Ithaca Food Scene: Top 5 Can’t-Miss Eateries & Drink Spots

Ithaca, New York, is a place that folks might know best for its amazing gorges and Cornell University, but is that really all there is? As a matter of fact, it’s a city with a surprisingly outstanding and increasingly noteworthy food and drink scene that you might just enjoy experiencing. Ithaca’s restaurants and bars actually benefit from the region’s rich agricultural heritage and a creative spirit, as they have a knack for creating unique and exciting experiences. From farm-to-table restaurants to craft breweries, this small city serves up some real treats, now doesn’t it? I want to share my list of the top five spots you really must visit.

1. Moosewood Restaurant: A Vegetarian Haven

If there is one place you need to get to when you visit Ithaca it is almost certainly Moosewood Restaurant. With such a following after over 40 years it would be quite easy to say it is an Ithaca institution. Originally, a collective that helped pioneer the natural foods movement, Moosewood is actually well known for its vegetarian dishes which feature flavorful and very often globally-inspired meals that you and yours just might savor, might you not?

The restaurant is more or less located in a converted house, is that so, which just makes the place seem homey and really gives it a sense of warmth? Their menu will very often change seasonally and showcases what is both fresh and local, basically allowing Moosewood to create food that celebrates the abundance of the Finger Lakes region. So, the menu typically will range from interesting takes on pasta dishes and soups, to fantastic ethnic food, to their unbelievable desserts; each meal is clearly prepared with the greatest care.

Moosewood has an atmosphere which is relaxed and welcoming which is quite good to know. To enjoy a comfortable and delicious meal in Ithaca is something that just should not be passed up. It is just a little great spot for both tourists and locals. The experience is so incredible that folks sometimes feel at home like they are part of the Moosewood family.

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Moosewood Restaurant)

Read our full review: Moosewood Restaurant Full Review and Details

2. Ithaca Beer Company: Pints and Pizza

Looking to quench your thirst with some very nice local craft beer? The Ithaca Beer Company, which happens to be just a little brewery outside the city, is just the right location for you, you know? What had been one of the region’s pioneering breweries is quite something to see; offering a variety of flavorful beers to suit any type of palate.

If that isn’t your thing the brewery also hosts tasting flights; for which you and your guests can find new styles that just might become their favorites, you see? The Flower Power IPA which is quite hoppy, and their Apricot Wheat ale, that might be nice and fruity, is something to enjoy that will truly highlight what the brewery can do. This happens to be especially true if you find yourself craving some flavor with every sip of your tasty beverages.

Something that a lot of folks really love at Ithaca Beer is, well, the atmosphere. Now, whether or not you are indoors with its comfortable seating and rustic decor or sitting out on the patio that could be overlooking the brewery grounds and gorgeous scenery, you’re going to really soak it all in. The environment at Ithaca Beer is not just inviting, but really relaxing.

The food is basically pub-style to make the whole place feel welcoming for your visit, is that so? So that also might involve the stone-fired pizzas that go perfectly with your favorite beers. If you feel the urge, stop by for an informal tour and have yourself a pleasant time in a lively taproom. In other words, it’s pretty ideal for meeting friends after work or on the weekends for tasty drinks. You’re just going to be spending some real quality time here to relax, okay?

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Ithaca Beer Company)

Read our full review: Ithaca Beer Company Full Review and Details

3. Collegetown Bagels (CTB): A Local Staple

I’ll be completely honest and say that no visit to Ithaca is basically complete without a visit to Collegetown Bagels (CTB). CTB has three locations and it has remained one of the popular local spots for something pretty easy, that happens to be bagels! What it may lack in extravagance is clearly something the food makes up for. Whether you prefer the Ithaca location on the Commons, or the location that is closer to Cornell, it just gives the tourist a real way to dive into the daily lives of those folks.

There are so many things to select from here and they all just seem really tasty, do they not? CTB provides an awesome assortment of different bagel flavors that one might really crave at random moments! A number of tasty cream cheeses and sandwich fillings actually provides folks plenty of selections. Whether your palate wants a traditional bagel or something creative, you can always come on down and try something; it might just be the only one on your mind. You might just go out there and try it at any time of the day that is convenient.

This is really popular with both students and locals and that’s probably due to their prompt service, cozy seating, and also their environment. Stop in and try to find your most favorite Ithaca bagel today! Oh, and make certain that the sweet potato fries get tried.

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Collegetown Bagels)

Read our full review: Collegetown Bagels Full Review and Details

4. Simeon’s on the Commons: French Cuisine with Flair

What about you trying to add a little sophistication to the whole trip that you happen to be making to Ithaca right now? Well, the eatery named Simeon’s on the Commons, very often gives that atmosphere with delicious and very flavorful meals to taste as you are trying out different selections, do you agree? Simeon’s, as a French-style bistro, which is located on Ithaca Commons and really contributes that perfect romantic touch to the heart of downtown.

Here you might enjoy some timeless and well-made traditional foods like the French Onion Soup, as well as Mussels cooked in white wine, with the very nice and excellent Croque Monsieur. These types of choices and even more is precisely what makes Simeon’s an elegant meal to enjoy and also is a special date to recall. No matter the pick for what will show up on your table the entire visit is very wonderful with such amazing cooking.

Also worth experiencing is, what appears to be the warm and inviting ambience that includes red brick walls and what folks call classic bistro décor? Simeon’s really has proven time after time that it will really showcase those amazing dining memories time and time again. In other words, it’s something just fantastic to dine somewhere formal in Ithaca.

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Simeon’s on the Commons)

Read our full review: Simeon’s on the Commons Full Review and Details

5. The Heights Restaurant & H Bar: Views and Brews

Folks, let’s talk about having dinner and a drink along with the background which just might show an amazing vista of the entire city and those great natural spaces around Ithaca! So, there may be nowhere that does that particularly better than at the H Bar and Heights Restaurant.

High above the Hotel Ithaca is where that spot may very well just impress everybody who makes the trip with those gorgeous views! Also at the H Bar at Heights Restaurant, one can try their handcrafted cocktails while relaxing as the setting sun is over the beautiful surroundings. Their meal will just so often come with meals that can basically sate your desire that also highlight foods within our neighborhoods to present your tastebuds that best culinary artistry there is, you may agree?

Here you have yourself a special evening, as you gather around the great moments Ithaca’s sights are trying to present for a memorable meal in this truly awesome experience and moment of wonder that seems very unique only for yourself. You should check this out yourself someday when you come.

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (The Heights Restaurant & H Bar)

Read our full review: The Heights Restaurant & H Bar Full Review and Details

Visiting Ithaca really does allow a wonderful chance for so many visitors and town locals to see new tastes around that area. Now you might visit these local Ithaca sites on that big exploration for such eats around Ithaca! The location also offers what might come to mind when visiting.