Finding a great salad in Downtown Ithaca is easier than you think! This vibrant college town boasts a surprising number of restaurants offering delicious and creative salads, catering to all tastes and dietary needs. This guide highlights 20 of the best, helping you navigate the leafy greens landscape and discover your new favorite spot. Whether you're craving a classic Caesar or something more adventurous, we've got you covered.
Leafy Greens & Downtown Delights: Exploring Ithaca's Salad Scene
Downtown Ithaca's culinary scene is blossoming, with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. This translates to some seriously impressive salad options. From casual eateries to upscale restaurants, you'll find a diverse range of salad styles and price points. This list isn't ranked, as the "best" salad is subjective and depends on individual preferences. Instead, we offer a diverse selection to suit every palate.
Casual & Quick Bites: Your Go-To Salad Spots
These restaurants offer quick, delicious, and affordable salads perfect for a lunchtime grab or a casual dinner.
- 1. Ithaca Bakery: Known for its delicious breads, Ithaca Bakery also offers a selection of hearty salads packed with fresh vegetables and locally sourced ingredients. Their seasonal offerings are always a highlight.
- 2. Collegetown Bagels: Beyond the bagels, Collegetown Bagels features a rotating menu of inventive salads, often incorporating unique cheese and dressing combinations.
- 3. Wegmans: While a grocery store, Wegmans' prepared food section offers a surprisingly wide variety of high-quality, ready-to-eat salads with various protein options.
- 4. GreenStar Natural Foods Market: This cooperative grocery store offers a deli section with fresh, organic salads perfect for a healthy and sustainable meal.
- 5. Just a Taste: This popular spot is known for its delicious sandwiches but also offers several fresh salads made with high-quality ingredients.
Upscale & Indulgent Salads: A Treat for the Taste Buds
For those seeking a more sophisticated salad experience, these restaurants offer elevated flavors and presentation.
- 6. The Boathouse: With stunning views of Cayuga Lake, The Boathouse provides a refined dining experience including carefully crafted salads with unique dressings and gourmet toppings.
- 7. State Street Kitchen: This restaurant is known for its farm-to-table cuisine and features creative salads incorporating seasonal produce.
- 8. Agava Restaurant: This Mexican restaurant offers refreshing and flavorful salads incorporating fresh ingredients.
- 9. Coltivare: This Italian restaurant offers a range of antipasto salads showcasing fresh ingredients and Italian flair.
- 10. Luna Inspired Italian Kitchen: This restaurant offers a variety of sophisticated salads, many incorporating fresh seafood.
Diverse Flavors: Exploring International Salad Options
Ithaca's diverse population is reflected in its food scene, with many restaurants offering international takes on the classic salad.
- 11. Za'atar: This Mediterranean restaurant offers vibrant salads bursting with fresh herbs, vegetables and flavorful dressings.
- 12. Epiphany: Their creative menu features salads incorporating Asian flavors and ingredients.
- 13. The Nines: This restaurant offers a diverse menu with global influences and often features unique salads with intriguing flavor combinations.
- 14. Redstar Restaurant: This spot showcases Latin American cuisine and frequently has exciting salads featuring flavors from that region.
- 15. Moosewood Restaurant: Known for its vegetarian cuisine, Moosewood offers creative salads bursting with fresh vegetables and unique dressings.
Health-Conscious Choices: Salads for Every Diet
Ithaca has numerous restaurants catering to specific dietary needs, including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options.
- 16. The Juice Press: This juice bar also offers a selection of fresh salads perfect for a healthy meal.
- 17. Ithaca Farmers Market: While not a restaurant, the farmers market offers numerous vendors selling fresh produce perfect for making your own healthy salad at home.
- 18. Blossom: While primarily a cafe, Blossom often incorporates fresh salads into their offerings that focus on healthy, vegetarian-friendly ingredients.
- 19. Gimme! Coffee: This coffee shop offers a selection of simple yet satisfying salads as an accompaniment to its coffee and pastries.
- 20. Little Venice Restaurant: With a focus on Mediterranean cuisine, this restaurant features light and healthy salads that are easily adaptable to dietary requirements.
Finding Your Perfect Salad in Downtown Ithaca
This list provides a starting point for your salad adventures in Downtown Ithaca. Remember to check restaurant menus and hours online, as availability and offerings can vary. Don't be afraid to try something new! Exploring the diverse salad options in Ithaca is a delicious way to discover the town's culinary scene. Enjoy!
