Breakfast & Brunch

With so much to see and do in Ithaca, making sure you’re fueled up for a day of adventures is an important part of planning. There’s no better way to kickstart exploring our region than enjoying breakfast or brunch before setting out.

Planning to spend the day in Ithaca? Or immersing yourself in waterfalls and other natural spaces? We’ve got your options covered. Preparing to tour wineries along the lake? There are plenty of places heading that way. Here is our ultimate guide to brunching in Ithaca, including some local picks for what to try when you visit.

Café Alléchant

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Café Alléchant- 903 Hanshaw Rd # 13

Find yourself seated in a café looking at one of our local art galleries. Here you will find creative food and beautiful surroundings. 

Local Pick: Order their French Toast Éclair for a sweet breakfast treat.

Angelhearts Diner

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Angelhearts Diner - 401 E State St, Ithaca

A diner right off the Ithaca Commons, where you will find plenty of options highlighting vegan comfort food. Do not be fooled by the plant-based menu, you will find hearty fare at this casual spot.

Local Pick: Order the Cajun (vegan) sausage gravy, perfect over a plate of biscuits or ordered as a side to pair with home fries. 

Bistro at La Tourelle

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Bistro at La Tourelle - 1152 Danby Rd, Ithaca

The Bistro at La Tourelle resides in an old farmhouse and serves full-service breakfast and brunch every day. Go for a tasty breakfast and stay for the friendly service at this family-owned hotel, spa and restaurant.

Local Pick: Build your own omelet, burrito, or breakfast pizza, with your choice from a wide list of ingredients.  

Creekside Café

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Creekside Café - 4 W Main St, Trumansburg

Searching for delicious, locally sourced, made-from-scratch breakfast and lunch? The quaint Cafe is happily situated in the middle of the village of Trumansburg. Please note this is take-out only.

Local Pick: Order the Breakfast Balmy or the Cubano Panini. For a nearby picnic spot, head over to the Trumansburg Village Park – this is the site for the Trumansburg Farmers Market on Wednesday evenings.

Coal Yard Cafe

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Coal Yard Cafe - 143 Maple Ave, Ithaca 

Tucked away in a neighborhood near Cornell, you’ll find an enticing food menu with a variety of specialty coffee drinks. Here, you will not be limited to traditional breakfast fare, be sure to look at their lunch menu and sandwiches during your next brunch.

Local Pick: Spice up your morning by ordering the Ranch Eggs or take a sweeter route and order the Ithaca Mudd off the drink menu.  

Dolce Delight

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Dolce Delight - 1080 Danby Rd, Ithaca

Family-owned and operated you will feel right at home when you walk into this comfortable near Ithaca College and upper Buttermilk Falls. While Dolce is best known for their pies, they have several fresh breakfast sandwiches, quiches, and soups ready to order. 

Local Pick: Something simple and delicious, order the Big Ree (Croissant, Egg, Spinach & Feta) or try the spicy signature Dolce Special with a house-made chipotle biscuit.

The Falls Restaurant

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The Falls Restaurant - 214 E Main St, Trumansburg

Grab a quick bite to eat, right inside “T-burg’s Livingroom,” as referred to by locals. This Trumansburg restaurant offers tasty food and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere

Local Pick: The Monte Christo is popular, as well as the classics like homemade bread for toast and their home fries. On Sundays, try the sausage gravy and biscuits.

Ithaca Bakery

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Ithaca Bakery - 400 N Meadow St, Ithaca

If you went to Ithaca College or Cornell, you might have a special place in your heart for Ithaca Bakery. This community staple offers a variety of breakfast sandwiches, bagels, and much more. Whether you grab ‘n’ go or decide to sit down and order a cup of coffee, you will be impressed by their many options. 

Local Pick: Order the Brooklyn Bagel with bacon and cheddar.

Hound & Mare

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Hound & Mare - 118 N Aurora St, Ithaca

Owned by restauranter sisters Hound & Mare serves bagel and egg sandwiches, baked goods, and coffee while being locally conscious and supporting local bakers.

Local Pick: Give the Cofax (sesame marinated skirt steak, fried shallots, cheddar, and sriracha aioli on a sesame bagel) a try during your next visit and don’t miss their featured pastries from a co-op of bakeries. 

Lincoln Street Diner

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Lincoln Street Diner - 309 E Lincoln St, Ithaca

Call your friends to meet up at an old-school diner offering American comfort food favorites. This hometown restaurant takes pride in customer service and its food. 

Local Pick: Give the Ziffy Omelet (ham, bacon, onions, peppers, cheese, and home fries) a try when you stop in for a morning snack and coffee. Lincoln Street Diner is a short walk to Ithaca Falls.

MIX Kitchen & Bar

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MIX Kitchen & Bar - 205 Elmira Rd, Ithaca

A quick 5-minute drive from the Ithaca Commons, MIX Kitchen & Bar offers a chef-driven restaurant, that aims to connect the neighborhood to a dining experience in the same way ingredients are connected to food.

Local Pick: Try out the I Double Dare You pancakes!

Monks on the Commons

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Monks on the Commons - 120 S Aurora St, Ithaca

Resides inside the Downtown Marriott Hotel at the east end of the Ithaca Commons. There you will find generous portions of soulful food and patio seating depending on the weather. 

Local Pick: Order a Build Your Own Breakfast Bowl and choose from a plethora of ingredients to make the bowl exactly how you want it.  

Revelry Yards

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Revelry Yards - 111 N Aurora St, Ithaca

New to Restaurant Row, just off of the Ithaca Commons you will find Ithaca's social dining spot, Revelry Yards. Offering weekend brunch from 10 am to 3 pm. They also have a microbrewery upstairs, be sure to try one of their beer flights!

Local Pick: Order the Banana Fritters for a sweet breakfast treat. 

Simeon's American Bistro

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Simeon's American Bistro - 224 E State St, Ithaca

Another Downtown Ithaca landmark, Simeon’s serves fresh seafood and oysters every day and brunch on the weekend. You can even call them to make a reservation!

Local Tip: Try the Croque Madam for a flavorful experience. 

Hungry for more?

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Hungry for more? Check out these great locations: