I was so excited to try this restaurant and it didn't disappoint! It is a step back in time. Such a great history of a restaurant! Be sure to read the story. We started with a mixed salad with blue cheese crumbles which was excellent. I ordered the chicken Riggy's, my daughter ordered the cappellini with meatballs, and my husband got the eggplant Parmesan and chicken Parmesan combo. My chicken Riggy's were excellent!, bathed in a creamy vodka like sauce with a kick! Tender pieces of chicken in a pink cream sauce. Just delicious. The angel hair pasta was also quite good and nice marinara sauce and the meatballs didn't disappoint. The fresh baked bread was crusty and delicious. The eggplant and chicken Parm combo was massive! It was a bit heavier than expected but the flavor was good. Our waitress was lovely, and the service was very good. All in all we really enjoyed our experience here and we will definitely be back. read more

See all

Green Arch is a must try in Cortland for a fancy date night, family dinner, or night out with friends. The classic Italian atmosphere makes this place feel extra special and the dishes are worth raving about. I had the chicken riggies which came with a salad with actual field greens and of course some delicious homemade Italian bread. read more

Green Arch Restaurant - Chicken Riggies - Italian Near Me - Cortland, New York

See all

service was beyond terrible The ribeye was dry and tough Never again Awful not worth the money read more

Husband and I went Saturday night May 2nd. I have never been to a restaurant that charges when you ask for more bread without telling you there is an up charge. Husband asked for extra sauce on his pasta and they brought him a small monkey dish with maybe 3 tablespoons of sauce and charged $6.24. Also was not served water and had to ask for it. It was the first and will be the last time we go there. read more

Went to the Green Arch for dinner last night. I've been going there for the last 60 plus years. Always great food and service, and last night was no exception. I did notice that in my opinion, and two others in our group, that the sauce didn't taste like "Arch" sauce. Although delicious, it definately didn't taste like the Arch sauce that we all remember. I (we) sure hope that you haven't changed it. Anyway, when in town, will continue to go there as it is always a special treat ... highly recommend. read more

We had a great time in this wonderful place! We were just looking for a place to wind down and eat some nice food for the night and it was my daughter's turn to choose a restaurant. She picked out a really good one! The staff is really nice and the food is delicious! The style of this restaurant really brings me back, the bar is really cute! I would definitely come back but this time with the whole family. This is a great place to go if you are looking for a great time! read more

Green Arch Restaurant - East chicken riggies - Italian Near Me - Cortland, New York

See all

We were in town for a concert and wanted to try an old school Italian American restaurant. The decor hasn't changed in many decades and that was the charm of this place. We sat at the bar first for a pre dinner cocktail and their house Sangiovese wine was very good as was my dirty martini. Cool shot glasses with mobsters mug shots, a refrigerator right out of the 1930s, and a very welcoming (and busy) bartender started us off right! Our host was a gregarious young man who happened to once live and teach nearby us and he greeted us warmly. Our server was very attentive and the meal came out piping hot. We ordered the shrimp, bacon, and Gorgonzola appetizer which was very tasty, although pricey at $17 for 5 shrimp. The star is definitely the large portions and variety of layered Italian comfort food dishes. The side salad is small but fresh and I was glad not to fill up on it. Warm locally made bread was great to mop up the sauce. Veal Parmesan is hand pounded and very tender, with choice of pasta. My eggplant and chicken layered dish was a first for me, and was also extremely tender and savory. The decor in the room is an eclectic mix including a scene of backlit Italian monuments and well know tourist attractions The place was clean, and just the right dinner lighting. Definitely a local hot spot for dinner, as they did get busy quickly, and we did not get a chance to have coffee or dessert as our server had a very large party arrive in addition to many others. Not a big problem just curious if they had some homemade goodies. Well worth it and I would recommend to anyone looking for a local gem. They also have various steaks priced at market price, as well as pork chops but really it seems a go to spot for American Italian food, with large portions and plenty to take home! read more

