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Why Ithaca Restaurants Are a Must-Visit for Culinary Enthusiasts

Ithaca restaurants offer a dining experience like no other.

The Finger Lakes in Ithaca, New York isn’t just known for its famous falls, extraordinary hikes, and delicious wine, it’s recently earned a reputation as one of the region’s most exciting food destinations known for its creative spirit, commitment to local agriculture, and strong sense of community. For culinary enthusiasts, it’s a city where thoughtful menus, seasonal ingredients, and Finger Lakes wine come together in meaningful ways.

Whether you’re planning a weekend near Cayuga Lake or exploring the Finger Lakes Wine Trail, restaurants in Ithaca consistently deliver food that reflects the land, the people, and the seasons that shape it.

A View into Ithaca’s Culinary Scene

Intention is what drives Ithaca’s culinary scene. Many restaurants in Ithaca NY prioritize farm-to-table sourcing, building menus around what’s fresh and available from local, nearby Finger Lakes farms, dairies, and vineyards, which results in food that feels honest, vibrant, ever-evolving, and sustainable.

From downtown eateries to countryside destinations just beyond the city limits, you can find dining within Ithaca NY restaurants that range from casual and comforting, to refined and celebratory. One of the best parts? The local wine plays a central role here, with Finger Lakes wine frequently featured alongside meals, especially Riesling and cool-climate varietals that thrive around Cayuga Lake.

Just outside the city, Treleaven Wines offers a standout dining experience with Farm in the Willows, our in-house restaurant that captures the spirit of the region. Set amongst the winery’s signature Willow trees, Farm in the Willows blends approachable, thoughtfully prepared, unique food with wines grown and crafted on-site, making it a natural stop for food and wine lovers alike.

Paella with wine and glasses
*A delicious meal from Farm in the Willows paired with one of our Treleaven blends.

A Food Culture Rooted in Agriculture and Innovation

Ithaca’s food culture has long been shaped by its progressive values and close ties to its agriculture. For decades, the city has supported small farms, cooperative markets, and independent businesses, laying the foundation for what would become one of the most sustainable dining scenes in upstate New York.

This history continues to influence the best restaurants in Ithaca, where chefs often work directly with local growers and adapt their menus to reflect the rhythms and seasons of the Finger Lakes. The result? A cuisine that honors tradition while embracing innovation, making Ithaca a place where culinary creativity feels purposeful and intentional.

The Farm-To-Table Movement

The Finger Lakes region is home to a rich network of farmers, cheesemakers, bakers, and winemakers whose work shapes the menus found throughout restaurants in Ithaca NY. This direct connection between land and table is not a trend, it’s a long-standing way of life.

Many restaurants in Ithaca source ingredients from nearby farms across the Finger Lakes, which allows chefs to highlight peak-season produce, pasture-raised meats, and artisanal goods grown and crafted in a local environment. The end result is food that tastes fresher, supports the local economy, and tells a story.


Finger Lakes wine producers also play a central role in Ithaca’s culinary identity. With vineyards lining the shores of Cayuga Lake, local wines are a natural pairing on menus throughout the city. At Treleaven Wines, this connection comes full circle. Estate-grown Finger Lakes wine is paired thoughtfully with dishes served at Farm in the Willows, creating a dining experience that reflects the surrounding landscape in every detail.

Dining Experiences Beyond Food

The beverage scene in Ithaca, New York is just as dynamic as its food culture. From craft breweries and laid-back taprooms and thoughtfully curated wine bars, Ithaca’s bars and breweries add depth and personality to the overall experience of exploring restaurants in Ithaca.

Much like the dining and food, local breweries draw inspiration from the Finger Lakes, crafting beers that pair effortlessly with the region’s seasonal cuisine. Many Ithaca NY restaurants collaborate with nearby breweries and cideries, creating menus that highlight local pours alongside thoughtfully prepared dishes.

