The culinary scene is vibrant and alive at this collection of top-rated Ithaca restaurants. This quirky college town is a lovely place to visit for many reasons, and dining out should be one of them! Nestled at the Southern end of Cayuga Lake, the chefs and restaurant owners in Ithaca have the vast farmland of the Finger Lakes region right in their backyard. The menus around town will reflect this with hyper-seasonal options, fresh farm produce, proteins, cheeses, and some of the best wine lists in the state.
A favorite place for dinner and holding the number one spot on TripAdvisor for best Ithaca restaurants (out of 135 places!), MIX Ithaca is a fantastic addition to your dining itinerary. The concept at MIX Ithaca is bold flavors, inspired dishes, and crafted cocktails. The cuisine pulls preparations from around the world with extensive choices and options. MIX Ithaca also offers a fantastic happy hour menu with great deals on hearty food options and drink specials.
Before you start making reservations at the best Ithaca restaurants on your next getaway, you’ll want to secure your lodging, and our Finger Lakes Bed and Breakfast is the perfect location for culinary enthusiasts. Not only will you enjoy a beautiful farm-fresh breakfast (included with your stay) each morning of your stay, but you’ll also have one of the most luxurious and welcoming guest rooms for a restful night of sleep and relaxation. We can’t wait to host you at the Inn at Gothic Eves Bed and Breakfast; book your lodging today!
Your Guide to the Best Ithaca Restaurants Near our B&B
From innovative menus and creative craft cocktails to extensive wine lists and welcoming hospitality, you’ll find it all at this collection of the best Ithaca restaurants on your next visit. Ithaca’s location on the Southern end of Cayuga Lake offers the perfect place to enjoy farm-fresh cuisine and so much more. We can’t wait to hear about your fantastic meals in Ithaca.
Here are our top ten Ithaca restaurants to consider for dining out:
- MIX Ithaca: Offering a diverse menu with global influences, Mix Social Dining is known for its creative cocktails, shareable plates, and lively ambiance. Perfect for a night out with friends or a romantic dinner for two.
- The Heights Restaurant & H Bar: Located in the heart of downtown Ithaca, The Heights offers contemporary American cuisine focusing on locally sourced ingredients. The Tuscan-inspired outdoor patio is a lovely space for warm-weather dining.
- Cent Dix: This Parisian cafe is renowned for serving contemporary French cuisine with nightly specials, such as Cote de Boeuf or Moules Frites. It is among the top Ithaca restaurants for an intimate dinner, whether you’re in the mood for a full meal or just some small bites and a glass of exquisite French wine.
- Ithaca Beer Company: This local brewery was put on the map with its award-winning Flower Power IPA, which pairs nicely with the wood-fired food options and creative sandwiches.
- Mia Tapas Bar: This is one of the favorite Ithaca restaurants for tapas with a twist! You’ll find a pan-Asian theme at this cozy spot with a large selection of small plates, Indian-style rice dishes, and Thai favorites.
- Gola Osteria: This is one of the best Ithaca restaurants for date night, with a fresh spin on classic Italian dishes. Head here for the scratch-made pasta, sauces, and craft cocktails—the housemade mozzarella with Tuscan olive oil and Syracuse salt.
- Moosewood Restaurant: This restaurant is well-known for its distinctive ownership model and for being the country’s longest-operating vegetarian eatery. Their meatless dishes are highly recommended and worth trying. Recently, the dining room underwent renovations and now boasts a bright, airy space that provides the perfect backdrop for a romantic date.
- The Rook: This might be one of the smaller Ithaca restaurants, but it’s a nice, cozy space for delicious fried chicken, homemade pasta, and shareable appetizers.
- Luna Inspired Street Food: Looking for a casual and fun dinner spot near Ithaca Commons? Check out this restaurant’s menu featuring carnitas street tacos, gochujang short ribs, mac and cheese, and poutine burgers.
- Lev Kitchen: Pop next door from Luna to try authentic Middle Eastern favorites with a modern twist. Their creative malawach wraps with Yemeni flatbread are divine!
Elegant Dining at our Finger Lakes Bed and Breakfast
One of the best perks of choosing our Finger Lakes Bed and Breakfast as your homebase is the morning here at the Inn! Our breakfast service is known to be the highlight of our guest’s stay, always starting your day off on the right foot with wholesome meals, hot coffee, and tasty baked treats. It’s a time for us to show off our culinary skills, share our love of the Finger Lakes region, and get to know our guests better. We’re always happy to accommodate dietary restrictions; just let us know at the time of your reservation.
Perhaps the second most mentioned reason to stay at our Finger Lakes Bed and Breakfast is our on-site spa. It’s such a special treat to only walk steps to your massage, facial, or energy session. The Spa at Gothic Eves is one of the most relaxing spaces in the area, with fantastic professionals in their craft of pampering and healing. This is also where you can enjoy the infrared saunas. Follow up your treatment or massage with a soak in one of our outdoor hot tubs (set up a reservation for a private time slot with us), and you’ll be on cloud nine.
Last but certainly not least, our excellent and elegant guest rooms and suites set the perfect tone for a romantic getaway, girlfriend trip, or solo retreat. With only eight guest accommodations, our Inn feels exclusive and private. You’ll never encounter unwanted noise or groups; you’ll have our dedicated staff to help with anything you need. Feel free to ask for personalized recommendations, help with reservations at the best Ithaca restaurants, and more. Book your lodging at our Finger Lakes Bed and Breakfast today!
