna Banfi offers a true taste of Italian elegance and is a must-visit destination in Ithaca!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

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