You may know Ithaca for its stunning gorges and hiking trails, but it’s also home to next-level restaurants. From upscale steakhouses to cozy pubs, this college town has something for every palate.
For an afternoon snack, head to Ithaca Beer Company for a brewpub with modern decor and a patio for outdoor dining. Try the Slobbernocker hero, a gut-busting monster with grilled meats, cheeses and melted mozzarella on a personal pizza.
Coal Yard Cafe
Coal Yard Cafe is a hidden gem in Ithaca, where simplicity meets freshness. This local favorite offers a wide variety of bagel sandwiches, coffee drinks, and savory dishes. It also has a great selection of vegan comfort food. This breakfast and lunch spot is a must-visit for anyone who loves the Ithaca area.
Located in the old Coal Yard Apartments building at 143 Maple Avenue, this unique brunch spot serves up a variety of American favorites, with some more eclectic dishes such as shakshuka. The building was a coal selling office in the early 1900s, and its name is reflected in the large chunk of coal that is chiseled into the original entrance. The cafe is now a popular destination for Cornell students and Ithaca residents alike, and it even has its own parking lot.
The Coal Yard Café is an ideal place to eat during the summer, when the crowds of college students are gone and it’s easier to find a table. The menu includes items like omelets, pancakes, and sweet potato hash. The food is delicious and affordable, and the service is quick and friendly.
You can also try the Coal Yard Cafe for lunch. It’s a good option for a light meal, and they offer a large selection of sandwiches, salads, soups, and sides. They also have a nice variety of desserts. If you’re in a hurry, you can order take-out.
The restaurant has an excellent location, just across the gorge from Schoellkopf Field. It’s an easy walk for Cornell University students, and the cafe has a small interior that’s perfect for groups of two or three people. There are a few tables outside, as well. The Coal Yard Cafe also offers a selection of branded merchandise, such as tote bags and coffee mugs, which make great gifts for friends and family.
Moosewood
Moosewood is a vegetarian restaurant that has earned worldwide fame for its delicious food. It has a menu that includes soups, sandwiches, and casseroles. It also has salads, pastas, and desserts. The restaurant is located in downtown Ithaca and features local food sources. It is a great place to eat vegetarian-friendly meals and enjoy the view of Ithaca Commons. Its location makes it a good choice for tourists and college students. The restaurant has a wide selection of drinks and offers vegetarian-friendly options. Its cookbooks are also popular among aspiring gourmets.
Located at 215 N Cayuga Street, Moosewood is now under new ownership and has a fresh seasonal menu. New owner Danica Wilcox, whose mother was one of the founding members, plans to keep the restaurant’s mission of locally and sustainably sourced food at the forefront. She will continue the tradition of serving delicious vegetarian food but with a focus on more vegan and gluten free options.
The food at Moosewood is served in a dining room that has an eclectic feel. The restaurant has a long history of progressive social and political activism and its menu is full of vegetarian-friendly dishes. It has won many awards over the years, including three James Beard Awards and a line of well-known cookbooks.
Moosewood is a vegetarian-friendly restaurant that serves fresh, local and sustainable food. It is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It is also a popular spot for weddings and other events. The staff is friendly and helpful. The menu is varied and the prices are affordable. It is a great place to take the family on a vacation. It also has an extensive wine list.
Mix
MIX is a vibrant spot in Ithaca that offers an impressive menu featuring multi-ethnic small plates and mouthwatering cocktails. The restaurant also boasts a lively atmosphere and impeccable service. Gift the foodie or cocktail lover in your life a gift card for MIX, and they’ll be sure to enjoy a night of delicious cuisine and drinks.
The menu is designed to be shared in a social setting, with dishes like Lucatelli potato gnocchi, duck confit and mussels. There’s also a full raw bar in the middle of the dining room, where people can sit in bright turquoise chairs and try mussels, oysters and shrimp. They’ll also serve up cocktails like a refreshing razberry moon margarita and a classic old fashioned.
Owners Shayne and Mix Johnson have decades of experience in the industry. They worked together at Mahogany Grill and have a vision for MIX to be upscale and fun, with a big city feel. They want to offer a variety of experiences, including DJ nights, trivia, industry nights and more. They’ll also have a dessert case filled with at least 10 types of cheesecake.
Gola
Gola is Ithaca’s latest fine dining establishment, located below the Collegetown Terrace apartments. The restaurant focuses on the culinary styles of the Emilia Romagna and Tuscany regions of Italy. Its menu is largely in-house, and everything is made by professional chefs, including pasta, marinated vegetables, and hand-pulled cheeses. The menu also includes several vegetarian options. In addition to the food, Gola serves an extensive selection of wines and beer.
The restaurant is the brainchild of husband and wife Sam Epps and Kami Drake, both longtime Ithaca foodies. The name, a play on the words “gola” and the Italian phrase “to take someone by the throat,” is meant to evoke gastronomical exuberance. The menu features northern Italian fare with a southern accent. A pizza fritti with a thin layer of lardo is the perfect example.
Gola’s wine list includes a number of local vintages as well as interesting Italian finds, and it’s all reasonably priced. The menu also features antipasti such as salami, provolone, and spicy pickled veggies. Other favorites include the linguini with salty cured fish bottarga, which would be right at home in Sicily or Sardinia. The desserts include a chocolate semifreddo and a lemon honey torta, along with a selection of biscotti.
The Greater Gola Landscape is one of the largest remnants of Upper Guinean tropical rainforest left in Sierra Leone and provides critical habitat for over 300 species of wildlife, including 14 endemic bird species. The area is also an important refuge for pygmy hippo, which are only found in this part of the world and are critically endangered. The project also supports local communities to become environmental stewards and improve their livelihoods by developing new crops and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
Viva Taqueria
Viva Taqueria is one of the best places to visit if you love Mexican-Californian food. The restaurant offers a variety of fresh and healthy options that will satisfy any appetite. The restaurant also has a warm and inviting atmosphere, making it the perfect place to relax with friends and family. In addition to its delicious food, Viva Taqueria also offers excellent service. The staff at the restaurant is friendly and knowledgeable, and they always go out of their way to ensure that every customer has a great dining experience.
The Viva Taqueria menu includes tacos, burritos, bowls, and salads, all of which are made with high-quality ingredients. The restaurant is also known for its fresh, crisp salsas and margaritas. Viva Taqueria also has a wide selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes. Those with dietary restrictions will find that most of the restaurant’s offerings can be made vegetarian or vegan by substituting refried beans for cheese and omitting other dairy.
Located on a busy corner in downtown Ithaca, Viva Taqueria serves up a variety of Mexican-Californian cuisine. The restaurant is known for its fresh, bright flavors and warm ambiance. Viva Taqueria is open Tuesday through Thursday and Friday and Saturday.
If you are looking for a gift for a friend or loved one, consider giving them a Viva Taqueria gift card. The gift cards can be loaded with any amount, and they are a great way to treat a foodie to a delicious meal. You can also add other items to the gift card, such as a set of Mexican-themed kitchen tools or a cookbook with recipes inspired by the cuisine. The cards can be purchased online or at the Viva Taqueria location.