Top 15 Budget-Friendly Restaurants Near You in Ithaca, NY

Shay Teoli This was our first stop on our trip to Ithaca and it was the perfect start to our trip. From the atmosphere, to the friendly staff and the amazing food...5 stars across the board. The atmosphere is a combination of 70s diner but with an add of updated sophisticated vibe with the rose gold lighting fixtures and the ceiling details. The food was absolutely amazing. The menu has a variety of options to choose from for anyone. The hostess was charming and quick to greet us at the door. And our server, she was an absolute delight. I would highly recommend this place to anyone visiting Ithaca.

C J If you’re in Ithaca and haven’t been to Maru Ramen, honestly… what are you doing?! I’ve been going since they first opened and it seems to be getting better each year! The ramen(my personal favorite) has broth that is always rich and flavorful without being overly salty, and the noodles are perfectly chewy. Ive tried plenty of other items on their menu (like the purple rice roll pic) and everything is delicious. I also love the casual, relaxed vibe of the space, and the service is always friendly and quick. Overall, Maru Ramen really nails it on flavor, service, and consistency. Definitely worth checking out!

katragadda naveen We order bunch of food and everything tasted amazing. Empanadas were amazing, Arepas are good and they tasted like a type of bread in indian breakfast but with protien. If am every here in the city I would visit again.

Phương Đài Trịnh Sunset Grill is an exceptional spot in Ithaca that combines delicious food, stunning views, and a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere. Located in a prime location with views of the surrounding landscape, this restaurant is the perfect place to unwind, enjoy a great meal, and watch the sunset—hence the name! The menu at Sunset Grill offers a fantastic variety of dishes, with something to satisfy every palate. Their seafood specials are always fresh and flavorful, with the grilled salmon often being a crowd favorite. It’s perfectly seasoned and served with a side of roasted vegetables that complement the dish beautifully. For those who prefer meat, the steak and fries is a must-try—tender, juicy, and cooked to perfection. The pulled pork sandwich is another hit, offering a perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors. In addition to the fantastic food, the Sunset Grill offers a solid selection of craft beers, cocktails, and wines, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely drink as well. The house margarita is a standout—refreshing with just the right amount of zing. They also serve up creative seasonal cocktails that change throughout the year, making it fun to visit and try something new. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, with both indoor and outdoor seating options, so you can take full advantage of the beautiful views. The staff is welcoming and attentive, always ensuring your experience is enjoyable. Whether you’re visiting for a casual dinner with friends or a special occasion, the vibe at Sunset Grill makes it a perfect spot to sit back, relax, and enjoy the moment. For anyone in Ithaca, Sunset Grill is the ideal place to enjoy fresh, flavorful food, amazing drinks, and breathtaking views. Whether youre there for a sunset dinner or a weekend brunch, it’s a place that never disappoints.

Doodle Mom B Very clean, very good

Madalyn Barrows The food was outstanding!!!!! Made a reservation, showed up a little early and got seated right away. Service was great!!! Atmosphere was very welcoming. Definitely going back to try more of the menu.

Ali Hassan The tacos were really good and served fresh. Service was quick for a one man show. Would not recommend the sweet potato taco as it didnt really have flavour but the tomato and mahi mahi tacos were top notch. The kids grilled cheese was incredible! More so the kids started eating that!

Arthur I discovered Authentic Jerk at Center Ithaca several months ago and have been returning every week since my first meal. As someone who has traveled to Jamaica for my vacations almost every year since 2000, I can tell you with all sincerity that Authentic Jerks food is just as tasty and high quality as the food served in the best restaurants in Jamaica. Its clear that they dont skip any steps in their preparation, as the spices and seasonings are authentic, and all the dishes are extremely well prepared. Since chicken is the only meat I consume, I normally order the curry chicken or stew chicken, and its always very tender and ready to fall off the bone served with delicious gravy. The rice and peas are well seasoned, and the collard greens and cabbage are steamed nicely with subtle Jamaican spices. The fried plantain, mac n cheese and festival (fried dough) are always good as well. Manners and respect to Authentic Jerk!

Karl VanOrder Awesome for pickups for Uber eats very nice and quick well packaged for delivery

Daniel Walsh Great food, great community, miss my college days and living here. Had dinner with some amazing professors, celebrities, pioneers of industry, and friends here. An open and supportive community to all. I love Cornell.

Elizabeth R We visited early for dinner on a weekday after a day of hiking and were made to feel right at home by our wonderful server as soon as we walked in, and had a lovely time seated outside by the water. The owner of 50 years cooked for us—the Cajun blackened catfish was to die for, and we got to try salt potatoes for the first time. The Rachel sandwich and the grilled Cajun chicken sandwich were also delicious. We really liked the seasoned potato wedges and a refreshing cocktail. The pictures may look simple, but the flavors are amazing. The decor, while a little dated, only adds to the charm. We were on the fence about going and are so glad we did. A must stop!

Connor Yorks 1. Food: Whole table was happy with the food and their portions. I’ll recommend the Tom Yum soup to share. 2. People: Our waiter was kind and times was quiet, but never unclear. 3. Timing: Food was out quickly even when there were other parties present. 4. Price: The 5 of us all ate for about $100 and the food was worth it annnd we had two appetizers with our individual meals which at most other places would be more expensive. 5. Facility: Though small (20-40 people) a nicely finished dinning area with nice bathrooms. More cultural decor would bring it up, but their plate sets were wonderful and they had real flower center piecees.

Mackenzie Pierson New favorite lunch spot! Ive tried their sandwiches and build your own grain bowls and they are bountiful, delicious, and at a great price! The Thompson & Bleecker crew does it again! Fresh Marche is located on the commons in their old location.

Ben Wells I come here at least 3 times per week and it’s always delicious with great vibes. Flatbreads and deli station are my personal favorites; smoothies and Starbucks are also great. Probably my favorite spot on central.

P E A C E ! Kudos to the few servers working hard at this very busy restaurant. The food was amazing. Delicious. I loved it. L-O-V-E. I got the two meats + three veggies for one. Its a great portion for its price. My friend and I went on a hike beforehand, so I was cleaning the plate.