Top 6 Best South Indian Restaurant Near Ithaca

If you’re craving a taste of the exotic, look no further than the vibrant flavors of South Indian Restaurant Near Ithaca. With its emphasis on spices and aromatic dishes, South Indian food offers a unique dining experience that will tantalize your taste buds. Luckily, you don’t have to travel far to enjoy the best South Indian food near Ithaca.

In this blog, we’ll explore the top 6 restaurants in the area that serve mouthwatering dishes from the southern region of India.

Unique Features of South Indian Food

South Indian restaurant near Ithaca is known for its distinctive features that set it apart from other Indian cuisines. One of the key elements is the emphasis on spices, which add depth and complexity to the dishes.

Coconut, lentils, and curry leaves are commonly used, creating a unique and aromatic flavor profile. Additionally, South Indian food often includes dishes like dosas, idlis, and sambar soup, which are not commonly found in other Indian cuisines.

The use of whole milk, coconut, and coriander seasoning gives South Indian food a creamy and fragrant taste. Another unique aspect of South Indian cuisine is its extensive range of vegetarian dishes, making it a popular choice for vegetarians and vegans.

1. Sangam Indian Cuisine

Located in downtown Ithaca, Sangam Indian Cuisine is a hidden gem that specializes in authentic South Indian dishes. The restaurant offers a cozy ambiance and friendly staff, creating a welcoming atmosphere for diners.

When it comes to food, Sangam Indian Cuisine delivers with its mouthwatering dosas, idlis, and vadas. These dishes are made with fresh ingredients, cooked to perfection, and bursting with flavors. Some recommended dishes include masala dosa, sambar, and coconut chutney.

Whether you’re a meat lover or a vegetarian, Sangam Indian Cuisine has options for everyone. The restaurant also offers catering services, making it an excellent choice for events and parties.

2. Dosa Grill

If you’re in the mood for dosas, look no further than Dosa Grill, a popular South Indian restaurant near Ithaca, NY. Known for its wide variety of dosa options, Dosa Grill offers a menu that caters to all tastes.

From classic dosa to masala dosa, each dish is made with a fermented batter of rice and urad dal, resulting in a crispy, flavorful crepe-like delicacy. In addition to dosas, Dosa Grill also serves other South Indian specialties like idlis, vadas, and uttapams.

The restaurant’s menu is entirely vegetarian, with plenty of vegan and gluten-free options available. With its casual and cozy atmosphere, friendly service, and reasonable prices, Dosa Grill is a favorite spot among locals and visitors alike.

3. Flavors – Canandaigua

Just a short drive from Ithaca, Flavors in Canandaigua offers a delectable array of authentic South Indian dishes. From dosas and idlis to curries and biryani, this restaurant has it all.

The menu is vegetarian-friendly, with plenty of options for those who follow a meat-free diet. What sets Flavors apart is not only the delicious food but also the cozy ambiance and friendly staff, providing a memorable dining experience.

Some must-try dishes include the masala dosa, chana masala, and sambar vada. If you’re planning an event or party, Flavors also offers catering services, ensuring that your guests will be treated to the best South Indian cuisine.

4. Mia Restaurant

For a unique fusion of South Indian restaurant near Ithaca, look no further than Mia Restaurant. Located in downtown Ithaca, Mia Restaurant offers a diverse menu of South Indian dishes, including dosas, biryanis, and curries. The restaurant is known for its authentic flavors, fresh ingredients, and friendly service.

Whether you’re a vegetarian or a meat lover, Mia Restaurant has options to satisfy your cravings. The cozy and intimate atmosphere makes it a great spot for a date or a small gathering, where you can indulge in the flavors of South India and Thailand.

5. Sahota Palace

For an authentic taste of the South Indian restaurant near Ithaca, Sahota Palace is the place to go. This family-owned restaurant offers a wide variety of dishes that showcase the flavors of South India. From dosas and idlis to biryanis and curries, Sahota Palace has something for everyone.

The restaurant caters to both vegetarians and non-vegetarians, ensuring that there are options for every palate.

