Ithaca, NY, boasts a vibrant culinary scene, offering a diverse range of lunch options to satisfy any craving. From casual cafes to upscale eateries, this guide explores the top 30 lunch restaurants in Ithaca, categorized for your convenience. This list is not exhaustive, but it’s a great starting point for your Ithaca lunch adventures. Remember that restaurant menus and availability can change, so it's always a good idea to check ahead before visiting.
Quick Bites & Casual Dining
This section features restaurants perfect for a quick, satisfying lunch without breaking the bank.
1. Collegetown Bagels: A classic Ithaca institution, famous for its delicious bagels and creative bagel sandwiches. Expect lines, especially during peak hours. 2. Ithaca Bakery: Known for its fresh bread, pastries, and hearty sandwiches. Perfect for a grab-and-go lunch or a leisurely sit-down meal. 3. The Nines: Offers a wide array of creative sandwiches, salads, and soups in a relaxed atmosphere. 4. Moosewood Restaurant: While known for its dinner, their lunch menu is equally impressive, featuring vegetarian and vegan options. Reservations are recommended. 5. CTB's: A popular Collegetown spot offering pizza, burgers, and other American classics. Great for students and casual diners. 6. Burrito Life: A go-to for delicious and customizable burritos, bowls, and tacos. Excellent for a quick and healthy lunch. 7. Zell Street Pub: Offers tasty pub fare, from sandwiches to burgers, in a lively atmosphere.
Upscale Casual & Fine Dining (Lunch Menus)
These restaurants offer a more refined dining experience at lunchtime, perfect for a special occasion or a treat for yourself.
8. Glenwood Inn: Known for its elegant atmosphere and delicious farm-to-table cuisine. Their lunch menu is a smaller version of their dinner menu, but still offers many high-quality options. 9. State Street Grille: A sophisticated establishment offering elevated American cuisine. Their lunch menu often features lighter, yet sophisticated options. 10. The Boathouse: Situated on Cayuga Lake, this restaurant offers stunning views and a delicious menu featuring fresh seafood and other regional specialties. Reservations are highly recommended. 11. Agava Restaurant: Upscale Mexican cuisine with a focus on fresh ingredients and unique flavor combinations. Their lunch menu provides a taste of their sophisticated dishes. 12. Just A Taste: Offers a curated menu of gourmet sandwiches and salads made with high-quality ingredients. Perfect for a stylish and satisfying lunch. 13. Epiphany: Known for its creative and seasonal menus that use local ingredients. Lunch usually features lighter versions of their dinner entrees.
International Flavors
Explore the world through your lunch break with these diverse options.
14. Thai Basil: Authentic Thai cuisine with a wide variety of curries, noodle dishes, and appetizers. 15. The Green Dragon: Offers delicious Chinese cuisine in a casual, friendly setting. Their lunch specials are very popular. 16. Sakura Japanese Steakhouse: Offers hibachi-style cooking and traditional Japanese dishes for lunch. 17. Taverna Bang Bang: A unique fusion restaurant offering Italian-inspired dishes with a modern twist. 18. Coltivare: Offers a seasonal Italian menu with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. Their pizzas are a must-try! 19. Lot 10: Offers modern American cuisine with many international influences.
Vegetarian, Vegan, & Health-Conscious Options
Ithaca has many choices for those seeking vegetarian, vegan, or healthy lunch options.
20. Govinda's Vegetarian Restaurant: Offers a variety of flavorful vegetarian and vegan Indian dishes. Buffet style is popular for lunch. 21. Rise & Grind: This popular spot offers a range of vegan and vegetarian options, including smoothies, acai bowls, and sandwiches. 22. Wegmans: While a grocery store, Wegmans has a fantastic prepared foods section with a wide variety of healthy and delicious lunch options. 23. Ithaca Farmers Market: (Seasonal) Enjoy fresh, local produce and prepared foods from many vendors at the Ithaca Farmers Market. A perfect place for a unique and healthy lunch.
Unique & Quirky Lunch Spots
Ithaca also features some unique and quirky dining experiences.
24. Hector's BBQ: Delicious, authentic BBQ in a relaxed, casual setting. 25. Nido's: Offers a great variety of subs and sandwiches. 26. Treva's: A great deli with sandwiches, salads, and other lunch fare.
Cafes & Coffee Shops (with Lunch options)
Many cafes offer light lunch items in addition to coffee and pastries.
27. Gimmie Coffee: This popular spot offers various sandwiches, salads and pastries to go with your coffee. 28. Koffee Kup: A local favorite, this cafe offers a casual atmosphere and light lunch options.
Pizza & Fast Food
Sometimes, you just need a quick and easy pizza or fast-food meal.
29. Collegetown Pizza: A classic pizza spot, popular with students and locals alike. 30. Several national fast-food chains are also located in Ithaca.
This list provides a starting point for your Ithaca lunch adventures. Remember to explore and discover your own favorites! Happy eating!
