
Top Restaurants in Ithaca
Our COMPLETE guide to Ithaca’s best restaurants
Ithaca's culinary scene is a vibrant tapestry of flavors, with farm-to-table restaurants at the forefront of its gastronomic identity. From seasonal ingredients and local wines sourced directly from nearby farms to innovative fusion dishes that blend diverse culinary traditions, Ithaca offers a dining experience that showcases creative interpretations of global flavors while staying true to its Finger Lakes roots. Whether you're savoring a hearty brunch or indulging in a dinner by Cayuga Lake, each bite in Ithaca is a celebration of its melting pot community.
Interested in exploring more of Ithaca? Click HERE for our full itinerary!
More of a visual learner? Click HERE for a map version of our best restaurants guide!
Ithaca Commons
Alley Cat Café: A cozy café known for its relaxed atmosphere and delicious comfort food, including gourmet sandwiches, salads, and specialty coffee drinks.
112 N Cayuga St, Ithaca, NY 14850 | $-$$
Bickering Twins: A popular brunch spot offering creative dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, such as avocado toast, savory pancakes, and specialty cocktails.
114 N Cayuga St, Ithaca, NY 14850 | $$-$$$
Cayuga Lake Creamery: A charming ice cream parlor serving homemade ice cream in a variety of flavors, with options for dairy-free and vegan customers.
215 N Cayuga St, Ithaca, NY 14850 | $-$$
Coltivare: A farm-to-table restaurant and bar featuring seasonal dishes inspired by local ingredients, as well as handcrafted cocktails and an extensive wine list.
235 S Cayuga St, Ithaca, NY 14850 | $$-$$$
Franco’s Pizzeria: A family-owned pizzeria offering New York-style pizza, calzones, and Italian dishes made with fresh ingredients and traditional recipes.
527 W State St, Ithaca, NY 14850 | $-$$
Gorgers: A casual eatery specializing in gourmet sandwiches, wraps, and salads, with options for meat lovers, vegetarians, and vegans alike.
116 W State St, Ithaca, NY 14850 | $-$$
Hawi: An authentic Ethiopian restaurant known for its flavorful dishes, including injera bread, spicy stews, and traditional coffee ceremonies.
113 S Cayuga St, Ithaca, NY 14850 | $$-$$$
Ithaca Ale House: A lively gastropub offering an extensive selection of craft beers on tap, pub-style fare, and live music in a casual setting.
301 E State St Suite 1, Ithaca, NY 14850 | $$-$$$
Just a Taste: A cozy wine bar and tapas restaurant featuring an eclectic menu of small plates inspired by global flavors, perfect for sharing with friends.
116 N Aurora St, Ithaca, NY 14850 | $$-$$$
Le Café Cent-Dix: A charming French bistro offering classic French cuisine, including escargot, coq au vin, and crème brûlée, in an intimate setting.
110 N Aurora St, Ithaca, NY 14850 | $$-$$$
Mercato Bar & Kitchen: A contemporary Italian restaurant and wine bar serving house-made pasta, wood-fired pizza, and seasonal dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.
108 N Aurora St, Ithaca, NY 14850 | $$-$$$
Mia: A cozy trattoria specializing in rustic Italian dishes, homemade pasta, and wood-fired pizzas, with a warm and inviting ambiance.
130 E State St, Ithaca, NY 14850 | $$-$$$
Moosewood: A renowned vegetarian restaurant offering creative and globally inspired dishes made with organic and locally sourced ingredients, in a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.
215 N Cayuga St, Ithaca, NY 14850 | $$-$$$
Red’s Place: A casual neighborhood pub known for its friendly atmosphere, classic pub grub, and extensive beer selection, including local craft brews on tap.
107 N Aurora St, Ithaca, NY 14850 | $-$$
The Rook: A trendy gastropub featuring inventive cocktails, craft beers, and elevated pub fare, such as gourmet burgers, artisanal sandwiches, and shareable appetizers.
404 W State St, Ithaca, NY 14850 | $$-$$$
Simeon’s American Bistro: A contemporary American bistro offering seasonal dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, as well as an extensive wine list and craft cocktails.
224 E State St, Ithaca, NY 14850 | $$-$$$
Tacos CDMX: A vibrant taqueria serving authentic Mexican street tacos, quesadillas, and other traditional dishes, with a focus on fresh, bold flavors.
118 W Green St, Ithaca, NY 14850 | $-$$
Thompson & Bleecker: A hip pizza joint known for its creative toppings, wood-fired pies, and artisanal salads, served in a trendy and laid-back atmosphere.
220 E State St, Ithaca, NY 14850 | $-$$
Northern Ithaca
Alléchant: Elegant restaurant serving Mediterranean-inspired dishes with a focus on fresh seafood and locally-sourced ingredients.
903 Hanshaw Rd Ste 105, Ithaca, NY 14850 | $$-$$$
Antlers Restaurant: Historic eatery known for its rustic charm and hearty American fare, including steaks, seafood, and burgers.
1159 Dryden Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850 | $$-$$$
Ciao: Cozy Italian eatery offering traditional pasta dishes, wood-fired pizzas, and classic Italian desserts in a warm atmosphere.
2 Hickory Hollow Ln, Ithaca, NY 14850 | $$-$$$
The Heights: Rooftop restaurant and bar with stunning views of downtown Ithaca, featuring a diverse menu of contemporary American cuisine.
