Cortland, New York Restaurants

Outdoor sports reign during all four seasons around Cortland. Ski or try ice fishing in the winter; in the spring and summer, fish for trout in more than 25 nearby lakes and ponds. Hike part of the Finger Lakes Trail, a 560-mile trail starting on the Pennsylvania/New York border that goes all the way to the Finger Lakes region; 55 miles of the trail go through Cortland County. Bike a variety of trails. When you've built up your appetite, visit one of these restaurants.

Fabio's Italian Restaurant

Head to this restaurant in downtown Cortland when you crave homemade Italian food. Eat in or take out from a full menu featuring fresh ingredients, including plenty of seafood, pasta and chicken dishes. Start with a classic appetizer of imported prosciutto, salami and fresh mozzarella, or try the Pepata di Cozze---mussels sautéed in garlic wine. Enjoy a plate of homemade manicotti, four-cheese ravioli or a veal, chicken or seafood dish. For those watching their diets, Fabio's offers a heart-healthy menu. On major holidays, Fabio's opens at noon; otherwise, the restaurant is open for dinner only. Work off your meal with downhill or cross-country skiing at nearby Greek Peak Ski Area.

Fabio's Italian Restaurant
179 Homer Ave.
Cortland, NY 13045
(607) 753-6969
fabiositaliankitchen.com/

Hairy Tony's Pub & Fare

A relatively new addition to Cortland's restaurant scene, this gastropub serves a full menu in a casual but elegant setting. Enjoy brunch on Saturday and Sunday; eat in or take out for lunch and dinner the rest of the week. Start with an order of shoestring fries, piled high and served with mustard sauce. For the main course, try Hairy Tony's famous ribs, served with collard greens, sweet potato fries and cornbread. Or order the shepherd's pie, a beef and vegetable stew cooked with Guinness beer and crusted with cheddar mashed potatoes. Sandwiches, chicken, battered fish and chips, tuna, salmon and steaks are also available. The kitchen stays open until 11 p.m., making this a great place for a late-night snack. Play a round of golf at nearby Elm Tree Golf Course to build up your appetite.

Hairy Tony's Pub & Fare
102 Main St.
Cortland, NY 13045
(607) 662-0239
hairytonys.com/

Starr Bistro

This upscale restaurant serves dinner only, featuring fresh seafood, aged steaks and pasta dishes. Start with a bowl of the seafood bisque of the day or the tomato sampler, which includes marinated tomatoes served with fresh mozzarella cheese. Try the fresh-baked mushroom puff pastry with fresh chevre and a mushroom sauce, or choose from a number of seafood appetizers. For the main course, try the stuffed pork loin or the veal scaloppini; chicken, salmon, swordfish and tuna also dominate the menu. Meals start with a small green salad and freshly baked rolls. Make sure to save room for the handmade desserts. Get good and hungry with a hike at the nearby Lime Hollow Center---more than eight miles of trail await you.

Starr Bistro
117 Main St.
Cortland, NY 13045
(607) 299-0077
starrbistro.com/

Resources

Article Written By Nancy Wagner

Nancy Wagner is a marketing strategist and speaker who started writing in 1998. She writes business plans for startups and established companies and teaches marketing and promotional tactics at local workshops. Wagner's business and marketing articles have appeared in "Home Business Journal," "Nation’s Business," "Emerging Business" and "The Mortgage Press," among others. She holds a B.S. from Eastern Illinois University.

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