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Taverna Banfi, Ithaca, NY

Taverna Banfi

4.7 (1411)
$31 to $50
Italian
130 Statler Drive, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 23 times today

About this restaurant

  • Good for special occasions
  • Good for business meals
  • Great for scenic views
A Tuscan Inspired Italian Restaurant In Ithaca, NY.
Tuscan culture embraces a cuisine that is inspired by availability and accessibility. At Taverna Banfi, our seasonal menus reflect this attitude. Located at the heart of Cornell University campus, our casual fine dining atmosphere is perfect for entertaining family, friends, and clients visiting Cornell University and the Finger Lakes region. We offer Complimentary Valet Parking.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Italian
  • Hours of operation
    Breakfast Daily 7:00 am–10:00 am Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–2:00 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30 am–2:00 pm Dinner Daily 5:30 pm–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Carte Blanche, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Executive chef
    Andrew Nichols
  • Private party facilities
    For parties of 6 people or more, please call the restaurant.
  • Neighborhood
    Ithaca
  • Cross street
    130 Statler Drive
  • Parking details
    Valet
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Private Room, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

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What 1,411 people are saying

Taverna Banfi 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

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.4Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • 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

    Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Taverna Banfi offers an upscale dining experience with "outstanding food and service." Known for its beautiful campus views and attentive staff, it features a "great buffet variety" and exceptional dishes like NY strip and shrimp scampi. Guests appreciate the "friendly, knowledgeable servers" and the restaurant's "fantastic ambiance," making it perfect for special occasions.
1,411 Reviews
  1. Jay

    Philadelphia County6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had seven people for dinner to celebrate a graduation. The staff was very attentive and the food was outstanding. If you are looking for an upscale experience, I would highly recommend Taverna Banfi!

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  2. Ron

    Virginia29 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 20, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    It was a wonderful dining experience. The meal and service were outstanding. I can’t say enough about the great young men who are members of Cornell’s football team and work as servers in the restaurant. They are personable and knowledgeable about the selections and their recommendations made this a truly memorable dining experience. Please thank them for me.

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  3. james

    San Francisco Bay Area1 review

    5.0

    Dined on June 20, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food and service was outstanding! We ordered the salmon and NY strip and both were delicious. I also suggest the mozzarella and tomato appetizer.

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  4. Janet

    New York City70 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 16, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The meal was delicious, and the service was lovely. The Cornell Hospitality students as well as the permanent staff were attentive and knowledgeable.

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  5. Lisa VIP

    Cleveland / Akron / Canton7 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 15, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Our server was extremely friendly nice! We enjoyed a delightful bounty for Father’s Day brunch. Banfi’s is the best! A fresh remodel would really make it spectacular!

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  6. Marc

    New York City2 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on June 12, 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 4
    Overall experience was below expectations. Doesn’t deserve the reputation this restaurant has.
    Taverna BanfiResponded on June 15, 2025
    Hi Marc, Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. I’m truly sorry to hear that your experience did not meet expectations. We take all comments seriously and are disappointed to know we fell short of the standard you—and we—expect from Taverna Banfi. If you're open to it, I’d appreciate the opportunity to learn more about your visit so we can better understand what went wrong and make improvements. Please feel free to reach out to me directly. Thank you again for your honesty, and I hope we have a chance to welcome you back for a better experience in the future. Felicia Barrett General Manager of Taverna Banfi

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  7. Risa VIP

    New York City41 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 12, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The best place in Ithaca for an elegant lunch -- no question about it! The buffet is designed so that everyone should be able to find multiple things they enjoy, and the dishes are well executed. The service is always good and the views of campus are beautiful. Applause all around!
    Taverna BanfiResponded on June 15, 2025
    Hi Risa, Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed your lunch experience with us and that the buffet, service, and views all made an impression. Your kind words truly mean a lot to our team. We look forward to welcoming you back to Taverna Banfi again soon for another elegant and enjoyable meal! Felicia Barrett General Manager of Taverna Banfi

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  8. Neil

    New York City8 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 6, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Top notch. Highly recommended dinner experience. Food quality and presentation was terrific.
    Taverna BanfiResponded on June 15, 2025
    Hi Neil, Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re thrilled to hear you had a top-notch dinner experience with us. It means a lot to know you enjoyed both the quality and presentation of the food. We hope to welcome you back to Taverna Banfi again soon! Felicia Barrett General Manager of Taverna Banfi

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  9. Brian VIP

    Washington, D.C. Area3 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on May 26, 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 5
    The food on the breakfast buffet was cold. The fruit was not replenished. At 9am, it felt as if the buffet was over and the staff was tearing it down. The experience rivaled that of a complimentary breakfast at a lower-grade Marriott chain.
    Taverna BanfiResponded on May 27, 2025
    Hi Brian, Thank you for your feedback — and I’m truly sorry to hear that your breakfast experience didn’t meet expectations. We aim to provide a fresh and welcoming buffet throughout the entire service period, and it’s clear we fell short during your visit. Your comments about the temperature of the food, lack of replenishment, and overall atmosphere are concerning, and we take them seriously. I’ve shared your feedback with our culinary and service teams so we can address these issues directly. We appreciate you bringing this to our attention, and I hope you’ll consider giving us another chance in the future to provide the quality and hospitality we’re known for. Best regards, Felicia Barrett General Manager of Taverna Banfi

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  10. Janet

    New York City6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 17, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent food and service! Highly recommended to everyone!

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Taverna Banfi is rated 4.7 stars by 1411 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 23 times today
Google Map for Taverna Banfi

130 Statler Drive, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853

Additional information

  • Cross street
    130 Statler Drive
  • Neighborhood
    Ithaca
  • Hours of operation
    Breakfast Daily 7:00 am–10:00 am Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–2:00 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30 am–2:00 pm Dinner Daily 5:30 pm–9:00 pm
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Italian
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    Valet
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Carte Blanche, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Andrew Nichols
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Private Room, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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