Indian food
Italian
Grandes Bella Cucina
(http://www.grandesbellacu...), 1171 vestal avenue, binghamton.
Little Venice Restaurant
This charming little restaurant offers more than the outside suggests. Several pasta dishes are homemade, and the manicotti are especially good. The original owner was quite an art collector and you will find dozens of paintings to look at while you wait for your order, including several idyllic, impressionistic paintings of local landmarks by Armonodo Dellasanta.
J Michaels Restaurant and Lounge
Don't let the facade fool you! This restaurant sits in the basement of one of Binghamton's oldest buildings. The winding stairwell that you follow down drops you at what used to be the ground floor when State Street was the Chenango Canal. The light fare is the best here, especially the thin crust pizza.
Mama Giuseppa Restaurant
Among the very best Italian restaurants in the Binghamton area. The location is a bit odd, but the food is exceptional. Make sure to come hungry -- the servings are extremely generous and you'll want to leave room from dessert.
Pizzerias
Nirchi's
(http://www.nirchis.com/) 954 front street, 219 main street, and 166 water st, binghamton.
Mama Giuseppa Restaurant, 4 South Liberty Street, Endicott from I-86, take exit 67N then Main St west for about 1.5 mi, then R on Liberty St, â 607 748-7200â. Among the very best Italian restaurants in the Binghamton area. The location is a bit odd, but the food is exceptional. Make sure to come hungry -- the servings are extremely generous and you'll want to leave room from dessert. Mid-range.
Pub food/diners
Park Diner
119 conklin ave, 607.722.9840. traditional greek diner located on a little hill above the rockbottom dam and across the river from downtown binghamton. it has a fantastic view and the food is is just as good. the par is very popular with locals and eeekend mornings in particular sunday are generally very busy... there can be a wait. budget
Thirsty's Tavern
46 s washington st, 607.771.0660 (http://www.southbridgeroo...). this local tavern specializes in providing the down-to-earth experience. the decor is barn-like with rough wood floors and barrels for tables and stools for seats. good beer, a burger-heavy menu, and frequent local bands provide a good atmosphere. there is a banquet hall and catering as well. budget
Spiedies
Spiedie and Rib Pit
1268 front street, binghamton, 607.722.7628 and 3908 vestal parkway east, vestal, 607.729.2679 (http://spiedieandribpit.com/). budget
The Spiedie is a regional dish born in Binghamton to Italian immigrants. It consists of marinated chunks of meat grilled over charcoal on metal skewers. It is served still on the skewer with a slice of italian bread almost always Felix Roma's used to pull the meat off, usually with a little marinade drizzled on top. The meat was originally lamb, but has come to include chicken, pork, and venison.
Lupo's S&S Char Pit
6 west state street, 607.723.6106 (http://www.spiedies.com/). one of the two major spiedie sauce labels in the area the other being salamida's. budget
General food/cafes
Cyber Cafe West
Innovative and tasty sandwiches and wraps and 20+ beers on tap. Wine and bottled beer also available. Great vegetarian options.
Lost Dog Cafe
This eclectic fusion restaurant serves great and generous dishes. Though they offer lunch, the place really heats up at night and often has live music. It can get busy, particularly when the university is in session so you may want to call ahead.
River Muse Cafe
Delicious, homemade baked goods and fine coffee await you at this South Side gem. It has a friendly owner, laid-back atmosphere, and often shows local artists' work on its walls. There are free tango or salsa, can't remember lessons every week that make you part of the entertainment!
Tranquil Bar and Bistro
Excellent French dining in downtown Binghamton. Depending on the time of day and day of the week, this place offers brunch, lunch, dinner, and nightlife.
Laveggio Roasteria and Espresso Bar
This local coffee house roasts coffee beans to order and emphasizes direct trade and sustainable practices.
Specialty/steakhouse
Number 5
33 s washington st, 607.723.0555 (http://www.number5restaur...). built in the old fire station #5 building circa 1897, this is generally considered binghamton's premier upscale restaurant. splurge
Whole in the Wall
43 s. washington st, 607.722.5138 (http://www.wholeinthewall.com/). pleasant restaurant on the southside that specializes in natural and wholesome meals. mid-range
Kilmer Brasserie & Steakhouse
31 lewis st, 607.217.7270 (http://www.kilmerrestaura...). located in the historic kilmer building, this is binghamton latest edition to the upscale dinning scene. french and american cuisine is featured along with steaks. the restaurant has many interesting specials including b.y.o.w. thursdays. splurge
Binghamton Farmers Market
Live musical performances often accompany the Friday farmer's market.