Mia
This pan Asian restaurant on The Commons features Ithaca’s best Asian fusion, using local produce, sustainably harvested seafood, and hormone & antibiotic free meats. The menu features everything from a raw bar (pieces of raw fish—ideal for sushi lovers), warm tofu salad, and crispy duck rolls, to calamari and an Asian shrimp cocktail. Though it’s not an extreme eatery, this restaurant is definitely for the more adventurous couple. (Maybe follow dinner with a jump in Cayuga Lake?)
The Ithaca Ale House
You simply cannot go wrong with The Ithaca Ale House on South Aurora. Though famous for their burgers, they have any kind of comfort food you can imagine. Students spread good word everything on their menu, including their Ale House Grilled Cheese, flatbread pizzas, and 6 onion soup. Warning: ingesting 6 onions on a date may not be the best idea. Single girls, go right ahead! (See, there really are perks to being single). If you’re over 21, take advantage of the specialized beers they have paired with every dish.
Ciao!
Craving Italian? Ciao, out by Triphammer Mall, has a mouth-watering menu of pasta and pizza that everyone will like—including anyone who is gluten intolerant. Stay safe with a simple pasta dish, or go for one of their many unique dishes like butternut squash ravioli, pear and Gorgonzola pizza, or chicken piccata.
Simeon’s on the Commons
For some American Bistro cuisine, try Simeon’s on the Commons, right at the corner of E. State St. and South Aurora. This is a classic American bistro that boasts a “superior causal dining experience” and has entrees that range from vegetarian Bolognese to Thai salmon. Extra tip: they’re rumored to have one of the best brunches in town. Hit it up on Saturday or Sunday for some (21+) mimosas with your single friends to avoid the usual dinner-date atmosphere.
Mira Mediterranean Bistro
Mira Mediterranean Bistro, at 311 3rd Street, “offers Mediterranean cuisine with a Lebanese flare in a casual and affordable Ithaca fine dining atmosphere.” The menu isn’t all exotic; the Pommes Frites (French fries) in the Mezze & Mini-Plates section sounds comforting yet delicious, as well as the House-Made Basil Pesto over angel hair pasta. Get more exploratory with Za’atar crusted Yellowfin Tuna or Moroccan chicken breast. For those 21 and up, a great selection of wines.