Location: Ithaca
Top Restaurants in Ithaca
Where to Eat in Ithaca: The Best Restaurants and Bars
"Ithaca is gorges" can be read on proud t-shirts across New York State, and there is definitely truth in advertising. Sitting on the shores of Cayuga Lake, the largest of the Finger Lakes, the hilly town of Ithaca is surrounded by dense forests, towering waterfalls, and many gorges. The natural beauty has a distinctly academic feel, as local universities have filled the woods with museums and education centers like The Cornell Lab of Ornithology, which features a 220 acre wildlife sanctuary.
Things to do in Ithaca
1. MIX Kitchen and Bar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 168 reviews
MIX is modern, yet with a relaxed and fun atmosphere. An extensive, multi ethnic tapas plate menu offers guests a chance to experience multiple dishes and flavors throughout their meal creative cocktails and decadent desserts add to the exciting atmosphere that truly makes MIX the new dining spot in Ithaca!
Reviewed By Anthony G
The meal itself was good, however only one of the four items we ordered really "wowed" us, and it was not traditional style tapas. The service and kitchen were very slow considering how empty the dining section was and the decor didn't really match at all. However, the food was a very good value and the bar seemed to be hopping. Of note is that it is definitely an older crowd.
2. Le Cafe Cent-Dix
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 160 reviews
Reviewed By 154914Charlie - Edmonton, Canada
Large group were on a dine around plan, we made into a project and rated all restaurants on criteria of menu, service, quality, location, beverage selection.
Le Café Cent-Dix had the best overall score from 16 hospitality professionals.
High food quality, warm engaging service and a true French Bistro environment.
3. Wegmans
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 228 reviews
Reviewed By M1chtopher - Gotha, Florida
Every time we are in Ithaca we are sure to stop at Wegmans. My favorite area is the bulk food. That way you can get just the amount you want or need and there are so many options from rice to candy. The beer cooler is also amazing with lots of varieties.
4. Just a Taste
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 467 reviews
Reviewed By Culas - Makati, Philippines
Had dinner here on our last night in Ithaca. It's a busy place and we didn't reserve ahead. So we came by to put our name on the list and walked for about 20 minutes before they messaged us that our table was ready. Everything we ordered was good since we devoured everything they put on the table. Don't forget to order the bread coz it goes well with anything that has a sauce or marinade.
5. The Heights Restaurant and H Bar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 241 reviews
The Heights Restaurant and H Bar was established in 1995 by Culinary Institute of America graduate James Larounis and his wife Heidi. We are located in the Village of Cayuga Heights, one mile from the center of Cornell University. The restaurant has a casual, contemporary atmosphere and features Mediterranean-inspired American cuisine. We place the utmost value on our seasonal menus and on sourcing locally. We also take great pride in our wine list which includes over 400 bottle selections from the United States and international regions, and over 20 wines by the glass. The Heights Restaurant and H Bar has been a Wine Spectator award winner since 1999.
Reviewed By JohnandJaneS - Elmira, New York
Had dinner here on a Tuesday evening with another couple. The place was quite busy for a weekday evening. The server, a middle-aged fellow, was outstanding.......prompt, attentive, polite, knowledgeable, responsive, and accurate. A real pro. The one appetiser we shared (calamari) was very good. Entrees were OK but nothing special. My lamb was on the tough side and rather small for the $39 price tag. My wife's Cuban Flank Steak had to be sent back because she ordered medium and it came virtually raw. I hate that because it's so uncomfortable. Three of us are eating while one of us watches then one person eats alone while the others watch. Not my idea of how to spend dinner in an upscale restaurant. What it comes down to in my opinion is that certain chefs think they know what should be served and don't care if it's not what the person ordered. Very annoying. When her steak finally returned it was almost tasteless and somewhat tough. Huh???....a dish with "Cuban" in its name that was virtually tasteless? Our friends' chicken with braised goat was outstanding. The goat was surprisingly delicious. For desert my wife's chocolate cake was excellent but our friends' profiteroles (a fancy highfalutin name for cream puffs) were so stale, or overcooked, that she almost asked for a knife to cut them with. As it was we struggled getting it into bite sized pieces using a spoon. All in all a good dinner, but way way overpriced considering my wife and I had one drink each, one appetiser that we shared, and one dessert that we shared and the cost was one hundred and fifty dollars with the tip. If the price had been more in line with what I expect in this area (this ain't Manhattan!) I'd have rated it higher.
