Moosewood Restaurant
A legendary vegetarian and vegan restaurant in Ithaca, NY, known for its fresh, local ingredients and iconic cookbooks.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Moosewood Restaurant
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A legendary vegetarian and vegan restaurant in Ithaca, NY, known for its fresh, local ingredients and iconic cookbooks.
"This is a bucket list item for me and it did not disappoint. Everything about this restaurant is joyful especially the food experience."
🍽️ Try the Daily Special
The daily special often features unique, seasonal ingredients you won't find on the regular menu.
🌿 Ask About Vegan Options
While vegetarian, many dishes can be made vegan. Inquire with your server for the best choices.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Vibrant, Seasonal Dishes
Main Dining Area
Experience colorful, delicious vegetarian and vegan entrees showcasing fresh, local produce. A true taste of sustainable dining.
Iconic Moosewood Cookbooks
Gift Shop
Browse a collection of the legendary Moosewood cookbooks, a cornerstone of vegetarian cooking for decades. Find inspiration for your own kitchen.
Craft Cocktails
Bar Area
Don't overlook the expertly crafted cocktails, praised for their unique flavors and quality. A perfect complement to your meal.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Legacy
+1Book Ahead & Be Patient
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🍽️ Try the Daily Special
The daily special often features unique, seasonal ingredients you won't find on the regular menu.
🌿 Ask About Vegan Options
While vegetarian, many dishes can be made vegan. Inquire with your server for the best choices.
📚 Explore the Gift Shop
Discover a treasure trove of Moosewood cookbooks, including vintage editions and unique finds.
🍸 Sip on Craft Cocktails
The bar crafts impressive cocktails that are a delightful surprise and complement the food perfectly.
Tips
from all over the internet
🍽️ Try the Daily Special
The daily special often features unique, seasonal ingredients you won't find on the regular menu.
🌿 Ask About Vegan Options
While vegetarian, many dishes can be made vegan. Inquire with your server for the best choices.
📚 Explore the Gift Shop
Discover a treasure trove of Moosewood cookbooks, including vintage editions and unique finds.
🍸 Sip on Craft Cocktails
The bar crafts impressive cocktails that are a delightful surprise and complement the food perfectly.
🚶♀️ Consider Outdoor Seating
If indoor tables feel too close, the patio offers a pleasant alternative for dining.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Moosewood Restaurant is widely praised as a culinary icon, delighting visitors with its vibrant, delicious vegetarian and vegan dishes and commitment to local ingredients. Many appreciate the historical significance and the opportunity to explore the famous cookbooks. Some diners find the indoor seating a bit cramped and occasionally wish for more innovative specials, but the overall experience is highly regarded, especially the craft cocktails and friendly service.
"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."
James Poulos
"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!"
Lake Kubilius
"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."
Robert Bozeman
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Moosewood Restaurant is located in the heart of Ithaca, NY. It's easily accessible by car, with nearby parking options. Public transportation is also available, with local bus routes serving the downtown area.
Yes, there are several parking garages and street parking options available in the vicinity of Moosewood Restaurant. It's advisable to check local parking regulations and rates.
Depending on your starting point on campus, it's a moderate walk or a short bus ride to Moosewood Restaurant from Cornell University. The walk offers a pleasant way to see the town.
Many visitors drive to Ithaca. If flying, the nearest major airport is Ithaca Tompkins International Airport (ITH), with connections to larger hubs.
Yes, Ithaca has a public bus system that serves the downtown area where Moosewood Restaurant is located. Check the TCAT bus schedules for routes and times.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Reservations are recommended, especially for weekend evenings, to ensure you get a table. You can typically book online or by calling the restaurant directly.
Moosewood Restaurant generally operates for lunch and dinner. It's best to check their official website or call ahead for the most current operating hours, as they can vary seasonally.
No, there is no admission fee to enter Moosewood Restaurant. You only pay for the food and drinks you order.