Customers rave about the quality and taste of the food, making Sahota Palace a favorite among locals. If you’re planning an event or party, Sahota Palace also offers catering services, allowing you to enjoy the delicious flavors of South India wherever you are.

6. Firehouse Subs

While not strictly a South Indian restaurant, Firehouse Subs deserves a mention for its delicious sandwiches. Located in Ithaca, Firehouse Subs offers a variety of hot and cold sub sandwiches, made with premium meats, cheeses, and fresh ingredients.

The restaurant is known for its generous portion sizes, allowing you to satisfy your hunger with a satisfying sandwich. With a wide range of toppings and condiments to choose from, you can customize your sandwich to your liking. Firehouse Subs also offers salads, soups, and catering options, making it a great choice for a quick and tasty meal.

What makes these restaurants stand out?

Each of the restaurants mentioned above has its own unique qualities that make it stand out among the rest.

Sangam Indian Cuisine stands out for its authentic South Indian dining experience, serving dishes like dosas, biryani, and sambar soup. The restaurant’s cozy ambiance and friendly staff contribute to a pleasant dining experience.

Dosa Grill is a favorite spot for South Indian food, offering a wide variety of dosa options, along with other Indian delicacies. The restaurant’s casual atmosphere, delicious food, and reasonable prices make it a go-to spot for locals and visitors alike.

Flavors in Canandaigua offers a mix of South Indian, North Indian, and Indo-Chinese dishes, making it a standout restaurant in the area. The restaurant’s extensive menu, cozy ambiance, and friendly staff ensure a memorable dining experience.

Mia Restaurant offers a fusion of South Indian and Thai cuisine, creating unique dishes you won’t find elsewhere. The restaurant’s fresh ingredients, authentic flavors, and cozy atmosphere make it a favorite among food enthusiasts.

Sahota Palace is known for its traditional South Indian buffet, offering a wide variety of dishes to choose from. The restaurant’s affordable prices, generous portions, and friendly service make it a go-to spot for those craving authentic South Indian cuisine.

Are there any Hidden Gems for South Indian Food in Ithaca?

While the restaurants mentioned above are well known for their delicious South Indian food, there are also hidden gems in the area that offer authentic dishes.

Sangam Indian Cuisine, located in downtown Ithaca, is a hidden gem offering authentic South Indian dishes. Their dosas, biryani, and sambar soup are highly recommended and will transport you to the streets of India.

Dosa Grill, a favorite new sandwich spot, serves delicious dosa wraps and other South Indian delicacies. The restaurant’s unique take on dosas, along with their flavorful fillings, make them a hidden gem worth exploring.

Mia Restaurant, with its fusion of South Indian and Thai cuisine, offers dishes that you won’t find elsewhere. This hidden gem combines the best of both worlds, creating a truly unique dining experience.

Sahota Palace, located at the gateway center, is another hidden gem known for its flavorful South Indian buffet. With a wide variety of dishes to choose from, Sahota Palace will satisfy even the most discerning taste buds.

Flavors in Canandaigua, located just a few miles from Ithaca, is a hidden gem that offers a mix of South Indian, North Indian, and Indo-Chinese dishes. This restaurant is definitely worth a visit if you’re in the mood for authentic and flavorful food.

How to Enjoy South Indian Food to the Fullest

To fully enjoy the flavors of South Indian food, here are some tips:

Start with appetizers like sambar soup, lentils, and coconut chutney, which are commonly served with dosas and idlis. These dishes will awaken your taste buds and prepare your palate for the main course.

Explore the variety of dosa options, from classic dosa to masala dosa, filled with a flavorful potato mixture. Each dosa has its own unique taste and texture, so don’t be afraid to try different ones.

Don’t miss out on biryani, a fragrant rice dish cooked with spices, meat, and vegetables, typically served with raita. Biryani is a favorite among food enthusiasts, known for its aromatic flavors and rich taste.

Try dishes like sambar, coconut curry, and rasam, which showcase the unique flavors of South Indian cuisine. These dishes are made with a blend of spices, lentils, and coconut, resulting in a burst of flavors in every bite.