Green Arch Restaurant - Chicken and eggplant Parmesan, with a side of rigatoni and sauce - Italian Near Me - Cortland, New York

I really enjoyed dinner here. I think the decor is a cheesy, but my grandfather loves it, so I might not be the target audience. The servings are generous, definitely enough for two meals, and the servers are in top of things even when they are busy. The food is excellent. Exactly what you want when you crave pasta. read more

Green Arch Restaurant - Italian Near Me - Cortland, New York

Where to begin? If there was an option to do 8 stars, I would. I first ate at the Greenarch circa Autumn 2023. The night was chilly with an aroma of oregano wafting through the streets. Upon entering the restaurant, I was entranced with the vibe and felt transported to the mafia era in the 30's My beautiful wife and I returned to this establishment last night, which was her first time. Granted, I had built up a small amount of hype, which normally ruins the experience. Al Contrar Monfrare. The experience was amazing (and almost surpassing the previous visit). The flavors brought me back to Tony Soprano's house where we twirled pasta and laughed over garlic bread, dancing late into the night, embracing each other lightly, discussing the flavors and aroma. As we left the restaurant, we said our goodbyes, twirling around cannolis and pasties. -Timotheus read more

Food and service was good. I had the veal parm and it was tender and cooked right. Now to the drinks...buyer beware: I ordered 2 Tito's on the rocks which is a shot for each drink. They charged $26! A 1.75 liter bottle costs on average $30. There are approximately 40 shots to a bottle. If I'm doing the math right, 40 x $13 is $520 which is a 1,733% markup! That is outrageous! $7 each would have been reasonable. The bartender said it's a college town. That does not justify the price. I highly doubt college kids are lining up to go to a quaint little Italian restaurant off the beaten path that you have to make a reservation for. read more

You had a world-renowned chef visit today. The sausage was overcooked. The pasta was not Al Dente. The sauce tasted like it came out of a can. My sweetheart who is in a wheelchair could not sit in the dining room so we had to sit in the bar area. They had to bring out a special ramp to place in front of the door to let us in and out which to me is kind of hocky. To me, this restaurant could use an overhaul. The decor was old and outdated. But in the end it was very clean. Due to house policy we could not sit and listen to the television while we were eating in the bar. We had to listen to old fashioned 50's music the whole time. There was no one else in the bar... but us. read more

Service was absolutely fantastic! Wine and drink selection was great. The fresh bread was soft, warm and delicious. The ambiance was very outdated and the walls looked like they had yellowed from the years past when indoor smoking was allowed. The salad was rather simple. The primavera was very disappointing. Green arch has a great reputation, so I expected high quality homemade Italian food. However the pasta was dry (under oiled) and the vegetables tasted frozen, not fresh. All in all it tasted like a TV dinner, not a fine Italian restaurant. Fortunately, my aunt said the steak, sprouts and mashed potatoes were delicious. If only they had a smaller cut of meat. The steak did look great. read more

Green Arch Restaurant - Pasta primavera - Italian Near Me - Cortland, New York

A gem that wish we had found before. Great 1930s vibe. Attentive service and a friendly bar. We ordered Fiddleheads- a treat when in season. Then Baked Scrod and the Siciliano Parmigiana. Both excellent. And finished with a cannoli. Dont forget to order an old fashioned. A bit on the sweet side, but their signature drink. read more

See all

This old-time bar-restaurant left us flat. It is open only15 hours a week and isn't worth the wait. Our Friday night visit was clouded by a late arrival of one of our group, and we were punished by being ignored for a while. We ordered the Clams in white sauce, a major disappointment. Flavorless and light on Clams. It comes with a throw-away salad. Oddly, there is no soup on the menu at all. No Minestrone, no White Bean or Wedding soup. What Italian restaurant does that? The Calamari was overcooked and rubbery, and much smaller that the photos shown here. Others in our party were happier with their pasta choices. Service overall was perfunctory. Prices seem to be up about 15-20% in the last 14 months based on a menu photo here from April '21. A definite pass. read more

