Trying to track every new eatery in Ithaca might leave you dizzy. So let this list guide you. These are the spots showing the most promise—though we can’t vouch for those we haven’t visited yet. Venture forth as a pioneer, or simply follow along to see which ones we’ve tried and adored.
Tianjin Foods
$ | (917) 731-2258 | WEBSITE
Originally a modest family operation, Tianjin Foods is a Chinese eatery in Ithaca with dishes as comforting as beef noodle soup, and as intriguing as xiao long bao, baozi, onion pancakes, and savory sticky rice. A few staples complete the menu, like something called jianbing—essentially just a Chinese savory crepe. Bowls of steaming broth, plates of dumplings, and trays of rice are available, as well as specialties like the lady’s handmade dumplings.
Tibetan Momo Bar
$ | (607) 216-7590 | WEBSITE
Tibetan Momo Bar is a hidden gem food stand at the Ithaca Farmers Market, run by a former tech bro who traded 16-hour days for crafting pork momos and hapayaki rice. The small stand serves generous portions at reasonable prices—think $12 for a hearty plate—making it a decent spot to try while browsing the market. While the momos could use a bit more punch and the rice was slightly oily, the value and portions keep it worth a visit.
Keep an eye on the market schedule, as it’s only open during market hours.
Pizza Aroma
$ | (607) 273-6165 | WEBSITE
Pizza Aroma has a classic, thin-crust pizza joint—and it’s different from the trendy spots popping up all over Ithaca. In its unassuming storefront, the family-run restaurant offers a menu organized around their signature pies, like the must-try feta cheese, black beans, and diced tomato pizza and the stellar chicken taco pizza.
There’s a whole section of vegetarian options with vegan cheese, their El Salvadoran specialties like pupusas, and quick slices that come out fresh at lunch or late at night. The sauce is zesty and decadent, the crust always crispy, and the service friendly and prompt. It’s the kind of place where you grab a slice for under ten bucks, maybe an horchata on the side, and feel right at home in the nostalgic, authentic atmosphere.
Saigon Kitchen
$ | (607) 257-8881 | WEBSITE
One of our favorite Vietnamese comfort food spots continues to serve up the best pho in town. We usually go for one of their classics, like the house special pho, or one with summer rolls and crispy squid. If you dine in, go for their lunch specials, available every weekday from 11am-2pm, when all pho bowls are $12 and all appetizers are $6.
Purity Ice Cream Co.
$ | (607) 272-1545 | WEBSITE
Ithaca favorite Purity Ice Cream Co. has been serving the community since 1936, bringing with them their legendary dairy-free options and nostalgic atmosphere. Nearby trendy spots, which have popped up recently, have some serious competition. We’ve also heard good things about their patty melts.
McDonald’s
$ | (607) 257-8008 | WEBSITE
This Ithaca fast-food spot is from the people who perfected the drive-thru experience, a quick-service institution nationwide. The menu is all over the place, but in a familiar way, reminiscent of, say, classic American fast food. We’re talking nuggets, burgers, fries, crispy chicken sandwiches and more. The nuggets are very savory and crispy, making them a popular choice.
Service at night is notably fast, with a dedicated crew working hard to get everyone’s food out on time, though dine-in service can still be slow. The drive-through has shown improvement in speed, usually moving swiftly despite occasional waits. While some customers experience nice staff interactions, others have mentioned that workers can be abrasive.
The atmosphere is clean, and it remains a good spot for a quick and satisfying meal, although drink filling practices could be improved to prevent spills. There are occasional inconsistencies between in-store and online orders, but overall portions are small yet awesome.
U Tea Bubble Tea
$ | (607) 319-4298 | WEBSITE
Where other bubble tea shops in Ithaca might offer predictable sweetness, U Tea Bubble Tea emerges as a cozy oasis with some surprisingly nuanced flavors. The team behind the counter—which includes both friendly faces and one notably brusque employee—draws from experience in balancing traditional Taiwanese tea culture with modern twists.
The menu showcases coconut mango milk that’s neither too sweet nor cloying, strawberry yakult with mango popping bubbles that burst with freshness, and taro tapioca bubble tea served cold with warm, freshly made brown sugar boba.
While the drinks can occasionally veer toward watery with small, hard bubbles, and the prices hover around $6–8 per cup, the reusable vessels and board-game-friendly atmosphere make it a convenient spot near Cornell University, especially for students seeking a hangout beyond the usual caffeine fix.
The Greenhouse Cafe & Cocktail Lounge
$ | (607) 319-0223 | WEBSITE
In Ithaca’s Commons area, The Greenhouse Cafe & Cocktail Lounge is a charming spot. They’re open daily, and have a full cocktail lounge—though they’re only open until 11pm on the weekends.
Gimme! Coffee – Cayuga St.
$ | (607) 277-8393 | WEBSITE
In Ithaca’s Cayuga Street, Gimme! Coffee is a popular spot known for its high-quality brews. Coffee-forward drinks like cappuccinos with perfect foam, americanos with rich crema, and mochas with balanced sweetness are all over their menu, and you can enjoy them alongside a buttery croissant or chocolate chip cookie if that’s more your style. They also offer popular pour over blends like Deep Disco with its bright notes and Sumatra with its earthy depth, which are favored by regulars.
