A couple of weeks ago, my friend’s parents visited Ithaca for the weekend and they graciously treated us to dinner at Simeon's American Bistro. For the evening, my friends and I traded our typical dining hall buffets and late-night Taco Bell runs for fine dining — a rare and welcome change. It was my first time trying out this well known restaurant, and I was eager to see if it lived up to its glowing reputation.
Conveniently located in the Downtown Ithaca Commons, Simeon’s has become a popular dining destination, drawing in Cornell students and families, as well as the wider Ithaca community. Whether the occasion be a date night, a celebratory dinner or simply a night out to enjoy good food, Simeon’s offers an inviting atmosphere and memorable experience. However, due to its popularity, it is highly recommended that you make a reservation ahead of time to secure a table.
We arrived at Simeon’s for dinner, and upon entering, I immediately felt welcomed by the warm atmosphere. The ambiance was cozy yet elegant which provided an elevated experience. The colorful walls and tasteful lighting combined to curate a sophisticated environment for dining.
We started off with some items from their appetizer menu. For our group of five, we ordered the marinated olives and warm kettle chips fondue. Both were simple and small dishes, which was just enough to hold us over to the main course. In particular, I enjoyed the crispiness of the chips paired with the warm cheese sauce, which created an enjoyable balance of texture and flavor.
Before our entrées arrived, some of our group ordered a cup of their New England clam chowder. There was an overall consensus that it was just the touch of warmth we needed on a chilly October day.
For entrées, we ordered two Caesar salads (one with jumbo shrimp and one with salmon), lobster mac and cheese, roasted salmon and the ahi tuna burger. It took us quite a while to decide what to order, as the menu offers a large variety of options. There is a wide selection of choices including seafood, steak, salad and sandwiches, which proved to be both tempting and a bit overwhelming as we tried to make our decision.
My friend and I shared the mac and cheese and salmon dishes, and we were both very impressed. As a salmon lover myself, I can say that the salmon was perfectly cooked, practically melting in my mouth. It was paired with herbed pearl couscous and assorted vegetables on the side, all enhanced by a brown butter beurre blanc (a French butter-based sauce, often used to complement fish). The elements of this meal resulted in a dish that was satisfying and indulgent without feeling too heavy. The mac and cheese also had a lovely texture and flavor, with the lobster adding a luxurious touch — a combination I have not tried before but thoroughly enjoyed.
I did not try the Caesar salad, but it looked delicious. My friend (who claims to be a Caesar salad connoisseur) raved about it, noting that the jumbo shrimp served on top were filling and flavorful. I also tried a few of the house-cut frites, which came on the side of the ahi tuna burger. They were perfectly salted, and overall a solid french fry. Reflecting back on it now, we think they might even be the best french fries in the city of Ithaca.
Overall, the taste and quality of the food at Simeon’s exceeded my expectations. Each dish displayed thoughtful flavor combinations and creative execution, all of which made for a satisfying and memorable meal.
We were curious to see the dessert menu, and upon asking our server, we were told that it was a visual menu. I had never heard of this before and wasn’t sure what to expect. Our server came back moments later carrying a tiered stand holding an array of various desserts in small ramekins. She described the desserts and explained that we could choose which we wanted and she would hand it to us straight from the dessert stand. I thought this was an interesting way to present desserts, to say the least, and quite honestly, I think we felt rushed into making our selection — as I mentioned earlier, we were a very indecisive group. We ultimately decided to decline and opted for ice cream from Cayuga Lake Creamery instead, located in the Dewitt Mall. This was a perfect sweet treat to end our meal, and we all felt happy and full at the end of the evening.
While Simeon’s is on the pricier side, it is a perfect spot for special occasions or as a well-earned treat when your parents are in town. It’s classy and feels like a small dose of sophistication amidst the rhythm of everyday college life. It is a quintessential dining destination that all Cornell students should try during their time in Ithaca. It is clear why Simeon’s has become such a beloved part of the restaurant scene in Ithaca.
Martha Dolan is a sophomore in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. She can be reached at mmd289@cornell.edu.