This close-knit relationship between food and beverage producers reinforces Ithaca’s reputation as a destination for people who care about quality, craftsmanship, and community. Wine, of course, plays a defining role here. With Cayuga Lake surrounded by vineyards, Finger Lakes wine is a natural presence throughout the city.

Food festivals and culinary events play a major role in shaping Ithaca’s vibrant dining culture. Throughout the year, the city hosts gatherings that celebrate local ingredients, Finger Lakes wine, and the chefs and producers behind some of the best restaurants in Ithaca NY.

These events bring together farmers, winemakers, brewers, and restaurateurs, creating opportunities for visitors and locals alike to experience the diversity of restaurants Ithaca has to offer in one place. Seasonal festivals, like Finger Lakes Wine Festival, Ithaca Farmers Market Events & Seasonal Festivals, and Finger Lakes Beer & Cider Festivals, often highlight regional specialties, while wine-focused events showcase the depth and quality of Finger Lakes wine grown around Cayuga Lake.

Colorful vegetables at a market stall.
*fresh produce featured from Ithaca's Farmers Market

Plan your Next Foodie Tour in Ithaca

For travelers planning a visit, timing your trip around a local food or wine event can offer a deeper connection to the area’s culinary identity. Many visitors pair these experiences with dining at standout Ithaca NY restaurants or a vineyard-side meal at Farm in the Willows, making food and wine an essential part of their Finger Lakes itinerary.

Together, Ithaca’s bars, breweries, and food festivals reinforce what makes the city special: a strong sense of place, a collaborative food community, and a shared passion for gathering around the table.

What truly sets Ithaca restaurants apart is not just the quality of the food, but the ecosystem behind it. From local farms and producers across the Finger Lakes to chefs, brewers, and winemakers working in close collaboration, it’s obvious that every meal tells a story shaped by the land, the seasons, and the people who call this region home.

Just beyond downtown, Treleaven Wines offers a dining experience that captures all of this in one place. At Farm in the Willows, guests can enjoy thoughtfully prepared, locally inspired cuisine alongside estate-grown Finger Lakes wine, all set against views that highlight the natural beauty of the region. It’s a reflection of what makes restaurants in Ithaca so special; intentional food, meaningful connections, and a sense of belonging.

Whether you’re visiting for a weekend, attending a food festival, exploring the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail, or searching for your next favorite Ithaca NY restaurant, one thing remains clear: Ithaca is a destination where food, wine, and community are deeply intertwined. And in the Finger Lakes, that connection is what turns a meal into an experience worth returning to again and again.

*The sunflower field across from Treleaven Wines.

Come celebrate St Patrick's Day at Treleaven Wines!

Get ready for a shamrockin' good time!
Come join us at Treleaven Wines for our St Patty's Day Wine Party on March 14, 2026 at 6:00 PM (Eastern Time). Get into the festive spirit with a glass of your favorite wine or beer and celebrate St. Patrick's Day with us!
Don't miss out on the fun - we'll have live music by The Shylocks, delicious food, and of course, plenty of wine and beer to go around. Grab your friends and come raise a glass to good times and good company!
Mark your calendar and get ready to paint the town green at Treleaven Wines !
Ticket prices include buffet along with open bar (taxes and gratuity are also included).

Celebrate St Patty's Day with Us

Here are Treleaven we specialize in parties! What we love to do it throw parties where you pay one price and that's it!
Don't worry about tip and tax that's included! Open bar and full buffet is waiting for you!

Book Now
St. Patty's Day menu with dishes
Farm in the Willows Restaurant

 Acoustic Saturdays
Saturdays • 1 - 4PM • Treleaven Wines • The Barrel Room

Join us for a cozy afternoon of acoustic music in the Treleaven Barrel Room with live Acoustic music. Enjoy our award-winning wines, sip on local craft beer, and savor delicious food from our in-house restaurant, Farm in the Willows, while the duo brings their signature sound to your listening pleasure.