While the minimalist decor with exposed brick and industrial lighting feels a bit stark, and the $5-7 price range for specialty drinks might give some pause, the coffee and pastries are considered consistently excellent.
Italian Carry Out
$ | (607) 256-1111 | WEBSITE
Italian Carry Out is a must-visit takeout spot from the team behind some of Ithaca’s most beloved Italian eateries. There are mouthwatering beef steak sandwiches, amazing lasagnas that require a sturdy spatula to serve, and pizzas worth waiting an hour for on a Friday night. The chicken parmesan comes with generous portions, the Greek salad is crisp and fresh, and the homemade onion rings are perfectly golden.
The sausage and meatballs are packed with flavor, the bleu cheese adds a tangy kick, and the regular cheese pie is simply awesome. The friendly crew ensures every order is handled with care, whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving a casual meal at home. With twenty years of loyal customers and some of the best takeout in the area, Italian Carry Out delivers delicious food and great service every time.
Brewer’s Kitchen & Taproom
$ | (607) 291-4010 | WEBSITE
Brewer’s Kitchen & Taproom has become a go-to spot in Ithaca’s dining scene. The rustic taproom offers a welcoming vibe with its cozy atmosphere and friendly staff providing excellent service. The menu features well-regarded sandwiches and burgers, including half-pound patties on brioche buns with quality toppings. Their wings, especially the garbage wings, have visitors traveling from far away just to try them.
The beer selection is impressive with various draft taps and bottled options, while live music every Saturday night adds to the good vibes. Side salads with green goddess dressing and taco tots round out the satisfying experience. While prices run around $15-20 for entrees, the combination of great food, fun atmosphere, and excellent service makes Brewer’s Kitchen & Taproom worth visiting.
Milkstand Restaurant
$ | (607) 273-1691 | WEBSITE
Milkstand is our top-rated breakfast spot, so its expansion into dinner service is welcome news. The restaurant’s scrambled eggs over grits and chicken waffles were first celebrated at brunch, and now they’re available all day in a modern, Instagram-worthy setting.
Marrakech Cuisine – Ithaca, NY
$ | (607) 272-7777 | WEBSITE
Marrakech Cuisine just might have the best Mediterranean food in Ithaca. The spot, located in a cozy storefront with Moroccan-inspired décor, is a Mediterranean comfort food shop, selling generously-portioned gyros of course, but also shawarma plates, bomber calzones, and pizza.
Old Mexico
$ | (607) 379-6178 | WEBSITE
Chipotle does burritos. Taco Bell does tacos. Qdoba does quesadillas. And Old Mexico does smothered burritos. All of these reliable spots have been serving Ithaca for years. This longstanding one is a burrito-focused lunch spot in the heart of town. The Mexican classics come in a variety of different forms besides the smothered burrito: Chori Pollo, Carne Asada, and Al Pastor Street Tacos.
Authentic Jerk Restaurant and Grill
$ | (607) 233-5876 | WEBSITE
From the same team as the food court’s other vendors, Authentic Jerk Restaurant and Grill is a casual, hidden gem in Downtown Ithaca. Located in a bustling food court setting, the space is decorated with vibrant Jamaican colors and simple, functional furnishings. The menu features classic beef patties, spicy jerk chicken, curry goat, and oxtails, all served with rice and peas or sides like mac and cheese.
The food is praised for its delicious taste and nourishing quality, with generous portions at reasonable prices—most dishes cost around $12 to $18. The staff is friendly, and the atmosphere is laid-back, making it an ideal spot for a quick bite or a meal with friends. Don’t miss out on their oxtails and jerk chicken, as they are highly recommended.
Golden Bayou
$$ | (607) 391-0026 | WEBSITE
Golden Bayou opened in Ithaca, making Cajun-Chinese fusion cuisine (essentially a blend of Louisiana and Asian flavors). They make it with seafood boils featuring snow crab legs, shrimp, and sausage, but there’s also a variety of authentic dishes on the menu.
Six Mile Creek Vineyard
$$ | (607) 272-9463 | WEBSITE
Six Mile Creek Vineyard is in Ithaca, and according to our team up there, it’s “one of those places that makes you feel cozy.” On the grounds of the vineyard, the spot is known for its friendly and knowledgeable staff, serving delicious wines such as the Gruner, and a Vignoles or Cabernet franc. The rustic charm and beautiful scenery create a relaxing atmosphere to enjoy a glass, with a peaceful snowy landscape in winter that enhances the experience.
The dog-friendly environment adds to the overall welcoming feel, as pets are given water, toys, and treats. It’s a favorite for locals and tourists alike, with a beautiful facility and great wines that keep people coming back.
Le Café Cent-Dix
$$$ | (607) 319-0750 | WEBSITE
Le Café Cent-Dix is a French restaurant that will serve a $145, 5-course prix fixe menu at a 40-seat dining room with warm lighting. The menu puts a spotlight on foundations of French cuisine like classic techniques and seasonal ingredients, and courses include things like beef tartare with capers and shallots, scallops with lemon beurre blanc, duck with cherry reduction, and cote de boeuf for two with roasted vegetables.
The experience is polished but approachable, with helpful staff and thoughtfully selected wines making it a top spot for a reliable and enjoyable meal.
