Cornell University, my alma mater, has a ton of gluten free options both on campus and in the surrounding Ithaca, New York area. Eating gluten free at Cornell/in Ithaca was a breeze – there are so many wonderful choices.
Have you visited Ithaca? It is a beautiful area full of gorges, waterfalls, preserves, and trails. Cornell alone is home to a stunning lake with a trail around it called Beebe Lake, as well as a trail and waterfall in Collegetown called Cascadilla Gorge Trail. Ithaca is perfect for the outdoorsy and adventurous, and even better for gluten free foodies. It’s definitely worth checking out if you are in the greater upstate New York area.
I was diagnosed with celiac disease over the summer when I was not at school. I was initially nervous to return to campus with my new dietary restrictions. However, the breadth of local gluten free spots made the transition to eating gluten free at Cornell (and in Ithaca) so much easier. From plant-based bowls to burgers and more, I was pleasantly surprised to discover how gluten-free friendly the town is.
Below is a comprehensive guide to assist you if you’re visiting Ithaca, touring Cornell, or are new to the gluten free lifestyle in upstate New York and are feeling overwhelmed.
I’ve outlined eateries and/or specific menu items both at Cornell and in the greater Ithaca area that are gluten free friendly as of my graduation in May 2019 🙂
Here is the exhaustive list, in no specific order! You can click on the name of each restaurant to visit its website for more information regarding its location, menu, etc.
Below the list, you will also find recommendations on things to do in Ithaca.
AGAVA
This place is amazing for those with gluten intolerances/allergies. Nearly everything on the menu is (or can be made) gluten free. I loved this place so much during my time in Ithaca that I had my graduation dinner here as well as a celebratory birthday brunch! The chips and guac, margaritas, tacos, salmon, and more are delicious. You can’t go wrong.
Agava also updated its menu in 2019 to note celiac friendly items. Perfect for eating gluten free in Ithaca without stress!
ALLECHANT
Allechant is a cute cafe that recently opened in Ithaca. It does not have a ton of gluten free options, but the gluten free options it offers are solid. The cafe has a great ambience, the staff is friendly, and the coffee is strong.
I particularly love the Spring Roll Salad. It’s a salad with mixed greens topped with three handmade fresh spring rolls. A delicious peanut sauce is included on the side to drizzle on top.
BANFI
Taverna Banfi is the perfect spot for eating gluten free at Cornell. It’s a restaurant in the Statler Hotel on Cornell’s campus, which is convenient for those visiting campus. Banfi has a great Sunday brunch with many gluten free options clearly noted. The restaurant is also nice for dinner – I particularly like their salmon.
BICKERING TWINS
Bickering Twins has a nearly entirely GF menu! It actually notes items with gluten because the majority of menu items are gluten free.
I recommend the chicken tinga and garlic shrimp tacos, chips and guac, and potato and spinach empanadas. Gluten free empanadas are a game changer and hard to find, so finding them at Bickering Twins was a treat!
BOATYARD GRILL
Boatyard is a seafood restaurant in downtown Ithaca right on Cayuga Lake. It’s a pretty spot for an outdoor meal.
The specialties here are simple seafood dishes that can be prepared gluten free. I’ve eaten here several times and enjoyed the swordfish and salmon. Non-seafood options are also offered for diners who want something else.
CIAO
Ciao is an Italian restaurant with an extensive gluten free menu. The gluten free polenta fries with red pepper sauce are good and I like the gluten free Pizza Bianco as well.
COAL YARD CAFE
Coal Yard is one of my favorite spots! It’s a cute cafe right outside of Cornell’s Collegetown with many gluten free options like salads and omelets. I love this place. The sweet potato hash with scrambled eggs is the perfect greasy hangover cure, while the Greek salad with chicken is a solid healthier choice.
Be sure to say you have a gluten allergy when ordering here as many sandwiches/menu items are cooked on the same surface (in fact, with celiac disease, a good practice is to do this wherever you eat).
COLTIVARE
Coltivare is located in downtown Ithaca and is good for dinner. Salads and burgers are great here.
The restaurant offers a selection of local wines on its menu and sources from local farms as well. There are several good gluten free options available.
CREEKSIDE CAFE
Creekside is located about 15 minutes outside of Ithaca in Trumansburg, NY, but it’s worth the drive. The breakfast bowl with tahini, greens, and eggs is absolutely delicious. Go for brunch – some of my favorite brunches in college were devoured here. Yum!
