Incredible food! Local, friendly, healthy and delicious.

What a great place to eat in Ithaca. If you have a food allergy, they are very accommodating. Everything we ate was delicious. Great vegetarian dishes! Highly recommend.

The tofu was excellent! Everything else was yummy enough and very fresh. Service was good. We enjoyed our time there. They said they can’t split checks individually if that’s useful info. Great clearly labeled vegan options!

Having read the original cookbook from the 70s, I was ecstatic when I realized we could stop here for lunch on a day trip. The service and food definitely didn’t disappoint. I shared the split pea and mint hummus - it was outstanding - and had the open face sandwich with whipped ricotta, eggplant, roasted peppers, arugula, pine nuts, and olive oil. I’d definitely go back.

I had been dreaming for years to have a meal at Moosewood. I have 4 of their cookbooks and everything I've made has been delicious. Our go-to dessert is the 6 minute chocolate cake, and our favorite brunch dish is the pear and almond pizza (though we usually make it with whatever fruit is on hand.) But I digress . .. I called for a reservation the morning we wanted it and, lol and behold, they could fit us in for their final reservation of the night, 8:15. We got there and there was a warm glow coming from within - the restaurant and me! And the two servers attending to us were super likable. There weren't endless options on the menu but I would have been happy with any of the choices. I opted for the butternut carbonara with a Bee's Knees, my husband had the jambalaya and an IPA on tap, my daughter had the shwarma wrap and lavander lemonade, and my son had bow ties with butter and cheese and water. I also ordered the cauliflower cheese soup and my husband had a salad. When the food arrived it was vibrant in color and taste. Honestly, we probably ate it way too fast. But then there was dessert! We ordered mango ice cream for our boy, and the three others of us shared the scrumptious banana cake and triple berry crumble a la mode. I don't think one can make a bad decision at Moosewood. At the table next to us, the server was sharing the recipe with the diner who had one of the Thai rice dishes. Everything was "feel good" about this visit. We'll definitely return, and hope they have room for us again. Thanks Moosewood crew.

+5

I’ve been cooking with Moosewood’s original cookbook for 30 years and finally got to visit the restaurant. The food was delicate and flavorful in subtle ways. Even my meat and potatoes friend loved the pea hummus and barley soup. My husband got the corn soup that tastes just like summer fresh cob corn. Loved everything and bought two aprons!

Delicious food and cocktails. The presentation of the food was well done. The new interior aesthetic is nice- hip not hippy, but still down to earth. Service was good even when it was very busy.

We’re not vegetarians per se, however, we throughly enjoyed our experience dining here. The ambiance is cozy and welcoming. We got the bread basket, polenta cakes, NYS cheese board, tostadas, gado gado salad, and moosewood salad. Everything was delicious, however, the polenta cakes were definitely the highlight of our meals.

Our experience at Moosewood was nothing short of magic! I was amazed by how welcoming the staff was even though we arrived only a few minutes before they closed. We didn't feel rushed to order our food. Our server (Priya) was great and helped us decide our orders based on the portion sizes. We ended up getting the pea hummus and then lasagna for the main course. We also got the seasonal blueberry and cream dessert. Everything was so delicious we licked our plates clean. If you are in the area, I highly recommend you take some time out to dine here. I feel sad that I didn't have enough time to explore other items on the menu. Lots of praise and love to the entire Moosewood team for putting together a great vegan menu and executing it so well!

I’m neither vegetarian or vegan but damn the food is so good! Go! Just go! Thr mushroom bolognese was fantastic. The service was great the restaurant is beautiful! I would definitely go back!

We visited on a busy Friday evening. Was seated fast. Our waitress was friendly and polite. Food feels and tastes wholesome fresh and layered with flavors. The cheesecake is a delight

+5

absolutely delightful. the elote hummus and the stew were both delicious. and it was the perfect weather for their warm ginger tea and hot cider.

The dishes are nicely prepared and very flavorful. Not a vegetarian I found the food tasty. Comfortable environs and friendly staff.

+2

This is one of my favorite restaurants in Ithaca. I have gone there three times since moving here and have never been disappointed. I've also tried pretty much all of their main entrees on the menu except for the Black Bean Burger. The staff is super friendly and always open to give suggestions.

Amazing vegan restaurant in Ithaca downtown. They have a very good and lively ambience. Food is delicious and so are the cocktails. We loved beetroot hummus starter. Definitely recommend this place if you are vegan and in Ithaca commons. Sometimes it gets crowded, so be prepared to wait. Staff is friendly too. Great precautions during Covid.

So good. Lived up to its reputation and our expectations! Lots of flavor and texture in every dish. And the cocktails were perfect.

Delicious vegetarian food!! The cauliflower pasta is absolutely delightful. The portions are huge. I had food for two days. Also, the service is amazing. Our waitress was so kind and smiley. I would come back if I'd live in Ithaca.

Had a fantastic evening with my family here. We were quickly greeted by friendly people and were seated quickly. We had a reservation but showed up early and it wasn't a problem. Quickly got recommendations from our server and she had a lot of great things to say. We tried 4 different craft cocktails and they were mixed up deliciously and paired well with everything. I liked the Gibson and Paloma the best, by my Side car was fantastic too. My wife loved her Bloody Mary. For the apps we had polenta in a wonderfully delicious sauce, olives, and grilled cauliflower. The cauliflower was a wonderful treat with golden raisins for pops of sweet, and a nice crunch from pistachios! I had a salmon special which was perfectly cooked. Moist, with good flavor, but the crunchy topping really was the star of that plate. It came with some tasty Brussels sprouts seasoned with mustard and a cauliflower puree surrounding it all. The puree reminded me of an aioli; it added a richness that brought it all together. My wife had tofu in curry, I really enjoyed the rich flavor, spice, and sweet salty coconut goodness..... Of the one bite she allowed me. The kids were treated well. My son was not planning on eating, but changed his mind when the rest of us got our food. Our server and the kitchen made a plate is food appear for him like a magic trick. Their lemonade was fresh and zingy, and the cola was a high quality NY made soda. Desserts were wonderful. I was very sad that there was no sticky toffee pudding (my favorite) but our server recommended the vegan chocolate with coconut whip. OMG was that a brilliant dish. The coconut whip was something to fight over! I forgot to get a picture until my last bite. Whoops! We also had ice cream: vanilla and maple pecan...I think. I was only able to steal one bite of each. We can't wait to go back!

