Dining at Cornell: Something for Every Appetite

Blog Post

Richard O. author photo
Richard O., Senior Assistant Director of Admissions

With nearly thirty eateries on campus—from full dining halls and cozy cafés to food courts, markets, and coffee shops—finding something delicious at Cornell is never a problem. Honestly, it’s harder deciding where to go next.

Mornings That Hit the Spot

Breakfast is serious business here. Most mornings, you’ll find me sipping a chai-espresso mix with a bacon, egg & cheese on a cinnamon raisin bagel—“The Brooklyn”—from Collegetown Bagels (CTB). Or I grab the same combo from Bus Stop Bagels at Trillium in the middle of campus. If I’m really hungry? I’m heading straight for a breakfast burrito at Mann Library Café.

Midday Meals That Keep You Going

For lunch, Toni Morrison Dining Hall (aka “Morrison”) is the go-to. Picture this: pasta bars, Asian dishes, BBQ with all the sides, NYC-style pizza, halal options, fresh salads and fruit, house-made lemonade, and desserts you’ll dream about. We’re talking waffles, pastries, sorbets, and more—crafted by real chefs who care about flavor.

Comfort Food? We Got You.

Craving something fast and filling? Appel Commons and Okenshields serve up burgers, fries, and comfort favorites that don’t taste rushed. And Bear Necessities in RPCC feels like your neighborhood diner—booth seating, fresh wings, stacked sandwiches, and food served with a smile.

Healthy-ish and Still Satisfying

Okay, I’m not the healthiest eater—but trust me when I say the salads at Max’s in Statler Hall and Atrium Café in Sage Hall are top-tier. Full portions, real flavor, and you actually leave feeling better. Plus, the staff are some of the kindest people on campus.

Cornell chefs don’t just cook. They host events, teach cooking classes, and will literally customize meals for you if you have a dietary need or request. Just bring them a list, and they’ll make it happen.

Sweet Treats & Sunset Views

Hot day? Cornell Dairy Bar. End of story. With so many rotating flavors and generous scoops, it’s a must-visit—every season. When I want to treat myself, I head to the Regent Lounge at the Statler Hotel on a Friday afternoon. Best fries on campus, solid drinks, and the sunset over Central and West Campus? — Unmatched.

Dinner Feels Like Home

Each West Campus dorm has its own dining hall, and dinner there feels like Sunday dinner every night—warm, filling, and just a little nostalgic. When I want something elevated, it’s Taverna Banfi at the Statler: lavender lemonade, duck breast, mango mousse… It’s giving gourmet, right in the heart of campus.

Cornell’s food isn’t just good—it’s nationally ranked. And with Ithaca having more restaurants per capita than NYC, it’s clear: we love to eat.

So whether you’re a first-year, a senior, or just visiting, come grab a bite. The meals are great—but the people make it unforgettable.

See you at the table.