In the many years I lived in Ithaca, I never really went to the Moosewood all that much (which is surprising, considering how many people of the vegetarian bent I know… I eat a bit of seafood myself). I think I went only when other people wanted to check it out. It is undoubtedly world famous and influential. However, it’s price/(value+enjoyability) ratio never seemed all that great to me, especially before their last renovation.

This may be due to the fact that I used to live in a primarily vegetarian housing cooperative, and we used their early cookbooks extensively in our meal plan. Eating at the restaurant never seemed all that impressive, but perhaps that is a testament on the quality and influence of their cookbooks (and our own cooking skills).

I did go once after their renovation when they really spruced up the place and added the cafe and did have an enjoyable time.

Anyways, clearly one should go themselves and decide. I do like their house dressing (was that ever in one of their cookbooks?) Like many places, going for lunch is a better deal if you think dinner is pricey. They also serve fish sometimes; they are veg-aquariums like me. They still don’t take reservations, but now that they have the cafe one can hang out there instead of the hallway beside the bathroom.