Growing up as a vegetarian, I was terrified of attending a college that didn’t offer sufficient vegetarian food options. I feared that I would have to starve myself every day. So, when I first got into Cornell, I was relieved to learn that the school consistently ranked among the top 15 for Best College Food across multiple lists.
However, my first year at Cornell proved me wrong. On a daily basis, I found myself returning to the same dining hall stations. At Morrison Dining Hall, I stuck to the pizza and pasta section, where I ate a slice of plain cheese pizza. At North Star Dining Room (or Appel), I relied heavily on the “Make Your Own Bowl” station. Beyond these limited choices, I struggled to find food I enjoyed or could even eat. I sat among friends raving about their juicy chicken thighs and flavorful pork ribs while I forced a smile, pretending my repetitive meals didn’t bother me.
I hoped that moving to West Campus would improve my dining experience. However, I was disappointed again. Breakfast was particularly frustrating — while meat eaters enjoyed turkey sausages, breakfast pizzas and bacon, my options were often limited to plain vegetables or a small appetizer, if available. Lunch wasn’t much better; while others had hearty chicken and rice dishes, I was left with nothing but rice and broccoli, an unappetizing and unsatisfying meal.
Cornell claims to accommodate dietary restrictions and often highlights its tofu options. But in reality, the tofu is usually soggy and flavorless, making it a struggle to eat. In an effort to eat healthier last year, I decided to incorporate tofu from the dining halls into my daily diet. What I thought was a healthy choice quickly turned into a painful mistake, leaving me with persistent stomach aches that lasted for weeks.
The inadequacy of Cornell’s vegetarian options is reflected in my bank account, where frequent DoorDash orders take up a significant portion of my budget. The mandatory unlimited meal plan only adds to the frustration — despite its high cost, Cornell refuses to offer reductions or flexibility for those with dietary restrictions. I even reached out to my dining hall’s head chef in hopes of improving my meal options, but nothing changed. Yet, I am still required to pay $7,132 per year for a meal plan that doesn’t fully meet my needs, while also spending an additional $400 on late-night DoorDash orders and meals at local restaurants just to ensure I get a balanced diet.
While Cornell fails to provide satisfying vegetarian meals, Ithaca’s vibrant food scene makes up for what the university lacks. So, to all the vegetarians on campus, consider this your saving grace (though perhaps not your solution for saving money). Here’s a guide to some of the best (and most filling) vegetarian-friendly restaurants in Ithaca:
- Moosewood (The Commons): Starting strong with the most well-known vegan restaurant in Ithaca, Moosewood is 100% worth the hype. While the prices are steep, the portions are generous enough to keep you full for days. The best part? No need to worry about cross-contamination. The Black Bean Burger, Lasagna and Pasta al Confit di Porro are all so flavorful that you’ll forget you’re not eating meat!
- Thompson and Bleecker (The Commons): One of the most popular Italian restaurants in Ithaca, Thompson and Bleecker is a favorite among many. While some argue it’s overhyped, I strongly disagree. The wide variety of vegetarian options, such as the delicious Honey Whipped Ricotta (a dish I dream about daily), Truffle Alfredo Pasta and Vodka Pasta, puts it at the top of my list. Not in the mood for pasta? No worries! You can try multiple vegetarian pizza options, including the Diavola, Giardino, and Margherita. They’re also happy to remove meat from many of their other pizzas, so the possibilities are endless! The downside? The long wait times — but at least it gives you an opportunity to explore the Commons. This spot isn’t just for dinner; it’s an experience.
- Dos Amigos (Collegetown): Owned by Cornell alum Jorge Bouras ’17, Dos Amigos is a great place to grab a satisfying and delicious meal. Plus, they recently extended their Saturday night hours until 1 a.m., making it a perfect late-night stop. The protein-packed beans and flavorful guacamole help make up for the nutrients often missing from the Cornell meal plan. My personal favorite is the Childish Gambeano, which has now become a staple food in my week, but you can also try the Eazy Bean Tacos or the Cardi B.eans Quesadilla. All meals are named after famous rappers and the restaurant will often play their songs, making it perfect for a place to chill and enjoy!
- Koko (Collegetown): One of my all-time favorite restaurants in Collegetown, Koko offers great Korean food, even for vegetarians. While Korean cuisine often contains meat, Koko thoughtfully incorporates tofu and other plant-based proteins, such as mushrooms, into its dishes. Plus, if you ask nicely, they’ll add extra toppings! My favorite order would be the Tofu Dol Sot Bibimbap, Rabokki with mushrooms (although you’ll have to ask for extra mushrooms on the side) and the vegetable Mandoo.
- Zocalo (Ithaca Mall) – Although a bit farther from campus, Zocalo is worth the 20-minute bus ride. Known for its infamous margarita towers, the restaurant also boasts an entire vegetarian menu section filled with flavorful options, such as their quesadilla, vegetarian burritos and fajitas. This plus a delicious strawberry margarita equals pure happiness. You can then have a drunken adventure at Target and make purchases that sober you will probably regret.
- Halal Brothers Ithaca (Collegetown): The Collegetown Halal truck is another go-to for a quick and delicious meal, whether for dinner or after a night out. Bonus points for its new location right next to Hideaway. They are usually open until 2 a.m. on weekends, and 10 p.m. on weekdays, making it the perfect spot for a late night grab. Highly recommend the Falafel sandwich and the Falafel over Rice.
- Sangam Indian Cuisine (Collegetown): Sangam is my go-to spot when I’m craving Indian food and missing home. Given that many Indian dishes are naturally vegetarian, this restaurant is perfect for a comforting and flavorful meal. My favorite meals include the Chole Bhatura, Shahi Paneer, Dal Makhani and more. They have many pages dedicated to vegetable lovers, as well as many appetizers and entrees.
- Plum Tree (Collegetown): Surprisingly, this Japanese restaurant offers a great selection of vegetarian-friendly options. Their special vegetarian sushi rolls are thoughtfully crafted, making it a fantastic choice for sushi lovers. Some of my favorites include the Vegetable Roll, Avocado/Cucumber Roll, the Tofu Lunch Box (for a filling lunch) and their vegetable Gyoza. And, the prices are well worth the food!
Ithaca’s food scene is rich and diverse — if you know where to look. I hope this guide helps fellow vegetarians navigate dining in Ithaca, especially when Cornell’s dining halls fall short. Bon appétit!
Sneha Singhi is a junior in the College of Arts and Sciences. She can be reached at ss3298@cornell.edu.
