The highest concentration of good restaurants in Ithaca occurs in two districts: Collegetown and the Ithaca Commons.
Collegetown Restaurants
Collegetown is situated just south of campus, a five-to-ten-minute walk from the Statler Hotel on campus.
Aladdin’s: Greek and Middle Eastern food in a casual setting.
Collegetown Bagels: This is a favorite of all Ithaca locals. Grab one of their famous bagel sandwiches or have some refreshments on the patio.
De Tasty Hot Pot: Authentic Chinese food, featuring both regular dishes and hot pot.
Gola Osteria: One of the best restaurants in town, featuring Italian cuisine with outdoor patio seating. Reservations recommended. Walking distance from the Statler or a quick taxi or bus ride from the Statler or the downtown hotels. The restaurant is located inside an apartment complex, so when you arrive at the front door you must follow the instructions to allow them to buzz you in.
Plum Tree: Sushi and other Japanese fare in the heart of Collegetown.
Vietnam Restaurant: A small restaurant serving Vietnamese food with some of the best pho in Ithaca. The attached Chinese restaurant, Hai Hong, is also good, and if you are dining in either restaurant you can order food from the other one.
Restaurants On or Near The Commons
The Commons, located in downtown Ithaca, occupies the portion of State Street between Aurora and Cayuga Streets.
East End of The Commons
Just a Taste: One of the best restaurants in town, serving tapas style local fare and wine flights with a really great outdoor patio.
Mercato: A small restaurant serving upscale Italian inspired cuisine.
Taste of Thai: Tasty and inexpensive Thai food. In summer they have a small number of outdoor tables.
Middle of The Commons
Mia: Pan-Asian cuisine in an elegant setting.
Sushi Osaka: Japanese food in a relaxed atmosphere.
West End of The Commons
Bickering Twins: Authentic Mexican food, specializing in tacos.
Coltivare: An upscale “farm to bistro” restaurant offering hip New American cuisine.
Hawi: Ethiopian food in a fun atmosphere, located at the west end of the Commons. They don’t serve alcohol, but you’re free to purchase a bottle from the liquor store across the street and bring it in.
Moosewood: An Ithaca institution since 1973. Healthful cuisine with a vegetarian emphasis.
Elsewhere in Ithaca
Northstar: Tasty local fare. Menu includes many vegetarian options. Nice beer garden out back, patio for dining outside. A quick taxi ride, or a 20 minute walk, from the Statler and the downtown hotels. Located two blocks from majestic Ithaca Falls; take in the view from the bridge on Lake St.
Saigon Kitchen: Wonderful Vietnamese food on State St. west of the Commons.