Shortly after Moosewood Restaurant opened in 1973, it became a beacon of vegetarian cooking, a no-nonsense restaurant that proved healthy ingredients can be downright delicious. Soon people who would never claim to be vegetarian were happily eating non-meat entrees. 40-plus years later the restaurant continues to be a top choice for locals and guests of the Inn at Gothic Eves.
Run by a collective, the majority of whom have been at Moosewood for over 20 years, the restaurant is still located in the restored brick school building and still keeping patrons happy with soothing dishes, cleverly concocted with the freshest ingredients. A meal here can be like a culinary journey around the world, with an ever-changing menu that incorporates beans and grains, spices and herbs, locally-sourced produce and dairy, wild-caught fish, and more than a sprinkling of inspiration. The cuisine of one particular country, ethnicity, or region is featured on Sundays.
A recent menu selection included a plump and savory black bean sweet potato burrito and a spicy Indonesian concoction called Gado Gado that blended steamed and raw veggies in a punchy peanut sauce. Desserts are all homemade as well, often featuring fresh fruits, such as warm plums with a creamy Marscapone sauce or an apple cake.
Just like at the Inn at Gothic Eves, coffee at Moosewood Restaurant is Fair-Trade. There’s also a good selection of wines and beers from the surrounding area. In keeping with Moosewood’s open and friendly attitude, recipes for many of the standout dishes are available for no charge on the restaurant’s website and, of course, in its 13 cookbooks. Ah, so many reasons to love Moosewood!
Moosewood Restaurant
215 N. Cayuga Street, Ithaca
607-203-9610
Lunch: Monday – Saturday, 11:30 a.m. – 3pm
Dinner: Sunday – Thursday, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 5:30 – 9:00 p.m.
The restaurant does not take reservations
10% discount for Seniors
