The Finger Lakes Restaurants

The larger cities offer a full range of dining options, from trendy restaurants to ethnic eateries. Ithaca and Rochester, in particular, are havens for vegetarian and ethnic fare. Some restaurants outside the urban areas are increasingly emphasizing fresh, local, and organic cuisine. Regional wines often show up on menus. (The region's Rieslings, which have garnered high praise, are perfect summer and early-fall sips.) But American restaurants, diners, family-style spots, and pizza parlors are still the norm; steaks, chops, and prime rib are standards, as are Italian-American dishes. For the full Finger Lakes experience, be sure to visit pick-your-own orchards, farmers' markets, and wine-tasting rooms. The Web site of Edible Finger Lakes magazine (www.ediblefingerlakes.com) is a good resource, as are tourism boards and wine-trail organizations.