5 Best Restaurants in Ithaca, The Finger Lakes

A two-story 1848 farmhouse on the grounds of La Tourelle Country Inn is home to this restaurant that specializes in grilled meats but also serves chicken and fish dishes (and a vegetarian entrée). Filet mignon, prime rib, strip steak, and porterhouse are among the choices. Sides, such as garlicky mashed potatoes, are served family style. In summer you may eat outside on the deck, with views of the lawns, gardens, and La Tourelle. The restaurant is about 3 mi south of downtown, near Buttermilk Falls State Park.

On the Commons, this tapas place is a bistro-style storefront that manages to be romantic despite the fact that you're sitting elbow to elbow with other diners. Menus of small plates might include rare grilled flank steak with homemade kimchi, marinated scallops with walnut-garlic aioli, or spinach salad with pears, goat cheese, and bacon. Small portions mean room for dessert; don't overlook the cornmeal shortbread with a wine-soaked dried-fruit compote and whipped cream. This tiny place gets packed, even on weeknights.

Since its founding in 1973, this downtown restaurant has been at the forefront in the field of creative vegetarian cooking, and its cookbooks are known worldwide. The menu changes daily, and everything is prepared from fresh ingredients. Past menus have included spinach-and-cheese ravioli in a red-pepper-basil sauce and haddock with lemon, thyme, tomatoes, and topped with dill pesto. A vegan option is always available. The setting is casual: chunky blond-wood tables and booths and lively conversation fill the space. You may also dine outside on a patio.

Finding foreign fare in the Finger Lakes can be a challenge, but not in this university town. Ithaca has several Thai restaurants, and this family-owned and -operated choice is a favorite both for its consistent food and its location on the Commons. The casual but classy place has orange faux-finish walls and is decorated with Buddha statuettes. Ithacans of all ages come for the moderately priced and expertly spiced curry, noodle, and seafood dishes. It's a buzzy, convivial place.

Steak and seafood feature prominently on the menu at this country inn about 5 miles east of downtown. Baby back ribs are simmered in a house barbecue sauce, a buttery London broil is served with baked stuffed shrimp, and haddock is baked and topped with tomatoes, olives, capers, and raisins. Sit in front of the fireplace and sip local wine under the watchful gaze of the deer heads mounted on the walls.