It's not a vacation without excellent food, and Ithaca has a host of restaurants with menus that everyone will love. We've made a guide of the most highly-rated restaurants in town with corresponding reviews, menus, and other essential info.
The Rook Ithaca
4.5 Stars (356 Reviews) Address: 404 W State St, Ithaca, NY Phone Number: 607-319-0180 Hours: 5PM - 10PM
Whether you're looking for the finest meal in town with your spouse, or you want to impress a date with a palatial palate-pleasing experience, you should seriously consider reserving a night at The Rook.
Though there are only 9 main entrees on their menu, don't let that discourage you from coming here. After all, the smaller the menu, the better the food. Each dish is a work of art in both the visual and taste sense. The drink menu is spunky and sizable.
The Rook is perfect for night's where you want to celebrate something special.
4.3 Stars (574 Reviews) Address: 112 N Aurora St, Ithaca, NY Phone Number: 607-272-1438 Hours: 11AM - 9PM
Travelers who want an amazing meal, but maybe want a bigger selection of food should book with the Mahogany Grill, should come to the Mahogany Grill for a thrilling dining experience. They have four signature steaks, decadent burgers, specialty dishes like Lobster Tail and Chicken Picatta, and scrumptious macaroni meals.
The Mahogany Grill is also open for both lunch and dinner, making it easier to save a spot for your dining group no matter when you're feeling stomach grumbles.
4.4 Stars (1642 Reviews) Address: 525 Old Taughannock Blvd, Ithaca, NY Phone Number: 607-256-2628 Hours: 4PM - 10PM
What's more romantic than an exquisite meal on the water's edge? The BoatYard Grill gives you vast views of the boat docks as you chow down on some of the best seafood this side of Cayuga Lake.
Some of our favorites are the Clam Chowder, the Parmesan Crusted Salmon, and the Orange Glazed Halibut. Seafood fanatics or romantics looking for a place to eat should head here on their trip.
4.4 Stars (1525 Reviews) Address: 301 E State St Suite 1, Ithaca, NY Phone Number: 607-256-7977 Hours: 11AM - 11PM
While you'll still have meal options to choose from, the Ithaca Ale House prioritizes drinks over food. With loads of ale, wine, and bottled beverages to choose from, the Ale House is the perfect place to spend an exquisite evening of nightlife fun.
The "meals" are mostly shareable sides that won't get in the way of the flavor coming from your glass. You can order salads, chicken wings, sliders, and spring rolls, but when it comes to full meals, you probably shouldn't expect to be full coming out of here, as the drinks are the highlights.
If you are a bit of a wine or ale connoisseur, or you just like letting loose, you won't have a better time anywhere else.
4.5 Stars (494 Reviews) Address: 107 N Aurora St, Ithaca, NY Phone Number: 607-319-4486 Hours: 11:30AM - 9PM
What a fun restaurant with a boisterous atmosphere! Red's Place is an excellent casual dining option if you don't want something too fancy, but want a guarantee of quality. Pick up some high-quality burgers and sandwiches in the afternoon, or pop by for a late-night snack after a busy day of exploring Ithaca.
Guests who don't eat burgers or sandwiches have an assortment of vegetarian options, including a Veggie Flatbread or delicious Salads. Don't miss out on this chill restaurant.
Have you had your fill of the wonderful culinary experiences in Ithaca? Keep exploring our beautiful town using our travel guide. We have dozens of exciting attractions for you to enjoy after you've stuffed your belly.