We dined on the patio. There were a couple of minor hiccups, but we're attributing them to background noise from the traffic. Hiccups were quickly sorted by our lovely server. We shared the olive app, and had the soup and salad special. Hubby had a side of fish with his salad. Dessert was delish.

+2

6.5 unexpectedly good! Pea hummus is solid (pita pretty good), broccoli was very very good (ordered twice) Lentil pate was good. Chili verde tostada was standout. Soup of the day was great

+2

This is a place that knows soup! I had many things during my meal, a white bean confit, a Moroccan chickpea stew, a charcuterie board of amazing local cheeses, but the star of the show was the corn bisque, one of their daily soups. It was so comforting and delicious. The staff was so friendly and attentive without become intrusive. The gist shop in front has so many cute things and a bunch of their cookbooks.

+1

Delicious meal and great service. We had the watermelon pico de Gallo, lemon basil hummus, Thai Rice Salad, Ratatouille and Indian Curry and the fruit cobbler. All dishes were amazing!

This Ithaca institution was recommended to us by multiple people, and it did not disappoint. The food was filling, delicious, and decent portions. The drinks were delicious. To start, we had: - Broccoli, tahini, and sunflower seeds - Mushroom and lentil patè Mains: - Goba Goba salad - Black bean burger Drinks: - Arugula mojito (YUM! Especially on a hot day) - Bloody Mary

First time visiting this place. Beautiful decor and it has a gift shop within its location. Outdoor seating and just an overall nice vibe! Dined during their salad and/or soup serving time(2pm to 5pm). Will be back! Highly recommended for my vegan/gluten-free family. Thank you

My friends and I were visiting from NJ, and our friend brought us here for lunch. I'm not a vegetarian but I still fully enjoyed this restaurant! We stopped by for lunch and their food was so good. I had the jambalaya and it was simply delectable. I finished every bit and it left me wanting more! I also tried some of my friend's potatoes on the side and to be honest they might be some of my favorite potatoes ever. Lightly crispy on the outside but fluffy and delicious on the inside. I tried to order it on the side, but they were a bit disappointing and more undercooked, probably because the kitchen was swamped and they didn't really have time to tend to a side order of potatoes. Still, the food overall was great and would highly recommend! The cocktails were also great, give those a try also!

My friends and I stopped in for a drink. The place has a cool vibe and a cute shop. The staff is attentive and friendly. I ordered the hummus which may be the most delicious I have ever had. I also had the Moosewood Ginger Tea which is very intense, but in a good way. It has lots of ginger and lemon juice, and it's very refreshing. I also ordered a shot of vodka to pour into the tea. My friends had gin andtonic, Titos and seltzer, and a Smoky Paloma. The drinks were all good. I definitely want to return to try more of their memu.

Fresh, filling, healthy and tasty food in a quaint local atmosphere with plenty pescatarian/veggie/vegan options. Highly recommend!

Moosewood has a very warm and earthy ambience. The food is super filling and decently sized. You can get full on the soup alone. I really liked the Moroccan Chickpea Soup because it was packed with vegetables and very hearty. The strozzapreti al tartufo nero was also very delicious. The mushrooms and peas really went well with each other but the dish was slightly salty. The truffle in that dish was a very nice touch.

Vegetarian food can be exciting and filling! The wine list has some excellent upstate wines and you really can't go wrong with the salads and soups. The burrata was sensational. My only quibble was the zucchini appetizer was very small. Luckily I didn't have to share it with anyone! The outdoor seating was lovely, shaded and airy.

Moosewood Restaurant – Iconic Vegetarian Dining in Ithaca Moosewood Restaurant in Ithaca, New York is a legendary dining destination renowned for its innovative, wholesome, and flavorful vegetarian cuisine. Established in the 1970s, Moosewood has grown from a small co-op into an internationally recognized restaurant, celebrated for its creative approach to plant-based meals and its commitment to sustainability, community, and healthful eating. Known for its warm, welcoming atmosphere and chef-driven dishes, Moosewood continues to inspire vegetarians, vegans, and food lovers alike to explore vibrant, fresh, and seasonal ingredients. Fresh, Seasonal, and Wholesome Menu Moosewood Restaurant’s menu is a showcase of fresh, locally sourced, and seasonal ingredients, offering a variety of dishes that are both delicious and nutritious. Guests can enjoy hearty entrées, fresh salads, soups, grain-based bowls, and house-made breads and desserts. Signature dishes include vegetable stews, lasagna, stuffed peppers, and creative tofu or tempeh preparations, all crafted with care and bold flavors. The restaurant caters to a wide range of dietary preferences, including vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options, ensuring that every guest finds something satisfying and nourishing. Commitment to Sustainability and Community Moosewood is not just about food; it’s a community-focused, environmentally conscious establishment. The restaurant emphasizes sustainable sourcing, supporting local farmers and producers while minimizing environmental impact. It also fosters a sense of community by providing a welcoming space where locals and visitors can connect over shared meals, culinary creativity, and a passion for healthy living. Atmosphere and Dining Experience The restaurant offers a casual yet vibrant atmosphere, with rustic décor, comfortable seating, and a friendly staff dedicated to providing exceptional service. Whether you’re visiting for a family dinner, a lunch with friends, or a solo meal, Moosewood creates an inviting environment where guests feel at home while exploring the rich flavors of vegetarian cuisine. Cookbooks and Cultural Impact Moosewood Restaurant is also famous for its cookbooks, which have been widely published and translated, inspiring home cooks around the world to embrace plant-based cooking. These cookbooks reflect the restaurant’s philosophy of fresh, creative, and healthful meals and continue to influence vegetarian and vegan cuisine globally. Why Choose Moosewood Restaurant Fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients Creative vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dishes Iconic restaurant with decades of culinary influence Warm, welcoming, and community-focused atmosphere House-made breads, desserts, and wholesome beverages Inspiration for home cooking through Moosewood cookbooks Whether you’re a vegetarian, vegan, or simply a food lover looking for innovative and flavorful meals, Moosewood Restaurant offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience that celebrates fresh ingredients, creativity, and sustainability. It’s a must-visit culinary landmark in Ithaca, embodying the city’s commitment to community, wellness, and exceptional plant-based cuisine.

