The Best Ithaca NY Date Night Spots

It’s time for a night out, isn’t it? We think so. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of our favorite Ithaca-area date night spots.

No matter what you’re in the mood for, you’ll find it at these standout area restaurants. Let’s eat! (And drink!)

Gola Osteria

The evolving Italian cuisine at Gola Osteria can be hard to resist. It’s a new spin on all of your Italian favorites, with an expansive and inventive dinner menu including homemade pasta, fresh sauces, and seasonal ingredients. The full bar is stocked with well-curated Italian wines, along with vino from all of your Finger Lakes favorites.

With seasonal items from local New York and Pennsylvania farms, the menu does change from time to time, but recent favorites like ricotta gnocchi, grilled swordfish, and bone-in chicken breast are all beloved by patrons.

House-made signature cocktails are bold, imaginative, and have their own story to tell. Find your favorite and plan your return trip before you even leave the table!

Maxie’s Supper Club and Oyster Bar

Each time you step inside Maxie’s, it feels like home. Maybe it’s the soulful food and aromas that draw you in. Maybe it’s the festive drinks that impress and invigorate. Or, perhaps it’s the uplifting vibes that seem to radiate off the walls.

Date night can start with fresh-shucked raw oysters, perfectly briny and oh-so-enjoyable. The shellfish platter is certainly intriguing, featuring oysters, clams, and shrimp. Sustainably raised oysters, fish, and seafood from the East Coast are ice-packed and brought to Maxie’s directly twice a week, so you know you’re always choosing from some of the freshest options around.

Not in the mood for fish? You can’t go wrong with the chicken-fried chicken, with delectable mashed potatoes on the side. Date night is done right at Maxie’s.

ZaZa’s Cucina

Get a complete dining experience at ZaZa’s, with attentive service, excellent food, and fine wine in an elegant and welcoming space. You’ll find traditional Italian favorites here, with a contemporary flair added in for a unique night out.

Chef Curtis Radcliffe brings together his practical knowledge through years of experience in the industry, along with his training at the Culinary Institute of America. It all results in a date night you won’t soon forget. What better way to start things off than with smoked prosciutto meatballs, with signature spices adding that perfect kick? The fresh pasta, made in-house each day with farm-fresh eggs, is well worth your time.

You can’t go wrong with Tuscan NY Strip steak though, grilled the way you want, with an 18-year aged balsamic, sea salt, and extra virgin olive oil.

Take Date Night to New Heights

Now that you know more about the best Ithaca, NY, date spots, it’s time to make your reservation! Get ready for a special night out!