6. Collegetown Bagels
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 229 reviews
High quality, unique sandwich options for every palette. With three locations in Ithaca, NY CTB has become an Ithaca institution. Many gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options available. Fair-trade coffee, sustainable business practices, and fun bustling atmosphere. Friendly staff and fast service, CTB has everything you need for an enjoyable and memorable dining experience. See you soon!
Reviewed By beckybob - Ithaca, New York
Very hip, successful, multi-location deli restaurant that caters to Ithaca's college crowd -- and really does dish up superior sandwiches, coffee and other breakfast-and lunch-style fare. I love that they're committed to fair-trade and other green-business practices, though that does likely, in part, anyway, account for their higher prices.
My favorite is the Turkey, bacon, apple Autumn Sky sandwich. But, it's an average-sized sandwich with easily, a third or more higher price tag than similar establishments. That doesn't mean we don't go to CB -- just, not as often as we might. Our kids love CB, for coffee, studying or hanging out. Again, it's funky-cool, with great ambience -- I do recommend it!
7. Saigon Kitchen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 287 reviews
Reviewed By Veteranito
Overall a quite authentic Vietnamese restaurant.
The rolls and pho taste as if you were in Vietnam. I had a stew and taste delicious!
The only drawback is the place is quite hot and no ventilation, which made you sweat throughout the course.
Nonetheless, worth to visit.
8. Gola Osteria
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 158 reviews
Enjoy our unique and expansive dinner menu that includes homemade pasta, sauces and seasonal ingredients. We have a full bar with a well-curated Italian and Finger Lakes wine list, and a rotating selection of both inventive and classic cocktails. Dine alone or with family and friends. We welcome you! Please check our website for up to date hours and holiday closings.
Reviewed By PAULO B
Fist of all, I've never seen a restaurant inside an apartment complex...yes, inside...you walk through corridors and corridors of people's homes do arrive suddenly to the restaurant, a nice surprise after minutes you are sure you got lost...hahaha...but it pays off...the service is amazing and the food is really above average...the black pasta with mussels was superb!!!
9. Ithaca Beer Co.
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 247 reviews
Ithaca Beer Company specializes in brewing world-class craft beer. Farm-to-table, American-style fare is served in our lively and modern brewpub restaurant. In addition to year-round favorites like our popular Flower Power IPA, you can also choose from new five barrel beers, a special Thursday night cask, and seasonal selections on rotation in our Taproom. Enjoy dining indoors, or on our patio and lawn in the warmer months. Brewery tours are available on weekends and by reservation.
Reviewed By David D - Boston, Massachusetts
It has been a while since my last visit to Ithaca Beer Company, so I brought my growler. The bartenders were friendly and allowed me to sample some beers before filling up. For $12, you can walk out with some fresh, delicious beer to share with your friends, or to be enjoyed just by you!
10. Maxie's Supper Club and Oyster Bar
Overall Ratings
4 based on 340 reviews
Maxie’s is a New Orleans-style fish house featuring Southern comfort cooking, BBQ, and a full bar. From our kitchen: only from-scratch Southern comfort cookery: traditional and modern fresh seafood dishes, slow-smoked barbecue, and homemade desserts. From our bar: freshly shucked raw oysters and clams, specialty cocktails, craft beer and boutique wines. Our lively, warm professionals are happy to serve you. Get in here!
Reviewed By Camille C - Hillsboro, Oregon
We read that the "Me-Oh-My-A" Jambalaya at Maxie's Supper Club (635 W State St., Ithaca, NY) was especially good, so we headed there directly. It was as promised, with an adequate amount of the goodies - sausage, shrimp, chicken, veggies. Very tasty! Just the right...MoreThank you for taking the time to share your thoughts on Maxie's. I love the Jambalaya too & our people are the best! Next time try Maxie's Mighty Mighty Gumbo and our Shrimp & Grits. We hope to serve you again sometime soon!
