We acknowledge that Tompkins County is located on the traditional and contemporary lands of the Gayogo̱hó:nǫ' Nation (generally known as the Cayuga Nation), one of the Six Nations of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. We acknowledge the painful history of Gayogo̱hó:nǫ' dispossession, and honor the continued connection of Gayogo̱hó:nǫ' people to this land.

Formerly home to the Ithaca Academy, William Downing had a vision to turn this old school building (now known as DeWitt Mall) into a community of restaurants, stores, offices and apartments. Cafe DeWitt opened in 1973 as a small coffee shop for the residents of the then newly repurposed building.

Over the years the Cafe has has expanded to offer extensive breakfast, lunch, and pastry menus featuring many locally and regionally sourced ingredients that are lovingly prepared. We are well known for our 4-time Best of Ithaca awarded weekend brunch that is bolstered by many rotating specials.

Under the new ownership of Ben Roach and Denise O’Leary,
it is our mission to continue the legacy of Café DeWitt. Our specials will change with the seasons and recommendations of our community’s knowledgable food producers. We hope to highlight the people involved with the entire process to show how much love and effort it takes to bring a high-quality and delicious meal to your plate.