All ingredients are from local farms/bakeries. The owners are friendly and the food is so good!
CTB
An Ithaca (and Collegetown) staple. Any sandwich can be made GF with a GF bagel or bread, just tell the staff that you have an allergy.
GREENSTAR
Greenstar is not a restaurant – it’s actually a local co-op. However, I wanted to include it because it offers a huge number of gluten free items. I frequented this place during my senior year of college.
The prepared foods here like soups and spicy tofu are delicious! I wish I could get them at home.
HAI HONG
This is a Chinese restaurant in Cornell’s Collegetown that can make dishes gluten free. The key here is to ask for white sauce so that they do not cook your food in soy sauce (which contains gluten).
Ask for the chicken and broccoli with white sauce and then add your own GF soy sauce at home 🙂
HAZELNUT KITCHEN
Like Creekside Cafe, Hazelnut Kitchen is also located in Trumansburg, about 15 minutes outside of Ithaca. It’s worth the drive!
Everything served here is farm to table. The menu is seasonal and constantly changing. My meals here were so good. This is a popular spot for Cornell students who want to get off campus for a meal.
THE HEIGHTS
The Heights is an upscale restaurant in Ithaca and a good date spot. Seafood here is awesome for dinner and the salads are delicious for lunch. There are a lot of fun items on the menu and I have really enjoyed my meals there. This restaurant is on the pricier side.
JUST A TASTE
A fun tapas restaurant in downtown Ithaca with great food. There are lots of gluten free options.
The menu changes seasonally, but any veggie plate with brown butter is delicious. I’ve tried the Brussels sprouts and asparagus with brown butter in the past and they were both delicious dishes.
MAHOGANY GRILL
A restaurant downtown with something for everyone and many gluten free options. Burgers can be made gluten free and other protein options (salmon, etc.) are naturally GF. Mahogany also offers gluten free pasta.
MIA
Asian fusion tapas. Tons of GF options and a great date spot.
RED’S PLACE
Casual burger spot in downtown Ithaca. You’ll find great burgers and gluten free options on the menu.
SAIGON KITCHEN
Saigon is a Vietnamese restaurant downtown with several delicious GF options. I usually get the summer rolls as an appetizer and the Singapore mei fun as an entree. It’s a really popular spot among Cornell students! The staff is good with allergies.
SUNSET GRILL
An old-school diner near Ithaca College. It offers delicious brunch options and tasty omelets served with gluten free bread if requested. I loved this place while in college! Expect long waits for Sunday brunch.
This is not a designated gluten free place and a lot of gluten-filled items are cooked here (pancakes, bread, etc.) so be sure to tell them you have an allergy!
TASTE OF THAI
A Thai spot in downtown Ithaca with good gluten free curry.
THAI BASIL
This is another Thai restaurant downtown with several gluten free options. Noodle dishes here are great. Tell the staff you have an allergy and they will point you to gluten free menu items.
WAFFLE FROLIC
Waffle restaurant in the Ithaca Commons with gluten free choices. This spot is popular for brunch and offers many tasty combos, both savory and sweet.
Other restaurants with GF options that I haven’t eaten at myself but have heard great things about: Le Cafe Cent Dix, Cafe Dewitt, Simeon’s, The Rook, and John Thomas.
All Cornell dining halls offer many gluten free options as well.
Things to do:
- Visit Taughannock Falls, Ithaca Falls, and/or Buttermilk Falls
- Go to the Ithaca Farmers Market
- Visit one of the numerous parks around Cayuga Lake
- Tour Cornell or Ithaca College
- Hike, run, walk, or bike around Buttermilk Falls State Park or Robert H. Treman State Park
- Explore the Ithaca Commons
- Visit local wineries
- Check out Cornell Orchards
How to get around:
- Ithaca is walkable, but winter weather conditions can make travel a bit more difficult. Luckily, Ithaca has a local bus called the TCAT that runs nearly everywhere and is inexpensive. If the TCAT isn’t nearby, Uber and taxis also exist in the area.
Where to stay:
- There are a ton of places to stay in the area that range from larger hotel chains to small B&Bs. You can also stay in an Airbnb.
I hope this post was helpful! Feel free to leave me a comment or shoot me a message if I missed anything 🙂 Check out my other gluten free guides here.
Jill
Thanks so much for this!! So excited to actually go out to eat during my time at college 😛
Katie
Of course!