Ithaca, NY, boasts a vibrant culinary scene, and a significant part of that is its impressive salad offerings. From farm-to-table freshness to innovative combinations, Ithaca's restaurants cater to every salad lover's palate. This guide explores 26 of the best salad destinations in Ithaca, highlighting their unique offerings and what makes them stand out. We've categorized them for easier navigation, ensuring you find your perfect green (or not-so-green!) escape.
Farm-to-Table Freshness: Salads That Sing of Ithaca's Bounty
These restaurants prioritize locally sourced ingredients, ensuring the highest quality and freshest flavors in their salads.
1. The Ithaca Farmers Market: While not a restaurant, the Ithaca Farmers Market is a must-visit. Numerous vendors offer pre-made salads featuring seasonal produce, showcasing the best of Ithaca's agricultural landscape. Think vibrant greens, juicy tomatoes bursting with flavor, and crisp cucumbers, all picked at their peak.
2. Agava: Known for its farm-fresh Mexican cuisine, Agava's salads are packed with fresh vegetables, herbs, and flavorful proteins. Their seasonal offerings often include locally grown corn, beans, and peppers, creating a truly authentic and delicious experience.
3. The Moosewood Restaurant: A vegetarian institution, Moosewood is famous for its creative and seasonal salads. Expect unique combinations of textures and flavors, often incorporating grains, nuts, and unexpected vegetables. Their commitment to fresh, local ingredients shines through in every bite.
4. Just One More: Known for its delicious burgers, Just One More also has a surprisingly good selection of fresh salads. The local ingredients coupled with creative dressings ensure the salads are a star on the menu.
5. Coltivare: This Italian-inspired restaurant uses seasonal, local produce to create salads that are both simple and elegant. Expect perfectly balanced flavors and fresh ingredients that speak for themselves.
Globally Inspired Greens: A Taste of the World in Ithaca
Ithaca's diverse culinary scene extends to its salads, offering global flavors and exciting combinations.
6. Thai Basil: Their Thai salads are brimming with fresh herbs, vibrant vegetables, and flavorful dressings. The balance of sweet, sour, and spicy is perfectly executed.
7. Burrito King: Don't let the name fool you! Burrito King offers surprisingly fresh and delicious salads with a Mexican flair. Their hearty portions are perfect for a satisfying meal.
8. Hector BBQ: Though primarily known for BBQ, Hector BBQ adds delicious salad options with a southwestern twist to their menu, showcasing fresh ingredients and unique flavor combinations.
9. Collegetown Bagels: A staple for students and locals alike, Collegetown Bagels also serves up surprisingly satisfying salads with creative combinations that complement their famous bagels.
10. Nando's Peri-Peri: The South African chain offers refreshing salads that pair perfectly with their signature flavorful chicken.
Unique and Creative Salads: Beyond the Ordinary
These restaurants showcase innovation and creativity, pushing the boundaries of what a salad can be.
11. Common Grounds: Common Grounds' salads are often unique and feature creative combinations of ingredients, including unusual cheeses and proteins. They cater to both adventurous and classic palates.
12. Level 2: With its inventive menu, Level 2 offers a rotating selection of salads that feature unexpected ingredients and flavor combinations that will excite your tastebuds.
13. The Nines: Known for its upscale ambiance, The Nines features elegant salads with high-quality ingredients and creative presentations.
14. State Street Market: This market is home to numerous vendors, many of whom offer unique and delicious salads with interesting toppings and dressings.
15. Epiphany: Epiphany uses organic, locally sourced produce for its salads and offers vegan and gluten-free options.
Hearty and Satisfying Salads: For the Truly Hungry
These salads are designed to fill you up, offering substantial portions and hearty ingredients.
16. Izzy's: Known for its burgers, Izzy's also serves large and satisfying salads that are perfect for a filling meal.
17. The Boathouse: Overlooking Cayuga Lake, The Boathouse offers hearty salads that complement its stunning views and delicious food.
18. Maxie's: Maxie's offers salads that are as comforting as they are delicious with hearty portions and satisfying ingredients.
19. Rongovien: Known for its Mediterranean cuisine, Rongovien features big and beautiful salads with a variety of vegetables and proteins.
Vegan and Vegetarian Salad Havens: Plant-Powered Perfection
Ithaca's commitment to vegetarian and vegan cuisine extends to its salad scene.
20. Lotus Asian Cuisine: This restaurant offers a wide variety of delicious vegan and vegetarian options, including creative and flavorful salads.
21. The Juice Press: While primarily known for its juices, The Juice Press also offers a selection of healthy and satisfying vegan and vegetarian salads.
22. Green Star Cafe: A vegetarian and vegan staple, Green Star Cafe features inventive and flavorful salads using fresh seasonal ingredients.
23. Taste of Thai: Taste of Thai offers several delicious vegetarian and vegan salad choices which focus on fresh herbs and vegetables.
Cafes and Quick Bites: Salads On-the-Go
These cafes and quick-bite spots provide convenient and tasty salad options for those on the go.
24. Subway: Subway provides an easily accessible option for a quick salad on the go. Choose from their customizable options to create your perfect salad.
25. Starbucks: Starbucks also offers pre-made salads alongside their coffee and other beverages; a convenient choice for a quick meal.
26. Wegmans: The local grocery store, Wegmans, offers a wide selection of pre-made salads in their prepared foods section.
This list provides a starting point for your salad adventure in Ithaca. Remember that menus change seasonally, so it's always a good idea to check the restaurant's website or call ahead to confirm availability. Happy salad hunting!
