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Cornell University
“I had a great experience at Cornell! Because of the Covid outbreak, I didn’t really use the dining halls much because it was a different situation and much different food so I cannot really comment on that. However, in general Cornell has a health office on campus that you can go to anytime. They also have a hospital very close to campus about 10 minutes and I have gone once for an allergic reaction and the staff were very nice. Ithaca has a plethora of allergy-friendly restaurants and I had a great experience there!”
Antlers Restaurant
“Antlers is a restaurant a little further from college campus but it is worth it. They are known for their burgers and steaks and it did not disappoint. They don’t use peanut oil for their French fries!”
Dos Amigos
“Dos Amigos is like a Chipotle but it is fresher and tastier. They don’t use mole (has peanuts) in their Guacamole and they don’t have any items with peanuts. I usually always get a burrito here but I have also gotten quesadillas “
Bickering Twins Restaurant & Tequila Bar
“I have been to Bickering Twins countless times and it always hits the spot if you’re craving Mexican food! They don’t use peanut oil or peanuts in their mole which is great as some Mexican restaurant do that. I have gotten many different things here but I love: Signature salad (huge portion), tacos, chips and guac, and enchiladas.”
Gorgers
“Gorgers is an old town great sandwich shop to go to in the commons in Ithaca!
They make their own bread fresh and they make fresh donuts that are to die for!!!
Their sandwiches don’t have any peanuts so no need to worry about peanuts. “
The State Diner
“I’ve been to State Diner many many times. It’s one of the few classic diners in Ithaca and it is great—also very old-fashioned which is fun! I have gotten basically every breakfast option here and I always let them know about my peanut allergy and it’s never been an issue. Pictured is an omelette and banana chocolate chip pancakes. I have also gotten waffles, French toast, and many different types of omelettes.”
The Heights
“The staff at The Heights were very accommodating to my allergy and it was not an issue with the food at the restaurant. This is a good place to go with families or if you want a nicer dinner out in Ithaca. I’ve had: pizza with big meatball and ricotta, cheese burger, and seafood pasta. I didn’t think the food here was as good as other places in Ithaca so I would not go back but other people love it.”
Sumo Japanese Sushi And Hibachi Grill
“Sumo is a great hibachi restaurant in Ithaca. You can get hibachi style with a big group of friends or you can sit at a table and get sushi. Sushi is pretty hard to find in Ithaca so I have gone here a bunch of times for a sushi craving. I don’t have any pictures of the food but it is a fun place to go to with friends on the weekends”
The Milk Stand
“Milk Stand is another brunch place to go to on the weekends but beware if you go around 10/11 it will be very crowded and a long wait! I had the pancakes. The eggs were average (I didn’t personally love it but other people do enjoy it a lot). In terms of peanuts there was nothing alarming on the menu and no peanut oil I still alert the staff though just in case.”
Martha’s Café
“Martha’s is a place on campus to grab food. It is located in the human ecology building and it is very easy and convenient. At Martha’s you can get bowls, pita wraps, and more! When I first asked about peanuts the staff were very knowledgeable and nice and ensured that there are no peanuts in the Martha’s salads. It’s make your own style or you can choose a option! Also, if you’re a Cornell student, you can use your BRBs here.”
Ithaca Beer Co. – Collegetown
“Ithaca Beer Co is a casual restaurant-there is one in Collegetown and one a little further away on a big open field. They have many different types of beer on tap. In terms of the food, I have gotten:kale Caesar salad, burger, and French fries flight with three dips. They don’t use peanut oil here.”
Thompson and Bleecker
“Thomson and Bleecker is a classic restaurant to go to – the place you take friends who are visiting to, a casual Friday night dinner, or if you’re just in the mood for a cozy meal. It always hits the spot and is comparable to Italian restaurants in NY. It is really that good! I have never had an issue and believe that they don’t even have peanuts in the restaurant. I’ve had: penne alla vodka, panzanella salad, Alfredo pasta, mushroom pizza, and diavola pizza.”
Mercato Bar & Kitchen
“Mercato is a hot spot to go to in Ithaca! I’ve had: ragu pasta, chicken piccata, 3 piece appetizer: salmon, eggplant, and onions. Make sure to tell the waiter, but I don’t recall there being peanuts on the menu!”