Cute spot serving vegan plates. Definitely American food that is simple but delicious. The drink choices are great. It was busy when we went and only had seating at the bar. Service was quick and friendly. They also have a gift shop inside that sold like $50 socks LOL overall a great experience!

I've lived here for three years now and I'd never been to Moosewood. I'm glad I finally got the chance to go to this place! It's got a unique atmosphere to it, it feels vintage. I got the daily special, which had a soup (I went with the mushroom bisque), a tossed salad and a small bread basket. I topped it off with the ginger honey tea and a brownie a la mode. I was surprised at how good the brownie was! I think there was extra cinnamon in it, it gave it a unique spicy flavor that I really enjoyed. I will definitely be back!

+2

Everything about this place is incredible. The servers were pleasant and our food came out fast. I had the sourdough bread with a lentil curry soup for a starter and the black bean burger with potatoes for my main course. My husband and I LOVED the food. We can't wait to go back again soon! Thank you to everyone at Moosewood for such a lovely experience! I 10/10 would recommend this place to any vegetarian or vegan, but also those who eat meat! I'm sure everyone would enjoy this food!

We were on a tour of Cornell and worked off roughly a bazillion calories going up and down the hills. After, we were looking for a good dinner and recognized Moosewood in downtown Ithaca, as we own several of their cookbooks. Reservations were highly recommended, but they squeezed in the five of us because we were there right when they opened. I’m so glad we stopped. The whole experience was fantastic. The cocktails were really flavorful and interesting, not just bourbon poured in a glass. Had the Seneca Sunset. The honey at the bottom! Unforgettable. Apps were okay. But the true star was the main course. I had the Strozzapreti. The flavor balance was amazing. The rest of the people in my party loved their meals. Nothing cheap about the bill (but quite a deal compared to Cornell tuition), but this was one of those meals that was worth every dime. Don’t regret a thing. Staff was nice, too. Wonderful in every aspect.

+1

Went to Moosewood for a day trip in Ithaca. We called the morning of to make a reservation and they were very accommodating given our short notice. There was plenty of outdoor seating (tables were a good distance from each other), although indoor seating was available. The food was delicious and very filling. For drinks, we ordered the strawberry basil shrub soda and an iced ginger tea with orange. For food we ordered the Indian cashew curry, white bean-mushroom ratatouille, Thai rice bowl. For dessert we got a vanilla cheesecake with pecan-oat crust, vegan chocolate cake, and blueberry crumble with oat-cornmeal topping. I thought the drinks and entrees were priced reasonably, but the desserts were a little overpriced (albeit delicious). All in all, I would recommend Moosewood! Reminds me of back home in Austin. Would go back again!

+3

I hadn't been there in a good 6+ years, and am happy to say it is as good as I remembered! The vegan chocolate cake (what I remembered -the most-) was just as good as the first time I tried it. Absolutely worth the lunch trip! Get there early though as it does get fairly busy, fairly quickly.

Excellent vegetarian cooking drawing from Italian and Middle Eastern cuisines. Even if you’re a meat eater, you won’t miss meat while dining here; the dishes are richer and heartier than many meat dishes. This historic restaurant is a must-visit for any tourist. Moosewood has been part of Ithaca since 1973, teaching the nation how to cook vegetables with respect. The rustic decor lends a “farm” vibe in the heart of the city. Service was excellent.

+2

Everything was delicious! Polenta cake was perfectly crispy and the accompanying sauce was perfect complement.The Moroccan Chickpea stew was so yummy. I couldn't finish it and was really sad I couldn't take the leftover because we're traveling. The mushroom pasta was a little on the soft side, we like pasta al dente. Only note is that they were out of lasagna but the waitstaff were not aware until they tried to put in the order. This happened to at least two of us. Wish we had been able to try the desserts but alas we were too full.

+2

AMAZING veggie food, AMAZING service. Our servers were pleasant and quick, our food was super speedy and amazingly tasty, and we could have had fully vegan meals if we chose! An institution! Very pricey though. $140 CAD for two entrees, and one dessert. Partially due to a terrible exchange rate right now though, I think it was around $100 USD? Highly recommend, we will go back but probably for lunch rather than dinner.

The food was really good! We were not vegetarian and frankly, vegetarian restaurant would not be our normal go to but since we were in the area, we have to explore! Moosewood’s food and cocktails did not disappointment. The Lasagna and Zucchini Parm app stood out to us, they were hearty, delicious and yet so fresh that you can taste the ingredients! The service was average, nothing spectacular, I asked question to my server, she was friendly but not very knowledgeable/confident. It was overall a lovely visit, would recommend! Pls note Street parking is free after 6 pm as we were told.

