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Pangea - CLOSED
Category: Restaurants American (New) American (New) [Edit]
120 3rd StIthaca, NY 14850
(607) 273-8515
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Attire:
- Dressy
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
5 reviews for Pangea
5 reviews in English
-
Review from Lola B.
Spencer, NY
2/1/2009
When Pangea is at its best, it is easily one of the best restaurants in town. Eating in their fabulous outdoor patio in the early spring is something that I look forward to every year. The ambiance is sexy and subdued and any night there feels like a special evening. If you're only semi romantically involved with your date, the atmosphere might seem a little much, so be warned!
There are two specific things that I especially appreciate about the food at Pangea. One is their artichokes and marscapone appetizer. I believe this has been on their menu since their opening. The first time I had these, I was dining alone. Despite having already ordered a considerable amount of food for one person, after I finished my plate of artichokes, I promptly ordered another. Sure, they may fall into the "so simple I could do these at home" category - but I don't care. They're fabulous and I have ordered them each of the probably 20 times I have eaten at this restaurant.
The other key thing for me about their food is their steak. I order my steak "as raw as the chef will allow me to have it". This level of doneness is generally in the rare/very rare at most restaurants. Only the chef at Pangea understands that this means very, very, very rare (in fact, on more than one occassion I have wanted to complain about how loud the kitchen music was - but out of appreciation for my perfect steak, I let the chefs rock out). Often when I buy steak at the store, I don't even cook it at all. So it's a real treat being able to eat a seriously raw steak in a restaurant. I feel semi-inclined to not even write about this here for fear that I would be getting Pangea in trouble with the health department or something. Note: if someone from Pangea is reading this and would like me to strike this paragraph, you just let me know. I would hate to jeopordize the last great steak in Ithaca (outside of John Thomas).
Through the years I have had tons of great food here. The menu changes frequently and features lots of seafood and often a gamehen dish. I've also had great wine here - the list isn't huge but I have never been dissappointed with a choice. As far as dessert goes, if you're not sick of chocolate souffles, I would recommend Pangea's. Last time I was there they also had an interest chocolate torte - it had a very subtle chipotle aftertaste. Since they're doing trendy desserts, what I would really like to see them do is a bacon chocolate dessert (side note: Wegman's is finally carrying the Vosges bacon chocolate bar).
As far as service goes, that's a tough one. For years I considered Pangea to be some of the best service in Ithaca. Then for a few years the service was downright awful. Now, they seem to be back on track. Not sure what is up with this, but I hope they figure it out for the long term eventually. It''s a definite bummer when you're out for a romantic evening and your server is talking to you like he's at an acting audition, or when your server is so casual she's referring to her secret stash of personal booze in the back. On the flipside, it makes for an absolutely fantastic and memorable meal when the service is as it has been on my last two visits there - prompt, friendly, knowledgeable, professional. Another message to Pangea if you're reading: Hire me! Your food is wonderful and deserves the respect of proper service - and I can provide that.
This place isn't cheap but prices are in line for what they deliver. Give this place a chance if you haven't already - you'll have a romantic and delicious evening. -
Review from Angela N.
7/6/2007
Chelsea B called this an "affair-lair," and I can agree - it totally has that vibe.
I came here late one night with a good friend and we ate outdoors. The foliage was lined with lights and the waiter, who accommodated us near closing, was candid, brisk and friendly. The food is well-cooked, the wait not long, and every once in awhile a cat sneaks in and brushes at your leg.
In my one experience, anyway.
Dinner is better than the dessert. -
Review from kiki d.
Sunnyvale, CA
4/19/2008
Most Ithaca restaurants are substance over style. Pangea is style over substance. The menu is fancy. The portions are small but well plated. The menu is short. The food is expensive.nnThe food itself is okay.
Listed in: Cornell - the college years
-
Review from Chelsea B.
San Francisco, CA
6/23/2006
my guess is this is where professors steal away with their "special" students. it has the feel of an affair-lair. it's fun that it's tucked away on a little residential street and that the decor feels sumptuous, something that ithaca is anything but.
the food looks great on the menu, but falls a bit flat in the mouth. however, i haven't been there in over a year, so maybe there's a new chef or they've gotten more punchy. i've heard their theme nights are fun, so if you like the place, sign up for their email list, which doesn't bombard you with junk, but will pop up once every few months with something fun. -
Review from Albert C.
Somerville, NJ
5/6/2008
You walk in and you are hit with an ambiance that isn't Ithaca. It's quaint and I suppose the others are right, it has a tinge of a rendezvous or tryst-like atmosphere. The music is fair, the bar looked fun (I didn't partake in the libations).
The menu isn't bad, a bit pricey - but the food just isn't quite right for that price. Although it was pretty to look at when served. The wait-staff wasn't the best, but it wasn't too bad. The wall decor and hanging decor were seasonal and quite lovely.
They lose a star on price and wait-staff, the other star was because they didn't blow me out of the water with a "I must come back and dine here more often" experience.