See all

I'll start off with the positive. The service was great. Okay now that I got that out of the way onto the rest of this review. Overrated! First of all when we first came here, the hours online said they close at 10... but when we showed up around 8:45 they told us the kitchen closed at 8:30. Coming here today we had the burrata for appetizer because we were informed three different appetizer dishes were not even available. The salad I ordered was watery, and the meatballs had no flavor to it and fell apart as soon as you tried to pick it up with your fork. As for entrees I ordered the chicken riggies while my boyfriend's mother ordered the same thing but extremely mild. The sauce was very garlicky which can easily upset the stomach. The pasta kept breaking each time I picked it up. My boyfriend and his sister had the chicken parm which in their words "tasted like a TV dinner." The pasta.... two words- MUSH CITY. Another reviewer described it as tasting like salty manure and I couldn't agree more. My boyfriend's father got the eggplant parm which was thick and tough. I felt bad for the waitress because she looked uncomfortable at the amount of food we didn't finish, but then again idk if she's ever even had the food she serves, then she would understand. Overall don't waste your money. read more

Excellent food and service was very good. Quiet and dimly lit, somewhat dated atmosphere, but the food is well worth it. Upscale Italian food with fresh ingredients. Filet was incredibly tender with amazing flavor, cooked to perfection. 4 stars- would have been 5 if the environment was a little more upscale and inviting and I wish they would have prices on their steaks on the menu read more

This is a great Italian restaurant that has been around since 1933. All the Cartland locals eat here. Wait staff is attentive. The portions are big and the menu is full of Italian choices for you to enjoy! Off street parking only. Ambiance is quiet and homey with a family atmosphere not like a huge restaurant. You'll love the bread they make it here. Service was slow on a Saturday night. Reservations are a must . read more

See all

Excellent food and great atmosphere. Service has always been terrific. Haven't tried since new management but definitely worth a try.

Great service and the food was fantastic. I always enjoy going there. You can count on getting your moneys worth!

If you are in the Cortland area and want to avoid bar food, college kids, and tourist pricing; and you want good old school Italian, italian from the Bronx feel, come here. I was born in the Bronx. I grew up in places that looked like this. This is the real deal, but in Cortland. I love the history of the place, the looks and feel. The service was amazing, the staff was super friendly and everything I had was top notch. If you live here and never been, shame on you and if your kids go to Cortland and you want a solid place to have dinner that doesn't smell like beer, well stop here. I have it book marked now. And thanks to the hotel front desk kid. "It's a walk from here" ( 3/4 of a mile lol) I'm glad I drove. read more

Green Arch Restaurant - Italian Near Me - Cortland, New York

See all

I've been hearing good things about this place for a while and it really lived up to the hype! I went here this evening, a Thursday, with a co-worker, and we enjoyed the whole experience. We arrived about 20 minutes before our reservation and had a cocktail in the tap room. It was strong and delicious and the bartender was very friendly. As we walked into the dining room we commented on how good the food smelled. We both enjoyed everything we ate, and we each had a nice glass of wine. The Utica greens were very good, our entrees were excellent, and we splurged and had dessert. I had a combination of chicken and eggplant parmesan and it was outstanding. The whole dish was delicious and the sauce was so good. My friend commented that she loved her pasta primavera. Portions we're very generous; despite it all being wonderful, we both have a full lunch to take home for tomorrow. The tiramisu was fantastic and also a generous portion. Other highlights included friendly and attentive service, and a cool atmosphere. If the walls could talk, I'm sure they'd have quite a story. Dating back to the '30s, you definitely feel like you've stepped back in time. I thought the old school interior was charming and fun, and it had a relaxed and unpretentious feel, while at the same time being very nice. Prices were fair, especially for the food quality and portions. Overall, this was an awesome little local restaurant. If you like delicious Italian food and a friendly, unique atmosphere, this is a must visit. read more

Food was very good and portion sizes were decent. It is a bit crowded so a reservation is recommended. Also a bit spendy

Food was amazing! I lived in LA for four years and I can honestly say this restaurant beat any Italian restaurant over there. Food was impressive, and servers were polite. The interior design gives the experience a fun twist. Definitely would go back. read more

Absolutely delicious dinner. Had the scrod and hubby had the pork belly. Appetizer was shrimp with Gorgonzola and spinach. Delicious salad with balsamic dressing and blue cheese crumbles. Old time Italian restaurant with great staff. read more

This place is amazing ... very friendly and comfortable!! The food is delicious, I would definitely come back!!!

My family and I are in town for the weekend. The Green Arch had lots of great reviews, so we made a reservation. So glad we did! The food was delicious and the service was excellent! read more

No idea. After waiting in parking lot 30 minutes for them to open I was told their takeout dinners were sold out. Very disappointed. Wish I had known you can place takeout meals prior to opening time. read more

I grew up in Ithaca in the 1970s. At the time, there were lots of Italian options to choose from. It was customary to put on your Sunday dress with your black, patent leather shoes, and head out to places like Joe's, or the Coddington, or Lucatelli's with your family for a big dinner. These places were always dimly lit, with a small bar area in the front where the adults would sip Old Fashioned's and us kids would tear around where we could without getting into trouble until it was time to sit down for dinner. These places gave you a special feeling inside, I don't know if it's some kind of Italian pride, or just the closeness you would feel as a family just being together and sharing a meal. Sadly, these places are gone from Ithaca, and I haven't had that same feeling since I was probably 6 or 7 years old. Until this past Saturday night, when I ventured out to Cortland to visit the Green Arch Restaurant with some friends. Walking up the sidewalk and checking out the exterior, with old neon signage and dark windows, I felt my heart leap a little bit. I had hope for this place. Once I walked in the front door and surveyed the bar area, and the little steps to the right that lead to the bathrooms which were marked with the same lit signs that I imagine have been there since the place opened, I felt that old feeling again. This place has been untouched by time. The bar is somewhat dark with vintage booths and framed pics of the days of old. My friends ordered margaritas and Old Fashioned's, which they raved about. The margaritas looked straight out of Key West, and the Old Fashioned was served in the traditional glass, filled to the brim I might add, and loaded with muddled fruit. I went old school and opted for a glass of Chianti. You feel like you're walking into a speakeasy when the host is walking you through a second door you didn't notice that leads to the dining room, which is one large room, edged by vintage booths and tables to fill up the middle. Again, dimly lit all the way around, with pink lighting to compliment the round corner booths. I ordered the ravioli with a meatball, a house salad on the side with crumbly blue cheese (dressed with oil and vinegar, just like my grandma used to make) and yes, a side of ziti with sauce. I knew I was bringing the side home but I just really wanted to try that ziti. The ravioli was huge, and filled with the most delicious ricotta. The sauce is definitely more savory than sweet, and I am a fan. The meatball didn't sell me but that's only because I really can only eat my own meatballs; however, I will say that I brought it home and ate it the next day and it's my number one, most not-hated meatball that I've ever eaten at an italian restaurant. As I slid the one remaining ravioli into the takeout container at the end of the night, I grazed it with my index finger and felt that dry, powdery feeling on a spot that had no sauce on it and my thoughts were confirmed - definitely NOT a frozen ravioli. That is freshly made pasta right there. I'm taking one star off for no gnocchi on the menu, but only because it's my favorite italian dish ever, and I was sad it wasn't an option. I can't wait to visit the Green Arch again. I may not wear patent leather shoes, but I am absolutely ordering one of those Old Fashioned's. read more

I came here from Florida wanting real Italian food and I found it ! Omg this was the best Raviolis I've ever had and the meatballs were amazing. The atmosphere was perfect and the service was on point! My dinner date had the stuffed shells and thought they were so authentic Italian and tasted like heaven. I'm really impressed with this place read more

Green Arch Restaurant - Italian Near Me - Cortland, New York

See all

If you like a fantastic atmosphere, great staff, great food, than I highly recommend this place. It is pricey, but I believe you get what you pay for, and my whole family loved the food. I will go back there the next time I'm in Cortland, NY. I'm picky about my Italian food. If you want authentic and you are anywhere near there try it. You will be pleasantly surprised. read more

The place was ok but the staff and the managers were not willing to give us a good time! We had to wait almost 1 hour for a beer, and it took even longer to get the food! They didn't come to the table to explain it would take longer, or to ask if we need anything else. They were ignoring us all the time! Don't come here if you don't have at lest 2 hours to spend waiting. read more

This is a little gem hidden in central New York! I am sure all the locals know about it, but what a dining experience. The food, first of all is outstanding. The red sauce is sweet and pasta fresh. I had chicken parm which was great with shells. The steak was cooked perfectly and tasted great. Some real surprises here- the calamari appetizer and the Utica greens. The calamari was cooked perfectly. The greens were a spicy app that was a culinary delight. The real neat thing here, and the food is obviously the most important thing, is the ambiance. This is a 1930's business establishment which was modernized by the new (second) owner. The character of this 90 year old business is here. From the Seagrams 5 bottle in the bar, to the seating in the restaurant, this place is early 20th century charming and authentic. Come in, sit down for a classic drink (old fashioned or Manhattan) and wait for Matt to seat you. I cannot wait to be back in the area to eat here again! read more

Server was great, appetizer was fantastic. My entree was a simple spaghetti and meatballs, can't mess it up right? Nope. Pasta tasted like salty liquid cow manure and the meatballs were bland as all hell. Would not recommend. read more

We stopped here from NYC on our way to Finger lakes. The food was very delicious, the portions were so generous and everything was just so well cooked. Just the right amount of garlic, butter and salt. Service is great. Definitely recommend it. read more

This place is a true throw back to the old school style of neighborhood restaurant. GREAT steaks! Excellent Italian dishes. Pastas and Parmesan dishes too. Seafood specials too. My wife's parents used to go to this place for special occasions. It is old school Cortland NY. I always try to stop by when I'm in town. The Italian food is up there with Melodyland and Comandos! read more

If you can play by their rules e.g. cash only , no apps , open three days a week only part of the year . You will be treated to a GREAT meal in a pristine step back in time atmosphere . Fantastic food and service !! My new favorite spot ! I can't believe it took me three years to find it ! read more

Best Italian ever! The veal and chicken parm are both out of the world and the scrod is great too. But the best part is the sauce. Too bad they will only be open for takeout and in the bar this year. Order an Old Fashioned from the grumpy old bartender. read more

Seriously love the sauce here, so authentically delicious! Had the mellow mushroom app and that was a delight, the bruschetta which was piled with tomato goodness and went old school with meatballs and angel hair pasta. The chicken riggies are amazing too! The porterhouse is also equally amazing! Highly recommend the wine list, they have several nice choices! There's truly nothing here that isn't sublimely Italian so if your craving pasta and it's Thursday through Saturday this is the only place in town to go. Oh and go a little before your reservation so you can sample their old fashioned, it's just like your grandpa told you it would be. read more

Went to this place for the first time today for my birthday and we LOVED it. My husband has the ziti al forna... very cheesy. I had the special Chicken Satimbocca. It was amazing. That marsala sauce was so very savory and the seasonal veg was the green beans and they were so fresh. Had some tiramisu to go for dessert and I'm eating it now. So very creamy. We will definitely be back! read more

The bartender was great but the rest of the experience not so much. We went with a reservation and were seated for 30 minutes without any attention. After asking the host twice about our waitress we gave up and left. I'm fairness the owner offered to pick up the tab if we stayed but by then we were over it. read more