+2

Possibly the best experience I’ve ever had at a restaurant. We had the cheese board and jambalaya, which were both very tasty. We ordered the tofu, and when our server brought it to us he mentioned it may be too salty and let us know it wouldn’t be on the bill. He then also offered a free soup! We got the sweet potato and corn soup which was really good! Later on, our server realized it was my birthday and offered a free dessert. But, he gave us two desserts!! Lastly, we also received a sticker free of charge from another employee. I’ve never been treated so kindly haha.

Excellent dining in Ithaca - a staple for years that still delivers. The lasagna and the salmon (with polenta and local green beans) were both wonderful. The breadbasket with olive oil was a great starter and the desserts were divine. The tables are tight up on each other and the rooms can be loud, so try for the patio.

Really good spot especially if you are vegetarian but even if you are not. We’ve come a few times and it’s always a lovely experience especially if you can sit outside. The staff is all very nice and accommodating. They have a good red wine flight you can order.

Innovative vegetarian cuisine in a relaxed and chic atmosphere! The black bean burger is perfect.

Moosewood is our favorite local restaurant. It has a casual yet polished ambiance with a soft, candlelit glow. As a patron here for decades, I'll admit there were times when Moosewood did not live up to its reputation. However, that was the past. The current version of Moosewood has a fine bar, friendly service, and food that tastes great and is good for you. That's a lot to deliver, and they do it well! I highly recommend giving it a try!

Sarah Green

Absolutely loved my meal on the ambiance while I was there. I got the mushroom bolognese pasta, a rum toddy, and tried some appetizers. It was all fantastic! The space was warm and cozy from the fireplace. I can't believe I haven't been here yet.

Sonali

Great vegetarian restaurant. I had heard a lot of good things about it on the parent’s group & it surpassed our expectations. Wonderful ambience, great service & delicious food. Definitely recommend. The sweet potato & black eyed pea soup & batatas bravas are a must try.

+3

James Poulos

This is a bucket list item for me and it did not disappoint. Everything about this restaurant is joyful especially the food experience. The dishes were vibrant, colorful, and delicious. A worthwhile experience and I am so grateful to have experienced it and look forward to trying out the cookbook. Wish there were more restaurants like this one.

+8

Joanna Brumley

The black bean burger with black garlic aioli, pickled onions and brioche bun was phenomenal! Also tried the Moroccan stew which was so flavorful and filled with organic roasted vegetables - delicious. The only thing I didn't love was the panna cotta for dessert. Great experience here overall -- everything was so flavorful and fresh and they are committed to using local, organic ingredients which of course enhances the taste!

LL C

We'd came here during the Pandemic and were a little underwhelmed but it's THE legendary Moosewoods so when we came back to Ithaca, we knew we needed to give it another shot. Happy that Moosewoods is back and better than ever! Everything was delicious but the vegan tomato soup and curry were the real knockouts. Hope to come back again soon!

+1

Lisa Stuckey

Amazing vegetarian/vegan food! I am neither, but I found the flavors to be completely delicious! Wait staff was very friendly and helpful.

Dayan Siri

Enjoyed visiting this vegan restaurant. Overall great food and service. Nice place to hang out and try vegan menu.

+14

Lake Kubilius

This is the "highbrow" vegetarian spot near Cornell. The food quality is generally quite good, but it can fluctuate with the seasonal menu changes. Sneaking in a salt-shaker just in case the chef is phoning it in that month isn't a bad idea. They have occasional special events that are more tempting for vegans. In short, keep an eye out for special events and a menu rotation that looks tempting if getting vegan food is a top priority!

+9

Robert Bozeman

Having owned the Moosewood cookbook for decades, I was excited to visit this culinary icon of vegetarianism. We loved the green pea hummus especially, but all three dishes we ordered were delicious. Emily provided excellent service on the covered patio. The nicely appointed gift shop, displaying many of the MW cookbooks, had unexpected delights. I purchased a locally made candle with an unusual yet pleasant scent. My only negative which resulted in 4 stars is the inside tables are very close to each other and the original table was crammed next to a wall and was very wobbly. We opted for the outdoor seating as a result. We suggest they consider giving patrons a bit more space indoors.

+2

Sayoni Ghosh

The restaurant was a find during my impromptu visit to Ithaca. I read up on the place and saw that it was one of the pioneers in promoting vegan forward cuisine. Even though I love my meat, the menu was so interesting that I had to try it out. And I will say this place did not disappoint. The food was amazing, it was just what I expected. Vegan forward with some amazing ingredients and really tasty. What was a surprise were the amazing craft cocktails, they were banging! Shout-out to the bar folks they have created an amazing menu and the drinks are good! All in a great place to unwind with some great food and cocktails.

Jordan Mathews

I was glad to visit Moosewood. The lentil soup was decent, sort of made in a way to please anyone, but not to rave about. I also had the nicoise salad. That was good. Coffee here is great, too. Bathrooms were clean. So, overall, this is a great place for vegetarian, healthy meals.

Carolyn Daly

Had a wonderful lunch at the Moose Wood restaurant. I was so looking forward to the experience and it didn’t disappoint. The salad and dressing were bright and crisp, the curry, a perfect blend of spice and not too hot, the soup was wonderful and the vegan chocolate cake amazing!

Charlotte Bae

Even though I’m not a vegetarian, I really enjoyed my meal at Moosewood in Ithaca. The place has an inviting and sophisticated vibe. The dishes were super creative and packed with flavor. Everything felt fresh and well-thought-out, and I was honestly impressed. If you’re not a vegetarian but want to try something different, this place is definitely worth a visit.