✨ Great wine. Great food. Great music.
We can’t wait to spend the afternoon with you! 

Acoustic Shows at Treleaven

Celebrate love with a yummy 6-course dinner paired with perfect wines this Valentine's Day, in person!
Join us for an unforgettable night this Valentine’s Day! Indulge in a six-course feast perfectly paired with exquisite wines. It’s the ideal way to celebrate love and good taste in a cozy, in-person setting. Bring your special someone and enjoy a night full of delicious flavors and great company!

Trivia begins at 6:30pm. Food available from Farm in the Willows and as always, there will be plenty of your favorite wine + beer.
The details:

  • Maximum of 8 players per team
  • Weekly prizes for the top two teams
  • Grand prize at the end of the season (register your team!)
  • Each trivia night has three rounds, seven questions each round and each question is worth 1 point
  • This is a free event - no reservations necessary

Family Friendly Fun Trivia





Join us at Treleaven Wines on January 17th for a night of Italian flair at our Italian Themed Buffet Wine Party event! From 6pm to 9pm, indulge in an array of delicious Italian dishes at our buffet, accompanied by a selection of wines and beers. Tickets are $80 per person and include all food, drinks, and gratuity for the evening. Don't miss out on this opportunity to enjoy the taste of Italy while relaxing in the Barrel Room while listening to live music. Get your tickets now and join us for an evening of exquisite flavors and delightful company at Treleaven Wines!

Join us every Sunday for a delicious brunch as well as bubbly and bingo. Games will run periodically throughout the day with prizes after each game.
Our on-site restaurant, Farm in the Willows, will have a fabulous brunch menu!
No cost is associated with this event (aside from wine, beer, and food). Come on out and let the games begin!

🎶 Acoustic Saturdays with The Shylocks Duo 🎶
Saturday, February 7th • 1 - 4PM • Treleaven Wines • The Barrel Room

Join us for a cozy afternoon of acoustic music in the Treleaven Barrel Room with The Shylocks Duo. Enjoy our award-winning wines, sip on local craft beer, and savor delicious food from our in-house restaurant, Farm in the Willows, while the duo brings their signature sound to your listening pleasure.

✨ Great wine. Great food. Great music.
We can’t wait to spend the afternoon with you! 

🎶 Acoustic Saturdays Featuring Levi Gangi 🎶
Saturday, January 31 • 1 - 4PM • Treleaven Wines • The Barrel Room

Join us for a cozy afternoon of acoustic music in the Treleaven Barrel Room with Levi Gangi. Enjoy our award-winning wines, sip on local craft beer, and savor delicious food from our in-house restaurant, Farm in the Willows, while Levi fills the room with great music for your listening pleasure.

✨ Great wine. Great food. Great music.
We can’t wait to spend the afternoon with you!

🎶 Acoustic Saturdays with Patrick Young 🎶
Saturday, January 24 • 1- 4PM • Treleaven Wines • The Barrel Room

Join us for a cozy afternoon of acoustic music in the Treleaven Barrel Room with Patrick Young. Enjoy our award-winning wines, sip on local craft beer, and savor delicious food from our in-house restaurant, Farm in the Willows, while Patrick delivers an enjoyable set for your listening pleasure.

✨ Great wine. Great food. Great music.
We can’t wait to spend the afternoon with you!

🎶 Acoustic Saturdays featuring Leecy & Greg 🎶
Saturday, January 10 • 1 - 4PM • Treleaven Wines • The Barrel Room

Join us for a relaxing afternoon of acoustic music featuring the talented Leecy and Greg as they bring their warm harmonies and easygoing sound to the Treleaven Barrel Room. Sip on our award-winning wines, enjoy local craft beer, and treat yourself to delicious food from our in-house restaurant, Farm in the Willows, while Leecy and Greg jam out for your listening pleasure.

✨ Great wine. Great food. Great music.
We can’t wait to spend the afternoon with you!

