Taverna Banfi
| Address: | 130 Statler Dr, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA |
| Phone: | +1 607-254-2565 |
| Site: | tavernabanfi.com |
| Rating: | 4.2 |
| Working: | 7AM–9PM 7AM–9PM 7AM–9PM 7AM–9PM 7AM–9:30PM 7AM–9:30PM 7AM–9:30PM |
Location
Photos 95
Reviews 18
CO
Connor Strynkowski
Being entirely honest, I wasnt expecting much, and as such, my view might be mildly biased. However, the octopus was quite good. Probably the best grilled octopus that Ive had. The prosciutto appetizer was fantastic; the mozzarella and the prosciutto worked well off of each other, despite the relative difference in strength. For wines, we had the 2011 Schloss Lieser Riesling and the 2011 Sartori Amarone. The white definitely lives up to the Mosel regions reputation. It is almost startlingly sweet: enough that I almost would have paired it with the strip steak, just for the novelty. With that said, though, the Amarone was smooth and full bodied, and not tannic in the slightest, slightly fruiter than expected, and made a perfect, if more conventional pairing. Being an exceptionally obtuse human being, I failed to ask my acquaintances about their meals at any point during the meal, no doubt making an ass out of myself in the process, so I remain unaware of the quality of the zucchini noodles. However, the strip was well made (although they got it closer to rare than black and blue), the gorgonzola was the perfect consistency, and the potatoes were beautifully crisp. The atmosphere was also properly rustic, in the sense that you would expect from a themed restaurant. The wait staff was also fantastic. We had a wonderful waitress by the name of Gracie, who was just a pleasure. All told, the wine was fantastic, the food was generally quite good, albeit not perfect, and the atmosphere and service were both top notch. My only complaints are that the cocktails are somewhat subpar, but honestly, if youre trying the cocktails, youre missing out on the wine anyway; the list may seem small, but there are definitely some gems in there. I will be certain to visit again, if Im ever in Ithaca.
A
A Private User
The food is good, but the service isnt what you might expect given the overall atmosphere, quality of the food and price. The staff is *almost* always polite, and the wait times are reasonable (though always somewhat off), but there are always little things that remind you youre not at a real four or five star venue (but rather that the staff seems to be in training). This might sound trivial, but every time I go, I find I have to wait to get the hostesss attention, and when I do, the service is always a bit off. For example, today, she didnt write us down, and forgot about us so that she sat another family who came after us, before us (and they didnt have a reservation). Other things: theyll serve antipasto plates without serving utensils (and in a big group of colleagues, no one wants to stick their own fork right into the shared cold cuts). When they set plates down, theyre not aware of what arm to use based on where they are in relation to the diner, and so if youre not careful, you may find yourself with a shoulder in your face, ducking out of the way. Of course all these things are minor, but its consistent that despite trying to market themselves as fine dining, they betray too many rough edges. However, as I said, the food is consistently quite good, and its a very nice space. And since the wait staff are usually also very nice, Im willing to forgive these little things. Overall, I recommend this place.
KA
Kaz Hattori
名門コーネル大学のホテル経営学直営のレストランだけあって、味とサービスは一流。地中海料理がメインです。ワインのセレクションも豊富。それだけあって値段は高めですが、特別なゲストと来るにはオススメの場所です。学期中と平日は駐車する場所を探すのが困難かもしれませんが、コーネル大学のキャンパスマップを参照されるといいでしょう。
BE
Bee Chin Ooi
We were expecting something posher from this place, then again we opted for the lunch buffet so it might not be fair judgement. The lunch buffet selections are rather limited. Theres about 5-6 dishes for each of the sides, salad and dessert counters, and 2 selections of main - salmon and beef skirt steak. However not every of the dishes look very appetizing. For those that we tried, they are cooked and seasoned well. I did like the creme brûlée however I wasnt interested with most of the other desserts, again due to presentation. Friendly staff but very quiet at 2pm on Monday. Maybe because it is still summer and school yet to be in session.
FR
Frances Chen
Food is typical quality of restaurants of its class- depending on whether a student or a seasoned line cook cooks it, the food can be variable in its execution (generally always acceptable to very good). Short rib red wine/cranberry/whatever they decide on demiglace sometimes not reduced enough. Very very buttery starch and veg. Service ranges from very good to not so great but this is ok considering it is a learning experience for hotel students. Chef Tony and line cook staff are the best part of going to Banfis!
TI
Timothy Lin
Student staffed and sometimes managed restaurant, the culinary staff is really excellent and they are great people. Head Chef Tony is definitely worth meeting, and is famous in the Hotel School. Many of the students who work there are interesting in entering the culinary world and some of the alums who have worked there now work at some of the greatest restaurants in the world, such as Eleven Madison Park (NYC).
SU
Sue Gleason
This place is just fantastic. The flavors on the lunch buffet are things you can only dream of. Its a bit pricy for a normal lunch meal, but it is exquisite. Devine. Highly recommended. Fresh ingredients, awesome desserts, just fantastic. I cant say enough good things (except I always eat TOO much when I go there. lol).
AM
Aman Gill
Delicious food & good service. I got the mushroom ravioli, which was delicious. The outside part of the ravioli was slightly undercooked. But other than that I had a good experience.
SI
Sitar Harel
Pretty phenomenal experience and not as expensive as I had expected! Its by no means cheap, but the food, the service, and the experience overall are all worth it.
YI
Yianni Nikolaou
The thought is there asfar as the menu goes, but the execution falters. The student staff tries very hard, but make small mistakes that may annoy. Pricey.
NI
Nick Tubbs
Food and service are generally pretty good. Pricing seems a bit much. Staff are very eager to please.
NI
Nick Cassab
Great breakfast buffet and brunch, service is super high quality, and the food is on point.
KY
Kyle Darlow
An upscale restaurant in the Statler. Great selection and amazing entrees.
WO
Won Jae Lee
Great.. not sure if its worth the price though
ME
Melanie Weymer
Great food, nice setting valet parking.
AN
Anthony Muljadi
Brunch buffet is quite good.
B.
B. Herath Thanks
good food
A
A Private User
yum