903 Hanshaw Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850 | $$-$$$
Downtown Ithaca
The Boatyard Grill: Lakeside restaurant offering seafood, steaks, and American fare in a casual setting with outdoor seating.
525 Taughannock Blvd, Ithaca, NY 14850 | $$-$$$
Ithaca Bakery: Popular bakery and café known for its freshly baked bread, pastries, sandwiches, and specialty coffee drinks.
400 N Meadow St, Ithaca, NY 14850 | $-$$
Kelly’s Dockside Café: Quaint waterfront café serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a focus on seafood dishes and scenic views.
319 Old Taughannock Blvd, Ithaca, NY 14850 | $-$$
Maru Ramen: Cozy eatery specializing in authentic Japanese ramen bowls with a variety of broth and topping options.
512 W State St, Ithaca, NY 14850 | $-$$
Maxie’s Supper Club & Oyster Bar: Lively supper club offering Southern-inspired cuisine, fresh oysters, and craft cocktails in a vibrant atmosphere. 635 W State St, Ithaca, NY 14850 | $$-$$$
Milkstand Restaurant: Casual diner serving classic American comfort food, including burgers, milkshakes, and breakfast all day.
215 N Meadow St, Ithaca, NY 14850 | $-$$
MIX: Chic restaurant and lounge offering New American cuisine, creative cocktails, and live music in a stylish setting.
205 Elmira Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850 | $$-$$$
Purity Ice Cream Co: Local ice cream parlor serving homemade ice cream, sundaes, and milkshakes in a retro-style setting.
700 Cascadilla St, Ithaca, NY 14850 | $-$$
Saigon Kitchen: Family-owned Vietnamese restaurant serving authentic dishes, including pho, banh mi, and stir-fries, in a casual atmosphere.
526 W State St, Ithaca, NY 14850 | $-$$
Spicy Asian: Casual Asian eatery offering a diverse menu of Chinese, Thai, and Malaysian dishes, including noodle bowls, curries, and stir-fries.
335 Elmira Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850 | $-$$
Collegetown
Agava: Farm-to-table restaurant specializing in contemporary American cuisine with a southwestern flair.
381 Pine Tree Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850 | $$-$$$
Chatty Cathy Coffee and Juice Co.: Cozy café offering a variety of coffee drinks, fresh juices, and light bites in a relaxed atmosphere.
327 Eddy St, Ithaca, NY 14850 | $-$$
Collegetown Bagels: Local favorite for bagels, sandwiches, salads, and coffee in a bustling, collegiate atmosphere.
420 College Ave, Ithaca, NY 14850 | $-$$
Gola Osteria: Intimate Italian eatery serving house-made pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and other traditional dishes in a rustic setting.
115 S Quarry St, Ithaca, NY 14850 | $$-$$$
Oishii Bowl: Casual spot offering customizable poke bowls with fresh seafood, veggies, and flavorful sauces.
401 College Ave, Ithaca, NY 14850 | $-$$
Wings over Ithaca: Popular eatery specializing in a variety of chicken wings with an array of sauces and sides for delivery or takeout.
121 Dryden Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850 | $-$$
Cornell University
Cornell Dairy Bar: Campus spot serving up a variety of sandwiches, light bites, and dairy-based treats, including ice cream, milkshakes, and cheese made on-site.
411 Tower Rd, Ithaca, NY 14853 | $-$$
Louie’s Food Truck: Student-favorite food truck offering a diverse menu of comfort food classics, including sandwiches, burgers, milkshakes, and tacos.
Risley Hall, Front, Ithaca, NY 14850 | $-$$
Taverna Banfi: Upscale Italian restaurant located at the Statler Hotel, featuring a refined menu of pasta, seafood, and regional dishes.
130 Statler Dr, Ithaca, NY 14853 | $$-$$$
South Hill
The Bistro at La Tourelle: Cozy bistro nestled within La Tourelle Hotel, serving farm-to-table cuisine with a focus on local ingredients.
1152 Danby Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850 | $$-$$$
Dolce Delight: Dessert café specializing in artisanal gelato, pastries, and cakes, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings.
1080 Danby Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850 | $-$$
Hazelnut Kitchen: Farm-to-table restaurant located in Trumansburg, known for its seasonal menus highlighting the best of Finger Lakes produce.
53 E Main St, Trumansburg, NY 14886 | $$-$$$
Ithaca Beer Co: Brewery and taproom offering a wide selection of craft beers, along with pub-style fare in a laid-back setting.
122 Ithaca Beer Dr, Ithaca, NY 14850 | $$-$$$
Map - Top Restaurants in Ithaca
What to do in Ithaca
Planning a trip to Ithaca, but not sure where to start? We’ve got you covered! Nestled in the Finger Lakes region of central New York State, Ithaca is home to breathtaking gorges, cascading waterfalls, and lush forests, all within minutes of the charming downtown area. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a foodie craving farm-to-table cuisine, or an academic seeking inspiration, Ithaca has something for everyone. With its vibrant cultural scene, eclectic shops, and welcoming community, Ithaca invites you to embark on a journey of discovery and relaxation. Come experience the magic of Ithaca and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Find out everything you need to know here: 3 Days in Ithaca - The Complete Itinerary