Lauren

After struggling a bit to find vegan food in Ithaca that wasn't deep fried or overly salty, we were thrilled and grateful to find Moosewood Restaurant. They are not fully vegan but the majority of the menu is vegan or vegan-possible (and clearly labeled). We loved the macrobiotic/whole foods/plant-based approach glorifying local seasonal vegetables and legumes. We loved the green pea hummus (served with whole wheat pita!) and the mushroom lentil pate. The Moosewood salad with the addition of baked tofu was one of the highlights of the meal. The black bean burger with its housemade patty was delicious. It's served on a "vegan brioche bun" with Chao vegan cheddar and accompanied by delicious rosemary roasted potatoes and excellent housemade ketchup. We also loved the Moroccan chickpea stew which had such a diversity of different vegetables in it that I could hardly find any repeats. For dessert, they unfortunately had run out of the vegan apple crumble. We were also disappointed that they didn't offer a nonalcoholic kombucha option, especially with so many great local ones in the region (Redbyrd, Katboocha). The service was really excellent and accommodating throughout our meal and also when we asked to change the time of our reservation after arriving early. One of the other highlights of our visit was browsing the shop, which is full of their cookbooks as well as fun handmade items like wooden cutting boards and cloth napkins. Moosewood Restaurant is really a destination that shouldn't be missed if you're in Ithaca or anywhere nearby.

+1

The food was amazing. The atmosphere was wonderful and the service was great. We ordered a few items to share and then each had an entrée.

The food was amazing. The atmosphere was wonderful and the service was great. We ordered a few items to share and then each had an entrée.

The food was amazing. The atmosphere was wonderful and the service was great. We ordered a few items to share and then each had an entrée.

The food was amazing. The atmosphere was wonderful and the service was great. We ordered a few items to share and then each had an entrée.

I had the loveliest meal with my family last night! Everything tasted fresh and delicious. The produce was impeccable. Our server was wonderful. Great evening in a warm, inviting space!

Have been cooking from their books for 20 years so was excited to come. We weren't disappointed! lentil soup, lasagna, and brownie were special standouts, but everything was good. The Kochi marga…

I was hesitant about this place as I find a lot of vegan restaurants to either be overpriced, or lacking in quality. But Moosewood was a great experience that served quality at a fair price. I go…

Went with my daughter for dinner. \nHost was nice and attentive. Geneva, the server was just lovely with all steps of service.\nFood was good. Lovely experience.

We didn't think the small plates was necessary for our table cloth napkin. We loved our wine and we ordered three times since the waiter named Jude came around three times before the menu was picke…

Had the most fantastic lunch experience at Moosewood! Thank you to the staff for being so family friendly. My husband and I could enjoy the beautiful and elegant atmosphere while our kids colored w…

I'm not vegetarian but this place was amazing! I was worried because some of the reviews are a little iffy but I loved the food and the ambiance. The Thai curry was delicious and I would get it aga…

My family really enjoyed our visit to this wonderful vegetarian restaurant. We found all the food delicious and comforting. We enjoyed the unique drinks. Excellent service. Very clean restaurant. W…

EXCELLENT. Great food and service. Even my very skeptical son enjoyed a fantastic meal -- the chick pea curry was wonderful. I had a kale salad with smoked trout, it was terrific. Our waitress coul…

Really good food upon return after a few years. Sweet pea hummus was the best I've ever had. High quality ingredients with all our orders. salad was great, as was the tomato bisque. So lovely to co…

Best food I have ever eaten! Got Thai bowl, creamy asparagus leak soup, and also tried cashew curry. My kids got the grilled cheese on fresh baked honey whole wheat, they are always so fussy and ne…

I really enjoyed the atmosphere and my bartender Karen. She stayed attentive even though she was quite busy. I really enjoyed the food. The Patatas Bravas was excellent as well as the bread basket …

I really enjoyed the atmosphere and my bartender Karen. She stayed attentive even though she was quite busy. I really enjoyed the food. The Patatas Bravas was excellent as well as the bread baske…

I really enjoyed the atmosphere and my bartender Karen. She stayed attentive even though she was quite busy. I really enjoyed the food. The Patatas Bravas was excellent as well as the bread bas…

Great service, menu, food,drink/wine list, in a beautiful outdoor dining experience. Our server Emma was great. Highly recommended!

Great service, menu, food,drink/wine list, in a beautiful outdoor dining experience. Our server Emma was great. Highly recommended!

Great service, menu, food,drink/wine list, in a beautiful outdoor dining experience. Our server Emma was great. Highly recommended!

Great service, menu, food,drink/wine list, in a beautiful outdoor dining experience. Our server Emma was great. Highly recommended!

Great service, menu, food,drink/wine list, in a beautiful outdoor dining experience. Our server Emma was great. Highly recommended!

Such a beautiful restaurant in downtown Ithaca, just off the Commons. We had lunch on my twin daughters’ birthday. I mentioned to the lady waiting our table that it was my twins 16th birthday. She …

Superfine vegan vegetarian restaurant. Great food. Excellent service. Fair cost for unique quality and presentation.

Our son had pasta. My husband and I had a wonderful salad with a tasty vinaigrette on locally grown greens. We each enjoyed a local root beer.

Moosewood never fails me. The soup and salads are always delicious. Staff is friendly and accommodating. No question that I'll be back.

Moosewood is a very good vegan and vegetarian restaurant. We ordered lasagna (veg) and vegan mashroom pasta dish. Both were cooked perfectly and tasted fresh and flavorful. Service was little.slow, but overall a must try if you are vegetarian or vegan.

Nice ambience, reasonable price, ok service, good but not exceptional taste. Overall, it's a fine restaurant. It's just that I heard about this place being super awesome and such. So, I felt slightly let down. My pasta tastes fine but the quality of the veggies in the salad could have been better.

4.5 for Ithaca but 4 if it was in the big city. Food was unique and delicious. Non vegetarians would enjoy this place. Not a big menu.

It's a very interesting restaurant. I love that it is either vegetarian/vegan and has gluten free options. The dishes were small and was hoping for a bigger menu. There isn't much decor, very plane. I liked what I ordered though.