Yes, Moosewood Restaurant has a gift shop that sells a variety of their famous cookbooks, including vintage editions.
Information on gift certificates is best obtained directly from the restaurant. It's a great option for gifting a dining experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Moosewood Restaurant is renowned for its vegetarian and vegan cuisine, focusing on fresh, local, and sustainable ingredients. They offer a diverse menu with creative dishes.
Absolutely! Moosewood has a strong emphasis on vegan-forward cuisine, and many dishes can be made vegan or are already vegan. Always ask your server for recommendations.
While the menu changes seasonally, popular items often include dishes like their green pea hummus, Moroccan chickpea stew, and various seasonal vegetable entrees.
Yes, many Moosewood recipes are available online through their cookbooks and various food blogs that feature their iconic dishes.
Moosewood Restaurant is considered a mid-range to slightly upscale dining experience. Entrees typically range from $18-$30, with appetizers and cocktails varying.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, personal photography for memories is allowed. However, it's always polite to be discreet and avoid disrupting other diners or staff. +1
The vibrant dishes themselves are very photogenic. The restaurant's cozy interior and the gift shop with its cookbook displays also offer charming photo opportunities.
Yes, photographing your delicious meals is encouraged! The colorful presentation of Moosewood's dishes makes for great shots.
Professional filming or extensive video recording might require prior permission from the restaurant management. Casual social media clips are usually fine. +1
Popular hashtags include #moosewoodrestaurant, #vegetarian, #vegan, #ithacafoodie, and #visitithaca.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider ordering a few different dishes to share, allowing kids to sample a variety of flavors. The vibrant presentation of the food can also be engaging for younger diners. The gift shop offers cookbooks that might inspire family cooking projects at home.
🌱 Vegans and Vegetarians
You'll find a menu rich with creative and satisfying dishes that go beyond the typical vegetarian fare. The focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients ensures a flavorful and wholesome experience that celebrates the best of plant-based cooking.
📚 Cookbook Enthusiasts
Be sure to spend time in the gift shop, where you can browse and purchase a wide array of Moosewood cookbooks. It's a chance to connect with the legacy of this iconic culinary institution and bring a piece of it home with you.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of Moosewood
+1Moosewood's influence extends far beyond its Ithaca location, largely through its highly successful Moosewood cookbooks. These cookbooks, starting with the original in 1977, brought vegetarian and vegan cooking into home kitchens worldwide, inspiring generations of cooks. Many people learned to cook vegetarian meals from these beloved books, making a visit to the restaurant a pilgrimage for some.
The restaurant's menu continues to evolve, reflecting seasonal availability and culinary innovation, while staying true to its roots. Visitors can expect a dining experience that is not only delicious but also deeply connected to a rich history of plant-based gastronomy and community values.
+1Navigating the Menu: Vegan & Vegetarian Delights
The menu is known for its vibrant and colorful presentations, with dishes that are as visually appealing as they are flavorful. Expect creative combinations of vegetables, grains, legumes, and herbs, often drawing inspiration from global cuisines. Popular choices have included dishes like the green pea hummus, Moroccan chickpea stew, and various seasonal vegetable pot pies or curries.
Beyond the main courses, Moosewood also offers impressive craft cocktails that are a delightful surprise. These expertly mixed drinks are often praised for their unique flavor profiles and quality ingredients, providing a perfect complement to the innovative food.
The Iconic Moosewood Cookbooks
Visitors to Moosewood Restaurant can explore a well-stocked gift shop featuring a wide selection of these iconic cookbooks. It's a fantastic opportunity to find classic editions, newer releases, and perhaps even some rare finds. Many patrons visit the restaurant specifically to purchase a cookbook they've cherished for years or to discover new recipes to try at home.
Whether you're a seasoned vegetarian cook or just beginning your plant-based journey, the Moosewood cookbooks offer a wealth of inspiration. They embody the restaurant's philosophy of delicious, healthy, and sustainable eating, making them a valuable addition to any culinary library.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit