Moosewood Restaurant

07/08/08

Overrated

by OaklandAfan

I was looking forward to eating at Moosewood for the last 25 years since I bought the cookbook as a teenager. Boy, was I disappointed! The prices are way too high for what you get ($15 for a plate of rice and beans? For that, you better throw in some organic tofu for free!). The food was incredibly tasteless. The service was average (they forgot one of our drinks--isn't that basic?). The environment resembled a lobby at an Automobile Club of America (AAA) office--run down and outdated. I'm going back to Rulloff's next time I'm in Ithaca--at least I get a filling meal at a reasonable price there (and they still offer vegetarian fare!).

• Pros: Strong menu selection that changes regularly
• Cons: Expensive for what you get, lousy environment, average service

06/11/06

Blah blah BLAND

by freakonomist

One of the most well-known vegetarian places in the country? Get out of town. I can taste much better vegetarian food at home. The food here is bland and unexceptional. For a place as legendary as Moosewood's, I would've expected the food to at least be able to live up to its reputation. Unfortunately, it fell way short of it. Save your money, and cook at home!

• Pros: Nice location in DeWitt Mall
• Cons: Food just doesn't taste like anything

04/26/06

Classic Ithaca Dining

by jojolenna

What strikes me the most when I dine at Moosewood is the local gatherings that occur. Despite the price (which for me seems to be a little too steep for 'casual' dining), locals seem to come out on all days to enjoy a quick salad, hearty soup, or even just to relax at the bar while some local musician performers for the diners. Their presence makes me believe that there must be something special about Moosewood, and I always come back for more to become a part of the atmosphere. Of course, the food is always phenomenal and is of a reasonable portion size. Service is casual and pleasant, and the staff always makes the best food recommendations. The limited menu is in no way a hassle; it just adds to the ambiance of a small town restaurant that serves its community of friends the best produce of the moment.

• Pros: Fresh, Welcoming, Great Location
• Cons: Crowded, Slightly Expensive

04/18/06

Worth a Trip

by mrsomes

Although the menu is limited it is amazing! Something for everybody. If the weather is good try to sit outside. Definately worth a trip

• Pros: food, drinks, location
• Cons: limited menu

04/22/05

Small menu, big taste

by candygurl15

I had heard many wonderful things about Moosewood so I decided to try it. First of all, though tiny, the decor is really nice. The restaurant even sells Moosewood merchandise. We were promptly seated by a friendly host and waited on by an attentive waiter. However, I must express my disappointment over the menu size. There were about four main courses to choose from. It's not a place for a picky eater. The drink menu (which was impressive, I admit) was three times the size of the food menu. I had salmon, whipped sweet potato, tomoto and green bean salad, and a garden salad. The food was very good! I'm not sure if I'll return to Moosewood any time soon. I like having an array of meals to choose from. For me, Moosewood did not live up to the hype.

• Pros: Fresh taste, Extensive drink menu
• Cons: Small menu, Not for picky eaters

03/25/05

Vegetarian Delight

by ladiemo21

Whether you're a vegetarian or a card carrying carnivore, you're sure to enjoy a meal from Moosewood. All of the food is great, but the soups - specifically the cream of esparagus and the sweet potato - along with the salads are renowned enough to warrant pilgrimages and a popular published cookbook. Also try the burritos, the chili with cornbread and the vegan chocolate cake.

06/23/04

Wow!

by alocalfan

People come to this restaurant from all over the world with their own expectations based on the restaurant's infamous vegetarian cookbooks. The only people I've ever met who did not like their Moosewood experience really didn't give it a fair shot. Don't be disappointed by the small menu--it changes twice daily! And the drink list is extremely extensive and classy. The food is always fresh and tasty, with undisputeably the best salads you will find anywhere in town. The wait staff is friendly and they all work together in a cooperative effort, so the food never sits in the kitchen getting cold, and there is always someone around to give you the same excellent service if your own waiter is not available at the moment. My Moosewood experience, whether I bring my kids or no, will always be a healthy, hearty, delightful one. Keep up the good work guys!

07/05/02

You Don't Have to Be a Vegetarian

by el4n6dir

Even though I am not a vegetarian, I loved the cuisine at Moosewood. The restaurant cam highly recommended to my wife and I and we were not disappointed. While vacationing in Ithaca we had a wonderful dinner in the outdoor portion of the restaurant.

• Pros: great tasting food, healthy cuisine
• Cons: limited menu options, no reservations