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Aurora Street Restaurant Row

4.4
·222 reviews·Ithaca, United States

Chef-owned Italian eateries serving seasonal dishes and craft cocktails in a cozy, intimate setting.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekends

Lively atmosphere

CrowdHigh
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Aurora Street Restaurant Row - Image 1

Aurora Street Restaurant Row

Best Time

Weekends

Lively atmosphere

CrowdHigh

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Chef-owned Italian eateries serving seasonal dishes and craft cocktails in a cozy, intimate setting.

4.4
(222 reviews)

"The food was absolutely phenomenal. I had the ravioli which was possibly the best Italian food I have ever eaten."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book Your Table

Seating can be tight; reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekend evenings. 📅

🍞 Don't Skip the Bread!

Seriously, the bread is a highlight. Many reviewers rave about it – get a taste! :baguette:

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.4 · 222 reviews

Type

Italian Restaurant

♿ Wheelchair accessible

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Chef-Crafted Italian Dishes

Chef-Crafted Italian Dishes

Experience seasonal Italian food, from perfectly prepared pasta to flavorful mains. The quality from small kitchens is astounding.

Reddit
Exceptional House Bread

Exceptional House Bread

Praised as 'amazing' and a meal in itself, the bread is a standout starter you can't miss.

Reddit
Craft Cocktails & Wine

Craft Cocktails & Wine

Enjoy expertly mixed craft cocktails and a thoughtful selection of Italian wines to perfectly pair with your meal.

TikTok
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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Cozy Ambiance

Aurora Street Restaurant Row offers intimate dining experiences. Many eateries are on the smaller side, so expect cozy seating. It's perfect for a special occasion or a romantic evening, but book ahead if you want a specific table! Reddit

Savor Seasonal Italian Delights

The focus here is on chef-driven, seasonal Italian cuisine. Don't miss the house-made bread, often praised as a must-try! Craft cocktails and a curated wine list complement the flavorful dishes. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekends
Why
Lively atmosphere
Crowd
High
When
Weekday Evenings
Why
More intimate dining
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Don’t cha wish you were at Mercato right now?!🥳 #bartender #bartenderlife #funny #restaurantlife #italianrestaurant
@mercato.italiankitchen
14.9K likes • 479.1K views

🎯 Book Your Table

Seating can be tight; reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekend evenings. Reddit 📅

🍞 Don't Skip the Bread!

Seriously, the bread is a highlight. Many reviewers rave about it – get a taste! Reddit :baguette:

We looove a good fri/sat night pres at Mercato (no dj decks were harmed on this night out 🪩😤) #mercatometropolitanolondon #fridaynightlondon #londonweekendvlog
@aleenakhusro
5.7K likes • 102.9K views
Sweater weather is out. Patio weather is in. Park Street in Westfield is known as “Restaurant Row” and is lined with unique home turned eateries and they all have patios! Here is what you will find: @italianhousein : Italian mains, pastas & imported wines by the glass or bottle in a quaint home with outdoor seating. They also have a bar with seating in the back. @chiba.indy : One of my favorit...
wanderingwestfield
2.9K likes • 181.5K views

🍸 Explore the Bar

The bar offers great service and a fantastic selection of craft cocktails and wines. TikTokReddit

✨ Dress Up for Occasions

Perfect for special celebrations; many feel it's a place to dress up and treat yourself. Reddit 👗

✂️Congratulations to Chef Roberto Avila and Erika Villanueva on the Grand Opening of Amore Mio Italian Restaurant and the Little Piano piano bar at 33 W. New York Street in downtown Aurora. Their ribbon cutting ceremony was one for the books! ✅See the menu, hours, and more at https://www.amoremio-altiro.com/ ‼️Roberto and Erika also own Altiro Latin Fusion Aurora (just a couple blocks away), A...
cityofaurorail
422 likes • 13.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Your Table

Seating can be tight; reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekend evenings. Reddit 📅

🍞 Don't Skip the Bread!