Good overall! I had the Moroccan stew, which was pleasant but not a standout. While not unreasonable, the price and designation on the menu as an entree led me to believe that it differed more than marginally from a soup + grain (in this case, couscous). Were I to go again, it's likely that I would order a soup and half salad with protein.

The massaman curry was fully vegan and fully delicious. It was in a non traditional deconstructed style which was very creative. The sauce was one of the best curries sauces I had. The vegetables were all cooked perfectly. One of the better dishes I have had in my life. So much attention to detail paid to each vegetable. 5 stars If a little more attention to detail to each vegan. As it's a small.menu so vegans don't have a ton of options. However, it helps that this was the best entree I had out in 2023! I strongly recommend the broccoli as well. The local ginger beer (NA) soda was 5 stars as well.

Food was good and I enjoyed the cocktail (basil gimlet). We shared the chickpea stew and curry and although the table next to us ordered a similar amount at the same time, they were served and finished their meal, paid and left before we got our food. No explanation was given for the long wait. The restaurant was also so hot inside that it was uncomfortable and we wanted to leave. This made it a disappointing experience.

Was recommended by a friend and we spent our first dinner in Ithaca here! Service was fast and the server was quick and friendly. It was quite good - I enjoyed the variety of dish offerings on the menu. However, my black bean burger was a bit dry - still super tasty though. I’m glad we got to check it out and the shop adjacent to the waitress stand was cute.

The Food was Good, my wife had the lasagna and very tasty😋 i had Moroccan Stew and it was Good, I felt the tomatoes conflicted some with the other ingredients of the dish....the atmosphere was also Good quaint patio enough space for one to have their own space scenery outside of patio was fair, pricey not ridiculous but slightly overpriced in my opinion for what dish contained..The Waitress i'm hoping I remember her name correctly Rachel was the Star of the experience the one area I do give 5 stars in! Knew the menu thoroughly her timing with refills and the amount of conversation all spot on! She really did a great job in such a pleasant manner 🤙😎

Curry was delicious, red-bean jambalaya was pretty good. Clearly marked vegan and gluten free options on the menu. Great service, and the food was brought out quickly!

Food, drinks are good. Good infection control practices. Service is a bit slow but the menu is varied and outdoor seating is comfortable and distanced. Excellent vegan chocolate cake!

+4

It is a very nice restaurant and I got salad bowl which was great and I liked it especially the salad dressing was amazing!!

Overall, my experience at Moosewood was a mixed bag. The delicious food left a positive impression, but the slow and inattentive service left me feeling disappointed. The food at Moosewood was prepared with care and used fresh, high-quality ingredients. It's a shame that the service couldn't match the quality of the cuisine. I would be hesitant to recommend Moosewood wholeheartedly based on this experience, but if you're willing to gamble on potentially slow service for good food, it's worth a try.

+1

Delicious vegetarian food! Everything was fresh and with interesting flavours. Once the service got going it was okay and our waiter was helpful and just attentive enough, but it took a while for us to be helped after we were seated; it seemed like the people who were seated at the same time as us. The drinks weren't bad, but a little underwhelming. The food and dessert were so good though that I'd definitely go back for more. Portions are much smaller than at your typical American restaurant, but prices are lower too. I like that it's possible to enjoy a full meal here without feeling stuffed.

Best veggie burger I've ever had so far but it's crazy filling. French fries were phenomenal, I'm a potato fan. Quinoa bowl was so light and refreshing but flavorful. Service was quick but I arrived at opening. The pricing was super fair for the portions and food quality.

The Mexican Street Corn hummus was divine. The Chile Verde was good but I didn't feel I had enough jackfruit.

We had brunch outside! Very modern style and good atmosphere! The staff were nice and the food was not only healthy but also tasty! Bean burger was 4.5/5, tomato soup 4.5/5, salad 4/5! However the mashed sweet potato was 3/5.

Nice restaurant. Visited for dinner on a Sunday. Started with polenta cakes (very tasty) and olives, followed by bean burger and moroccan stew. The burger was really tasty but it’s accompaniments were a bit lacklustre. Stew was nice but nothing special. I’d visit again but try something else perhaps!

Context: My partner and I came in on a Sunday night without reservations an hour before closing. There were a few guests waiting for a table, but we were able to get seats at the otherwise empty bar right away. The restaurant is spacious but was busy at the time. Food: We ordered a Strozzapreti al tartufo nero ($28), a Moroccan chickpea stew ($18), an organic white bean confit side ($5), and an organic baked tofu side ($4). The strozzapreti is a pasta dish with mushrooms and spinach. It tasted a lot like a cacio e pepe pasta dish, but lacked the punchiness of the black pepper. We asked for hot sauce on the side which added the much needed punch. Otherwise, it was a solid dish, if underwhelming, for what you get - while the portions are large and the flavors good, the mushrooms and spinach don't really add much to the dish, and $28 wasn't a terribly good value for that. The Moroccan stew was all around good. Nothing in particular stood out, but it was just really nice comfort food. The flavors were balanced, there were a variety of textures, the dish was appealing to look at, it was pleasantly salty, and the dish components were coarse enough that you could really appreciate each individual morsel of food. It was rich, but not overwhelming, and nothing was bland. For $18, I would recommend this as an entree, as long as you aren't expecting stew (it was more like a curry over quinoa). The baked tofu was tasty. It tasted and looked like tofu fried in sesame oil. It wasn't oily and the salt level was appropriate, but it was also just missing...something. The star of the meal was definitely the white bean confit. I didn't know you could confit beans, but I was pleasantly surprised. The primary flavors were the robust olive oil and tarragon. While you could tell it was cooked in olive oil, it had more of a stew consistency and wasn't anywhere near what I would call oily. The beans were tender but not mushy. It was so simple, yet so impressive. The price for the flavor and portion is a good value. I highly recommend this side dish! Upon the recommendation of other reviewers, we got the brownie (a la mode). I was really excited because of the rave reviews, but I ended up being disappointed. The brownie was good...but really nothing special. It honestly just tasted like it was made with Ghirardelli brownie mix, which is actually quite good if you've never tried it, but it was disappointing compared to what I was expecting (especially given the price). Furthermore, if you take a look at other review pictures for the brownie, you'll find that the brownie is actually different from what they previously served! For some reason, the recipe seems to have changed. This is not the same brownie that others raved so much about in the past! Talk about disappointing. Overall: Good restaurant with a lot of care taken toward highlighting vegetarian and vegan cuisine. Service and atmosphere was calm and nice. Definitely try the bean confit side and maybe the moroccan stew. Food was tasty and decent, but nothing outstanding. Value was okay. I wouldn't mind coming again if I wanted a vegetarian meal. Otherwise, I would probably just try another restaurant. 4/5

+2

an makes

Cute apparently famous vegetarian restaurant in downtown Ithaca. Went with my family of 6, including one extremely meat-obsessed male. We started with the bread basket and lemon tahini broccoli for apps. The broccoli was deliciously charred, and the bread was good, but the portions were quite small, and the apps took like half an hour to come out. For entrees we ordered the daily soup with the steelhead, southern peach salad, chili verde, Thai red curry, Moroccan stew, and pasta strozapretti. While all the dishes were good, and the peach in my salad provided a deliciously juicy and sweet pop, there were way too many peas- like half the salad was peas. I really loved the Moroccan stew though, especially the couscous. Everything was fresh and well-flavored, but, despite a decent portion size, for a usually pretty carnivorous family, not super satisfying. Additionally, our server was nice, but the food took super long to come out, and a family that came after us got served like half an hour before us. We ordered the chocolate cake, almond cake, and vanilla homemade ice cream for dessert. I ate the chocolate cake, which was extremely rich and delicious - I loved the vegan whipped cream and orange frosting! I also had ordered a lavender lemonade as a drink, with someone else ordering the regular lemonade, but we couldn't taste the difference. Overall, the food was good and fresh, but the wait times and prices made the experience not super worth it. Glad to have tried it once, though!

Karen SE

If you, like many vegetarians of a certain age, learned to cook from the Moosewood cookbook, you need to stop by if you are in Ithaca. The staff was pleasant, the restaurant homey, the food was decent but uninspired and something you can get at many mainstream restaurants. There were six entrées on the menu and I think I’ve seen all of them at suburban restaurants in other places.With such an amazing reputation, it would be nice if the special of the day was something that you can’t usually get everywhere else. Salmon salad? The veggie pot pie was deconstructed, with some veggies and a sauce in a bowl and a crescent of crispy puff pastry on top. The curry dish has some spice to it, and the cauliflower was delicious, but a little scant for the price.

Al Bunshaft

4 stars for the almost fully vegetarian menu. Many things can be made vegan. We had the lentil pate. It was simple and served with small toast rounds and veggies. The baby turnips were especially good. For mains we both chose the Pumpkin Curry. Very nice presentation. My wife thought it was very good. I was somewhat disappointed. It was more tomato and not so much of a curry taste. It was also a lot of rice, fine, but not much veggies and tofu. It was a small portion aside from the rice. Oddly, the only non-vegetarian thing we saw on the menu was trout as a protein option on a salad. This is basically a vegetarian restaurant. As vegetarians who don’t live here, we were excited to try it. I wound come again and try different things, but this first visit was good, not great. Service was pleasant. We ate in the room with the bar. There are multiple rooms and an outdoor space which is very nice also.

Benjamin Hack

The food was obviously incredible, as to be expected from a household name in vegetarian cooking! We were there on a very busy Thursday night and they had our server split between too many tables - we enjoyed the leisurely meal, but the pacing could have been better. That won’t stop us from coming back every time we’re in Ithaca!

+2

Megan Pan

We booked a reservation two days in advanced and were warmly greeted when we entered the restaurant. The food: 1. Lemon Tahini Broccoli 2. Soup of the Day (Creamy Onion and Black Garlic) 3. Lasagna 4. Black Bean Burger 1: The broccoli was soft and had a tang/zesty taste. For me, it was a solid 7/10! 2. The soup of the day was super nice and it lived up to its name of a creamy soup. I would rate it an 8.5/10 3. The lasagna portion was fairly big but was quite delicious. In my opinion, the pasta part of the lasagna was cooked perfectly but the ratio of cheese to pasta was off giving it a 6/10 rating. 4. The burger was quite good and the sauce that came with the potatoes was an especially great pairing. I wasn’t used to the texture of the bean patty but it still tasted great. Overall, I’d give the burger meal a 7/10. All together, the service, atmosphere, and food of Moosewood was great. This is a great option for those who are vegetarians, those with intolerances, and those who are simply looking to try something new!

+2

Shirley Xu

We booked a table at Moosewood in advance because of all the great reviews we read online. The atmosphere and the serves were nice. We tried the broccoli appetizer with sunflower seeds, which had a tasty, tangy flavor. The creamy onion and black garlic soup was amazing and the best dish of the night. The Burger had a unique taste with its special sauce and onions, but the black bean patty was too soft for our liking. The Lasagna was okay but nothing special. Overall, Moosewood was a nice experience. Some dishes were great, like the soup, while others were just okay. The service was good, and the atmosphere was pleasant. It’s worth a try if you’re in Ithaca and looking for vegetarian options.

+5

The waiter forgot my beer and ordered the wrong entree for me. As I watched my wife eat her entree he did eventually bring my beer, which he comped. The strozzapreti pasta when it finally came, w…

I haven't been to a vegetarian/vegan restaurant for a long while, but my friend suggested to try this one so we went on a Sunday night. We shared the daily soup which is a curry (and carrot I think…

We were here about 8 years ago and had a fabulous meal from the squash soup to a veggie burger to the date brownie. We were so looking forward to the meal. Unfortunately we were so disapp…

We were here about 8 years ago and had a fabulous meal from the squash soup to a veggie burger to the date brownie. We were so looking forward to the meal. Unfortunately we were so disappointed…

I’m a fan of the cookbook from 45 years ago. Still use it. That’s what drove us there. Was not such a wow. Food was very good. service was friendly but slow. A bit pricey. If you’re in Ithaca go…

I was looking forward to experiencing Moosewood. Unfortunately, the service and the meal did not live up to my anticipation. The dining room was hot, and the chairs were uncomfortable. The hos…

This is the most well known restaurant in Ithaca. The cuisine is international and all veggie/vegan. Th ambience is low key and natural vibe. The menu selection is vast with a very large local b…

good experience, I think I would get different things from the menu next time though... my friend got the soup and said there was no flavor and my barley and brussel sprouts salad was good but i was expecting it to be on greens which i would have preferred, not much brussel sprouts but the flavors were good! Had to wait a while for a table but it was okay. The hummus and pita were really good and so was the dessert! I recommend making a reservation. The food was good I would recommend this place but I would visit a different place next time.

Moosewood is a charming establishment. If there was ever a place to embody an Ithacan spirit, it would be here. Despite this, our experience with the food was surprisingly underwhelming. To their credit however, I am not a vegetarian and my palate is suited for different things. I would say definitely try if you enjoy upscale “healthy cuisine.” Otherwise you’d likely be more satisfied with the other options the commons has to offer.

I didn’t like this place. The service was not very friendly, it seems the waitress was a bit tired or bored! As for the food it wasn’t impressive, just ok. I liked the super fantastic drink. The outdoor area needs more light!

+6

This place proves how marketing is extremely important to attract people. This is definitely a great place if you want something vegan and healthy but taste wise not so much. They only have 3 options for entrees so not a whole lot and the Indian yellow curry is truly pathetic. If that food was served anywhere in India for sure they would run out of business. Staffs were friendly (at least some of them). I truly loved their key lime frozen yogurt. Penne and the soup were good too.

Food is okay.\n\nWe tried the lasagna and strozzapretti- I wish the pastas were homemade, but at least they were prepared well. Al dente and good flavors. I would eat these again. \n\nWe also tried t…

Entree was ok, salad was excellent. Dessert (Panna Cotta) was inedible. I spit out the 1st bite- seriously tasted like a bar of soap! Not sure what happened there. It was taken off the bill w/ no a…

Extremely limited vegetarian menu. expensive for what you're getting. Nice but no longer the classic is apparently used to be.

Let me start by saying the food we ordered was good and fairly priced, for the most part. My family is vegan and I would just think that a vegetarian restaurant might make more of an effort to cate…

As I understand it, this establishment has changed owners recently. Whereas the food was terrific, the service left a little to be desired. The drinks seemed to take an age to arrive, and one of ou…

The staffing issues may have been resolved. I sat at the bar and had the tartufo pasta with spinach. First I had the pumpkin and portability soup, very good. More mushrooms flavor than pumpkin. I'm…

We visited the restaurant for lunch. We waited about 20 minutes, which is what we were told when we gave the hostess our name. Our party of 4 tried the 2 different soups on the menu. The soups w…

I was so excited to finally get a meal from Moosewood Cafe. I’ve heard about this place for years and years and years. I was in the area for a conference and got take out. Boy oh boy was this a disappointment! Being vegan my options were limited and as a Thai/Laotian food lover I was beyond ecstatic to order their Thai red curry. Sigh. I couldn’t change the spice level (there was no option to), the overall taste and food quantity were subpar. This meal really shouldn’t cost $24 + tax. There was only 1 piece of bok choy and minimal rice. Minimal taste with the curry. While I wish I could give a 5 star rating to this restaurant I cannot.

I will never forget how they ruined our Thanksgiving holiday. We were initially excited to purchase the "Vegan Feast" for our family, and I called weeks in advance. I was told I need to book through …

1/4 of the menu is food, the rest us booze. What is available for dinner are five vegetarian entrees, all increasingly less appetizing. The black bean burger would be okay if it weren't cover…

I have been a big fan of Moosewood since purchasing several of their cookbooks years ago. Sorry to say, after driving over 3 hours to get to Ithaca, and promised a place at the bar for dinner, the s…

If you see our smiles before we went in, you'll see we were excited. The staff was pleasant, but alas, that was the only positive point. My review will mirror many others, and looking back it would have been better to follow those than the advice others told us second hand. The menu was extremely limited. Only one option was planned vegan, but the waitress struggled to sell it, so I went with the black bean burger without cheese. The coleslaw was flavorless, and the burger was plain. The saving grace was the aioli, the only flavorful part. The potatoes were decent, but as others have mentioned, rather dry. I saved my pickle until the end, because it is impossible to have a fault with a pickle. In over three decades, countless pickles, I've never turned one away. Somehow this had the sourness of old milk to it. As a weirdo, it isn't uncommon to eat a jar of pickles as a serving, and homemade are always the best. This is the first pickle I've ever not finished. But their chocolate cake is legendary, right? When Icarus flew too close to the sun, he must have brought this cake. I'm impressed with how dry this cake could be, being fresh, and how unflavorful it was. My wife was astonished that after a few small bites I had stopped. She powered through, but her face made it clear her stance. It isn't that this place didn't live up to the hype. And it isn't even that the food was subpar for the price. It was a disappointment for a meal, and it's sad that the best part of the experience was a raspberry on the side.

+4