🎶 Acoustic Saturdays with Nick Stark 🎶
Saturday, December 27 • 1–4 PM • Treleaven Wines • The Barrel Room

Join us for a cozy afternoon of live acoustic music as Nick Stark brings his signature sound to the Treleaven Barrel Room. Sip on our award-winning wines, enjoy a selection of local craft beer, and treat yourself to delicious bites from our Farm in the Willows restaurant while Nick fills the room with smooth guitar and laid-back vibes.

Whether you’re gathering with friends, unwinding after the holiday rush, or just looking for a relaxing weekend experience, this is the perfect place to kick back and enjoy great music.

✨ Great wine. Great music. Great afternoon.
We can’t wait to see you there!

🎶 An Afternoon of Acoustic Music with River Lynch 🎶
Saturday, December 20 • 1PM - 4PM • Treleaven Wines • The Barrel Room

Join us for a cozy, music-filled afternoon as the incredibly talented River Lynch takes the stage for an intimate acoustic performance. Settle into the warmth of our Barrel Room, sip on our award-winning Treleaven wines, enjoy some local craft beer, and treat yourself to great food from our restaurant, Farm in the Willows, as you unwind to River’s soulful guitar and smooth vocals.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing weekend outing, a reason to gather with friends, or the perfect setting to enjoy great wine and live music, this is the place to be.

✨ Great wine. Great vibes. Great music.
We can’t wait to spend the afternoon with you!

🎶 Acoustic Saturdays with Jasper Flowers 🎶
Saturday, December 13 • 1 - 4PM • Treleaven Wines • The Barrel Room

Join us for a relaxing and music-filled afternoon as Jasper Flowers brings their acoustic sound to the cozy Barrel Room at Treleaven Wines. Settle in with a glass of our award-winning wines, sip on local craft beer, and grab a bite from our in-house restaurant, Farm in the Willows, while you enjoy an intimate performance full of warm melodies and easygoing vibes.

Whether you’re planning a laid-back weekend outing or looking for the perfect spot to unwind with friends, this is the place to be.

✨ Great wine. Great music. Great company.
We can’t wait to spend the afternoon with you!

Get ready to break out your tackiest, most garish holiday sweater for our Ugly Sweater Party on December 6th from 6-9p at Treleaven Wines! Join us for a night of festive fun as we sip on delicious wines and beers and munch on tasty bites from Farm in the Willows. DJ Classy Cat will be spinning your favorite tunes. Make sure to dress to impress for a chance to win our contest for the ugliest sweater - the winner will receive a special prize! Don't miss out on this unforgettable evening of laughter, good drinks, and holiday cheer.

Join us at Treleaven on Thanksgiving Eve for a memorable evening of music, wine, and celebration. From 6-9pm, immerse yourself in the cozy ambiance of our barrel room as you enjoy live music by Darkwine. Savor our delicious wines and share in the festive spirit as we kick off the holiday season. Farm in the Willows will be serving up some delicious eats too! Don't miss out on this special event - gather your friends and family and make it a night to remember at Treleaven.

Join us for an afternoon of soulful music with Rachel Beverly at Treleaven Wines' Acoustic Saturdays event on November 29th, 2025 from 1pm to 4pm in our cozy Barrel Room. Sit back, relax, and sip on award-winning wines while Rachel serenades you with her beautiful acoustic tunes. Don't miss this opportunity to enjoy great music in a picturesque setting. See you there!

Join us for Acoustic Saturdays at Treleaven Wines as we welcome the talented Tom Chick for a special performance in our cozy Barrel Room. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon of live music, delicious wines, and great company. Tom Chick's soothing acoustic sounds will create the perfect atmosphere for a memorable Saturday afternoon. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to experience the magic of live music in a beautiful winery setting. Grab your friends and join us on November 22nd from 1-4pm for an unforgettable afternoon at Treleaven Wines.

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