The Boatyard Grill
“Boatyard is a family-friendly place where you don’t need a reservation—it’s just walk-ins only. It’s really nice because it is on the water so when it’s warm out you can sit outside! I have gotten:fish tacos, roasted chicken, and salads. The waitstaff never makes an issue about an allergy!”
Sunset Grill
“Sunset Diner is one of the most popular diners for Cornell students outside of the dining halls! It is about an 10 minute drive from Collegetown and it is definitely worth it. It even has a view of Cayuga lake (one of the finger lakes). The staff are always considerate of allergies and it is always important to notify them. I have usually gotten: pancakes, eggs, and cinnamon rolls. The food is great!”
Dolce Delight
“Dolce is your typical spot to go to on a Saturday or Sunday morning. They have both breakfast and lunch sandwiches and delicious baked goods. They don’t use peanuts in most of the baked goods, but they do say there is always a chance of cross-contamination. For the bagels I always let them know about my allergy just in case. I have tried countless of the breakfast menu items and I have also had some of the lunch sandwiches, all of which are delicious!”
Temple of Zeus
“Zeus is the place to be for students during the week! It is located within Klarman Hall so it is always super crowded. It is a very small cafe but they are known for their different types of soups! My favorite it the tomato soup. They also have great grilled cheese and turkey sandwiches or muffins. Also if you get a coffee ‘to stay’, it is only around $1 which is a great deal considering the price of other coffees around campus. Regarding peanuts, I always alert the staff and they can change gloves but the soups don’t have peanuts so it is always all fine for me. “
Gola Osteria Restaurant & Catering
“Gola is definitely the type of restaurant you go to if you want to go out to a nicer/fancier dinner in Ithaca. It is super close to Collegetown, which is convenient and the pasta is really delicious here. The waitstaff are always understanding about my peanut allergy here and I have had different types of pastas as well as desserts here.”
Souvlaki House
“Souvlaki House is a casual restaurant in Collegetown that is usually always crowded. The staff always assure me that there is no peanut oil or peanuts on the menu (unless it’s desserts, none of the food has peanuts). My go-to here is the Greek salad with chicken. It is always so fresh and hits the spot. I have also gotten: chicken souvlaki plate, pizza, and pasta.”
Collegetown Bagels
“Collegetown Bagels (CTB) is the most common place to grab something quickly on the way to class or with friends on the weekend. It is also a good study place sometimes. I have gotten many variations of: bagels, sandwiches (my favorite is ‘the octopus’), baked goods, coffees and smoothies. For smoothies and bagels, I always let them know about my peanut allergy because they do have peanut butter, but they are always very nice about it, and assure they will change gloves etc. They also have a couple different locations around Ithaca which is nice! “
Hound and Mare
“Great bagel place in ‘The Commons’ in Ithaca. The bagels are packed with different ingredients and they are all very yummy. They don’t have peanut butter in any of the bagels.”
Bibibowl Asian Grill ithaca
“Bibibowl is great to grab a quick dinner or lunch when you’re in a rush or don’t have time to cook dinner. You can make your own bowl and pick your own proteins etc. I love Bibibowl because it is good quality and very filling. They don’t use peanut oil or peanuts in the food or dressing.”
Bus Stop Bagels
“Bus Stop is a great quick pit stop on campus and basically in the center of campus. It is very quick and easy to buy a bagel or great cold-brew coffee here! Be careful because they do have a bagel with peanut butter, so always ask the workers to change their gloves here! “
Coal Yard Cafe
“I have been to Coal Yard one toooo many times! It is right by campus you can even walk easily from college town! It is a casual cafe where you order at the cashier and can eat inside or outside. They have mostly breakfast foods but also some lunch options, like sandwiches or shakshuka. Pictured is a bagel with egg cheese and avocado. One of my favorites is the Turkey Rachel. Also, they have the most amazing cold brew—it is one of my absolute favorites!!!! The kitchen is right in front of you which I like so you can see them cooking/if there is cross-contamination. I have never had an issue!”
Ithaca Farmers Market
“The Ithaca Farmers Market is one of my favorite activities in the early fall or late spring (when they open). The farmers market has all different types of locally sourced and grown fresh produce. They also have little food stands of diverse types of food! I always stay away from the Asian/Thai places just because I’m cautious, but I have gotten sweet and savory crepes, cookies, apple cider donuts, and burritos at the farmers market. They also have really cute little places to sit by the water here. It is a great activity to do “
