Ithaca, NY, boasts a vibrant culinary scene, and its dessert offerings are no exception. From classic comfort foods to innovative creations, there's a sweet treat for everyone in this charming college town. This guide explores the top 25 desserts in Ithaca, categorized for easy navigation. This list incorporates both well-known favorites and hidden gems, ensuring a diverse and delicious exploration of Ithaca's dessert landscape. Remember to check restaurant websites for the most up-to-date menus and hours.
Classic Cakes & Pies
These Ithaca institutions offer timeless dessert experiences that consistently satisfy.
- The Ithaca Bakery's Chocolate Cake: A rich, decadent chocolate cake that’s a local favorite. Their moist texture and intense chocolate flavor are legendary.
- Coltivare's Seasonal Pies: Coltivare's pies change with the seasons, using locally sourced ingredients. Expect stunning fruit pies in the summer and comforting spice pies in the fall.
- Hector's Sweet Shop's Apple Pie: A classic apple pie made with a flaky crust and sweet apples, perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Moosewood Restaurant's Carrot Cake: Known for its vegetarian and vegan options, Moosewood’s carrot cake is a surprisingly rich and moist delight.
Cookies & Brownies
Sometimes, a simple cookie or brownie hits the spot. These Ithaca spots offer exceptional versions of these classic treats.
- Treva's Bakery's Chocolate Chip Cookies: These aren't your average chocolate chip cookies; Treva's uses high-quality ingredients for a truly exceptional taste.
- Gimmie! Coffee's Brownies: The perfect complement to their coffee, Gimmie!'s brownies are fudgy and intensely chocolatey.
- Wegmans' Cookie Selection: Wegmans, a regional supermarket, consistently delivers high-quality baked goods. Their cookie selection is vast and always tempting.
- Collegetown Bagels' Oatmeal Raisin Cookies: A surprising delight, Collegetown Bagels' oatmeal raisin cookies are chewy and bursting with flavor.
Ice Cream & Frozen Treats
Ithaca's climate makes ice cream a must-have. These locations stand out for their quality and unique offerings.
- Cayuga Lake Creamery's Unique Flavors: Cayuga Lake Creamery is known for its creative and seasonal ice cream flavors. Expect to find unusual and delicious combinations.
- Stewart Park's Ice Cream Stands: Grab a cone and enjoy the beautiful views of Cayuga Lake at one of the ice cream stands located within Stewart Park.
- Josh's Frozen Yogurt: A healthier option, Josh's provides delicious frozen yogurt in a variety of flavors, perfect for a refreshing treat.
- Sweet Surrender's Sorbet: A wonderful selection of sorbet caters to those seeking a lighter, fruit-based dessert.
Specialty Desserts & Unique Offerings
Beyond the classics, Ithaca offers these unique and innovative dessert experiences.
- The Nines' Crème Brûlée: This elegant dessert showcases The Nine's dedication to high-quality ingredients and sophisticated presentation.
- Agava Restaurant's Flan: A rich and creamy flan, a perfect end to a meal at this popular Mexican restaurant.
- Piero's Pizza's Cannoli: Piero’s offers a crispy, delicious cannoli, a perfect sweet ending to their incredible pizza.
- Ithaca Beer Company's Seasonal Treats: While known for beer, Ithaca Beer Company sometimes offers limited-edition dessert pairings or treats. Check their website for seasonal availability.
Restaurant-Specific Delights
Many restaurants in Ithaca have signature desserts worth seeking out. These are a few examples; research restaurant menus for the latest offerings.
- State Street Grill's Chocolate Lava Cake: A rich and molten chocolate cake, perfect for chocolate lovers.
- Maxie's Supper Club's Key Lime Pie: A tangy and refreshing key lime pie, a pleasant contrast to richer options.
- Farm to Table's Seasonal Crumble: Farm to Table utilizes fresh, local ingredients in their seasonal crumbles, offering a unique dessert experience.
- Revelry's Dessert Menu: Revelry consistently features innovative and delicious desserts, so check their daily menu for their current offerings.
Cafes & Bakeries with Diverse Options
These locations often have a rotating selection of cakes, cookies, and other pastries.
- Purple Sage Cafe's Pastries: Purple Sage offers an assortment of delicious pastries that vary daily.
- Common Grounds' Cakes & Cookies: Common Grounds, a popular coffee shop, offers a selection of cakes and cookies perfect for enjoying with a cup of coffee.
- CTB's Dessert Selection: Collegetown Bagels, while primarily known for bagels, also carries a small but tempting selection of desserts.
- Zingerman's Deli's Pastries (if available): While not strictly an Ithaca establishment, if Zingerman's Deli is making a visit to Ithaca, their pastries are worth trying.
Hidden Gems & Local Favorites (Requires further research)
This category requires further investigation to pinpoint specific names but highlights the many smaller bakeries and cafes that deserve exploration.
- Local Bakeries & Cafes: Ithaca has many smaller, independent bakeries and cafes. Exploring these hidden gems is a worthwhile endeavor to uncover unique and delicious dessert options.
This list offers a starting point for your dessert adventure in Ithaca. Remember to check with individual establishments for hours, availability, and seasonal menus. Happy exploring!
