Ask around campus, and you won’t be hard-pressed to hear that one of the best parts about Ithaca is all of the amazing places to eat here. Whether you love sampling foreign cuisine or are just craving some yummy comfort food, it’s no secret that Ithaca has plenty of delicious options outside of the dining hall. We’ve rounded up seven of our favorites:
1. Viva Taqueria
Taco Tuesday is great, but Viva Taqueria is the way to go when you’re craving Mexican and have a little extra time to venture off campus. Priding itself on offering “fresh, healthy Mexican,” Viva has a menu of classic Mexican dishes like enchiladas and burritos and also offers a healthy twist with options like tofu mole enchiladas and sides like pickled carrots and jalapenos instead of rice – perfect for the health-conscious collegiette!
2. Waffle Frolic
Few places are as well known and loved on campus as Waffle Frolic. (After all, IC alumni founded this gem!) Head over for a delicious brunch and top your waffle off with to-die-for toppings like Nutella, fried banana, Belgian chocolate sauce and even Purity ice cream. If you’re ever in for dinner, the turkey chili on a cornbread waffle (yes, waffles for dinner!) is life changing.
3. Moosewood
With a 40-year history and 13 published cookbooks, vegan- and vegetarian-friendly restaurant Moosewood has become an Ithaca cult favorite – and proof that healthy food can indeed be insanely delicious, too! With a menu that changes daily depending on the fresh, local ingredients Moosewood sources, it’s pretty impossible to ever get bored.
4. Collegetown Bagels
The sheer amount of CTB stickers stuck all around the commons is enough for anyone new to Ithaca to realize that Collegetown Bagels is everything. Sure, the massive menu can be a little intimidating on your first visit, but CTB will instantly become your favorite for a lazy Saturday morning once you’ve found your favorite. California Sunrise, anyone?
5. Just a Taste
There are several tapas restaurants in Ithaca but, for many, Just a Taste takes the cake. If you’re feeling adventurous, the endless menu of little plates like the amazing kale flatbread or deep fried feta make it the perfect place for a light dinner with the girls before a night out. And, when warm weather finally rolls around, the outdoor eating area becomes an Instagram-worthy oasis in the middle of the bustling commons.
6. Ithaca Ale House
Any IC student that’s been to the Ithaca Ale House in the commons knows there are burgers, and then there are Ithaca Ale House burgers. Not only are they huge (see: the “fat kid” burger, which is a burger in between two grilled cheese sandwiches!), but also super delicious. Burgers aren’t your thing? Other comfort foods like grilled cheese and flatbreads make this the perfect casual dinner spot after a long week.
7. Ciao
When dining hall or delivery pizza just isn’t cutting it, Ciao’s amazing wood-fired pizza will always do the trick. Ciao is casual, but amazing Italian dishes, including pasta and pizza, make it a great spot for a super delicious date night with your S.O., or recapping the week over dinner with your girls.