Taverna Banfi
A Tuscan-inspired trattoria within Cornell's Statler Hotel, offering a refined dining experience with exceptional food and service.
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Taverna Banfi
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A Tuscan-inspired trattoria within Cornell's Statler Hotel, offering a refined dining experience with exceptional food and service.
"Locally focused trattoria offers a Tuscan-inspired menu, Sunday brunch & regional wines."
Reserve Ahead
Book your table in advance, especially for weekend brunch or special occasions.
Explore Unique Dishes
Try standout items like the Tagliatelle Bolognese or the grilled octopus for a memorable meal.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Italian
Price
$$$
Phone
(607) 254-2565
Address
130 Statler Dr, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Tuscan-Inspired Cuisine
Experience the authentic flavors of Tuscany with a menu featuring fresh, high-quality ingredients and an impressive wine list.
Decadent Sunday Brunch
Indulge in a lavish Sunday brunch buffet with a diverse selection of salads, seafood, breakfast favorites, and carving stations.
Elegant Campus Dining
Enjoy a refined dining experience in the heart of Cornell University's campus, perfect for special occasions and celebrations.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Reserve Ahead
Book your table in advance, especially for weekend brunch or special occasions.
Explore Unique Dishes
Try standout items like the Tagliatelle Bolognese or the grilled octopus for a memorable meal.
Consider Off-Peak Times
Visit during less busy hours for more personalized service and a relaxed atmosphere.
Student Run Aspects
Be aware it's a student-run establishment; service quality can vary.
Tips
from all over the internet
Reserve Ahead
Book your table in advance, especially for weekend brunch or special occasions.
Explore Unique Dishes
Try standout items like the Tagliatelle Bolognese or the grilled octopus for a memorable meal.
Consider Off-Peak Times
Visit during less busy hours for more personalized service and a relaxed atmosphere.
Student Run Aspects
Be aware it's a student-run establishment; service quality can vary.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Taverna Banfi is praised for its exceptional food and service, offering an elegant atmosphere perfect for celebrations and special occasions. Guests frequently commend the quality of dishes like the salmon, duck, and various pasta options, as well as the attentive service from hospitality students. However, some reviews mention occasional slow service and have raised concerns about the restaurant's decor and cleanliness, suggesting room for improvement in ambiance.
"Revisiting an old review:
This place is wonderful. The food is amazing and I wouldn’t wanna go anywhere else for graduation meals. Great work to all the staff. Service was fast and the server was a Hotelie! Very cool."
Aris Agarwala
"Great food, great ambience, great service, nice campus views. Fantastic location in the heart of Cornell campus. We shared the housemade Mozzarella & Brooklyn ricotta as appetizers among 4 of us, both were delicious. For entree our party had the salmon, duck, gnocchi a la vodka sauce & porcini Campanella, all excellent. Definitely recommend. The complimentary focaccia & the mocktails we ordered (cayuga sunset & hibiscus refresher) were also very good."
Sonali
"We were staying at the Statler and came here for breakfast. Both avocado toast and egg Benedict were really good. The server was very nice but the service was bit slow. Pretty good enjoyable spot."
Woo Young Kim
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Taverna Banfi is frequently recommended for special occasions like graduations and celebrations due to its elegant atmosphere and excellent food and service. [^M1, ^R2]
It is recommended to make reservations in advance, especially for weekend brunch or during peak times like graduation weekend. [^data, ^R1]
Popular dishes include the duck breast, grilled octopus, salmon, and various pasta options like gnocchi and tagliatelle bolognese. [^M1, ^R2, ^R6]
Yes, Taverna Banfi offers a popular Sunday brunch buffet featuring a wide array of salads, seafood, breakfast items, and hot entrees. [^M2, ^R5]
Complimentary valet parking is available for guests with reservations.
Yes, Taverna Banfi offers a range of vegetarian and gluten-free options. [^M5]
Yes, the restaurant is part of Cornell's School of Hotel Administration, with students working alongside professionals. [^M4, ^R7]
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Featured in these publications
A Foodie's Guide to the Best Restaurants in Ithaca, New York
Taverna Banfi, nestled within The Statler Hotel at Cornell University, emerges as a beacon of Tuscan-inspired cuisine that captivates both the palate and the heart. A journey to this dining haven guarantees an encounter with dishes that are nothing short of culinary masterpieces, from the succulent duck that reigns supreme in the memories of its patrons, to the tender, flavor-packed grilled octopus that leaves one savoring every bite. The ambiance, enriched by the diligent and enthusiastic service of hospitality students, complements the exquisite dining experience, making each visit not just a meal, but a cherished memory.
Exploring the Ithaca area’s brunch scene for 2021
The Statler Hotel on the Cornell campus has resumed the Taverna Banfi Sunday brunch buffet, a decadent spread that’s priced accordingly. Banfi’s Sunday brunch features a rotating selection of salads including a build-your-own Caesar salad station, a variety of smoked fish and seafood, and plenty of breakfast items such as waffles, scrambled eggs, and home fries. There are soups, hot entrees, and a carving station to round out the lunch side of the menu, and omelets or eggs cooked to order are available if you ask your server.
A Quick Guide to (Some of) the Best Brunch Spots in Ithaca
It is located in the Statler Hotel and is quite literally central to Cornell. It’s the kind of place that my dad knew about 30 years ago when he was a student here and still talks about when he comes to visit me. That being said, it is definitely more a place to go on a special occasion or when your family is visiting.
The Best Places to Eat at Cornell University If You Only Have 24 Hours
A photo posted by Hotel Ezra Cornell (@hotelezracornell) on Mar 18, 2016 at 4:14am PDT. This restaurant is inside the Statler Hotel, the hotel on Cornell’s campus. This is especially interesting because students from the School of Hotel Administration work inside the hotel and the restaurant, along with professionals.
Top 14 Gluten-Free Dinner Spots to Enjoy in Ithaca
Congratulations to Taverna Banfi for their exceptional range of vegetarian and gluten-free options!. It’s impressive how you maintain such exquisite flavors and variety without compromising on quality. The ambiance is also incredibly pleasant, making it a delightful experience right in the heart of Cornell University.
Highest-rated Italian Restaurants in Ithaca by Diners
- Rating: 3.5/5 (75 reviews)- Price level: $$$- Address: 130 Statler Drive Ithaca, New York - Categories: Italian- Read more on Yelp. You may also like:Highest-paying jobs in Ithaca
The #1 Italian restaurant in Ithaca right now—and see the rest of the top 12, according to Yelp reviewers
- Rating: 3.5/5 (75 reviews) - Price level: $$$ - Address: 130 Statler Drive Ithaca, New York - Categories: Italian - Read more on Yelp
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