My deflection: “I really can’t answer that because there are so many culturally diverse restaurants in Ithaca and so many different price ranges, it would be like comparing apples with oranges.” However, I do think it’s fair to say that among all restaurants in this area, Mia certainly belongs in the top five. And, without hesitation I can add that this restaurant, located on the Commons, ranks first in their offering of Tapas, (small portions). Fully half their total offerings are on their “Tapas Menu” with about four dozen items to choose from.

Statistically speaking, it was probable that in the ninety some odd days I was writing this blog, a new restaurant would open in Ithaca. That said, given my propensity to dilly-daddle, mosey, and/or lollygag, I couldn’t imagine that if this theoretical new restaurant were to open that I might be the first one to review it. A quick, lazy Google search after my trip to Mia Restaurant on the Commons last week turned up no intrepid Yelp reviewer’s commentary.

Mia Restaurant offers Pan-Asian cuisine, the combination of the ingredients and flavors of several ethnic dishes. Owned by Lex Chutintaranond, one of Ithaca’s top restaurateurs and the founder of some of Ithaca’s most popular eateries – including Just a Taste, Madeline’s, and ZaZa’s Cucina. Mia Restaurant uses local produce, sustainably harvested seafood, and hormone & antibiotic free meats in their delicious Pan-Asian cuisine.

Mia Tapas Bar and Restaurant: If you’re in the mood for Asian food but can’t narrow down your list, this is the spot. Open since 2011, with a splendid patio on Ithaca Commons, Mia blends techniques and flavors from China, Japan, Thailand and India and Vietnam, along with a devotion to locally-sourced vegetable and sustainably-harvested seafood.

I was filled with anticipation as I eagerly ventured to this acclaimed establishment, enticed by raving reviews. Regrettably, my visit fell short of expectations as the sea bass arrived overdone. Despite this misstep, the diverse menu offerings and inviting ambiance proved memorable.

Mia - The 2nd tapas place on the Commons, but this one's a little swankier and is Asian fusion. Some really dynamite options on the menu, with some dishes I don't think I'd see anywhere else. Worth trying at least once just because the menu's so unique.

Mia features pan-Asian cuisine embodied in a variety of fresh and interesting dishes, with lots of fresh seafood and some seriously spicy offerings. They’re offering seating inside and on the Commons when weather permits.

The Tom Yum soup was great, and they have a wide variety of gluten-free and vegan/vegetarian options. Ithaca's best 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111150 Gluten-Free Places

- Rating: 4.0/5 (177 reviews)- Price level: $$- Address: 130 East State St. Ithaca, New York - Categories: Asian Fusion, Indian, Tapas Bars- Read more on Yelp