Ithaca, NY, boasts a vibrant culinary scene, and its dessert offerings are no exception. From classic comfort foods to innovative creations, this city offers a diverse range of sweet treats to satisfy any craving. This comprehensive guide explores the top 25 desserts in Ithaca, categorized for easier navigation. We've included everything from cozy cafes to upscale restaurants, ensuring you'll find your next favorite dessert spot. This list incorporates both popular choices and hidden gems, promising a delightful culinary adventure.
Classic Cakes & Pies
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The Ithaca Bakery's Chocolate Cake: This legendary establishment is renowned for its moist, rich chocolate cake, a true Ithaca classic. Their secret recipe has been delighting locals and visitors for decades.
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Coltivare's Seasonal Pies: This farm-to-table restaurant offers exquisitely crafted pies using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Expect seasonal variations that showcase the best of Ithaca's bounty. Their apple pie is particularly noteworthy.
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Just a Taste's Cheesecakes: Known for their elegant presentation and creamy textures, Just a Taste offers a variety of cheesecakes, including classic New York style and unique flavor combinations like raspberry swirl or salted caramel.
Cookies, Brownies & Bars
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Zingerman's Delicatessen (though technically not in Ithaca, it's a day trip!): While not technically in Ithaca, a trip to Zingerman's in Ann Arbor, Michigan, is worth it for their legendary brownies. Their intensely fudgy texture and rich chocolate flavor are unparalleled.
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Collegetown Bagels' Chocolate Chip Cookies: These are a beloved staple among Cornell students and locals alike. Perfectly chewy and loaded with chocolate chips, they're the ideal afternoon pick-me-up.
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Wegman's Bakery Selection: Wegman's offers a surprisingly diverse range of high-quality cookies, brownies, and bars, perfect for a quick and satisfying sweet treat.
Ice Cream & Frozen Treats
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The Ithaca Farmers Market (Seasonal): During the warmer months, the Ithaca Farmers Market offers an array of artisanal ice creams and frozen treats from local vendors. This is a great place to sample a variety of unique flavors.
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Lac de Flaine (French-style Ice Cream): Known for their authentic French-style ice cream, Lac de Flaine offers a sophisticated selection of classic and unique flavors. Their creamy texture and rich flavor profiles stand out.
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Josh's Frozen Yogurt: Josh's offers a wide variety of frozen yogurt flavors, toppings, and combinations, perfect for a refreshing and customizable treat.
Specialty Desserts & Unique Treats
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Agava's Churros: This Mexican restaurant serves authentic churros, crispy fried dough pastries coated in cinnamon sugar and served with chocolate dipping sauce.
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Common Grounds' Pastries: Common Grounds offers a variety of delicious pastries, including muffins, scones, and croissants, perfect for accompanying a morning coffee.
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Koffee Kup's Dessert Menu: Koffee Kup serves a rotating selection of homemade desserts that vary based on seasonal ingredients and customer demand.
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Treva's Restaurant's Tiramisu: This Italian restaurant is known for its classic, decadent Tiramisu, a perfect end to a savory meal.
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Glenwood Cafe's Homemade Brownies: Known for their incredibly rich and fudgy brownies, Glenwood Cafe's dessert offerings are a local favorite.
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Nando's Peruvian Chicken's Alfajores: These traditional South American cookies are a delightful treat, showcasing a unique flavor profile.
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Moksha's Vegan Desserts (check seasonal availability): Moksha offers a range of vegan desserts, catering to dietary restrictions while maintaining a delicious and sophisticated dessert experience.
Restaurants with Notable Dessert Menus
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State Street Grill's Crème Brûlée: Their expertly crafted crème brûlée features a perfectly crisp caramelized sugar topping and a smooth, creamy custard base.
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The Boathouse's Key Lime Pie: This waterfront restaurant offers a refreshing Key Lime pie, the perfect complement to their beautiful setting.
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Casablanca's Baklava: This Mediterranean restaurant serves authentic baklava, a layered pastry filled with nuts and sweetened with honey syrup.
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Hector's Restaurant's Cannoli: Hector's offers a classic Italian cannoli, featuring crisp pastry shells filled with sweet ricotta cheese.
Cafes with Sweet Treats
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CTB's Coffee Shop's Assorted Pastries: This student-centric cafe offers a rotating selection of pastries and sweet treats.
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Rulloff's Bakery's Selection: Rulloff's offers a wide variety of baked goods, including breads, cookies, and cakes.
Hidden Gems & Local Favorites
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A Local Farmer's Market Find (Seasonal): Explore the various farmer's markets around Ithaca to discover unique and seasonal desserts from local bakers and artisans.
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A Neighborhood Bakery Surprise: Ithaca has several smaller, independent bakeries worth exploring. Often, these hidden gems offer unique and delightful surprises.
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Ask a Local!: Don't hesitate to ask locals for their favorite dessert spots. They'll often know about hidden gems and local favorites not found in guidebooks.
This list represents a starting point for your dessert exploration in Ithaca. Remember to check with individual establishments for hours, availability, and seasonal menu variations. Happy dessert hunting!
