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Food Lab just off The Commons in Downtown Ithaca - Food Lab, Ithaca, NY

Food Lab

4.4 (18)
$30 and under
American
113 N Aurora St, Ithaca, NY 14850

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 13 times today

About this restaurant

  • Innovative
  • Charming
  • Great for creative cocktails
Welcome to Food Lab Kitchen & Bar, located just off the Ithaca Commons. Our ever-evolving selection redefines culinary creativity, blending bold flavors, interactive presentations, and unexpected pairings. Complement your meal with expertly crafted cocktails, curated wines, and a diverse beer selection. Join us in our comfortable casual atmosphere in the heart of Downtown Ithaca.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    American, Fusion / Eclectic
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu, Sun 11:00 am–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:00 am–12:00 am
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Delivery & takeout
  • Neighborhood
    Ithaca
  • Cross street
    E State St
  • Parking details
    Public Lot
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 18 people are saying

Food Lab reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.4
4.4 based on recent ratings
  • 4.2Food
  • 4.5Service
  • 4.2Ambience
  • 4.3Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Upstate New York

    Innovative

  • Southern Tier

    Best Overall

  • Southern Tier

    Best Food

  • Southern Tier

    Best Service

  • Southern Tier

    Best Ambiance

  • Southern Tier

    Best Value

  • Southern Tier

    Healthy

  • Southern Tier

    Neighborhood gem

  • Southern Tier

    Good for special occasions

  • Southern Tier

    Lively

  • Southern Tier

    Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Food Lab in Ithaca offers a "very creative menu" with intriguing food combinations, including the standout cornflake breaded chicken. The "service is exceptional," with friendly, attentive staff. While some feel there's room for improvement, the restaurant's potential shines through. Many recommend it for both its "spectacular food" and vibrant atmosphere.

18 Reviews
  1. Jim & Kim

    Louisville1 review

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Food was fantastic! Service with a smile. Will definitely be back.

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  2. Rachel VIP

    Philadelphia5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Server was great wine was perfect food portions very generous and good quality

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  3. Kirk VIP

    Minneapolis1 review

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Really enjoyed our experience at this newer restaurant in Ithaca. Great food!
    Food LabResponded 2 days ago
    Kirk, Thank you so much for dining with us and for the 5 star review! Our entire team truly appreciates the positive feedback and we all hope to see you back in soon. -Mike

    Is this helpful?

  4. Julio

    Chicago1 review

    3.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Plates were innovative and Delicious; Service Top great Value.

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  5. Jesus

    New York City11 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on May 10, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    The very creative food and drinks, the vast wine list, and the service make this fairly new restaurant just towards the top as one of our Ithaca favorites! You will not be disappointed.
    Food LabResponded on May 13, 2025
    Jesus, Thank you so much for dining with us and for the 4 star review! Our entire team can't thank you enough for all the feedback and we will continue to work on getting better each day. Thank you again and we hope that you'll stop back in soon so we can try to improve our rating with you! -Mike

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  6. Holly VIP

    New York City8 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on May 10, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    Despite having a reservation, as the person was seating us, she told us there was a reservation at 7 so they were getting things in and out quickly. Not sure how to take that since I could understand if we were a walk-in or late but we were neither. Restaurant has potential but needs to fine tune a few things regarding patron experience. Our waiter was great and made up for the initial interaction.
    Food LabResponded on May 13, 2025
    Holly, Thank you so much for dining with us and for the 4 star rating! Our team truly appreciates the feedback (both positive and negative) and will continue to work on getting better each day. Thank you again and we hope you'll stop back in so we can try to earn that 5th star from you. -Mike

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  7. Elisa

    New York City1 review

    5.0

    Dined on May 10, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Great service! Friendly and welcoming. Food was very good too!
    Food LabResponded on May 13, 2025
    Elisa, Thank you so much for dining with us and for the 5 star review! Our entire team works hard to give all our customers a great experience and we are thrilled that you had one. Thanks again and we hope that you'll stop back in soon to see us! -Mike

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  8. Dawn VIP

    Chicago7 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 3, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Phillip was amazing! Food was amazing! Highly recommend!
    Food LabResponded on May 8, 2025
    Dawn, Thank you so much for dining with us and for the 5 star review! Phil and the rest of our team truly appreciate the kind words and we all hope that you'll stop back in soon to see us. -Mike

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  9. Brad

    New York City1 review

    5.0

    Dined on May 3, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    The food is some of the best in the area - very interesting food combos and creative menu. My daughter is attending the Culinary Institute of America and she said it was some of the best food that she has ever eaten. We have been back multiple times and the food has consistently been spectacular. The cornflake breaded chicken is to die for and the peach caprese burger was the best burger I have ever eaten! Highly recommend!
    Food LabResponded on May 8, 2025
    Brad, Thank you so much for dining with us and for the 5 star review! Our entire team works hard to try and make sure every customer has a great experience and we are thrilled to see that you had one. Thank you again and we hope you'll stop back in soon. -Mike

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  10. Dani

    New York City2 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on April 25, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    I had high expectations for this place, and the food was disappointing. There are very few places in Ithaca that open for lunch and have good food. My husband and I were hoping this would be added to our list of lunch options, but we are not coming back. The food wasn't bad, but it wasn't great either.
    Food LabResponded on April 30, 2025
    Dani, Thank you for dining with us and for the 4 star review. I'm sorry we didn't meet your expectations and would love to have a longer conversation with you about that if you don't mind contacting me directly from our website (use the contact us form). Thank you and look forward to hearing from you. -Mike

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FAQs

Food Lab offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (607) 882-4631.

Food Lab is rated 4.4 stars by 18 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Upstate New York
  4. Southern Tier
  5. Ithaca

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 13 times today
Google Map for Food Lab

113 N Aurora St, Ithaca, NY 14850

Additional information

  • Cross street
    E State St
  • Neighborhood
    Ithaca
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu, Sun 11:00 am–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:00 am–12:00 am
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    American, Fusion / Eclectic
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    Public Lot
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Delivery & takeout
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