This is hands down the best brunch place I have ever been to. Things to know: you NEED to call to make a reservation (seating is very limited inside). The owner is so kind. I accidentally missed my reservation because it was the day before and I hadn't realized but he still accommodated and we were able to be seated still in the barstool area. The food is amazing. I always order Eggs "Edinburgh." Best poached eggs I have ever eaten. I used to think poached eggs were mid and then this place opened my third eye. I don't even liked smoked salmon but they do something special here it is so good. I can't remember the dessert's name and its not on the menu but they have this orange/poppyseed/coconut cake that is the best cake I have ever had in my entire life. I feel like I'm glazing so hard it doesn't even sound genuine, but my truth is every single other brunch place is mid compared to here. It is a very cutely decorated place and the servers are so kind. I would go back to Ithaca just for Allechant's Eggs Edinburgh and cake. I think of their food often. I chase that high that those eggs gave me, but nothing ever compares unfortunately, and I am just left disappointed. One day I will be back for you, Allechant. read more

Allechant - Cake - Cafes Near Me - Ithaca, New York

See all

Great spot for dinner in Ithaca! I love the house-made desserts! I tried the mussels for appetizer which were very good. Not too heavy or salty. For mains I tried the vodka gnocchi and the cod stew. Both were excellent! I think if I were to return I would get the cod stew though- it is much more unique. Only complaint about the gnocchi is I wish there was more cheese on top. Desserts were divine! I love how they display them all on the table by the fireplace! We tried the pumpkin cake and the poppyseed coconut almond cake. I truly don't think I could pick a favorite. I wish the whipped cream was also homemade though. I came for dinner on a weekend night (with reservations). Service was solid. Overall, I would return! I will definitely be coming back to try their brunch! read more

See all

Quite pleased with Allechant, which makes for a perfect outdoor brunch spot. Menu options are the standard fare of breakfast foods - variations of eggs (Benedict and omelettes), potato, toast, and sausage for savory options, and pancakes, waffles, and cakes for those with a sweet tooth. Lunch options are mostly sandwiches. Our waitress Mary suggested a lemon bundt style cake for us as a special, and while it wasn't "special", it was a simple yet delightful way to whet our appetites. I ordered the Ploughman's Lunch, which was a hearty portion of all of the above savory options. Filling, but not immoderate, paying respect to the original traditional English meal. Staff was amiable and helpful. Prices, while not necessarily cheap, were quite fair (although I wouldn't trust their online prices). Reservations are recommended. I'd happily return for another try. read more

Allechant - Ploughman's Lunch - Cafes Near Me - Ithaca, New York

Cute little brunch spot with solid food and even better vibes. We came with a big group, and while the wait was kind of wild (maybe because we sat outside?), once our food arrived, it was totally worth it. My dish came with the dreamiest runny yolk - total chef's kiss moment. Their chai latte was so warm and literally a hug in a cup. The latte art was very adorable (peep the fancy little "A" on the foam), and the overall plating was aesthetic af lol. Great for catching up with friends. The outdoors seating was great, esp on a warm breezy day. That said, when it comes to Ithaca brunch, I'd still give the edge to Milkstand, MIX, or Angelhearts. But if you're nearby and craving a cozy morning bite, this spot delivers. read more

See all

This was not at all what was expected. The photos are so deceiving. This was a sad, overpriced experience. I waited a while to post this review with the notion to possibly return. I can't bring myself to suffer this experience again with the hopes that it will improve. I drove 5 hours to visit my mom and wanted to take her someplace out of the ordinary. The reviews and pictures were fabulous so I booked a reservation, which turned out to be very necessary for brunch. We ordered coffee which arrived quickly and was wonderful. Then things took a downward spiral as we sat and waited a very long time for our food order. My mom got the stuffed French Toast and I chose the Ploughman's Lunch. When everything came out I immediately noticed mine looked nothing like the pictures. My mom's was beautiful! Although beautiful, the toast had a smear of mascarpone and no idea where jam or lemon curd came into play. It was so dry and left her hungry. There was nothing on the plate except pretty...like Kate Moss in her early modeling career. Mine was ridiculous. The chicken sausage was so odd and overly sweet. It was gross and sadly, cold. Half the potatoes were burnt and inedible. The eggs were overdone and thrown on the plate. After all this, breakfast for two cost $55+ including tip (the waitress was very nice). Heartbreaking as this was the first time I have had a meal alone with my mother since moving from Georgia. I've decided we will not have a redo, ever. The cost is not worth the opportunity to be let down this again. I did not return or say anything about the food and just ate what I could. For this price, reservation expectations, and small menu, no one should ever have to endure this experience. read more

See all

I love this gem of a restaurant! The food is delicious and varying. The service is excellent, accommodating and welcoming. Lovely warm ambience... read more

See all

One of the best brunches in all of Ithaca. You must make reservations or you'll be hopeless on a weekend. The aesthetic is one of the best I've seen. It makes you feel cozy, warm, and like you can really unwind and have good conversation with someone you actually like. The Benedict was tasty and the bread it comes with is weird but delicious. I'm not sure what kind of toast it was but it was the most enticing toast I've had on my plate. The pancakes were phenomenal and I don't recommend skipping them. They weren't life changing but they were solid and perfectly made, which is all I can really ask for in pancakes. read more

See all

This is a charming spot for brunch with delicious food. My Eggs Edinburgh was one of the best I've had -- the flavors and textures were perfectly balanced between the ingredients. My husband ordered the sandwich and really enjoyed it, and my daughter had the Eggs Benedict, which she liked as well. However, the Belgian hot chocolate was a bit of a letdown. It looked great, but the flavor was too intense, and the consistency was overly thick. It almost tasted like several cups of hot chocolate had been condensed into one. read more

See all

So, generally speaking, I would probably give this place a 3.5. That said, I'm rounding up to 4 stars based on the fact that the people who work here are truly lovely. If you're going for brunch, I certainly recommend a reservation. I wish they had an online option for making reservations (Resy, OpenTable, etc), but it seems to be via phone call only. If you don't speak with someone directly, you can certainly leave a message. In my experience, they'll get back to you pretty quickly. The space itself is lovely, and I really enjoy the overall ambience. The staff are very attentive as well. So in all these areas, Allechant functions well. Perhaps the less successful aspect of Allechant is the food. Now, as someone who loves to cook (and does a good amount of it), I'm looking for certain things when I go out to eat... flavor, texture combinations, freshness, and so on. One of the first things that kinda turned me off when enjoying brunch recently was when my cousin asked our waitress if the orange juice for the mimosas had pulp. The waitress stuttered a bit and ultimately said she didn't think so... and that the orange juice they used was just regular, store bought orange juice. Other than that, the dishes are rather simple. My ploughman's lunch, for example, was described as "chicken sausage, chutney, gruyere cheese, fried eggs, roasted potatoes, and toast". I'm not sure exactly what kind of chutney it was supposed to be... but it tasted like a chunky ketchup. The gruyere cheese was simply a slice of cheese on the plate, which... I don't know. It seems like there could have been SOMETHING interesting done with it. I also wonder if the chicken sausage was store bought. I even wonder if the potatoes just came out of a store bought bag and got tossed in a fryer or skillet to reheat. And here's the thing... don't get me wrong... I love some of the simple-style "full English breakfast"-type meals. But I can also make those from home. If I'm making chicken sausage for something like a ploughman's lunch at home, I'm searing it, maybe even slicing it, for the crunch of the brown bits... or I'm creating a fruit chutney with seasonal fruits and interesting spices (i.e. it's not going to taste like bland, chunky ketchup). There are so many possibilities for just doing the most minimal things to amplify the flavor. TL;DR Allechant didn't fully hit the spot for me. The food is okay, but it definitely didn't wow me. If you go, make it for the ambience and the service... because those things are truly delightful. read more

See all

The food here is a 14 on a scale of 1 to 10. The ambience is perfect and the chef, Matt, creates an exceptional, seasonal menu and a perfect experience. Great wine and dessert selection too. If you're in Ithaca, this is the best restaurant around! (And frankly it would hold its own against any national top ranked restaurant). read more

My wife and I are very fond of European cuisine (she is Belgian, and I have spent a great deal of time in France). Allechant is a French bistro, and absolutely wonderful; one could imagine it in somewhere in Provence and frankly, even for that region it would stand out as an excellent restaurant. I've eaten here twice now, and my wife once. The dishes are variations on classics, but extremely well conceived and executed. Portions are generous, which can be an issue at our other strong French bistro (Bistro Cent-Dix), and the menu changes whereas Bistro Cent-Dix has been using the same menu for ages. The rooms are large and acoustics are good, so ambiance is quite positive. And the service was prompt and attentive. For us, Allechant is now the best of the regional restaurants, followed by a rough tie between Hazelnut Kitchen, Bistro Cent-Dix and Dano's Heuriger. read more

I so desperately want to give them 5 stars. Unfortunately I cannot. Last winter, my SO and I went to Allechant for a special occasion. We had a lovely time. I had the Beef borgonion and he had the duck. Delicious. While walking to the car he exclaimed that his bottom was wet. I confirmed that it was. It was fairly high up on his rear. When we got home he went straight to the shower as the wet spot smelled like urine. I called the restaurant to alert them that this happened. The gentleman was nice enough but kept stating that no one had sat in that chair for days. I told him that I was letting him know so that no one sits in that chair. But unfortunately after that call there was no follow up, which left us feeling frustrated that there was no care about our experience. read more

I was looking forward to dinner here. My friend said it would be packed, because it was a Saturday night. We arrived, and about a third of the tables were empty. I think I know why. The food was REALLY DISAPPOINTNG, especially for the cost. The risotto was watery and lacked depth of flavor. The beets and lemon battled for attention, and nobody won. The gnocchi was equally sad. Not enough sage and quite dry with an odd taste of allspice or clove in it. Not a win. To top it off, we ordered the pavlova dessert. A large, hard to chop down tower of meringue surrounded by plops of whipped cream, with some raspberry sauce at the base. None of it seemed to go together. What a waste of money. This was not a trained chef at the helm, at least that night. read more

A perfect place to enjoy a summer evening in the finger lakes and beautiful Ithaca. Simply engineered menu with authentic French and variations of the same. Something for everyone but in no way overwhelming. This is not some small town eatery trying to do French. This is a small town eatery very much doing French, thank you very much. My daughter loves the Risotto - it was gone before I could ask for a bite. I loved the Moroccan Cod Tangine. Hearty, complex flavor profile - yet refined. And while their desserts rotate, I could have easily eaten any one of the five presented to us. We chose the Strawberry Dacqouise and were thrilled with it. The only thing that could have screwed up this meal was the service. But they nailed that too. If you're just passing through Ithaca, skip the touristy Commons and head here. read more

See all

The 26 letters of the English language seem measly when trying to form any sentence adequate enough to express my true love for Allechant. I know that's an outrageous statement, but everything this place offers--the incredible food, the amazing people and management, the wonderful atmosphere--makes it the best restaurant in Ithaca, bar-none. My partner and I have probably been to Allechant 20+ times in the past two years, and it never disappoints. The brunch menu is full of fantastic staples and seasonal takes, the dinner menu is inventive and substantial, the desserts are to die for, and the serving sizes are perfect (you always feel satisfied, but rarely like you've over-eaten). Plus, the coffee and chai and among some of the best we've had locally, and the wine selection is solid, too. Plus. (And a big plus here.) The workers are INCREDIBLE!!! Seeing Matt and Katie truly brightens our week whenever we come by. Wherever we go, Allechant will always be in our hearts, and we cannot recommend this place enough. read more

See all

Truly remarkable place- exceptional food, service, and ambiance. Not just the best restaurant in Ithaca, competitive on any stage.

Came here for dinner and all I can say is wow. This has to be Ithaca's hidden gem. The restaurant is so bright and clean and takes you out of the "Ithaca feel". Seating is extremely limited (like 10 tables), so make a reservation, especially in peak season! Dishes are unique, but simple! Salmon, hanger steak and the special Shepards pie were delectable! Service is fantastic and the owner goes out of his way to speak to every table! Make sure you try dessert! Chocolate cake was ridiculously tasty! read more

Allechant - Hanger Steak - Cafes Near Me - Ithaca, New York

As a special brunch event our two daughters (and granddaughter) brought my husband and me for brunch. As my 91 year old husband is limited in mobility, he was helped graciously into a chair After scanning the menu we all decided on quite a variety of their dishes. The "eclair" waffle looked just like an eclair but was definitely breakfast food. The stuffed French toast was as perfect as one could wish. The Ploughman's Breakfast was a challenge but my husband finished it with a smile. Lemon soufflé pancakes with a drizzle of chocolate and raspberry sauces were quite a hit for one daughter. No maple syrup was needed. Coffee refills were gladly received without asking. read more

See all

Had brunch at Allechant after hearing many good things and it lived up to the hype! Very hard to choose from the menu, everything looked so delicious. Ambiance in the cafe was really charming and perfect for a rainy Sunday morning. Service was friendly and food came out fast and hot. I really enjoyed my Eggs Fiesole, there was no shortage of fresh greens and the focaccia was also really tasty. Eggs Benedict and the egg sandwich also got great reviews from my dining companions. I did not take a picture but we also had the pumpkin French toast which was just magical. Can't wait to return! read more

See all

One of the best breakfasts places in Ithaca, but a little pricey for what you get. Take your family here for brunch, but maybe get coffee and pastries before you come. read more

Allechant - Crab Benedict - Cafes Near Me - Ithaca, New York

Went to this spot in July and me and my wife were the only two people in the dining room. That's already a bad sign. Plus we learned that we could not have alcohol because of issues with the liquor license at that time, not a big deal but still. The major gripe I have is that the food came out super quick which was a little too fast which makes me think it wasn't cooked fresh. My wife's cod dish was ice cold but the plate was hot and my hangar steak was just ok but not worth the price. I see a lot of positive reviews so I hope they were just having an off night. read more

Food was delicious! The cioppino was loaded with plenty of shrimp and other seafood. The burrata starter was tasty, the sweet corn risotto was great and worth the wait. Also, the gnocchi was very flavorful. The desserts were fantastic as well. We highly recommend this restaurant. The service was also very good and the hello from the chef was a nice touch. read more

Outstanding! This place is special. The service is warm, welcoming, and knowledgeable. The space is cozy and also open, unfussy, and casually elegant. And the food - it's always spot on for me. I love the quiche, the lemon French toast, the risotto... Hands down wonderful! read more

Went to Allechant for a special dinner and was delighted by everything. The setting is clean and airy, including an array of outdoor tables under string lights and service was prompt, professional, and friendly. The food was delicious. I love a small menu, it really shows that the chef(s) are putting out refined, balanced dishes, and Allechant was no exception. The risotto was so balanced and flavorful, I was delighted to be forced to choose it (they had just served the last chicken dish before I got there). I have but one complaint: I had to swat away a few mosquitoes mid-meal because the doors to the dining room were open. But that has less to do with the restaurant and everything to do with the mosquito apocalypse we're enduring this summer. The only thing I'd add is that it would be nice to have a small cocktail menu. The only spirits on the drink menu were wine, beer, and cider. We will definitely go back, hopefully to try their brunch menu. read more

The food was fresh and flavorful. The staff very attentive. The menu is simple and yet can satisfy a range of palates. They do not serve cocktails or mocktails. Overall a lovely meal. read more

Great food and great people. Highly recommended. Nice local place with style. Good for brunch and good for dinner.

Nestled into a discrete corner just off of Cornell's bustling North Campus lies the noble, unassuming Alléchant Kitchen. Adorned with multi-colored string lights ands a heartwarming handwritten sign that reads "love yourself and each other," I quickly came to anticipate that this establishment would become a new favorite. Entering the venue only confirmed this prediction, as the host greeted me by name and beckoned my dining companions and me to a lovely table near the bar. A seamless mélange of classy and cozy, the dining area is decorated in a manner both innovative and classic. This theme continues in the menu itself, with a touch of modern flair on a variety of traditional dishes. I enjoyed the miso-glazed salmon with buckwheat soba noodles and Madeira-porcini broth, while one of my colleagues opted for the gnocchi and another the hanger steak. The salmon was cooked to perfection and the broth filled my belly to the brim with warmth and comfort. Towards the end of our meal, my companions and I couldn't help but steal glances at the dessert spread across the room. The host so graciously guided us through each option, at which point I had my eye on the flourless chocolate chestnut cake. Served alongside an immaculately light whipped cream, the cake was ideally rich without overwhelming the palate. I felt a twinge of sadness at leaving Alléchant at the end of our evening, but the feeling is not too severe -- I shall be back, and I recommend you do the same! read more

See all

Alléchant is a charming new restaurant in Cayuga Heights--we wandered by after getting coffee and decided to grab sandwiches, and I'm so glad we did! We both had the panino with chorizo iberico, aged manchego cheese, and fig jam on a rosemary focaccia, and it was the perfect combination of savory and sweet; the beet salad was perhaps more mixed greens and fewer beets than I had expected, but it was still refreshing. (The sandwiches come with small green salads as well.) Alléchant is perfect for a leisurely weekday lunch or weekend brunch; the service is friendly and warm, and I look forward to many more meals here. read more

Perfect. Menu is functional/ varied and obviously created with Love. to Paraphrase Neil Diamond at the Last Waltz Concert with the Group The Band on New Year's Eve 1977 in San Francisco: only going to do one song for you but I am going to do it GOOD. that is their Monika, they do it GOOD! Go enjoy/ indulge and relax. it's like "Eating used to be: slow/ measured and wonderful! Geeat ambiance and Staff that wishes that you find it memorable. Ithaca Eric read more

I went to Allechant today for the first time and it was wonderful! We chose from their brunch menu, and they had some additional specials of the day. I had the quiche and it was delicious. Freshly baked with a wonderful, flakey crust. They continued to fill our coffee cups which was very nice. Our table was close to the fireplace which was especially nice on a cold day. You can also eat outside. The owner walks around and visits with his guests; he's a pleasant & enjoyable man. Be sure to make a reservation if you want to eat here. It's in high demand. read more

Allechant - Quiche Lorraine and salad - Cafes Near Me - Ithaca, New York

Went for dinner. Food was fantastic and service great available but not intrusive! Chairs were extremely comfortable and even had small pillows! Will return read more

A unique new eatery in Cayuga Heights. The decor is unpretentious and inviting, the menu the same. The menu for lunch consisted of a soup and a salad special, plus a variety of hot and cold sandwiches along with some very creative salads and beverages. The menu is small to ensure that everything is fresh. I was told that hey'll be getting beer and wine license soon. I chose the special salad with baby spinach, fresh mozzarella, English cucumbers, prosciutto, cherry tomatoes and a delicious vinaigrette dressing. My friend (who incidentally is Asian and loves Asian foods of all cultures) ordered the springroll salad. She was impressed, said they were the best spring rolls in Ithaca and that the rest of the salad was delicious as well. She also ordered a side of roast beef to add to her salad. Her only complaint was that there wasn't enough peanut sauce for the rolls. For dessert we enjoyed a slice of Limoncello cake with a lemon rind mascarpone cream center that was absolutely amazing. Excellent service, great fresh food. Check please and I'll be back, that's for certain. read more

Allechant is all about balance. The wait staff knows when to be attentive and when to keep their distance. Appetizers and entrées have flavor but are not over-seasoned. Each night's menu is short -- only five or six main dishes -- but I always find something that's absolutely delicious. There are always vegetarian options but not a plethora of them. Highly recommend for those for quality cuisine in a relatively casual, low-key environment. read more

It's the brunch I've been searching for in Ithaca. Absolutely delish! Staff is friendly, cool atmosphere. My only complaint is that they're not open enough for me to eat at more read more

Great addition to the Ithaca brunch scene. Everything was perfect and the service was wonderful. All the items we ordered were delicious. Soufflé pancakes were lemony and fluffy, quiche had a perfect crust and gooey filling. read more

Charming and delicious! Great fromage forte. Everything was done perfectly. Don't skip dessert!

My husband and I enjoyed a relaxing Sunday brunch here the other weekend. The interior is bright and homey, the cappuccino was perfect and we tried our hardest to savor every bite of our food because all we wanted to do was devour it. I ordered the Eggs Fiesole and my husband got the special. We're looking forward to trying the lunch menu! The staff was attentive and the service was great. Thank you Allechant for a delightful morning! This is a must try read more

Allechant - Adorable seating with gorgeous lighting and art - Cafes Near Me - Ithaca, New York

Delicious food, nice setting, helpful staff. Great dinner. I would highly recommend it.

Food is amazing, would come back just to talk to the hostest he'a awesome and made my day and gave everyone blankets because it was cold! 10/10 would recommend read more

When I lived in Ithaca I loved this sweet spot! I had many Brunches there and brought all my friends. Food is superb! I highly recommend the hot chocolate and the spring roll salad. Everything is made with love and kindness. I miss you ! read more