Recommended Restaurants

Eat like the locals! Coltivare was created with the express intent to provide fabulous cuisine made directly from farm fresh and seasonal produce from the surrounding area farms. The environment is modern, fresh and inviting. 235 S. Cayuga St. (607) 882-2333 $$ Reservations are available but not required. To make a reservation, please call 607-882-2333, book through their website or through OpenTable.com. Open Tuesday through Sunday. Takeout and in-person dining available.

Fun, lively, and laid-back restaurant with great build-your-own burgers, unique flatbread pizzas, and delicious salads. Serves micro-brews and often has live music. 111 N Aurora St (607)-256-7977. $ Walk-in only; no reservations. Open Wednesday through Monday. Takeout and in-person dining available.

One of Ithaca’s hottest restaurants with a great vibe and a creative and excellent northern Italian menu. They feature a wonderful wine list of Italian and Finger Lakes wines and some wild cocktails. 108 North Aurora Street (607) 319-5171. $$ Mercato does not take reservations and seatings are prioritized on an arrival basis. Open Tuesday through Saturday. Takeout and in-person dining available.

Features high-end pan Asian tapas presented in an eclectic and modern atmosphere. Great sushi and awesome BBQ pork buns. On the Ithaca Commons, 130 East State St. (607)-277-2000 $$ Walk-in only; no reservations. Open Friday through Tuesday. Takeout and in-person dining available.

This fun, neighborhood bar/restaurant crossover is mostly walk-in with a menu that changes with the seasons. Featuring local and organic food, you will receive a true farm-to-table experience. Northstar boasts 12 rotating drafts on tap plus local wine and spirits. 202 East Fall St, (607-216-8580) $$ Reservations taken at https://www.yelp.com/reservations/northstar-house-ithaca. Open Thursday through Saturday. Takeout and in-person dining available.

Classy setting for American fare served alongside cocktails & spirits, plus lively sidewalk seating. On the Ithaca Commons, 224 E State St. (607) 272-2212 $$ Reservations accepted on opentable.com. Open Tuesday through Sunday. Takeout and in-person dining available.

Family owned and operated, this restaurant boasts authentic Thai food at its best. On the Ithaca Commons, 216 E State St (607)-256-5487 $ Reservations accepted. 

https://www.restaurantji.com/ny/ithaca/taste-of-thai-/

This pizza and wine bar, which also serves beer, promises that all of their menu items will be made fresh with the finest, freshest, and healthiest ingredients. No Freezer. No Fryer. No Microwave. On the Ithaca Commons, 220 E State St. (607) 319-0851 $$ Walk-in only; no reservations. Open Tuesday through Sunday. Takeout and in-person dining available.

Fresh, healthy, and delicious Mexican food. Great margaritas and premium tequila bar. 101 N Aurora St (607)-277-1752, $, Walk-in only; no reservations. All of the guests in your party must be present to be seated. Open Wednesday through Saturday. Takeout and in-person dining available.

Vegetarian and vegan meals featuring the freshest vegetables, herbs and fruits, whole grains, nuts, beans, high-quality oils, spices and seasonings, and fine imported and domestic cheeses. 215 N Cayuga St. (607) 273-961, $, Call to make reservations. Open Wednesday through Sunday. Takeout and in-person dining available.

Casual waterfront dining, specializing in fresh-cut steaks, seafood, and salads, there is something for everyone. 545 Taughannock Blvd. (607) 256-2628 $$ Same day call ahead seating only. Open Tuesday through Sunday. Takeout and in-person dining available.

New Orleans-style fish house and raw bar serving Southern comfort cooking, fresh seafood dishes, and slow-smoked barbeque. Features a fun and always lively atmosphere. 635 W. State Street (607) 272-4136  $$ Call for reservations. Open Wednesday through Saturday. Takeout and in-person dining available.

Ramen made in its slow-cooked tradition. Features an inviting and traditional oak bar from where dishes and drinks are served. 512 W State St. (607) 339-0329 $ Walk-in only; no reservations. Open Wednesday through Monday. Takeout and in-person dining available

Fresh and delicious Vietnamese food in a clean and modern setting. 526 W. State Street (607) 257-8881 $ Walk-in only; no reservations. Open Tuesday through Sunday. Takeout only.

Food truck featuring homemade recipes including their famous fried chicken and mac & cheese, made with fresh ingredients sourced from local farmers and vendors. Right outside of Liquid State Brewing. 620 West Green Street. At Liquid State Brewing Wednesdays through Sundays.

Enjoy their unique and expansive menu that includes homemade pasta, sauces, and seasonal ingredients. Their full bar includes Italian and Finger Lakes wines list and a rotating selection of both inventive and classic cocktails. Please visit their about us page regarding parking and how to get into the restaurant. East Hill near Collegetown, 115 South Quarry St., (607) 273-0333 $$$ Reservations can be made at opentable.com or by calling the restaurant. Open Tuesday through Saturday. Takeout and in-person dining available.

A wonderful contemporary fine dining experience in Ithaca with an extensive wine list.  Has a private dining room for small dinner parties. Features American cuisine with global influences. East Hill near Cornell, 903 Hanshaw Road (607) 257-4144. $$$ Reservations accepted over the phone or online at http://www.theheightsithaca.com/reservations.cfm. Open Monday through Saturday. Takeout and in-person dining available.

Beautiful atmosphere and absolutely delicious homemade food with fresh ingredients. 903 Hanshaw Rd. #13 (607) 288-3472. $$ Walk-in only; no reservations. Open Friday through Sunday. Takeout and in-person dining available.

Lakefront restaurant located within the Harbor Hotel featuring a classic grill menu that incorporates locally-sourced ingredients.  Wine and Beer lists contain a wide variety of Finger Lakes producers. 16 N Franklin St., Watkins Glen, NY (607) 535-6116 $$ reservations accepted. Dining only.

New York focused wine + cider bar + bottle shop with locally sourced plates to pair and share, prepared in-house by Chef Christina McKeough. 204 N Franklin St., Watkins Glen, NY (607) 210-4324 $$ Walk-in only, no reservations. Takeout and in-person dining available.

Fun, casual, and all American! But you’ll find no fast food here; every item on the menu is completely handmade, including burgers, bread, sauces, and of course, the BBQ. Served with handcrafted brews of Rooster Fish Brewing, this makes for a winning combination. 205-207 N. Franklin St., Watkins Glen, NY (607)-210-4227 Walk-in only, no reservations. Takeout and in-person dining available.

Brewpub menu is in-house curated and features unique ingredients and themes with decadent pairings for their brews. 223-301 North Franklin St. Watkins Glen, NY 14891 (607)-535-9797 Reservations accepted.

Offering delicious dining and takeout, this restaurant is known for its modern interpretation of classic dishes and its insistence on only using high-quality fresh ingredients. 133 E 4th St, Watkins Glen, NY (607) 210-4168 $$ Reservations accepted. Takeout and in-person dining available.

With menus that change with the seasons, Veraisons proudly sources ingredients from over 30 farms in the Finger Lakes and throughout New York state. Located at the Inn at Glenora Wine Cellars, 5435 NY-14, Dundee, NY 14837, (800) 243-5513, $$ Reservations accepted. Open year-round – Open daily from 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM.

The FLX Wienery is the special eatery project of couple Christopher Bates & Isabel Bogadtke. Christopher is a Master Sommelier and Isabel was awarded Best Service in the World by Mobil Travel Guide. Among other items, their menu features house-made sausages, freshly-ground burgers, and hand-cut fries and chips. 5090 State Route 14, Dundee, Starkey, NY 14837, (607) 243-7100, $ Walk-in only. Open year-round; Closed Monday and Tuesday.

Premium wine bar where you can pair your wine with small bites from a seasonal menu or a variety of charcuterie boards stacked with meats, cheeses, and preserves from local producers. 655 NY-14, Penn Yan, NY 14527 (315) 901-2029. Reservations accepted. Dine-in only.

Fine dining in a casual setting overlooking Seneca Lake featuring house-cut prime steaks, fresh fish, and homemade desserts. 4432 W Lake Rd, Geneva, NY 14456, (315) 789-2020. $$ Reservations accepted. Open Tuesday through Saturday. Takeout and in-person dining available.

Cool and relaxed, this café features local produce and meats, with the specialty of the house being their smoked fish and meats. 5315 State Route 414 Hector, NY  14841 (607)-546-5000. $$ Reservations accepted. Seasonal – Check the restaurant website for hours.

Homemade specialty sandwiches, soups, salads, and baked goods made to order. 4221 State Route 414 Hector, NY  14841 (607)-546-4641. $ Seasonal – Check the restaurant website for hours.

Modeled on a centuries-old Viennese tradition, America’s first heuriger (Hoy-rig-ger) combines the traditional Viennese Winery Restaurant concept with the region’s award-winning wines and the superb Viennese-inspired cooking and desserts. 9564 Route 414 Lodi, NY 14860, (607)-582-7555. $$ Reservations accepted. Open year-round; Only open for lunch on Saturdays and Sundays.

This combined winery and bistro offers both spectacular wines and fresh, locally-sourced cheese and charcuterie boards. 3675 Tichenor Road, Hector, NY 14841 (607) 546 4100. $$ Reservations accepted. Open year-round – Open daily 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

Incredible craft hard cider from multiple FLX producers located on a bucolic farm. A perfect lunch stop!

Regional Chef, Cookie Wheeler offers comfort foods with a twist in the courtyard of Treleaven Wines  658 Lake Road, King Ferry, NY 13081 (315)-364-5100. $ Reservations accepted. Open year round, Wednesdays – Sundays.

Quiet and cozy bar and grill in beautiful Aurora, NY with a great view and even better food  384 Main Street, Aurora, NY 13026 (315)-364-8006. $ Online orders for pick-up or in-person dining. Open daily, 11 AM – 8 PM.