Pair your meal with refreshing coconut water or a traditional south Indian spiced buttermilk, known as “lassi”. These beverages complement the spices in the food and provide a cooling effect.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some popular South Indian dishes to try in Ithaca?

When dining at a South Indian restaurant in Ithaca, there are several dishes that you must try. These dishes represent the essence of South Indian cuisine and will leave you wanting more.

Dosas: Dosas are crispy, fermented crepes made from rice and lentils. They are typically served with sambar soup, coconut chutney, and a variety of fillings such as potatoes, paneer, or chicken.

Idlis: Idlis are steamed rice cakes, made from a fermented batter of rice and lentils. They are soft, fluffy, and often served with sambar soup, coconut chutney, and other accompaniments.

Vadas: Vadas are savory, crispy fritters made from lentil or potato batter. They are deep-fried to perfection, resulting in a golden, crunchy exterior and a soft, flavorful interior.

Sambar: Sambar is a lentil soup made with a variety of vegetables, spices, and tamarind. It is typically served with dosas, idlis, or vadas, adding a tangy and spicy flavor to the dishes.

These dishes, along with many others, represent the rich and diverse flavors of South Indian cuisine, making them a must-try when dining in Ithaca.

Are there any vegetarian or vegan options available at these restaurants?

If you’re a vegetarian or vegan, you’ll be pleased to know that many South Indian dishes are vegetarian or vegan-friendly. In fact, South Indian cuisine is known for its wide range of vegetarian dishes, making it a popular choice for those following a meat-free diet.

Restaurants like Sangam Indian Cuisine, Dosa Grill, Flavors in Canandaigua, and Sahota Palace offer a variety of vegetarian options on their menus. From dosas and idlis to curries and biryanis, there are plenty of choices to satisfy your cravings.

When dining at these restaurants, you can rest assured that the vegetarian dishes are prepared separately from meat dishes, ensuring that they are completely meat-free. The restaurants also take care to use fresh and high-quality ingredients, resulting in delicious and nutritious vegetarian dishes.

What are the price ranges for the top South Indian restaurants in Ithaca?

The price range for South Indian restaurants in Ithaca can vary depending on the restaurant and the dishes ordered. On average, expect to pay around $10-$20 per person for a meal at a South Indian restaurant in Ithaca.

Restaurants like Mehak, Sangam Indian Cuisine, and Taste of Thai Express offer delicious South Indian food at affordable prices, making them popular choices among locals and visitors alike.

It’s always a good idea to check the prices online or call ahead to get an idea of the price range before visiting a South Indian restaurant in Ithaca. This will help you plan your budget accordingly and ensure that you have a satisfying dining experience without breaking the bank.

Do any of these restaurants offer delivery or takeout options?

In today’s fast-paced world, convenience is key. Many of the top-rated South Indian restaurants in Ithaca offer both delivery and takeout options, making it easy to enjoy their delicious food from the comfort of your own home.

Restaurants like Sangam Indian Cuisine, Taste of Thai Express, and Flavors in Canandaigua offer online ordering for both delivery and pickup. This allows you to browse the menu, place your order, and have it delivered right to your doorstep or ready for pickup at your convenience.

With the ongoing pandemic, many restaurants have also implemented contactless delivery and pickup options for safety. This ensures that you can enjoy your favorite South Indian dishes while maintaining social distancing and minimizing contact.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you’re craving the unique flavors of South Indian cuisine near Ithaca, you’re in luck. The top 6 restaurants listed above offer a wide range of delicious options to satisfy your taste buds.

From the authentic flavors of Sangam Indian Cuisine to the diverse menu of Dosa Grill, there’s something for everyone. Don’t forget to try the hidden gems that may not be as well-known but still offer exceptional dishes.

Whether you’re a vegetarian, vegan, or meat lover, these restaurants have options to suit your preferences. Prices vary, but you can find a meal to fit any budget. And if you’re in a hurry, takeout and delivery options are available. So go ahead and indulge in the flavors of South India right here in Ithaca.

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