The best restaurants in Ithaca

“Craving something a little sunny right now, Ithaca? Modern Ohana serves Pacific Rim and Asian fusion plates with bright, craveable flavors plus tiki cocktails mixed with fresh juices and premium rums, all in a roomy, laid-back space that makes breakfast, brunch, or date night feel like an escape.”

From the Finger Lakes newsletter, August 5, 2026

“Since 1973, Cafe Dewitt has been Downtown Ithaca’s cozy standby for breakfasts, brunches, lunches, and flaky pastries made with Finger Lakes ingredients. Their locally-sourced menu and 4-time Best in Ithaca brunch cred plus 2-time best breakfast nods make this week’s plan easy.”

From the Finger Lakes newsletter, August 8, 2026

“Fittnell Barbeque keeps the Finger Lakes fed with legit slow-smoked goodness, from pulled pork and chicken tacos to that dangerously good smoked mac and cheese, all built around seasonal flavor. Watch for their pop-ups or get them to roll up to your next backyard hang, and thank yourself later.”

From the Finger Lakes newsletter, August 3, 2026

“Escape into a botanical cafe and cocktail lounge for eclectic eats, coffee, and happy hour drinks.”

“Stylish restaurant & bar serving Pan-Asian cuisine & craft beer, with gluten-free & veggie options.”

“Easygoing pizzeria, also serving up sandwiches, grilled chicken dishes, gyros and falafel.”

“American menu with Asian touches in a scenic lakeside setting with bands playing on an outdoor deck.”

“Owned and operated by two Italian brothers, Franco's Pizzeria keeps Ithaca honest with authentic New York style thin crust that’s foldable and flavorful. Queue it up for an easy midweek pie or a low key weekend hang, then thank yourself later.”

From the Finger Lakes newsletter, August 30, 2026

“Next to a brew pub, this down-home pizzeria offers New York-style pies, pasta, subs & wings.”

“Virtual kitchen preparing pasta, sliders, and other comfort food for delivery and pickup.”

“Casual restaurant serving a menu of Japanese dishes such as sushi.”

“When you want an easy local night out that still brings the wow, Plum Tree Restaurant turns out fresh sushi, belly-warming ramen, and Japanese staples where traditional flavors actually shine. Add it to your weeknight rotation this week, then thank yourself later.”

From the Finger Lakes newsletter, August 28, 2026

“Family-owned Babe's Burger is feeding the Finger Lakes, from Lucky Hare Brewing in Hector to Ithaca pop-ups, with the Top Notch Babe stacked right, Cluck Cluck spiedie chicken, and those over-the-top Babe's Butt Fries. Make it your move this week, ideally with that Seneca Lake view.”

From the Finger Lakes newsletter, August 17, 2026

“Classy setting for American fare served alongside cocktails & spirits, plus lively sidewalk seating.”

“Relaxed eatery featuring pizzas, pasta dishes and salads in a snug, brick-walled space.”

“Japanese eatery & bar with Zen-like digs & a menu of specialty rolls & lunch combos.”

“Margaritas & sangria fuel the high spirits at this fun Mexican spot with an adjacent taco counter.”

“Refined spot with patio seating featuring Mediterranean-inspired American seafood, meats & pizzas.”

“Moosewood keeps the Finger Lakes eating well with vibrant, vegetable-forward cooking, backed by decades of world-famous cookbooks and 5 million sold. Grab lunch, dinner or a brunch with rotating specials, then raid the Moosewood Store for cookbooks and clever housewares to keep the inspiration going.”

From the Finger Lakes newsletter, August 25, 2026

“Milkstand Restaurant serves cozy, contemporary-diner takes on American breakfast and brunch, the kind of comforting plates you crave midweek. Locals swear by the milkshakes and the easygoing vibe, perfect for when you want familiar flavors made with care and just enough flair.”

From the Finger Lakes newsletter, August 24, 2026

“Casual, all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ restaurant featuring tabletop grills and hot pots for cooking your own meats, seafood and veggies.”

“Chef-owned eatery serving seasonal Italian food in a cozy space with a full bar & craft cocktails.”

“Pho, vermicelli & other Vietnamese favorites, plus bubble tea smoothies, are served in a warm space.”

“Bickering Twins Restaurant & Tequila Bar keeps things relaxed and reliably tasty with tacos, enchiladas, and salads that feel like a midweek win. Settle in with a margarita or a tequila flight and let the classic flavors do the talking.”

“Popular deli turning out sandwiches including pizza subs, hot food, and combo deals.”

“Lively chain steakhouse serving American fare with a Southwestern spin amid Texas-themed decor.”

“Casual pizzeria dishing up pies, wings, and other comfort eats for lunch and dinner.”

“Surf ’n’ turf, pasta & other staples are served at this quaint venue with a warm ambiance.”

“Mexican dishes like fajitas and enchiladas offered in a spacious eatery featuring a bar, outdoor benches and patio tables.”

“Vibrant, casual Mexican joint serving classic standards from fajitas to tequila drinks & beers.”

“Fast and affordable pizza joint featuring traditional and build-your-own pies baked with hand-tossed crusts, gluten-free and vegan options, plus salads.”

“Relaxed destination dishing up a menu of Thai & Japanese rice, noodle & side dishes.”

“Try Gola Osteria Restaurant & Catering for Italian cuisine with homemade pasta, homemade sauces, and seasonal ingredients sourced from New York and Pennsylvania farms, plus a well-curated list of Italian and Finger Lakes wines and a rotating selection of inventive and classic cocktails.”

From the Finger Lakes newsletter, August 15, 2026

“Alléchant is serving creative plates with genuine hospitality in a beautiful, intimate space. Slide in for dinner or a lingering brunch, pair it with something from their drinks list, and remember what it feels like to have a meal that’s equal parts thoughtful and delicious.”

From the Finger Lakes newsletter, August 23, 2026

“Taverna Banfi is your excuse to linger over Tuscan-inspired plates made with locally sourced ingredients, the kind of perfectly paced meal that makes weeknights feel like a mini getaway. Named for the Castello Banfi Wine Estate, their brunch buffet and dinners hit that sweet spot between comfort and celebration.”

From the Finger Lakes newsletter, August 21, 2026

“Elevated comfort food, late-night bites & craft cocktails in a modern setting with exposed brick.”

“Italian family eatery with a beige-&-black motif serves wood-fired pizzas & gluten-free fare.”

“Poke, bento bowls and ramen spot with sushi and curry dishes, plus a children's menu.”

“Southern dishes, shucked shellfish & live music draw boisterous crowds to this hip spot open late.”

“Pizza, wings, and other comfort food feature at this halal restaurant with late-night hours.”

“Old Mexico Express churns out hearty burritos, crispy tacos, bowls, and quesadillas, plus sopes and tamales, with fillings like carnitas, chicken tinga, steak, chorizo, beef barbacoa, or grilled veggies. Add guac, call it dinner, and keep your weeknight sanity intact this week.”

From the Finger Lakes newsletter, August 22, 2026

“Popular restaurant chain with a variety of chicken wings, chicken tenders, boneless wings & sides for dine-in, takeout & delivery.”

“Straightforward pizzeria serving pies, wings, subs & pastas in a relaxed environment.”

“Relaxed restaurant serving Mediterranean plates such as lamb and falafel gyros, plus pizza and calzones.”