With ten residential dining rooms and sixteen retail locations on campus, Cornell has many places to eat. Our healthy variety also comes with quality — Cornell is consistently ranked in the Princeton Review's Top Ten for best campus food among all colleges and universities in the country. In 2023, we’ve hit #2 on the list!

The food is obviously good, but here are my top five places to eat on campus.

Terrace

Terrace is definitely my favorite place to eat on campus! My favorites are the salads (plus the sesame ginger dressing), but their burrito bowls, gyros, rice bowls, and weekly pop-ups are definitely student favorites on campus. Terrace is packed at all hours, and is the perfect spot when hurrying between classes (and for people-watching on Feeney Way)!

Mac’s

Also located under the Statler Hotel is Mac’s Cafe, an all-day eatery serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. My favorites are the sandwiches and flatbreads, but Mac’s also serves pasta, pre-packaged salads and sandwiches, sushi, and more. Another popular competition among Cornell students is the semester smoothie contest, where students can submit ideas for the semester-long special. The winner’s creation is sold at Mac’s for all students to try!

Martha’s Cafe

Martha’s is another incredible dining option on campus. Located in Martha Van Rensselaer Hall, home to the College of Human Ecology, Martha’s is a perfect spot for building your own Mediterranean bowls and wraps. I love picking Martha’s, sitting in the MVR atrium with friends, and getting some work done.

Atrium Cafe

Recently renovated, Atrium Cafe, located in Sage Hall, is a popular spot for undergraduate students and students in Cornell’s MBA program. Atrium Cafe serves delicious noodles, rice bowls, sandwiches, wraps, and other tasty snacks.

Big Red Barn

Big Red Barn is truly a hidden gem on campus, located across from the Space Sciences Building and next to Bailey Hall. With a rustic interior, Big Red Barn is known for their delicious soups and sandwiches. Although their offerings are quite small compared to other on-campus eateries, all of their options are truly delicious. My personal favorite is the Asian Sesame Chicken Sandwich.

There are so many things to try on Cornell’s campus. What are you most looking forward to eating?