Valentine’s Day is around the corner, and whether you’re celebrating with friends, a partner or simply treating yourself, food is one of the easiest ways to get into the spirit. After all, the best way to a person’s heart is through their stomach. This February, many restaurants in Ithaca are selling a wide range of special Valentine’s Day-themed, pink items — from pink drinks to festive pink velvet desserts — to spread the love all month long.
I found the best Valentine’s Day and pink-themed foods in Ithaca so you can enjoy these delicious treats all month long with someone special. The menus below feature drinks, desserts and dinner ideas — some items are limited-time specials, while others are seasonal favorites worth checking out. While not every item is 100% pink, each has the perfect touch of color that will surely bring some fun to your February.
For those looking to keep the celebration close and convenient, there are plenty of pink-themed treats on campus and in Collegetown that can satisfy your cravings:
- The Cornell Dairy Bar is a perfect spot to enjoy ice cream with loved ones. They feature delicious pink flavors like Bavarian Raspberry Fudge and Slippery Slope Strawberry — scoops that will satisfy your sweet tooth.
- Stop by Bus Stop Bagels or Amit Bhatia Libe Cafe to enjoy a matcha latte topped with strawberry cold foam.
- For a limited time, Collegetown Bagels is selling chocolate-covered strawberries — perfect for a quick sweet treat.
- For something more refreshing, grab a beverage at Ninja Chicken & Friends. Try out pink-colored drinks like the Strawberry Cloud 9 Smoothie, Strawberry Passion Fruit Tea, Watermelon Green Tea, Strawberry Green Tea and Strawberry Palmer.
- Jason’s Grocery and Deli has an amazing selection of froyo flavors and toppings. Get any flavor you like but make sure to top your froyo with strawberries and cherry popping boba.
If you’re ready to leave campus, the Ithaca Commons has tons of great spots to bring your date:
- Enjoy a Valentine’s Day dinner at Thompson and Bleecker. It’s perfect for a romantic dinner and some great pink options to order are the pasta alla vodka and diavola pizza.
- La Cafe Cent-Dix is another great date location for dinner — order the steak frites to stay on theme.
- If you’re in the mood for breakfast, Simeon’s American Bistro serves French toast topped with strawberries.
- Allechant, one of my favorite brunch spots, is another amazing restaurant for a Valentine’s Day meal. Order the lemon soufflé pancakes topped with raspberries and French toast “eclair” topped with chocolate and raspberries.
- Dolce Delight, a hidden gem for sweet treats, features a wide selection of pies. Try out the cherry pie!
- Though usually known for its breakfast, Milkstand is also a great spot for milkshakes — grab a strawberry milkshake to round out your celebration.
If you are looking for budget-friendly options, Ithaca’s chain restaurants offer plenty of delicious pink-themed options:
- Chili’s' new Strawberry Margarita will be $6 for February. Plus, they offer other refreshing pink (non-alcoholic and alcoholic) beverages like the Deep Eddy Strawberry Texas Lemonade, Tito’s Punch and Tito’s Watermelon Spritz.
- Paris Baguette has to be one of my favorite spots on this list. They launched many Valentine’s-themed cakes like the Pink Velvet Chocolate Ganache Cake, Pink Velvet Layer Cake and XOXO Strawberry Soft Cream Heart Layer Cake. If you’re craving a pastry, pick up a Pink Velvet Cream Croissant or a Pink Velvet Croissant Crisp.
- Playa Bowls just launched their Valentine’s-themed flavored bowls. The Tropical Crush Bowl (half Playa Pitaya and passion fruit-based) and the Bae Bowl (half Playa Pitaya and half Stupid Cupid base) are both topped with strawberries and make for a light pink treat.
- Finally, Dunkin’ Donuts’ Valentine’s Day menu never disappoints. New menu items include the Strawberry Daydream Refresher, Raspberry Mocha Latte, Brownie Batter Donut and Cupid’s Choice Donut.
Whether you’re celebrating love with your partner, friends or yourself, Ithaca offers plenty of ways to enjoy the day through food. From Bavarian Raspberry Fudge ice cream to Bae Bowls, there’s something here for every kind of Valentine’s Day spirit. I hope this guide encourages you to celebrate love in your own way — whether that means enjoying bites with friends or treating someone special to a little pink sweetness.
Krista Faith Gonzalez is a senior in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. She can be reached at kfg33@cornell.edu.