Seriously, the bread is a highlight. Many reviewers rave about it – get a taste! Reddit :baguette:

🍸 Explore the Bar

The bar offers great service and a fantastic selection of craft cocktails and wines. TikTokReddit

✨ Dress Up for Occasions

Perfect for special celebrations; many feel it's a place to dress up and treat yourself. Reddit 👗

What Travellers Say

4.4
(222 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Diners consistently praise the exceptional quality of the chef-driven Italian food, with many highlighting the phenomenal pasta and the must-try house bread. The intimate, cozy atmosphere and friendly, knowledgeable service are also frequently lauded, making it a top recommendation for a special meal. Some find the seating a bit tight, but most agree the culinary experience is well worth it.

"Mercato serves up excellent food in a cozy, intimate space. I had the fish baked in parchment paper—the special of the night—and it was absolutely delicious: light, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. My daughter had the skirt steak and fries, which were also excellent—tender, juicy, and well-seasoned.

The restaurant is on the smaller side, so seating can feel a bit tight, but the quality of the food makes it well worth it. A great spot to dine if you're in Ithaca and looking for something special."

Olivia Sadati

"This place is absolutely to die for. If you don’t like anything on the menu that you think you’ll like… GET THE BREAD!!! The bread is amazing and I could eat it all just for dinner. The service was also incredible, got a taste test of wine, as a family we felt very cared for and respected. I would come here again and again if I could. Definitely a recommendation!!"

Sierra Mitchell

"The food was absolutely phenomenal. I had the ravioli which was possibly the best Italian food I have ever eaten. Paired with a lovely Italian red wine, the pasta was perfectly prepared and the tomato sauce was divine."

Deborah Bennett

What People Like

Phenomenal Italian food
Amazing house bread
Cozy, intimate ambiance

What People Dislike

Tight seating

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Aurora Street Restaurant Row is located in downtown Aurora, IL. It's easily accessible by car, with nearby parking options. Public transportation might be available depending on your starting point; check local transit schedules. Instagram

Yes, there are typically parking options available near the restaurants. Street parking and nearby lots are common, but it's advisable to check specific restaurant recommendations or local parking apps for the most up-to-date information. Instagram

Absolutely! The 'row' implies a walkable area where you can explore different eateries. It's a great way to soak in the atmosphere and decide where to dine. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

While not always mandatory, reservations are highly recommended, especially for popular spots and weekend evenings, as seating can be limited and intimate. Reddit

Hours vary by restaurant, but most chef-owned eateries on the row are open for dinner service, typically from late afternoon through the evening. It's best to check the specific hours for each restaurant you plan to visit. Instagram

No, there is no admission fee to enter the Aurora Street Restaurant Row area. You only pay for the food and drinks you order at the individual restaurants. Instagram

Some restaurants may offer special tasting menus or host events. It's a good idea to check individual restaurant websites or social media for announcements about seasonal specials or unique dining experiences. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The primary cuisine is Italian, with a focus on seasonal ingredients and chef-driven dishes. You'll find everything from pasta to expertly prepared mains. Reddit

Reviewers consistently rave about the house-made bread. Other highly praised items include ravioli, fish baked in parchment, and skirt steak. Reddit+1

While Italian cuisine often features vegetarian options like pasta and vegetable dishes, vegan options might be more limited. It's best to inquire directly with the restaurant about their specific offerings. Reddit

Dining here is generally considered a treat, with prices reflecting the quality of chef-driven cuisine and craft cocktails. Expect mid-range to higher-end pricing, with many finding it 'worth every penny.' Reddit

Yes, the restaurants boast full bars with excellent craft cocktails and a curated selection of Italian wines. The bar service is often highlighted as a positive aspect. TikTokReddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the cozy ambiance of the restaurants, the beautifully plated dishes, and the craft cocktails. The intimate settings offer great opportunities for atmospheric shots. Instagram

Generally, yes, but be mindful of other diners and the intimate atmosphere. Quick snaps of your food or the ambiance are usually fine, but avoid intrusive photography. TikTok

The unique home-turned-eateries and their patios offer charming exterior views, especially during the day or early evening. Instagram

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