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V I S I T I T H A C A . C O M | 3 9 JUST A TASTE | 116 N AURORA ST, ITHACA | JUST-A-TASTE.COM For nearly two decades, Just A Taste has been recognized as one of Ithaca's best restaurants. The humble dining room, wine bar and backyard pa o lets the seasonal tapas menu shine. The owners are commi ed to sourcing locally and making food from scratch. Affordable and crowd-pleasing. Arrive early or prepare to wait... it's worth it. THE ROOK | 404 W STATE ST, ITHACA | ROOKFOODANDDRINK.COM Ithaca's newest farm-to-table eatery features a modern take on American classics, like duck fat-fried chicken with collard greens and whiskey-brined pork chops with cheddar spoonbread. They also offer irresis ble op ons for vegetarians and vegans, and are generally sensi ve to dietary restric ons. Not to be skipped are the rota ng donuts on the dessert menu, one of Chef Gentry Morris's special es. Wash down your meal with a house cocktail - bound to be one of the most intriguing drinks during your stay in Ithaca. Then, head over to the Westy for music, popcorn, and local brews on tap. GOLA OSTERIA | 115 S QUARRY ST, ITHACA | GOLAOSTERIA.COM As a first genera on American, born to an Italian mother, I can say with gusto that this is the best Italian food in Ithaca. Co-owner Sam Epps is a dedicated chef who, before opening Gola, refined the art of Italian cuisine under some of the most renowned chefs in Tuscany and New York City. At Gola, he takes pride in transforming Finger Lakes-grown ingredients into authen c dishes. Part of the restaurant's charm is that it lies off the beaten track in a student apartment complex. Nonetheless, the restaurant is perched on the banks of Six Mile Creek, with an outdoor porch. The elegant design makes it perfect for a roman c date or celebra on. SAIGON KITCHEN | 526 W STATE ST, ITHACA | SAIGONKITCHENITHACA.COM This family-owned BYOB eatery is the #1 spot for Pho and other Vietnamese cuisine. Bright and bustling, you can't go wrong with this affordable menu for lunch, dinner or takeout. Prepare to wait for a table or take your meal to go and enjoy a beer at The Westy next door. CAFE DEWITT | 215 N CAYUGA ST, ITHACA | CAFEDEWITT.COM Tucked in the atrium of the original Ithaca Middle School, this farm-to-table brunch and lunch spot features crea ve seasonal special es steeped in flavor. Ask for a table next to the aquarium, which wraps around one side of the sea ng area. Don't miss out on the daily tea brews and baked goods! Cash only. PURITY ICE CREAM | 700 CASCADILLA ST, ITHACA | PURITYICECREAM.COM Ithaca's longest standing ice cream shop just launched weekend brunch and weekday lunch. The modern retro atmosphere with signature pops of red is invi ng to all, and the food is equally familiar and sa sfying. From the ice cream, to pancakes to the quinoa "happy bowl," you will leave full and... well, happy! HAWI ETHIOPIAN CUISINE | 113 S CAYUGA ST, ITHACA | HAWIITHACA.COM When Hawi opened its doors, it couldn't keep up with the crowds of diners who had been wai ng for an Ethiopian restaurant. The decor is simple and the food is outstanding, rich and authen c in flavor. You'll want to fill up on the injera - a fermented pancake-like bread made with Teff flour - but save room for the stews and fixings. This is a fun place for a date or group of friends. Be prepared to eat with your hands! (YAY!) BYOB (pop into the wine store across the street). ISTANBUL TURKISH KITCHEN | 311 3RD ST, ITHACA | ISTANBULITHACA.COM Walking into this Turkish-owned restaurant is like walking into Istanbul. The fairy-like glass chandeliers amidst other Turkish decor set the scene for the spicy aromas wa ing from the kitchen. Try the sampler pla er to get started, and don't miss out on the ka a.